Cruise vacations just got caught in the middle of a shocking new trade war between two countries.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is urging Canadians to support local and vacation local after U.S. President Donald Trump announced significant new tariffs on imports from Canada, as well as Mexico and China.
Related: Royal Caribbean shares new rules for key port
“Now is the time to choose products made right here in Canada,” Trudeau posted on X, the former Twitter, on Sunday.
“Check the labels. Let’s do our part. Wherever we can, choose Canada,” the post continued.
In a speech Saturday night during which he announced retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods, the prime minister even suggested that Canadians should consider changing their summer vacation plans to stay in Canada and explore all their country has to offer.
Across social media, Canadians are showing that they heard Trudeau loud and clear. As they pledge to boycott American products, many Canadians are sharing how they’re revising their upcoming vacation plans too.
For many Canadian cruisers, changing their vacation plans to choose Canada means canceling cruises leaving from U.S. ports and those sailing to Alaska and other U.S destinations. For others, the decision to cancel their cruises also comes down to which cruise line they plan to sail.
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Canadian travelers are seeking non-American cruise options
In the cruise community on Reddit, one Canadian cruiser requested recommendations on non-American cruise lines to consider to replace multiple cruises their family is canceling.
“Canadian here. My family typically takes about 3-4 cruises a year all with the big three. In light of the Trump tariffs, my wife and I have decided to cancel our upcoming Alaskan and West Coast cruises with Norwegian and look for non-American alternatives,” wrote Upset_Sense_8199. “The problem is it seems most cruise lines are American-owned. Any recommendations for non-American cruise lines? I don't have any experience with MSC and P&O and the like. Thanks!”
Related: Royal Caribbean keeps stopping in controversial port
Other Canadian cruisers responded with similar plans.
“We are in the same proverbial boat. We also decided not to do any cruises that include a U.S. destination,” wrote alexa_sim. “We typically sail Holland America so we are good on brand but won’t be sailing to any U.S. ports. We had planned to do an eastern cape cruise this year but changed our mind. We are going to fly out to eastern Canada instead and explore on our own.”
(Holland America is owned by Carnival which most perceive as an American company).
Another Canadian traveler shared plans to avoid cruises altogether to focus on supporting the Canadian economy while the trade war rages.
“Bravo! I am canceling my cruise with HAL and exploring my options to do a via rail trip on the east coast,” commented user FigureEfficient3413. “No more cruises until tariff war is over. We need to feed the Canadian economy. We are heading into a deep recession unless tariffs are lifted.”
Canadian cruisers may turn to MSC Cruises
While American cruise lines may lose some Canadian passengers this year, European cruise line MSC Cruises stands to gain from the emerging trade war.
The majority of cruisers who weighed in on the Reddit thread recommended MSC Cruises as an alternative to U.S. cruise brands.
“My vote is for MSC. Italian-owned company,” wrote PilotoPlayero. “It’s a mass market cruise line so don’t expect luxury, but they have modern, beautiful ships, and great itineraries all over the world at very affordable prices.”
(The Arena Group will earn a commission if you book a cruise.)
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MSC got another vote of approval from a Canadian loyal to the brand.
“Canadian here. We love MSC and have done a bunch of cruises with them since 2017,” wrote scotsman3288. “Best of all... privately owned by Aponte family in EU. Also, fewer Americans on those cruises... also a perk.”
Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, and founded by the seafaring Aponte family from Sorrento, Italy, MSC Cruises operates in more than 100 countries around the world, offering cruises across five continents, calling at more than 300 destinations and welcoming more than 180 different nationalities on board. The MSC Cruises fleet consists of 22 modern ships with three new vessels due to be launched in 2025, 2026, and 2027.
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