Iceland, the land of fire and ice, is a popular tourist destination, known for its breathtaking landscapes and natural wonders. In recent years, Iceland has become a hotspot for cruise ships, with thousands of tourists flocking to the country each year through the ports of Reykjavik and Akureyri.
However, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, there have been restrictions on cruise ship travel around the world. So, is Iceland allowing cruise ships to dock? Let’s find out.
The Current Situation
At present, Iceland is not allowing cruise ships to dock in its ports. This decision was made in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and is part of the country’s efforts to prevent the spread of the virus. The ban on cruise ships came into effect in March 2020 and has been extended multiple times since then.
Previous Developments
Before the pandemic hit, Iceland was a popular destination for cruise ships. In fact, in 2019 alone, over 200 thousand tourists arrived in Iceland via cruise ships. However, concerns were raised about the environmental impact of these large vessels on Iceland’s fragile ecosystem.
In response to these concerns, some measures were taken by Icelandic authorities to limit the number of cruise ships that could dock in Reykjavik and Akureyri. For instance, in 2019 Reykjavik City Council passed a resolution that would limit cruise ship arrivals to two per day during peak season – June through August – and one per day during other months.
Future Plans
While there is no official word yet on when Iceland will allow cruise ships to return, there are indications that it may happen soon. The Icelandic government has announced plans to reopen its borders to tourists from mid-June onwards provided they can show proof of vaccination or recovery from COVID-19.
This move has been welcomed by the tourism industry in Iceland, which has been hit hard by the pandemic. Cruise ships are expected to resume their operations in the country as soon as the ban is lifted.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Iceland is not currently allowing cruise ships to dock due to COVID-19 restrictions. However, with plans to reopen its borders and resume tourism from mid-June, it is likely that cruise ships will be able to return soon. The Icelandic government’s decision to reopen its borders is a positive step for the tourism industry in Iceland and is expected to provide a much-needed boost to the economy.