Juneau, Alaska (KINY) - Norwegian Cruise Lines Executive Vice President Howard Sherman said they have made progress in getting health protocols and standards in place so they can begin sailing again.

Sherman said it is Norwegian's goal to have a cruise season in Juneau this year.

"Sometime in the next week or so we hope to be able to go out to port communities including Juneau and have meetings to go over with them the protocols we've developed to get feedback, comment, and suggestion for improvement," he added.

Sherman said their goal is to resume cruising in Alaska in July, 'We do need to overcome some obstacles, like making sure the cruise lines protocols are compatible with what the CDC thinks will be safe. Our top goal is safety."

Sherman said Alaska relies on other regions to open up for cruise ships. The Port of Seattle and Canada will have to make decisions. Canada could extend the ban on cruise ships past June 30.

He said they've already talked with leaders to get a waiver on the passenger vessel services Act so they could send cruise ships without visiting British Columbia.

Sherman said bookings have increased in recent weeks. He noted bookings for 2021 are ahead of the pace set for 2020.

"I think people are sitting home stir crazy and dreaming about the day that they can travel again."

Sherman said payments for the subport property will be made on schedule. They also have continued the construction at Ward Cove in Ketchikan and Icy Strait Point in Hoonah during the crisis.

He said he would like to reschedule a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a second dock at Icy Strait Point in July. The previous ceremony planned for April was postponed due to the pandemic.