Understanding Why Some Cruise Ships Must Stop in Canada

There are many intriguing questions about the operations of cruise ships, one of which is why some cruises stop in Canada before heading to their ultimate destinations. This comes down to a combination of regulatory requirements and practical logistics. Let's explore this topic and shed some light on the complexities involved.

The Jones Act and Its Impact

The Jones Act, formally known as the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, imposes several stringent requirements. It stipulates that all commercial vessels carrying goods between two U.S. ports must be American-built, owned, crewed, and flagged. This rule would make it nearly impossible for cruise ships to operate commercially from certain U.S. ports to international destinations like Alaska, hence the common practice of starting from Vancouver, British Columbia, instead of Seattle, Washington.

Compliance with the Passenger Vessel Services Act

However, the practice of stopping in Canada is not necessary for all cruises. The reason these cruises stop in Canada is due to the Passenger Vessel Services Act. This act prohibits foreign-flagged vessels from carrying passengers solely between U.S. ports. Essentially, it enforces the requirement that these vessels must stop at a foreign port at least once during their journey.

What Constitutes a 'Distant' Foreign Port?

To clarify, a distant foreign port is required when passengers are being transported between U.S. ports. Ports like Mexico, the Bahamas, and islands in the Caribbean do not qualify as distant foreign ports because they are considered geographically close to the U.S. Therefore, cruise ships traveling from the West Coast to the East Coast, or even within the West Coast region, often have to stop at places like Aruba, Bonaire, or Curacao. These islands are recognized as distant foreign ports due to their distance from the U.S.

Exceptions to the Rules

There are times when the regular rules may be bent. For instance, when an event such as a hurricane closes a port or disrupts travel plans, alternative stops become necessary. This can create unusual scenarios where cruise itineraries deviate from the usual patterns. An example of such a deviation was a September cruise from Baltimore initially scheduled to go to Bermuda, which was hit by a hurricane closing the port. Due to the inability to travel south, a detour to Halifax, Nova Scotia, became a practical solution. The cruise made a brief stop in Portland, Maine, for the passengers to shop, before continuing to their destination.

In conclusion, the reason some cruise ships stop in Canada is a strategic decision driven by regulatory requirements to comply with the Passenger Vessel Services Act, rather than an obligation. Understanding these rules and the reasons behind them can help to appreciate the complexity and flexibility of cruise scheduling, especially in the dynamic environment of international travel.