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In a just world, the cruise ships would never return.
And the locals would have a higher standard of living supported by scuba divers without cruise passengers.
I am not convinced that cruise passenger contributions to the island are a net positive.
My comment was made in sarcasm. Cruise passenger income is clearly much more important than scuba in many places.
Do either @Jcp2, @DaveC or anyone know of any peer reviewed studies that support your positions? If so, I would love to read them.
I love diving beautiful reefs as much as any diver, but it is hard for me to think that cruise ships would not be brought in to so many countries throughout the world if they were not a significant booster for the local economies. Just look at the number of jewelry stores in every Caribbean port. Ever wonder how many divers are buying expensive baubles for their significant others compared to cruise ship paxs? That is just one example.