A smaller cruise ship was in Rockland, Saturday and Sunday.  Cruise patrons were sitting on the cement barrier awaiting transport back to the ship.   I asked them about their experience — what was good, and what might have enhanced their visit. Here are the replies:  The good experience? The shore lobster bake that was held for them at, (I think), Snow Marine Park. That was it. These were seasoned cruisers. Otherwise: "We waited for the bus for two hours, not knowing that we could have walked up Main Street."  To the shops, etc.  "Couldn't there be a sign indicating that downtown is just up the hill." "Only high end shops were open, and the shops that were open on Sunday, closed at 4 p.m."   "In Montreal, [and the woman's face lit up at the experience[, there are musicians, artists, craftspeople at the port."  This was described to me as an open market, with an array of the unique, unusual, and fun. "Rockland doesn't have any festivals, does it." Why is there even a debate about cruise ships and tourism when nothing is done to create an enticing environment in Rockland? Cruise ship passengers should not have to sit on cement barriers while awaiting transport.  There is space for benches.   While awaiting buses, etc., there is no food or beverage available in the "waiting area."  All manner of offerings should be given in the Harbor oval, grass area.  There is even a stage.  Anyone who can bring something to contribute to a genuine experience in Rockland should be invited to do so.  Fraternal, and other organizations have members who would be happy to offer their wares for the benefit of organization benefit.  As one cruise ship passenger noted:  "Put out a hat [for donations].  I don't mind." I noted that CMCA was open until 5 p.m.,  but there was zero indication of it, and, given that the bulk of the businesses on Main Street were closed, why would anyone even make the attempt. The pavement is still bad in that section. And, even the rosa rugosa, (beach roses), that used to scent the area with their lovely sweetness has been removed in favor of a neat little patch of flowers. There are no telescopic viewers for looking out across the beautiful harbor, which would, at least, help while away the time spent waiting. I happened to spout my utter frustration about all this to a man, who, as it turned out, is on the Rockland Harbor Commission.  He kept reiterating, "Chamber of Commerce," "downtown business owners," as, somehow being solely responsible.  I pointed out that this is a city matter, and that tourists and locals alike, in addition to established businesses, would benefit from truly celebrating the harbor area, the waterfront, and Rockland. There are a plethora of musicians, artists, performers, craftspeople, food and beverage makers and sellers, et al, to fill the oval.   When there are cruise ships in port, (and when there are not), there should be an ongoing fete in the harbor area.  What there is, is pavement.  And, once-eager passengers wanting very much to have a good time, spending far too much time sitting on cement barriers, waiting. There is no point to discussions regarding cruise ships and tourism in Rockland when these conditions persist.  Maggie Trout lives in Rockland