Cruise lines received a welcome boost from President Joe Biden who signed into law the Alaska Tourism Restoration Act.
The bill temporarily waives the requirement of foreign-flagged ships to make a port call in Canada before sailing to Alaska under the Passenger Vessel Services Act.
The waiver was sought as Canada has banned all large cruise ships from its waters until 2022.
The bill will remain in effect until Canada lifts the ban.
The bill is ‘a critical step to returning to normal in a state where one in 10 jobs is in the tourism industry’ said White House press secretary Jen Psaki.
Several cruise lines, anticipating the bill being signed off, have reopened reservations for Alaska cruises from July and August including Carnival Corp brands Princess and HAL, and Norwegian Cruise Line.
