Alaska, 2022

[Canadian Girl]

We are on one of the first Alaska cruises in May. Canada is announcing their vaccination protocols today and will follow international guidelines. ( we are Canadian). Just curious how people think they will handle screening etc. Will everyone who is fully vaccinated still need to be tested at the port ? No one will supposedly be allowed to board a flight or cruise ship without proof of vaccination and not sure what exceptions, if any, will be permitted. Pfizer has applied to be used for children 5 and up and this will be coming very soon in Canada so children might not be exempt. I also wonder about testing to board a flight back. Many leave the same day. Lots to be worked out I guess.

 

[Starwind]

I would not be surprised if the initial set of guidelines [for the Nov start date] for cruises involving Canadian ports include testing as well as the vaccination requirement. That would be consistent with international practice regarding cruise ship travel.

There are many months before the Alaska cruise season starts and therefore much time for things to change.

 

[Drfate102]

We are on the first Alaska sailing in May. Right now, that is 7 months out and a lot can change. I suspect by then it will just be proof of vaccination and call it a day.

 

[lanejudy]

I wouldn't be surprised if it's proof of vaccination and a test at embarkation, no exceptions, similar to the upcoming EBPC cruise. But then again, May is a long ways off so lots could change by then.

 

[JWelch62]

We're on the HI-Vancouver cruise right before this. I suspect HI will have a fair amount of requirements. I expect to be tested before embarkation. But like everyone is saying, that's a long way away. Given the events of the past 18 months I'm not sure anyone can make a meaningful prediction. Plan for the vax and testing, and then you won't be disappointed.

 

[Starwind]

Canada has released their guidance "COVID-19 Boarding flights, trains and cruise ships in Canada" which comes into effect October 30, 2021: https://travel.gc.ca/travel-covid/travel-restrictions/domestic-travel

Of course, there is a long time between then and the Alaska 2022 season, so many things could change.

Of note: "Starting November 30, all travellers must be fully vaccinated, with very limited exceptions to address specific situations such as emergency travel, and those medically unable to be vaccinated. More specific details on these exceptions will be provided, following consultation and engagement with stakeholders." [previously they state the vaccination requirement applies to those aged 12 and older, which is consistent with the fact that the vaccine currently is only approved for those 12 and older in Canada].

SW

 

[bcwife76]

Considering how hard it is to find a test here in BC for travel (and at a premium cost) compared to say, the US, where you can get a free test at Walgreens and CVS etc, or provinces such as AB and ON where you can get cheap rapid tests at Walmart, Shoppers Drug Mart and Costco, I wonder how the port of Vancouver will run testing if that is still a requirement for Alaska. Canada is not as eager to use rapid testing but this could definitely push them in that direction.

 

[Canadian Girl]

Fixed my typos. Oops. We are fully vaccinated but a bit worried about the flight home and needing to be tested when getting off etc. Hopefully by then documented proof will be enough. There are lots of cruise ships which will be entering and leaving on both coasts. I live in Eastern Canada and plans are already underway to welcome back cruise passengers in my city, which is a popular cruise port.