What is the Jones Act and how does it impact cruise ships?

Table Of Content

• The Norwegian Difference
• Cruising Permits and Entering the U.S. with a Foreign Boat
• Silver Ray
• Why was the Passenger Vessel Services Act signed into law?
• The adult-only suspended infinity pool
• Native Son Wins 2024 Silver Sailfish Derby
• A cruise itinerary must include a stop at a foreign port if it visits another US port during the voyage

While on Catalina Island, you learn that an emergency situation has come up and you need to return home right away by helicopter. The Merchant Marine Act of 1920, also known as the Jones Act, is a federal statute enacted to develop and support a merchant marine. It was considered necessary to bolster commercial activity, as well as to create a naval auxiliary in case of war or national emergency. You can read the complete text of the PVSA, including all updates and addenda, on the U.S.

The Norwegian Difference

American stuck abroad after injury on cruise leaves her hospitalized - USA TODAY

American stuck abroad after injury on cruise leaves her hospitalized.

Posted: Thu, 12 Oct 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

A nineteenth-century law (the PVSA) aimed at protecting US interests is the reason why. But of all the activities the new world's largest cruise ship has to offer, my eight favorites are, for the most part, ones I've yet to see on another vessel. The 1,196-foot-long, 20-deck Icon of the Seas is packed with bars, restaurants, and things to do. Any shorter of an itinerary, and you might not have time to experience all it has to offer.

Cruising Permits and Entering the U.S. with a Foreign Boat

Silver Ray's asymmetrical design will also be evident at two food and beverage venues at the top of the vessel — both new-for-Silversea concepts that first debuted in August on Silver Nova. In other words, its space-to-passenger ratio will be greater, making the ship feel roomier — if only modestly. Note that Icon of the Seas is just the first of three sister ships Royal Caribbean has on order for delivery by 2026, all of similar dimensions.

Silver Ray

First International Cruise Ships Return to China Homeport After Four Years - The Maritime Executive

First International Cruise Ships Return to China Homeport After Four Years.

Posted: Tue, 19 Mar 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Norwegian Cruise Line runs a U.S.-flagged ship — Pride of America — which sails around the Hawaiian Islands round-trip from Honolulu. When this ship (which was only partially built in the United States) launched in 2005, it was the first cruise ship in 50 years to fly the American flag while sailing on an ocean — and the only to sail Hawaii cruises without visiting a non-U.S. Those who wanted the PVSA to remain in place said that the law is essential to protect cruise lines operating US-flagged ships, especially those with small ships that sail domestic routes. Allowing foreign-flagged ships that aren’t required to pay US minimum wage could force those cruise lines out of business. With a pre-set itinerary on the high seas, you don't have to worry about how you're getting to your destination and what you're going to do there. However, an unexpected emergency can take the wind out of your sails and money out of your travel budget.

Never mind the moniker, a world cruise may visit several continents but not circumnavigate the globe. Cruise lines usually designate one ship (a few offer two) to sail about 100 days or longer — some even sail more than 200 days — without repeating ports. Although many major cruise lines are headquartered in the US, if their ships are foreign-flagged, those ships need to follow the rules set out in the PVSA. Part of the Leeward Islands of the Netherlands Antilles, the ABC islands are geologically part of South America, unlike most Caribbean islands. However, so is the island nation of Trinidad and Tobago, which strangely is not considered a distant foreign port despite also being the southernmost island country in the Caribbean. The Passenger Vessel Services Act of 1886 (or PVSA) prohibits foreign-flagged ships from transporting passengers directly from one US port to another.

The adult-only suspended infinity pool

The Eastern Mediterranean, where it meets the Adriatic, Ionian and Aegean seas, is home to century-spanning sites sure to tempt any history buff. Cruises in this region typically call on Turkey, Greece, Montenegro, Croatia and Italy, while some also visit Israel, Jordan and Cyprus. More than any other region, the Eastern Mediterranean offers cruisers the chance to step back in time simply by stepping off their ship. Silver Dawn is a wowser with a game-changer spa, all-suite accommodations, tux-clad butlers for all passengers and complimentary caviar service anytime, anywhere.

Holland America Line flags its ships in the Netherlands, in part because of the company's founding heritage in that country and still retains a large number of Dutch captains and senior officers. Thus, every ship in the Holland America Line fleet lists Rotterdam as the port of registry. While cynics like to point out that foreign flags are convenient to the cruise and shipping industries primarily for tax purposes, labor regulations and other considerations, not all flags are chosen just for cost. The names of different countries ranging from the Bahamas to Panama to the Netherlands to Italy are usually visible on the front of the ship; maybe you noticed it when you took a picture standing next to your vessel in port. Several excursions are offered in Cuba, she noted, such as a city tour of Santiago and an evening at the Tropicana nightclub in Havana. Channing added that U.S. citizens must "understand they are booking this itinerary at their own risk. Some will travel on a non-U.S. passport if they have dual nationality."

Avalon's new entry for 2024, the 102-passenger Avalon Alegria, will be that line's first vessel on the Douro River in Portugal. Disney Treasure will sail seven-night voyages to the Caribbean and the Bahamas out of Port Canaveral. While slightly bigger than earlier Viking ocean ships, Viking Vela's interior will have an almost identical look. Like Viking's 10 earlier ocean vessels, Vela will boast modern, Scandinavian-influenced decor that's soothing and upscale. Onboard activities will revolve around enrichment programs and classy entertainment, and there will be elegant meals in multiple restaurants.

A cruise itinerary must include a stop at a foreign port if it visits another US port during the voyage

Advocates for repealing the law argued that the PVSA has led to a loss of ships, a loss of jobs for US crew and dock workers, and has dramatically increased the cost of domestic cruising for American citizens. Abolishing the PVSA would increase trade in the US cruise industry and help local economies. This would be a violation of the PVSA because you’re not stopping at a distant foreign port. Since it wouldn’t be considered a closed-loop cruise for you, the cruise line would be fined if they let you on in Portland (then they’d pass the fine along to you). Have you ever wanted to take a cruise that only visits ports in the United States? Unless you’re traveling with a small-ship cruise line, you’re likely out of luck.

Tips on getting the best exchange rate during a cruise vacation along with steps on what to do. Additionally, some ports are not allowing permits to be renewed if the relevant vessel is for sale, even if it is duty paid in the United States. These procedures are especially enforced against vessels with foreign owners, and the problem is exacerbated by the lack of consistency in the procedures, even within the same port office. Absent of any federal program to incentivize companies to build ships within the United States, foreign flagging is here to stay. A century of maritime habits and experiences aren't likely to be undone in a matter of months.

Custom excursions and pre- and post-cruise tours organized by Abercrombie & Kent are available along the way (for an additional cost). Exciting destinations along the way include Belize, Honduras, Argentina, Chile, South Africa, the Seychelles, Sri Lanka, Egypt and Jordan. Passengers can get a close-up look at Argentine tango through performances, enjoy street food in Sri Lanka's capital city and celebrate like a Greek god on Mount Olympus, among other events. With newly renovated expansive suites, an array of social areas and nearly one staff member per guest, Crystal Serenity offers ultimate comfort, quality and personalization. Every cabin comes with a butler ready to assist with reservations, laundry and any other needs you have during your global odyssey.

Expect many fare inclusions, such as business-class flights, shore excursions and private transfers. Silversea Cruises' 2025 world cruise aboard the ultraluxurious, 596-passenger Silver Dawn looks amazing. The around-the-world cruise is designed to visit far-flung and more remote ports, often out of season, to avoid the touristy crowds. For all its around-the-world cruises, Regent piles on primo inclusions — first-class flights, unlimited shore excursions, luggage service, an open bar and a visa package are among countless amenities.