Visit Sitka e-Blast: Cruise Line Updates & Governor Phase 2 Info

Visit Sitka e-Blast - May 6, 2020

Holland America, Princess, Seabourn and Ponant Cancel 2020 Alaska Season

In statements from the cruise lines today, more cruise ship itineraries were cancelled for the Alaska cruise season.

In today's statement Princess Cruises stated:

"Due to reduced air flight availability, the closure of cruise ports in regions around the world and other factors impacting travel, it is with a heavy heart that Princess is extending our pause of global ship operations."

This June 25, 2015, file photo shows the Holland America Line cruise ship Westerdam in dock in Ketchikan, Alaska. (Taylor Balkom/Ketchikan Daily News via AP,File)

Holland America Line announces cancellation of their 2020 Alaska season

The Eurodam was scheduled for 12 port calls in Sitka totaling 25,248 passengers.

Princess Cruises announces cancellation of their 2020 Alaska season

The company had previously cancelled all Princess port calls to Sitka.

Seabourn Cruises announces cancellation of their 2020 Alaska season

The Sojourn was scheduled for 6 port calls in Sitka totaling 2,700 passengers.

Ponant Cruises announces cancellation of their 2020 Alaska season

The Le Soleal was scheduled for 5 port calls in Sitka totaling 1,300 passengers.

The L'Austral was scheduled for 1 port call in Sitka totaling 264 passengers.

Visit Sitka Online Cruise Calendar

As a reminder, Visit Sitka maintains a live online cruise calendar. We update the information as soon as we know of changes. For the best information check this link.

Governor Phase 2 Begins Friday, May 8

Governor Dunleavy Announces Phase Two of Reopen Alaska Responsibly Plan

Beginning Friday, May 8, 2020, Phase Two of the Reopen Alaska Responsibly Plan will take effect, allowing most non-essential businesses to reopen with safeguards.

This will allow for the following:

50% capacity for retail, restaurants, and other non-essential businesses outlined in Phase One. Walk-ins permitted.
50% capacity, or up to 20 patrons, for personal care services. Reservations only.
50 person capacity for social and religious gatherings.
25% capacity for fitness centers. Walk-ins permitted.
50% capacity for swimming pools. Walk-ins permitted.
25% capacity for bars, libraries, and museums. Walk-ins permitted.

Additional guidance will be available on May 7, 2020 at https://covid19.alaska.gov/reopen/.

To review all COVID-19 Health Mandates issued by Governor Mike Dunleavy click here.

We value our Visit Sitka Partners - Partnership Dues Update

It is partnership renewal time. We wanted to say a big THANK YOU to partners who have already paid their invoices. Your support keeps our staff working and continues the programming we have in place.

If you have not renewed, you should have received an invoice in the mail recently. We recognize that this is a difficult time for our partners, so we are extending the payment deadline for partnerships to August 1.

Until August 1 we will keep all current partner information live on VisitSitka.org, and keep your space in the racks at the visitor center. Be sure to check your VisitSitka.org listings for accuracy and send us any updates. Potential visitors are still coming to the website, so you want your information to be correct.

Curiosity encouraged. #visitsitka