The Ruby Princess cruise ship with a Coast Guard escort near Juneau, Alaska, April 30, 2018. (U.S. Coast Guard photo) ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) - The Canadian government has extended a ban on cruise ships through February 2022, which is expected to block trips from visiting Alaska this year.Transport Canada on Thursday announced the extension of the ban enacted because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Canada blocked cruise ships of more than 100 passengers starting in spring 2020.The ban was set to expire at the end of February, but Transport Canada said "cruise vessels in Canadian waters pose a risk to our health care systems."Most large cruise ships visiting Alaska are registered in foreign countries.