ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) \u2014 The Canadian government has extended a ban on cruise ships through February 2022, which is expected to block many ships from visiting Alaska this year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Transport Canada on Thursday announced the extension of the ban enacted because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Canada blocked cruise ships of more than 100 passengers starting in spring 2020.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The ban was set to expire at the end of February, but Transport Canada said \u201ccruise vessels in Canadian waters pose a risk to our health care systems.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Most large cruise ships visiting Alaska are registered in foreign countries. U.S. federal law prohibits foreign-registered ships from sailing between two American ports without stopping at a foreign port between. Large cruise ships bound for Alaska either begin voyages in Canada or stop there on the way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Most of Alaska\u2019s 1.3 million visitors two years ago were cruise ship passengers visiting southeast Alaska. Many disembarked for excursions in Anchorage, Denali National Park and Preserve and Fairbanks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Last year, the pandemic and Canadian restrictions resulted in only 48 cruise ship passengers visiting southeast Alaska, Juneau-based Rain Coast Data reported.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Juneau City Manager Rorie Watt said he was not surprised by the extended ban, although he thought it might last a few months instead of the entire year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThree months ago, we thought we\u2019d see ships in May,\u201d Watt said. \u201cA month ago maybe we\u2019d see them in June, two weeks ago maybe we\u2019d see them in July and last week, we thought maybe we\u2019d see them in August.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The order could be rescinded if pandemic conditions improve. But Skagway Mayor Andrew Cremata did not see a possibility for relief for now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAny idea that there could be some kind of workaround is off the table now, because the Canadian government has stated very clearly that cruise ships will not even be allowed in Canadian waters,\u201d Cremata said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Watt said southeast Alaska port communities weathering another year without revenue from cruise ship passengers and related businesses will need help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe are going to be hoping and praying for a large federal stimulus package,\u201d Watt said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alaska\u2019s Republican congressional delegation, in a statement, said Canada\u2019s announcement, \u201cwithout so much as a courtesy conversation\u201d with the delegation, was unexpected, unacceptable and \u201ccertainly not a decision made with any consideration for Alaskans or our economy. We expect more from our Canadian allies.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The delegation is composed of Sens. Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan and Rep. Don Young. In their joint statement, they said they were \u201cexploring all potential avenues, including changing existing laws, to ensure the cruise industry in Alaska resumes operations as soon as it is safe. We will fight to find a path forward.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dan Blanchard, CEO of UnCruise Adventures, said the actions taken by the Canadian government will not affect his company\u2019s plans to provide trips in Alaska this year. He said his company has U.S. flagged vessels, staffed with U.S. crew. Sailings are expected to begin in May, he said, with plans to use six ships. The ships carry less than 100 passengers, he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Blanchard said while he will be able to operate, he is \u201cdeeply saddened\u201d for the ships and businesses affected by the Canadian announcement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some \u2014 especially older adults and people with existing health problems \u2014 it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, and death.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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