As the world slowly emerges from the pandemic, people are eager to travel again. One popular mode of travel is cruising, but are cruise ships still banned from Canada? Let’s take a look.
Ban on Cruise Ships
In March 2020, due to COVID-19 concerns, Canada announced a ban on all cruise ships carrying more than 100 passengers. The ban was initially set to last until July 1, 2020, but has since been extended multiple times.
Current Status
As of August 2021, the ban on cruise ships remains in place. The Canadian government has extended the ban until February 28, 2022. This means that large cruise ships are not allowed to dock at Canadian ports or sail through Canadian waters.
Exemptions
However, there are exemptions to the ban. Small passenger vessels with a capacity of less than 100 people are allowed to operate in Canadian waters as long as they follow strict health and safety protocols.
Additionally, cruise ships that have been granted an exemption by Transport Canada may be allowed to dock in Canada for non-passenger purposes such as refuelling or resupplying.
Impact on Tourism Industry
The ban on large cruise ships has had a significant impact on Canada’s tourism industry. Cruise tourism is a major contributor to the economy and supports thousands of jobs across the country. In 2019, over 1.9 million passengers visited Canada via cruise ships.
The continued ban has resulted in canceled bookings and reduced revenue for businesses that rely on cruise tourism such as tour operators, restaurants, and souvenir shops.
Conclusion
In summary, while the ban on large cruise ships remains in place in Canada until February 2022 due to COVID-19 concerns, small passenger vessels and certain exempted large vessels are allowed to operate. The impact on the tourism industry has been significant, and many are eagerly awaiting the resumption of cruise ship operations in Canada.