CRUISE SHIPS BANNED IN CANADA THROUGH FEBRUARY 2022

As Canada’s travel restrictions were set to expire February 2021, today the Canadian Government issued a new order which will prohibit cruise vessels in all Canadian waters until February 28, 2022. 

With the current U.S. Jones Act this will affect the Alaska cruise season for foreign-flagged ships as well as other cruise seasons in the Great Lakes and Canada/New England for ships under foreign flag.

The new order stated, “Cruise vessels carrying 100 or more people are still prohibited from operating in Canadian waters,” as well as passenger vessels carrying more than 12 people are still prohibited from entering Arctic coastal waters, including Nunatsiavut, Nunavik, and the Labrador Coast. 

The Honorable Omar Alghabra, minister of transport stated “As Canadians continue to do their part to reduce the spread of COVID-19, our government continues to work hard to ensure Canada’s transportation system remains safe. Temporary prohibitions to cruise vessels and pleasure craft are essential to continue to protect the most vulnerable among our communities and avoid overwhelming our health care systems. This is the right and responsible thing to do.

The Government of Canada is also continuing to advise Canadian citizens and permanent residents to avoid all travel on cruise ships outside Canada until further notice to assist with the spread of the Covid-19 virus.

For further information regarding a 2021 Alaska sailing that you are booked on, continue to monitor the cruise lines website as well as watch for any email updates from the cruise line or your travel agent.