Today, Canada's Minister of Transport Omar Alghabra, announced they are extending the ban of cruise ships and other vessels from Canadian waters until February 28, 2022. The order was originally scheduled to expire on February 28, 2021. All of this due to COVID 19
Likely this will cancel the 2021 Alaska cruise season as well as the 2021 Canada/New England cruise season for most cruise lines. The majority of cruise lines fly foreign flags and due to the Passengers Vessel Service Act of 1886. they are not legally allowed to transport passengers from one US port to another. To meet this requirement for Alaska, the cruise lines either begin the cruise in Vancouver or have a stop in Victoria BC. For Canada New England, there is usually a stop in Nova Scotia or another Canadian Port. So, Canadian waters being closed poses a huge issue. There is a fight to get the US Government to give some relief from this but nothing has happened as of yet.
It will be interesting to see if companies like American Cruise Line who fly under the US flag will be able to sail anyway. In addition, the cruise lines could offer land-only packages at their lodges in Denali. Although I did expect this, it's still disappointing to see. Of course, the cruise lines have not provided any updates as of yet but I would expect something in the next week or so. I update you as soon as they release additional information. Now 2021 may not be a go but 2022 is now available to book. Once the cancelations start coming in, the sailings for next year will likely fill quickly. Don't miss out, contact me at the information below and I will be happy to assist in your vacation planning. Mike Miller
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