Washington's Cruise Season Remains In Limbo Due To Coronavirus

SEATTLE — Some of Seattle's most popular cruises could be on hold for another year, following a decision by the Canadian government to extend its ban on large cruise ships through February 2022. The order does not apply to smaller vessels carrying 100 or fewer people.

In a formal announcement Thursday, Canadian officials said the ban could be lifted early if coronavirus conditions improve considerably.

"As Canadians continue to do their part to reduce the spread of COVID-19, our government continues to work hard to ensure Canada's transportation system remains safe," said Omar Alghabra, Canada's transport minister. "Temporary prohibitions to cruise vessels and pleasure craft are essential to continue to protect the most vulnerable among our communities and avoid overwhelming our health care systems. This is the right and responsible thing to do."

The restrictions have been in place since March 2020, the same month that the Port of Seattle announced the cancellation of the first two sailings of the year. Canada's restrictions have significant impacts on Seattle's cruise operations, especially those headed to Alaska, since the law requires foreign-owned ships to stop at a non-U.S. port en route to their destinations.

On Thursday, the Port of Seattle said they respected Canada's decision while noting the steep economic impacts that a prolonged suspension will have throughout the region.

Port officials write:

"The Port of Seattle will also continue its focus on the economic crisis in our community. The safe return of cruise matters not just to the Port, but to the 5,000 people who make income on it each year. Each homeported vessel brings in over $4 million to the regional economy, $14.5 million in statewide taxes, and generates nearly one-billion dollars in business activity over the whole season.

We also hear from port cities in Alaska that losing another year of revenue could be cataclysmic. We urge our federal leaders to consider relief for all communities impacted by the declines in travel and tourism. These opportunities matter as we seek an equitable economic recovery."

According to the port, there is still the "possibility of a limited cruise season" but resuming any trips would depend on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local public health agencies.

Uncertainty around the pandemic also has ramifications for Washington's cargo industry. The Northwest Seaport Alliance, which includes the ports of Seattle and Tacoma, announced its massive renovation of Seattle's Terminal 5 will now open later than expected.

"The Northwest Seaport Alliance Terminal 5 Modernization Project is a critical component to expanding our cargo-handling capabilities. This facility will allow our region to remain globally competitive and grow our local economy. Due to the complex nature of this large infrastructure construction combined with unforeseen circumstances, this project is now seeing schedule impacts. To ensure project quality and a robust facility with construction that will last for decades, the NWSA now expects Phase 1 of the project to be targeted for completion by the end of Q4, 2021, rather than the expected Q2 of 2021."