Canada is banning all cruise vessels in Canadian waters until Feb. 28, 2022. This is a huge blow to a cruise industry that hasn’t been able to restart in almost a year now. Likely the Alaska cruise season, as well as the New England/Canada fall foliage cruise season, will now be cancelled by all major cruise lines. Why not just skip Canadian ports? Cruises sailing from the United States must adhere to the Passenger Vessel Service Act of 1886 (sometimes referred to as the Jones Act). To comply with “cabotage” laws, any cruises This embarking from a U.S. port must stop in a foreign port — usually, Vancouver or Victoria in Canada when cruising to Alaska or Halifax and Nova Scotia when sailing the New England region. The penalties for violating the ban include $5,000 per day for individuals and $25,000 per day for groups or corporations. Cruise lines had requested a temporary amendment to the requirement to stop in a Canadian port, however to date they have made no progress.
Royal Caribbean Cruises, NCL Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Carnival Cruises, Holland America Cruises, Princess Cruises, Regent Seven Seas and several other cruise lines had been reporting increased cruise sales for this upcoming Alaska season. Given the unexpected length of the order, it will take them some time to assess whether there are any options to preserve a portion of the 2021 Alaska season.
In a statement to travel agents, Michelle Sutter Vice President, Sales for Holland America cruises stated they will be consulting authorities in both the U.S. and Canada before they take additional action. “Our highest responsibility and top priorities include operational and environmental compliance, protecting the environment, and the health, safety and well-being of our guests, the communities we visit, and our crew and shoreside employees. The cruise industry has demonstrated its commitment to health and safety through the development of extensive protocols in consultation with a panel of world-class medical experts, which will be implemented when we resume service. In addition, we recognize our importance to the economic health of many Alaskan communities and will continue to pursue any option which might permit safe operation of any portion of the season. Despite the potential impact to our Alaska sailings, we are committed to operating one of our two Denali lodges, the Westmark Fairbanks Hotel and Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge this summer to support land vacations in Alaska’s magnificent interior. We will continue to maintain a focus on what we can do to support our fellow Alaska businesses, the thousands of people who rely on the tourism industry, and the regions in which we operate.”
Princess Cruises issued a similar statement, noting it intended to operate its hotels and lodges in Alaska as well.
The Royal Caribbean groups which also owns Celebrity & Silversea Cruises issued this statement. “We understand and appreciate the Canadian government’s focus on combatting COVID-19,” a statement provided to Cruise Critic by Royal Caribbean Group read. “The health and safety of our guests, crew and communities we visit is our top priority. Royal Caribbean Group is ready to work with health and transportation officials on a path forward to address the impact on multiple sectors of the Canadian economy.”
Pending the decision of local health authorities in Alaska and directives from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a few small ships may be able to offer Alaska cruises including American Cruise Line and UnCruise Adventures. The Ocean Victory ship which carries under 200 guests may also be able to sail. Tour operator Alexander & Roberts uses the Ocean Victory on 2 itineraries to Alaska in 2021 that may be able to operate.
It is of course possible that as progress relative to the pandemic accelerates including the distribution of vaccines and hopefully lower cases in the upcoming months, that the Canadian Transport Minister will rescind the interim order and allow cruise vacations to resume in 2021, but that is certainly an unknown at this time.
This is a developing story and this post will be updated as we receive more information.
