Canada Extends Ban on Cruising Until March 2021

Canada has extended its ban on most cruise ships through Feb. 28, 2021.

The government announced last week that the ban will impact ships with overnight accommodations carrying more than 100 people in Canadian waters “given the ongoing situation of COVID-19.”

“As Canadians are doing their part to help reduce the spread of COVID-19, the Government of Canada is working hard to ensure Canada’s transportation system remains safe,” Transport Minister Marc Garneau said in a statement.

“The extension of these temporary measures for cruise ships and other passenger vessels in Canada reflects our ongoing work with all levels of government, transportation industry stakeholders, and Indigenous peoples to help ensure appropriate measures are in place.”

The extension also applies to the ban on smaller vessels carrying 12 or more passengers in Arctic coastal waters.

Those who do not comply could be subject to penalties of $5,000 per day for individuals and $25,000 per day for corporations.

Canada first halted cruise ships with overnight accommodation for at least 500 passengers when the coronavirus pandemic began mid-March and was extended until Oct. 31, 2020 a few months later in May.

This decision is likely to impact 2021 Alaska cruise line itineraries, because U.S. law prevents foreign-flagged vessels from carrying American citizens between domestic ports, and well as New England and Canada.

Holland America Line and Princess Cruises have already canceled Alaska sailings for the 2020 season, while Cunard has already canceled its planned 2021 season.

The news came just as the United States’ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) let its own ban on sailing expire, allowing cruise lines to pursue “a phased resumption of cruise ship passenger operations” with “a careful approach.”

The 40-page order outlines a path for cruise lines to resume sailing in U.S. waters, requiring comprehensive testing at the beginning and end of each voyage.

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), which represents 95% of global ocean-going cruise capacity, said that its members are “100% committed to helping to protect the health of our guests, our crew, and the communities we serve.”

“While we look forward to reviewing the new Order in detail, we expect much of the Healthy Sail Panel’s recommendations, which were adopted by CLIA’s Global Board of Directors earlier this month, have been considered and will serve as an important foundation,” CLIA president Kelly Craighead said.

“The cruise industry and the CDC have a long track record of working together in the interest of public health, and we look forward to continuing to build upon this legacy to support the resumption of cruising from U.S. ports.