Has Alaska Cruise Been Cancelled?

By Michael Ferguson

If you’re planning a cruise to Alaska, you may be wondering if your trip has been cancelled due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. While many cruises have been cancelled or delayed, there is still hope for those looking to explore the breathtaking scenery of Alaska by sea.

Current Status of Alaska Cruises

As of June 2021, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has lifted its no-sail order and issued a Framework for Conditional Sailing Order (CSO) that outlines guidelines for resuming cruise ship operations in U. waters. However, each cruise line must first meet specific requirements and obtain approval from the CDC before they can resume sailing.

Major Cruise Lines Operating in Alaska

  • Princess Cruises: Princess Cruises has announced that they will be resuming Alaska cruises starting July 25th, 2021.
  • Holland America Line: Holland America Line will begin operating their Alaska cruises starting July 24th, 2021.
  • Carnival Cruise Line: Carnival Cruise Line is planning to resume their Alaska sailings starting in September 2021.

Safety Measures on Board

While each cruise line may have different safety measures in place, all ships are required to follow the CDC’s guidelines for preventing COVID-19 outbreaks on board. These measures may include:

  • Mandatory Vaccination: Some cruise lines are requiring all passengers and crew members to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before boarding.
  • Mask Mandates: Masks may be required in certain areas of the ship or at all times while on board.
  • Enhanced Cleaning Protocols: Ships will be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected between sailings, and high-touch areas will be cleaned frequently during the cruise.
  • Social Distancing: Passengers may be required to maintain a certain distance from others while on board, and some activities or areas of the ship may have limited capacity.

Conclusion

While Alaska cruises were initially cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, major cruise lines are planning to resume operations in the summer of 2021. However, it’s important to keep in mind that safety measures will be in place to prevent outbreaks on board. If you’re planning a trip to Alaska by sea, make sure to check with your cruise line for any updates or changes to their sailing schedule and safety protocols.