Congressional lawmakers from Alaska are again introducing legislation that would allow cruise ships to skip their legally required stops in Canada if borders close there again.<\/p>\n
Although Canada’s borders reopened during the pandemic, the delegation argues Alaskans shouldn’t have to gamble that the country won’t close its borders again and halt sailing.<\/p>\n
“Alaska’s economy and our communities should not be at the mercy of decisions made by the Canadian government, and I will do whatever is needed to ensure Alaskans can prosper,” said Sen. Lisa Murkowski.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The Passenger Vessel Services Act requires foreign-flagged vessels to stop at a foreign port between U.S. ports. Lawmakers last year passed a one-year exemption from the law called the Alaska Tourism Restoration Act, which expired Feb. 28, 2022. A three-member Alaska congressional delegation (Murkowski, Sen. Dan Sullivan and Rep. Dan Young) filed a bill to extend the act to Feb. 28, 2023.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Travel agents and cruise line executives see strong bookings in Alaska as a bright spot for 2022 as the industry struggles to recover from a dismal two years.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Young said he would prefer a permanent change to the law. However, he said lawmakers stand ready to push the extension in Congress should Canada take actions that would disrupt the Alaska cruise season.\u00a0<\/p>\n