Alaska’s summer tourism season seemed all but lost with Transport Canada’s announcement that it would build large cruise lines would be forbidden of Canadian waters by early 2022.

The United States and Canada have a symbiotic relationship with most of the major Alaska cruise lines. Most of the ships operated by the major cruise lines are overseas built and registered and mostly manned by non-US citizens. This means that a 19th century US law forbids them to travel routes entirely within the US.

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Therefore, large ship cruises to Alaska must either begin or end in a Canadian port (usually Vancouver), while round-trip voyages must include a Canadian port call en route.

Canada’s cruise line ban is an extension of the bans in place since mid-2020, but the February 4 announcement was remarkable for its length – it will last until February 28, 2022.

Alaska’s Congressional delegation was quick to condemn the ban: “Canada’s announcement that it will ban all cruises of 100 or more people through Canadian waters without a courtesy interview with the Alaska delegation is not all unexpected – it is unacceptable – and it certainly was not Decision made with the Alaskans or our economy in mind. We expect more from our Canadian allies. “

“When we heard the announcement, we immediately reached out to Canadian and American authorities to try to understand the reasons for this decision – specifically the length of the ban. We are reviewing all potential avenues, including amending existing laws, to ensure the Alaska cruise industry resumes operations as soon as it is safe. We will fight to find a way forward. “

Allison St-Jean, Press Secretary for the Canadian Minister of Transportation, explains the reason for the one-year ban: “Choosing a one-year ban gives the cruise industry that wants to operate in Canada clarity and security. In addition, health authorities can continue to focus on the most pressing issues, including the introduction of vaccines and new variants of COVID-19. As we said earlier, ensuring the safety of Canadians is a top priority for the Canadian government. “

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control have not yet approved cruise operations for return to U.S. waters, and both U.S. and Canadian health officials are deterring citizens from cruising. However, in anticipation of a 2021 cruise season in Alaska, cruise lines were planning and staffing should the number of infections and vaccination efforts improve the prospects for a safe return to operations.

Holland America Line (HAL), one of the oldest and largest Alaskan cruise operators, has not yet given up on the 2021 Alaska season. You have temporarily stopped accepting new bookings for 2021 Alaskan sailings, but you still need to cancel scheduled departures.

HAL issued a statement stating that they are working to minimize disruption to the Alaskan visitor industry. “We recognize our importance to the economic health of many Alaskan communities and will continue to pursue any option that allows safe operation for part of the season.”

In addition, the cruise line, which together with sister company Princess Cruises owns and operates a number of land properties in Alaska, has committed to operating its two Denali lodges, the Westmark Fairbanks Hotel and the Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge, only for inland itineraries Alaska this summer.

Julie Saupe, President and CEO of Visit Anchorage, described HAL’s efforts to operate land packages in 2021 as a “positive development” and noted that they would not be offered in 2020. Saupe found that up to half of overnight guests staying in Anchorage during the summer season are either arriving or departing Alaska on board a cruise.

The potential for impact is even greater in Ketchikan, where the vast majority of summer visitors are cruise line passengers and local businesses depend almost entirely on the short summer season for their entire annual revenue.

The President and CEO of the Ketchikan Visitors Bureau describes the gravity of the prospect of another summer without a cruiser without words: “Due to the seasonality of cruise trips to Alaska, many Ketchikan companies have had to get by with little to no income since September 2019 If no solution was found Chances are it may take two and a half years or more for cruise goers to return. I’m not sure how many, if any, companies could survive that long. “

Even Valdez, which has a comparatively smaller percentage of cruise-goers than Anchorage or Ketchikan, will have a significant impact, but Sharon Anderson, executive director of the Valdez Convention & Visitors Bureau, is confident that the destination’s businesses will attract independent travelers instead. “Valdez businesses are primarily local residents and ready to safely welcome independent car or RV travelers, independent group operators, fishing enthusiasts and adventure travelers,” says Anderson.

In Anchorage, Saupe described “energy and advocacy for a legislative solution” that would usher in the prospect of a salvaged cruise season with temporary breaks in call requirements in Canadian ports, but noted the need to plan contingencies.

Even if the major cruise lines cancel their season in Alaska, it is still possible to sail the Inside Passage on board smaller ships registered in the USA. A spokesman for Lindblad Expeditions, which operates National Geographic-branded small ship expedition ships, confirmed that the company is selling Alaska itineraries on board three ships for the summer of 2021, with the option of a fourth if booking volume so requires.

Cruise fans can also book a crossing with Alaskan Dream Cruises, a Sitka-based cruise line for small ships in Native Alaskan, whose largest ship only holds 76 passengers. Alaskan Dream also notes that many of their friends and neighbors are affected by the ability to end major cruises in the area, and also supports waivers that would save the season for their communities.

A company spokesperson said the availability of the COVID-19 vaccine could lead to renewed confidence in cruise bookings despite uncertainty about the industry’s large-scale returns: “Many booking cruises with us expect to have or have received the vaccination in the coming months have already received the vaccination. It is clear that Alaskan travel is in demand. “

Alaska required a negative COVID-19 test to enter the state, but the state’s emergency declaration expired on February 14 and the test is now optional. Travelers who arrive at major airports in the state without a negative test can now get one for free. Previously, the tests cost $ 250. Details on whether the state parliament or the governor would extend the emergency declarations are still pending and may change until the summer travelers arrive.

As the state works to map the rapidly approaching reality of what promises to be at least one more significantly reduced peak season, the collective mood among stakeholders in Alaska is one of concern – one of cautious optimism.

“While this decision will affect many businesses in the area, our community is resilient,” said Matt Herod, general manager of Ketchikan’s Salmon Falls Resort. “It’s more important than ever for people to know that Alaska is open for business, and this summer will be a great time to safely explore the region in a rare time with limited crowds. The shortage of cruise lines has put less pressure on fish and the ecosystem, and has made wildlife watching and fishing better than ever. We hope that people will be inspired to visit and enjoy the great Alaskan wilderness while supporting local businesses. “

While cruises form the solid foundation of the Alaskan visitor industry, regardless of the outcome, the message remains clear – whether via small ship cruises, organized land tours, or on an individual basis – it is possible to visit Alaska safely this summer.