Haines welcomes first big cruise ship since 2019, days later passenger reports COVID cases

Haines welcomed its first large cruise ship since September 2019 last week on May 12. It marks the start of what could be a record-breaking cruise season for upper Lynn Canal communities. But with little public data about COVID-19 cases on ships, some community members worry that the ships could also bring a surge in coronavirus cases. KHNS’ Corinne Smith reports.

A crowd gathered at the Haines cruise ship dock to welcome the first big ship since 2019, including the Haines High School band, the Chilkat Dancers, borough officials, tour operators and residents out to see the celebration. Deputy Mayor Cheryl Stickler welcomed the passengers of the Royal Caribbean ship, the Serenade of the Seas. 

“You’re the first large cruise ship we’ve been able to host since September 18, 2019. That’s only 967 days,” she said laughing. “Or two years, seven months and 27 days… welcome, welcome Serenade of the Seas.”

The 960-foot ship with room for 2,500 passengers is also the first Royal Caribbean vessel to tie up in Haines since the early 2000s. 

The Serenade’s captain, Kjell Nordmo thanked borough officials as they exchanged gifts: a model of the ship and a plaque commemorating the Serenade’s first-ever visit to Haines.

“Thank you for your warm welcome and hospitality, during this inaugural call to Haines,” he said. “And we are very excited for the opportunity to showcase this beautiful part of the world. Not only to our guests but to our crew members that proudly represent 50 nationalities from around the world.” 

The Chilkat Dancers, made up of a multi-generational group from kids to grandparents, wore traditional regalia and performed several songs and dances. 

Chilkat dancer and former mayor of Haines, Jan Hill, said it was an opportunity to share  Lingít culture. She says they plan to perform for cruise passengers throughout the summer season.  

“We celebrate our culture by sharing it this way. I know there are people that are curious, and so what better way than through song and dance to teach your culture, a part of it. An important part of it.”

Cruise passengers visited Hoonah’s Icy Strait Point, Juneau, then spent the day in Skagway, and were then headed to evening tours in Haines. That included canoeing on Chilkoot Lake, a visit to the Bald Eagle Foundation, or to walk around downtown. 

“It’s been the most amazing experience, first time in Alaska, and I can’t believe the welcome we’re receiving here in Haines,” said Jackie Hicks of South Africa.

Haines resident Janine Ward is a dock representative with Alaska Mountain Guides, overseeing lines of tourists boarding buses for evening excursions. 

“I’m excited. I’m really looking forward to this summer, and hopefully it brings a lot of revenue for the town of Haines,” Ward said.

Haines book store owner Amy Kane says after two years of pandemic and small or no cruise ships it’s a much needed boost to small businesses like hers.

“So it was challenging to build up for it and to find staff for it. But I’m glad I made it. I feel like I just made it to the starting line really after two years,” she said.

But Kane says she’s concerned that cruise passengers could bring a surge in COVID-19 cases to small communities like Haines. 

“It’s definitely nerve-racking,” she said. “Because, yeah, people I mean, just travelers in general, pose a higher risk. Having more people here, having the town size, or population double in one day or whatever, depending on how full the ships are, is a lot. I do feel like we’re gonna see a spike in numbers.”

A Royal Caribbean spokesperson said in an email that the cruise line requires passengers ages 12 and older to be vaccinated, and show a negative PCR test before sailing. Children younger than 12 are required to test twice. And all crew are required to be vaccinated. 

But that doesn’t mean the ships are COVID-free. On Monday, Serenade of the Seas passenger Jim Goettler of Washington state contacted KHNS after his son and daughter-in-law tested positive for COVID-19.

“Saturday night, my partner and I, we tested just in general, we carried some antigen tests with us. We were negative. My son and his wife felt sick yesterday, shortly after getting off the boat. And they tested themselves and they were both positive,” Goettler said. 

Goettler said he and his family were vaccinated and completed a proctored antigen test prior to sailing but no one from the cruise line checked their results before boarding. He says he saw very few COVID mitigation measures like masks on the ship, and there was crowding, such as in elevators. He says the cruise line should offer rapid testing before disembarking to avoid spreading COVID to small Southeast communities. 

“You’re having people walk around town, who are probably, large numbers are infected. And even if you have a minor case, we all know, you’re still very contagious,” he said. “So it’s like, come on, guys. Let’s get this together. Let’s test before we get off the ship. It only takes a few minutes.”

Royal Caribbean did not respond to inquiries about how many passengers tested positive on this Serenade sailing. Cruise lines are required to report COVID data to state authorities, but little data is publicly available. 

Goettler says his son reported his positive results to the cruise line and Royal Caribbean offered to reimburse COVID positive passengers for meals after their cruise up to $100 dollars per day, not exceeding ten days. Royal Caribbean did not respond to requests for comment.  

Haines tourism director Steven Auch says the cruise lines have agreements with port communities that includes COVID protocols, sanitation requirements, and a commitment that if there is an outbreak, passengers would be medevaced to Seattle. See Royal Caribbean’s port agreement here, starting on page 9. 

Auch says Haines does not have COVID requirements but local businesses and residents can take precautionary measures.

“If you look at tour operators, a lot of them require masking on the buses for transportation. So, you know, every business has its own opportunity to take whatever steps it feels is necessary,” he said.

Auch echoed state public health officials who recommend COVID vaccinations, masking indoors, and social distancing where possible.

(Update: Since airtime, as of Tuesday morning May 17, Jim Goettler and his partner tested positive for COVID-19.)