By GARLAND KENNEDY
Sentinel Staff Writer
Last week’s decision by the Canadian government to close Canadian ports to cruise ships with more than 500 passengers and crew on board until June 30 will result in the loss of roughly 70 port calls in Sitka, Visit Sitka Director Laurie Booyse said in a press release Friday.
Booyse also emphasized that the situation remains fluid.
The Canadian action has a direct effect on cruises originating from Canadian ports, but also on non-U.S. flagged ships sailing to Alaska from U.S. ports in the lower states. The U.S. Passenger Service Vessel Act, commonly known as the Jones Act, requires these ships to make a stop in a foreign port on voyages between American ports. The only foreign ports available to Alaska-bound ships are in British Columbia, Canada.
The Cruise Lines International Association, Booyse wrote, “will be voluntarily and temporarily suspending cruise ship operations from and to U.S. ports of call for 30 days as public health officials and the U.S. Government continue to address COVID-19.”
Booyse also said that “the (Greater Victoria) harbor authority is looking into the possibility of attracting more ships that carry under 500 people. Schedules are usually set up to two years in advance, so it is unknown how many smaller ships can redirect their sailings.”
Visit Sitka plans to publish a cruise 2020 calendar on April 1.
Booyse also said that despite cruise cancellations from the Port of Seattle, barge sailings are not affected, and Sitka will continue to see regular barge service.
Booyse wrote that “we do not anticipate any cancellations or reductions to our essential services in Sitka. Both the Hames Corporation and AC Lakeside have, and will continue to have, new shipments on the way.”
“We’re just encouraging people to shop local. To keep our neighbors in business. Sitka’s a real supportive community. Do what you can to support your neighbors,” Booyse said in an interview today.
