What Canada's ban on ships means for Alaska Cruises this Summer

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Last week Canada announced no cruise ships in Canadian waters until February 2022.   This really is a big blow to Alaska since this could mean the end to the summer cruise season this year in Alaska.   You might be asking why would that matter if the ships just went from Seattle to Alaska but there is a law that prevents foreign flagged ships from going from one US port to another US port without stopping at a foreign port. All of the big cruise lines are foreign flagged so that only leaves just a couple small ships that US based that can still sail Alaska if things do not change.  
The cruise lines and Alaska representatives are petitioning to have that one law, which is 135 years old, either revoked or maybe just waived for this year.   Alaska relies heavily on tourism so going a second year without cruises is just crushing to them.      
None of the cruise lines have cancelled the Alaska sailings for this summer just yet.  They are hoping to find a way to somehow salvage the season and I hope they are able to as well.  I love Alaska really hate to see all of those people who depend on the tourists hurt by this.   
There are a few small cruise lines that will be sailing Alaska for sure so if you have your heart set on Alaska this summer or you really love the idea of maybe getting to see Alaska with not as many other people you might want to grab a room on one of these soon!   

Here are the 4 Cruise Lines that are not affected by the Canada Ban - 


Uncruise - This one is my favorite!   I sailed with them in Sea of Cortes last year (had no idea at that time it would be my last cruise  for a long time).  "Our Alaska adventure cruises deliver action, exploration, and the unexpected—paddling and hiking, calving glaciers, Glacier Bay National Park, bears, whales, and polar plunges. Nobody does Alaska better."

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​American Cruise Line  - This one offers more of a river cruise experience onboard the ship vs the expedition style of UnCruise.   So if you are looking for a more relaxed cruise this might be the right choice.  "Onboard the newest small cruise ships in the region, you will experience the breathtaking scenery and inspiring wildlife of Alaska like never before. Get up close and personal to the natural beauty of Alaska as we cruise to Mendenhall Glacier, Glacier Bay and more.  Choose from three unique and fascinating itineraries."

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Linblad - This is another expedition style like Uncruise.  They are partnered with National Geographic so you know you will get up close with nature.  "You’ll hear the thunderous crack of calving glaciers. Sail alongside pods of orca; see breaching humpbacks and foraging brown bears on our small ship Alaska cruise. Hike verdant old-growth rain forests and kayak peaceful coastlines. In the 30+ years we’ve been exploring, we have provided the richest experience possible on our Alaska expedition cruises."

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​Alaska Dream Cruise - Like the name says they are truly Alaska focused.   "Our all-inclusive, small expedition itineraries offer a mix of excursions in intriguing towns and Native villages and adventures in raw wilderness bays and glacial fjords. This approach to small vessel expeditions in Alaska offers travelers a comprehensive look at all the Inside Passage has to offer. Every experience is hand-picked for its value in immersing you in True Alaska."

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​If you want to be sure you don't miss out on the Alaska cruise season this summer or if you are want to plan for 2022 I would be happy to help you find the right ship and itinerary for you!