Cruise ships bound for Alaska set to bypass B.C. this summer after U.S. Senate vote

Alaska-bound cruise ships will again be dockingin B.C waters once federal travel restrictions are lifted, accordingto the government of B.C,but U.S. cruise ships will be bypassing B.C.until then.

In an effort to save Alaska's summer cruise season, the U.S. Senate passeda bill Thursdaywhich, if also approved by the House of Representatives,allowsAlaska-boundships to travel directly between the State of Washington and Alaska.

Before the pandemic and under the Passenger Vessel Services Act, Alaska-boundships would have to spend a dayin Vancouver or Victoria,bringing in significanttourism revenue to B.C.'s economy.

The Alaska Tourism Recovery Act was introducedas a way to sidestepCanadian restrictions against cruise shiptravelbetween the two states for the upcomingsummer season.

In a statement to CBC, the province says the legislation is clear that the changes wouldautomatically be rescinded once Canadian ports are reopened to cruise ships.

"This means that as soon as Canadian ports are ready to welcome cruise ships again, they will be required by U.S. law to stop here on their way to Alaska, even if the current bill becomes law," according tothe ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport.

In February, Canada extended a ban on cruise ships until at least 2022, but those restrictions could be reversedif pandemic conditions improve enough to allow the resumption of cruising.

"Our government has been relentless in our advocacy to the federal government to support and defend B.C.'s tourism industry and all the people, businesses and communities who depend on it," read the statement.

The province says Premier John Horgan has reached out toAlaskasenators and will be meeting with themin the coming weeks to discuss the matter.

In April, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control said passenger travel on cruise ships could resume by mid-July using a phased-in approachand passengers would be required to be fully vaccinated before boarding.

Frustration with Canada

The Alaska Tourism Recovery Act was introduced just weeks after U.S. politicians wrote a letter on behalf of Congress to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, expressing frustration with Canada's steps to limit foreign travel.

"We were shocked by the decision announced by your government last week to extend the ban on cruise ships carrying over 100 passengers until Feb. 28, 2022," read the letter.

"We are particularly concerned that this decision was made without any forewarning to or consultation with Alaska, your neighbour and partner."

Before the pandemic, the cruise industry contributedan estimated $2.5 billion each year to British Columbia's economy.

The bill must still pass in the U.S. House of Representatives and then be signed by President Joe Biden.