As part of its efforts to prevent spread of COVID-19, the Government of Canada plans to defer the start of the cruise ship season in Canada to 1st July 2020, at the earliest. The cruise season was originally planned to begin on 2 April 2020.
This deferral will only apply to cruise ships capable of carrying more than 500 passengers and crew members.
Meanwhile, given the limited public health capacity in Canada’s Northern communities, the cruise ship season for vessels with Canadian Arctic stops will be deferred for the entire season this year. This would apply to cruise ships of all sizes.
While this measure does not apply to ferries or smaller vessels at this time, the Government of Canada is also developing an approach to ensure health measures are strengthened in all passenger vessels across Canada,
…an official statement reads.
The move comes in line with several other measures taken by the government to contain the impact of COVID-19.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced a comprehensive $1 billion COVID-19 Response Fund, to put in place plans, infrastructure, and resources to protect health of Canadians.
In addition, Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer has issued a formal health advisory, recommending that Canadians avoid going on cruise ships at this time.
In 2019, Canada welcomed over 140 cruise ships that came directly from more than 10 different countries. The cruise industry brings at least 2 million travelers to Canadian coasts annually.
We are continually assessing the risks of the COVID-19 based on science and evidence, and consulting with our government, industry and regional health partners. Further decisions on whether the season can resume on July 1, 2020, will be based on science and evidence in the best interests of the health and safety of Canadians.
COVID-19 outbreak has brought a major disruption to cruise operations globally.
Last week, CLIA announced that its ocean-going cruise lines will be voluntarily and temporarily suspending cruise ship operations from US ports of call for 30 days as public health officials and the US Government continue to address COVID-19.
