New filings in the federal lawsuit between Florida and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention over the restart of the cruise industry have raised the specter that a ruling in Florida’s favor could essentially end any chance for Alaska to welcome cruises this year.
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“I would like the premier to advocate on the important role the cruise ships play,” he said, estimating their value to the B.C. economy at more than $2.7 billion. “I’d also like him to say he will work with Senator Murkowski on laying out a plan on how we will welcome cruise back to B.C. when it’s safe to do so.” Robertson’s plea was made out of concern that anything temporary, such as the new cruise ship rules, could become permanent. He said with U.S. President Joe Biden signing into law the Alaska Tourism Recovery Act allowing large cruise ships to sail from Washington state to Alaska without stopping in Canada there is a chance it sets the stage for that to become the norm after the pandemic has passed.
Cruise ships are set to return to Alaska waters in the next few months, thanks to a bill signed into law Monday by President Joseph Biden.
The Alaska Tourism Recovery Act, sponsored by Alaskaâs legislative delegation, will enable cruise lines to sail to Alaska coastal communities directly from Seattle, bypassing a current federal requirement.
Federal law requires large cruise ships sailing from the Lower 48 to Alaska to make port stops in Canada. However, Canada has blocked most cruise ships with more than 100 people through Feb. 28, 2022, due to coronavirus concerns. Smaller vessels arenât impacted by the federal law.
The Alaska delegation applauded the billâs passing, noting the potential positive impact for the summer tourism season.
It took several months of educating and vote wrangling, but President Joe Biden signed the Alaska’s congressional delegation’s legislation on May 24 to salvage the latter half of this year’s cruise ship season, in Southeast, at least.