Royal Caribbean has cancelled all northbound cruises out of US ports, ending the much delayed 2020 Alaska season after Canada extended its ban on cruise ships until the end of October.

The initial ban was imposed in March for ships of more than 500 people, but is now not only extended but also expanded to include smaller vessels.

“Keeping Canadians and transportation workers safe continues to be my top priority during the Covid-19 pandemic,” said Canada’s transport minister Marc Garneau.

The law requires that companies with foreign flagged ships operating cruises to US destinations must make an intermediate call at a foreign port.

With Canada out of bounds, it has sunk all Alaska cruise schedules, and also halts Royal Caribbean’s Hawaii and Canada-New England itineraries, including fall foliage cruises.

Customers on affected cruises are entitled to a 125% future cruise credit or a refund.

Royal Caribbean still plans a gradual return to service by August and plans to restart cruises out of China next month.