“What is this “satisfy U.S. cabotage laws like the Passenger Vessel Services Act.”? Does it require passengers to disembark or can they remain on the vessel?”
It looks to me like the passengers can disembark under restrictions if necessary.
Below is a link you may enjoy reading. -Tom
https://cruzely.com/answered-why-cruise-ships-always-stop-in-foreign-ports/
under restrictions if necessary.“
So this means they can only disembark for medical etc. VS excursions?
As I recall when we went to Alaska we did not stop in Canada although we left from Vancouver which could be switched to Seattle. Maybe the Alaskan cruises can still go as long as they can stop in Canada if they had to.
Thanks for the explanation. But that begs the question that if I go on an Alaskan cruise must I get a passport even if I have no intention of disembarking on foreign (Canadian) soil?
Cruses to Alaska either originate or terminate in Vancouver. But, it cost a lot more to fly to Vancouver than to Seattle. I paid expensive car rental, waited long way at the border, and drove from Vancouver to Seattle and still saved money.
Maybe they can just sail from Seattle and let passengers to pay that $800. That way they could sail, and, really, it would not cost that much more if you consider the cheaper travel to Seattle.
Or, even better, register the boat in US, hire US personnel and sail from Seattle with no fines. The US pride Hawaiian cruse is all US personnel, and it does not seems to be more expensive than the other cruises.
I personally think that saving on the Vancouver airfare would more than pay for the Seattle US flagged ship.