TRICK-OR-TREAT – A flash mob dances to “The Monster Mash” Thursday in front of St. Michael’s Cathdral during the annual Sitka Chamber of Commerce Downtown Trick-or-Treat event. Hundreds of costumed children and adults turned out for the Halloween gathering. Even though it’s November, Halloween activities continue this evening with the Haunted Ship aboard the U.S Coast Guard Cutter Kukui at 6 p.m. (Sentinel Photo by James Poulson)
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Daily Sitka Sentinel
Last of Big Cruise Ship Stops in Sitka Canceled
By SHANNON HAUGLAND
Sentinel Staff Writer
Visit Sitka today announced the cancellation of the few stops still on the larger cruise ships’ schedule for this season.
“It’s just unfortunate that more of the cruise operators won’t be able to come this year,” said Rachel Roy, executive director of Visit Sitka and the Chamber of Commerce.
The cancellation of the stops by the Regatta and Seven Seas Mariner is due to Canada’s decision to extend its port closures to ships carrying more than 100 people through Oct. 31.
While most cruise companies have already announced cancellations of all Alaska sailings for 2020, some Sitka port calls by large ships were still on the schedule for August and September.
Canada’s extension of its port closures changed that. Foreign flagged vessels are required by U.S. law to have at least one foreign port call on trips between Alaska ports, and the stops in Victoria or Vancouver, B.C., usually serve that purpose.
Oceana Cruises’ Regatta (684 passengers) had planned two calls here in August, and two in September. Regent’s Seven Seas Mariner (700 passengers) had three port calls set for August, and three in September.
A number of small cruise ships of 100 passengers or fewer are still on the Sitka schedule, with the first set to arrive July 4.
“We’re still hopeful for our Alaska-based operators, to see a few visitors on ships,” Roy said.
That includes Alaskan Dream Cruises vessels, operated by Allen Marine Inc. of Sitka, and the National Geographic ships Sea Bird and Venture.
Roy said bookings are currently high for the 2021 visitor season.
“We’re anticipating a really full season next year,” she said.
“Bookings are really strong for next season,” agreed Fred Reeder, port director for Cruise Line Agencies of Alaska. “People like cruising.”
Roy said she and her staff are getting a number of calls from independent visitors planning Alaska trips, including those from around the U.S. and within the state. Some visit Sitka every year, and are keeping their plans, she said.
In an ordinary year, 17 percent of visitors to Sitka are not on cruise ships.
“We’re reaching out to our operators to reach out to us and tell us their modified operation schedule,” Roy said. “There’s definitely folks wanting to come here. We’ll connect them with opportunities for experiences.”
The visitor center will open officially on July 1 on Lake Street, the same location as the Chamber of Commerce office.
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20 YEARS AGO
November 2004
Photo caption: Ryan Kauffman and Kati Adams, foreground, and 15 other protesters carry signs at the Halibut Point Road and Sawmill Creek Road today. The group was protesting the U.S. air and ground assault against rebel forces in Fallujah, Iraq, which began Monday.
50 YEARS AGO
November 1974
During the strike by the Supervisors Union and State Government, applications for emergencies for food stamps, general relief, medical care and AFDC assistance forms will be placed at the Sitka Police Department, 320 Lincoln Street.
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