Alaska contends with cruise ban as state leaders criticize Canadian decision Published February 11 Share on Facebook Print article Travel industry and local government leaders across much of Alaska are attempting to devise a Plan B after a decision by Canadian government officials upended the state’s coming tourism season. That’s because Canada’s Feb. 4 move to again block cruise ships from calling on its ports in 2021 eliminates the only practical way for ships sailing to Alaska from West Coast ports to comply with the Passenger Vessel Services Act. The 19th century law requires foreign-built vessels traveling between U.S. ports to stop in a foreign port along the way.