Today, Canada announced a ban of cruise ships in all Canadian waters through February 28, 2022. This ban applies to all cruise ships carrying 100 or more passengers. See the official news release here.
Many cruises to Alaska leave from Vancouver, so of course those cruise ships will not be able to sail this year. But what about sailings that leave from Seattle?
Due to the Passenger Vessel Service Act of 1886, cruise ships departing from the U.S. must make a stop in a foreign port. This means that without a stop in Canada, cruising to Alaska even from Seattle will most likely not happen in 2021.
Of course, if Covid conditions improve drastically, the Canadian government could rescind this temporary ban. But, I believe that won’t happen in time for the summer sailing season to Alaska.
Readers, are you surprised by this announcement? Were you planning on sailing to Alaska this year?
Author: Nancy
Nancy lives near Dallas, Texas, with her husband and three kids. Her favorite vacations include the beach, cruising and everything Disney.
It seems like it will never end …
@Ella I know 🙁
I understand the need for this rule but I’m surprised President Trump didn’t waive this temporarily. I don’t think he was a big fan of foreign flagged cruise ships. I would suggest that either President Biden waive this for certain routes or Canada set aside a certain port for technical stops. I don’t know if locals hate it or not but Victoria might be a good choice since they are set up for this on the West Coast. I’m afraid the 2021 Alaska cruise season is now over. Most of the cruise lines had already been adjusting the ship positions and it wouldn’t have likely started until late June or July as is. Sad for the people who rely on the business and jobs from these ships.
@DaninMCI Yes, I feel very bad for the people in those small Alaskan ports who rely on the cruise ships for income. Missing out on this revenue for two years in a rows must be catastrophic for them.
Why doesn’t the US government change its ridiculous rule?
@NB Great question! I wish it would.
That is really sad, we hope things get back into place very soon.
Central government planning is the best at making sure everyone is miserable.
2021 is beginning to look a lot like 2020!
Unfortunately it is.