Holland America Line Will Not Sail From Canadian Ports in 2021

After a few weeks of debate over Canada’s announcement banning cruise ship travel in Canadian waters through February 2022, cruise lines have started to make tough decisions.

Holland America Line on Wednesday announced that it would be extending its pause in operations to include all sailings that depart from, or conclude in, Canadian ports in 2021. That includes several Alaska cruises, three Canada/New England cruises, and two Pacific Coastal sailings this year. 

While the news cuts down Holland America’s 2021 Alaska schedule dramatically, it does not yet bring it to an end. There is hope that Alaska cruises sailing roundtrip from Seattle will still be able to operate as Holland America, and the cruise industry, continue discussions with the Canadian government. But Holland America won’t sail from or to Vancouver for 2021. 

“Holland America Line, in alliance with our entire industry, is optimistic for the resumption of cruising around North America and worldwide,” said Gus Antorcha, president of Holland America Line.

“However, we must be practical in our approach by acknowledging the limitations put in place by the current Canadian order that requires us to cancel select sailings. We thank our guests for their patience and understanding and know that they, like us, are eager to see cruising begin again soon.”

Those who are impacted by the cancellations will not be able to move to those Alaska sailings still on the books as they are “are not open for sale pending further announcements,” Holland America said.

The line is currently notifying guests and advisors of their options. Those who are paid in full will be rebooked to the same cruise or Land+Sea journey in 2022, and those who haven’t may still elect to be moved to 2022.

Guests can also opt for a FCC of 110% of any cash paid on booking. Full refunds are also available.

The line did say that it was confident that all 2022 Alaska and Canada/New England cruises will operate as scheduled.

Holland America currently has paused global cruise operations and canceled all departures on all ships through April 30, 2021.