The Canadian Government issued an order banning cruise vessels from all Canadian waters until February 28, 2022.
The announcement, issued by the Ministry of Transport, effectively cancels the Alaska cruise season, and could also put a stop to cruise seasons in the Great Lakes and sailings from Canada to New England. According to the Canadian government, the ban applies to vessels carrying more the 100 people.
The maritime law bars foreign-flagged passenger ships from sailing directly between two U.S. ports, and Alaska voyages typically stop in Canada. Therefore, the ban will most likely force many cruise lines to cancel their 2021 sailings to Alaska. U.S.-flagged vessels, including some small-ship cruise, will still be able to operate in Alaska.
“To limit the spread of COVID-19, the Government of Canada continues to advise Canadian citizens and permanent residents to avoid all travel on cruise ships outside Canada until further notice,” said the order. “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.”
