There are 3 cruise ships which arrive in Victoria on Saturday evening. The “Norwegian Pearl”, the “Ruby Princess” and ourselves. We are in convoy, likes ducks in a row down the Juan de Fuca Straits and our turn north towards Victoria.
Normally, the “Pearl” enters first, however she was late and we took lead, followed by the “Ruby” and finally the “Pearl” We 3 and others, call in Victoria, Canada for a purpose and not only because it’s a wonderful destination. We also have to comply with the Jones Act.
This Act or Merchant Marine Act of 1920 is a United States federal statute that provides for the “promotion and maintenance of the American merchant marine”. Among other purposes, the law regulates maritime commerce in U.S. waters and between U.S. ports. Section 27 requires that all goods transported by water between U.S. ports be carried on U.S.-flag ships, constructed in the United States, owned by U.S. citizens, and crewed by U.S. citizens and U.S. permanent residents. The Act was introduced by Senator Wesley Jones.
In short, any non-American vessel may not provide transport for cargo or passengers from one American port to another American port. This is why we call in Canada, before arriving back in the U.S. and other ships call in say, Ensenada, Mexico, after a cruise to Hawaii.
It was a beautiful evening, the car park crowded with not only buses and taxis, but locals too. Every Saturday they have a Classic car rally and many come just for a stroll around the harbour, which is always ‘bustling’.
(Double-click on a photo for a larger version)
Approaching Victoria harbour from the south. The “Regatta” is about to depart.
The pilot boat comes around our stern.
.……and comes alongside
……..before departing
The “Ruby Princess” making her approach, the “Regatta” leaving
The car park is full
The Classic car exhibition
….and a telephoto shot
They even decorate the breakwaters here!
A glorious sunset
Hello Captain Mercer. Thank you for highlighting Victoria in your blog. We live in Victoria and frequently go to Ogden Point when one of “our” ships is in port. We were on the Amsterdam with you three years ago when we renewed our wedding vows with your assistance. We watched the Regatta try to leave port but they were still off shore for more than a couple of hours when we headed to the Point to see the Amsterdam, Ruby and Pearl.
Hello Captain Mercer: Thanks for explaining the Jones Act. I have also tried explaining this to many of my fellow passengers, Americans alike, but I don’t think many people appreciate this somewhat antiquated piece of American legislation that is surprisingly still on the books considering there are virtually no American-flagged cruise ships anymore. I enjoy your highlighting Victoria in this blog. I am a resident of the Gulf Islands (just NE around the corner from Victoria) and I feel that the city often gets short shrift from the cruise industry in their quest to comply with the Jones Act. Most passengers are either too busy packing for the next morning’s debarkation in Seattle or it is often too late in the evening and dinner time when most ships arrive in port. Victoria is a lovely little capital city and is a great safe place for an ervening stroll around the inner harbour.
Best wishes Captain and keep up the interesting stories. From Garth (a passenger of yours on 2 full Grand World Voyages (2012 and 2014) on the beautiful and elegant ms Amsterdam.
Hello Garth, I couldn’t agree with you more. I LOVE Victoria, it is a wonderful city and would gladly spend a full day there, (may be because I’m a Brit?? 🙂 I was fortunate enough to spend 2 weeks in Esquimault shipyard while on the Oosterdam during a dry-dock and it was superb. Wonderful people, great eateries….I could go on, however you can rely on me to promote it. All the best.