Has Canada Banned Cruise Ships?

By Anna Duncan

Are you considering taking a cruise to Canada anytime soon? If so, you may be wondering if Canada has banned cruise ships. The short answer is no, but the situation is a bit more complex than that.

Background

In March 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Canada closed its ports to cruise ships until July 1st, 2020. This ban was later extended until October 31st, 2020. The goal of this ban was to prevent the spread of COVID-19 within Canada.

The Current Situation

As of November 2020, the Canadian government has not officially banned cruise ships from entering its ports. However, there are still strict regulations in place for cruise ships that wish to enter Canadian waters.

Regulations for Cruise Ships Entering Canada

  • Cruise ships with a capacity of over 100 people are prohibited from operating in Canadian waters until February 28th, 2022.
  • Cruise ships with a capacity of less than 100 people are allowed to operate in Canadian waters as long as they follow the guidelines set forth by Transport Canada.
  • All passengers and crew members must follow strict health protocols that include pre-boarding health checks and screenings.
  • Cruise lines must have plans in place for managing suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19 on board.

Impact on Cruise Industry

The regulations put in place by the Canadian government have had a significant impact on the cruise industry. Many major cruise lines have canceled their Canadian itineraries for the foreseeable future due to these regulations.

The Bottom Line

While Canada has not officially banned cruise ships from entering its ports, there are still strict regulations in place that make it challenging for many cruise lines to operate in Canadian waters. If you are considering taking a cruise to Canada, it is essential to keep up-to-date with the latest regulations and guidelines set forth by the Canadian government.