Following passage of the Alaska Tourism Restoration Act, work with Alaska government officials, and recent guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cruise lines have been given the green light to return to Alaska.
Last week President Biden signed a bill that allows cruise ships to sail directly from Washington state to Alaska without stopping in Canada – which marks the exciting return of Alaska cruising!
“The Last Frontier is eager to welcome the return of the cruise industry this summer to restart our economy,” said Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy.
“Cruising has a tremendous impact on the people of our state and our communities, especially in the southeast, and we’re thrilled to finally see a light with the impending return of the cruise ships.”
NCL
Norwegian Cruise Line has announced that it expects to resume cruise operations from the U.S. beginning in August 2021 with week-long voyages from Seattle to Alaska, one of the top cruise destinations among its guests.
Travellers will be able to recommence their adventures to Alaska aboard Norwegian Bliss.
She will sail revised itineraries from 7 August through 16 October 2021, offering seven to 13 hours of port time in Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan and Icy Strait Point, Alaska.
Princess Cruises
Princess Cruises‘ round-trip Seattle, seven-day cruises, onboard Majestic Princess, a MedallionClass™ ship are now open for sale for travel between July 25 through September 26, 2021.
These cruises will visit signature ports, glaciers, and attractions in Alaska including Glacier Bay National Park, Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan.
“We have been working towards this moment to return to service for over a year and starting with our Alaska cruise vacations is incredibly gratifying.
“We would like to offer our sincerest appreciation to Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan, Congressman Don Young, and Governor Mike Dunleavy for their tireless efforts on behalf of the many small businesses that are the backbone of Alaska tourism,” said Jan Swartz, president of Princess Cruises.
Holland America
Holland America Line is announcing plans to restart cruising to Alaska in July roundtrip from Seattle, Washington, aboard Nieuw Amsterdam.
The seven-day “Alaskan Explorer” itinerary calls at Juneau, Icy Strait Point, Sitka, and Ketchikan. Scenic cruising in Alaska’s iconic locales includes Glacier Bay and Stephens Passage.
Bookings are now open for the ten Saturday departures that will operate from July 24 through October 2.
Celebrity Cruises
Beginning 23 July, Celebrity will sail a program of seven-night itineraries roundtrip from Seattle on Celebrity Summit, which the cruise line says was recently part of a $500 million fleetwide ‘revolution’ to elevate every detail and refine every guest comfort on the ship.
Celebrity Summit will embark on a series of nine sailings through mid-September, and then reposition to the Caribbean, via a 16-night Panama Canal sailing, where she will begin a series of four- and five-night itineraries.
“I just can’t say enough about how wonderful it is to return to Alaska. I have always had a special place in my heart for the incredible people, amazing wildlife and the beauty of this great state and once our guests visit, they do, too,” said Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, President and CEO of Celebrity Cruises.
All new 2021 Alaska sailings open for booking on Wednesday, 26 May, 2021.
Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean International has announced plans to launch its Alaska season with 7-night cruises – roundtrip from Seattle – on Serenade and Ovation of the Seas, beginning July 19 and August 13, respectively.
After more than a year with cruising on pause and the significant impact it had on the beloved Alaskan communities, US travellers can now chart a course for the culture-rich destinations they have looked forward to discovering while helping revive the local economies.
The new summer 2021 Alaska cruises on Serenade and Ovation’s existing sailings are now available to book.