The Foreign-Port Rule, Explained
The 1886 law that shapes every American cruise itinerary.
Get Up to 5 Free Cruise QuotesEver wondered why Seattle Alaska cruises call in Canada, why Hawaii round trips from California stop in Mexico, or why you cannot simply cruise from Miami to New York? The answer is a law older than the automobile.
The Rule in Plain English
The Passenger Vessel Services Act of 1886 (PVSA) says only ships that are US-built, US-flagged and US-crewed may carry passengers between two US ports. Almost every large cruise ship is registered abroad, so to sail from a US port those ships must include a foreign port in the itinerary.
Round trips
A round trip from a US port on a foreign-flagged ship must call at a foreign port — a nearby one such as Victoria, Ensenada or a Caribbean island is enough.
One-way voyages
A one-way voyage between two different US ports needs a distant foreign port — generally in South America or beyond — which is why Florida-to-California Panama Canal cruises often call in Cartagena, Colombia.
Alaska one-ways
One-way Alaska cruises start or end in Vancouver, Canada, so they are not a US-to-US voyage.
Hawaii
Foreign-flagged Hawaii cruises sail from the West Coast or Vancouver and stop in Mexico or Canada, or at Fanning Island in Kiribati.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Passenger Vessel Services Act?
A US law from 1886 that reserves the carrying of passengers between US ports to US-built, US-flagged, US-crewed ships. Foreign-flagged cruise ships can still sail from US ports, but they cannot carry passengers from one US port to another without a qualifying foreign stop.
Why does my Seattle Alaska cruise stop in Victoria?
Because the ship is foreign-flagged, a round trip between US ports must include a foreign port. Victoria, British Columbia, is the usual choice on Seattle round trips.
Can I get off at a different US port than where I boarded?
Generally not on a foreign-flagged ship unless the itinerary is designed for it (for example, one that visits a distant foreign port on the way). Leaving early at another US port can bring a fine, which the cruise line usually passes on to you. Ask before you plan it.
Which cruises are exempt?
Ships that are US-flagged, such as NCL’s Pride of America in Hawaii and the US river and coastal fleets, can sail between US ports freely.
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