Three Carnival brands to restart with Alaska sailings

Three Carnival Corporation cruise line brands are expected to return to service in the US, starting in July with Alaska sailings departing directly from Seattle.

Based on recent guidance from the U.S. 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.

"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," said Arnold Donald, CEO of Carnival Corporation

"It is great news for cruising, for travelers ready to again explore the world and for all the communities in Alaska that depend on cruising."

Plans for these itineraries to fulfil obligations under the Passenger Vessel Services Act (PVSA) are expected to be approved.

The US House last week approved a PVSA exemption, allowing cruise ships to skip the mandatory port call in Canada.

This is because Canada has banned large cruise ships in its waters until 2022.

Princess Cruises, Holland America Line and Carnival Cruise Line are each continuing the return-to-cruising preparation already underway.

Princess Cruises will resume operations in Alaska starting 25 July through 26 September, with seven-day cruises onboard Majestic Princess, a MedallionClass ship.

Its cruises will visit ports, glaciers and attractions in Alaska including Glacier Bay National Park, Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan.

Holland America Line will resume its cruise operations to Alaska with seven-day itineraries aboard Nieuw Amsterdam, calling at Juneau, Icy Strait Point, Sitka and Ketchikan, with scenic cruising in Glacier Bay and Stephens Passage.

The first cruise for the brand is scheduled to depart 24 July, with 11 Saturday departures that will operate through 2 October.

Carnival Cruise Line has already opened Alaska sailings departing from Seattle beginning 27 July, with weekly departures through 14 September aboard Carnival Miracle.

There are seven seven-day cruises featuring calls in Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan, as well as scenic cruising in Tracy Arm Fjord.

Additional details on the Alaska sailings will be announced in the coming weeks by each respective brand.