As the world continues to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic, many industries have been severely impacted. One such industry is the cruise industry.
With several high-profile outbreaks onboard cruise ships early in the pandemic, many countries took steps to limit or ban cruise ship arrivals altogether. This has led to questions about whether Canadian ports are closed to cruise ships.
Background
Canada has a long history of welcoming cruise ships, with major ports located in cities such as Vancouver, Montreal, and Halifax. In 2019, Canada welcomed a record-breaking 1.4 million cruise passengers, generating an estimated $4.3 billion in economic activity.
However, with the onset of COVID-19 in early 2020, that all changed. The Canadian government implemented strict travel restrictions and border closures to prevent the spread of the virus. This included restrictions on cruise ship arrivals.
The Current Situation
As of August 2021, Canadian ports remain closed to most cruise ships. The Canadian government has extended its ban on large cruise ships carrying more than 100 passengers until February 28th, 2022. This means that cruises that were scheduled for Canada during this period have been canceled or rerouted.
There are some exceptions to this ban, however. Small vessels with less than 100 passengers and crew are allowed to dock in Canadian ports if they meet certain health and safety requirements. Additionally, cruises that originate and end in Canada (known as “cruises-to-nowhere”) are permitted.
Impact on the Industry
The continued closure of Canadian ports has had a significant impact on the cruise industry. Canada is a popular destination for many cruises, particularly those traveling through Alaska or along Canada’s east coast.
The cancellation of these cruises has caused financial losses for both cruise lines and local businesses that rely on tourism revenue. Additionally, many cruise ships have been forced to reroute or cancel their itineraries, causing inconvenience for passengers.
Conclusion
In summary, Canadian ports are currently closed to most cruise ships until February 2022. While this has had a significant impact on the cruise industry and local economies, the decision was made in an effort to prioritize public health and safety during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. As the situation continues to evolve, it remains to be seen when Canadian ports will once again be open to all cruise ships.