It’s been over a year since the U.S. cruise industry halted operations due to the global health pandemic. And it’s been difficult on cruise lines ever since — even Disney admitted that cruising would be the last arm of the company to resume operations.

Disney Dream

But as more people get vaccinated, we’re starting to see the first signs that the cruise industry is ready to set sail again soon. The CDC recently stated that cruises could resume as early as mid-July in American waters. But because cruises to Alaska must sail through Canadian waters, things are a little more complicated.

Canada has initiated a cruise ship ban through 2022, which prohibits cruise ships from entering Canadian waters. Current U.S. maritime law requires international stops for ships going to Alaska, but the only ports between the U.S. and Alaska are in Canada. This prevents U.S. cruise lines from sailing to Alaska.

©Disney Cruise Line Sailing to Alaska

According to the Anchorage Daily News, though, this could change soon. The U.S. House of Representatives has passed a bill allowing ships to bypass Canada on their way to Alaska. An identical measure previously passed the Senate. After a procedural vote is held in the Senate, the bill will go to President Joe Biden, and it’s expected that he will sign it.

Alaska Cruise

This would allow U.S. cruise lines to offer trips to Alaska again, and if cruises can resume this summer, that means that Alaskan cruises could be available to book soon. As always, we’ll keep an eye on the situation and keep you updated.

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Are you planning on taking a cruise this year? Let us know in the comments!