Leading cruise lines plan to resume cruising in the US, with Alaska sailings in July.
Three Carnival Corporation brands – Princess Cruises, Holland America Line and Carnival Cruise Line – will offer Alaska itineraries departing from Seattle.
And Norwegian Cruise Line has cruise departures on its website to Alaska from August.
The plans followed the passing of a bill by the US Senate, the Alaska Tourism Restoration Act, which will temporarily allow large cruise ships to bypass required stops in Canadian ports while travelling between Washington state and Alaska.
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US Today also reported that the CDC also issued updated guidance on mask mandates for vaccinated people, allowing them to go without masks and socially distance in most places.
A statement from Carnival said: “Based on recent guidance from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and close collaboration with Alaskan officials, Princess Cruises, Holland America Line and Carnival Cruise Line plan to resume guest cruise operations for a partial season in Alaska, each with one ship sailing round-trip.
“These Alaska cruises are available for guests who have received their final dose of an approved Covid-19 vaccine at least 14 days prior to the beginning of the cruise and have proof of vaccination. Crew vaccinations will be in accordance with CDC guidelines.”
Arnold Donald, Carnival Corporation chief executive, said: “We are excited to once again serve our guests from the US, and we express our deep gratitude to all national, state and local officials who have worked collaboratively with us, the CDC and our entire industry to make this possible.
“It is great news for cruising, for travellers ready to again explore the world and for all the communities in Alaska that depend on cruising and have suffered great hardships over the past year.”
Alaska governor Mike Dunleavy said: “Following a year of obstacles, Alaskan families, small businesses, and tourism communities are eager to welcome visitors by cruise ship this summer.
“Thanks to the tireless work of our state team, local leaders, businesses, and our congressional delegation, the industry can resume sailings, halting a $3 billion hit to Alaska’s economy.
“Alaska’s well-coordinated Covid-19 response and vaccination efforts ensure this tourism season will be safe for both Alaskans and visitors alike.”
Princess Cruises will offer seven-day cruises onboard Majestic Princess from July 25 to September 26.
Holland America Line will feature seven-day itineraries aboard Nieuw Amsterdam, from July 24 to October 2.
Carnival Cruise Line has already opened Alaska sailings departing from Seattle beginning July 27, with weekly departures until September 14 aboard Carnival Miracle.
Furthermore, Carnival Cruise Line is working to finalise plans to operate Carnival Horizon from Miami, and Carnival Vista and Carnival Breeze from Galveston in July.
Itineraries along with specific details about protocols are expected to be finalised and announced next week.
The company is currently sailing with two of its brands in Europe – Aida Cruises and Costa Cruises – and eight of Carnival Corporation’s nine cruise line brands have announced plans to resume operations this summer in Europe, the Caribbean and Alaska.
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