In an effort to control the spread of the COVID-19 virus, Canada has announced an extension of its cruise ban until February 2022. This means cruise trips to Alaska, USA, which require passage through Canadian waters, will be suspended for another year.
The U.S. state of Alaska is one of the world’s popular tourist destinations, attracting a record 1.33 million visitors on cruise ships in 2019, boosting the local economy.
Cruise ships bound for Alaska typically stop in Canada because of a 1920 maritime law that does not allow foreign ships to transport passengers on direct voyages to or from any two U.S. seaports.
Canada’s decision to extend the ban angered three Alaska politicians. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) and Representative Don Young (R-Alaska) voiced strong opposition, fearing for the livelihood of their constituents in the state.
“Canada has announced a ban on all cruise ships carrying 100 or more tourists through Canadian waters, without a courtesy conversation with the Alaska delegation.” They vocalized, “This is not only surprising and unacceptable, but certainly not a decision that was made after any consideration of Alaskans and their economy. We want more (support) from our Canadian allies.”
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