Today, the US Senate passed the Alaska Tourism Restoration Act from Senators Dan Sullivan and Lisa Murkowski to temporarily waive the federal requirement for cruise ships transiting to Alaska to stop in Canada. At the bill’s core, is a temporary waiver of the Passenger Vessel Services Act (PVSA). The PVSA prohibits the transportation of passengers between two different U.S. ports on any vessel other than a US-flag vessel that meets all requirements for US coastwise transportation.
A bill to restrict the imposition by the Secretary of Homeland Security of fines, penalties, duties, or tariffs applicable only to coastwise voyages, or prohibit otherwise qualified non-United States citizens from serving as crew, on specified vessels transporting passengers between the State of Washington and the State of Alaska, to address a Canadian cruise ship ban and the extraordinary impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on Alaskan communities, and for other purposes.
S 593 Alaska Tourism Restoration Act Official Titles as Introduced
Today’s passing just the first step, the Alaska Tourism Restoration Act will now move over to the US House of Representatives for consideration.
This was a big hurdle and it was unanimous. Didn’t’ think the Senate would pass this. Fingers crossed for the rest of the hurdles to be cleared for our Aug 9th sailing on the Wonder. Tempting fate and started to book the onboard activities. 🙂
Instead of just looking at the Alaska market, maybe its time for Congress to look at the Jones act in general. Maritime regulations that were passed at the turn of the 20th century, when passenger ships were the primary means of international and coastal domestic travel, should be revisited in the 21st century. There are already protections in place around foreign air carriers that prevent foreign owned companies from providing domestic US service. There is no need for these outdated laws to impact the cruise industry – which is no longer a primary mode of transportation.
It would appear that they may yet have a 2021 cruise season and this is another step in that direction. It started with the FL bill to allow cruise ships to dock in key West. We stopped there years ago when we were on the MAGIC and it was beautiful. The Lighthouse, Hemingway House and the Mel Fisher gold museum were delightful.
Personally I think it’s too late for the DCL Alaska season. The Wonder is still in Progreso and I cannot see DCL springing to transit Panama Canal empty westbound and again eastbound with just a few Mexico cruises out of San Diego.
Keep her on east coast to cover Magic in October/November.
Or, bring the Disney Wonder to Galveston!