Recently, there has been a lot of buzz surrounding the Canadian government’s decision to ban cruise ships. With the COVID-19 pandemic still causing havoc across the globe, many countries have taken several measures to prevent the spread of the virus.
So, did Canada ban cruise ships? The answer is yes, but let’s take a closer look at why and what this means for the industry.
Background Information
The Canadian government issued an interim order under the Quarantine Act on February 4th, 2021. This order prohibits all cruise vessels carrying more than 100 people from operating in Canadian waters until February 28th, 2022. This decision was made to protect Canadians and maritime communities from COVID-19.
Why Did Canada Ban Cruise Ships?
The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically impacted the tourism and travel industry worldwide. With thousands of people traveling on a single cruise ship, it poses a significant risk for spreading the virus. The Canadian government decided to ban cruise ships as a precautionary measure to protect their citizens’ health and safety.
Exceptions
There are few exceptions to this rule. Tourist boats and ferries will be allowed to operate if they have less than 12 passengers onboard. Cargo vessels also won’t be affected by this ban.
Impact on The Industry
This ban has come as a significant blow to the cruise industry as Canada is one of its major destinations. Many popular cruises start or end in Canadian ports such as Vancouver or Montreal, which will now be off-limits until February 2022.
- The cruise industry has been hit hard financially due to canceled bookings and bans like these.
- Cruise lines have been working tirelessly over the past year to ensure safety protocols are in place for passengers’ safe return.
- The Canadian government’s decision has caused uncertainty for the industry, and determining when and how to restart operations will be challenging.
Conclusion
Canada’s decision to ban cruise ships is a significant step towards preventing the spread of COVID-19. While it may have a detrimental impact on the cruise industry, it is essential to prioritize the health and safety of citizens. The industry has been working hard to develop new safety protocols, and hopefully, with time, we will see cruise ships back in Canadian waters.
So, there you have it – a brief overview of Canada’s decision to ban cruise ships. Stay safe and happy traveling!