Recognizing that health conditions continue to improve and that international borders have re-opened, Transport Canada is committed to lifting the cruise ship ban on November 1, 2021 and will work towards a full cruising season in 2022 if operators are able to fully comply with public health requirements. Cruise Critic recently hit the streets of Victoria, British Columbia to see what local officials there had to say about the upcoming Alaska and Canada cruise seasons. They will also need a negative molecular test result within 72 hours before their return to Canada or an antigen test result within one day of their arrival, he said. 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Its local Canadian cruises allowed it to operate a short season in 2021, after carrying no revenue passengers in 2020. A recent survey conducted by the GVHA shows upwards of 70 percent of the city's population wants to have cruise ships back this year. Most cruise ships affected by the current restrictions are foreign-flagged vessels. Transport Canada on Thursday announced the extension of the ban enacted because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The move will also ensure the Alaska cruise season will include stops in Canada. Still, a smattering of guests -- mostly locals -- held court in the Q Bar throughout our stay. 301 Route 17 N, Suite 1150, Rutherford, NJ Audience Relations, CBC P.O. Today's announcement is another important step in a measured approach to safely transition into a new phase of Canada's response to the pandemic. 2005 - 2023 Travel Market Report, an American Marketing Group Inc. Company All Rights Reserved | 243 South Street, Oyster Bay, NY, 11771 USA | Telephone (516) 730-3097| Terms and Conditions, Del Rio noted that it is still difficult to predict what the outcome will be for Alaska, Seabourn canceled all Alaska and British Columbia 2021, and Princess Cruises canceled some of its Alaska season. Meanwhile, cruises have begun. Currently under the act, foreign-built ships are not allowed to carry passengers between two U.S. ports without a stopover in a foreign country. While port authorities wait for the official go-ahead from Transport Canada, improvements are being made throughout the city. A similar proposal was introduced to Congress this summer. Alghabra, meanwhile, announced $7 million in federal funding to help build a new $15-million marine container examination facility within the Port of Halifax. "It's easier for us to stand down than it is for us to build up. Cruise ships have been allowed to enter Canadian waters since Nov. 1, 2021, according to the federal government. The Committee is pushing for a solution that, while not salvaging all Canadian sailings, would still allow cruise ships to stop in Canada but not disembark passengers. As you know, tourism is the third-largest industry in Alaska and for certain Alaskan coastal communities, cruising is over 90% of their tourism business, he said. Every cruise line calling on Victoria offers passengers the chance to experience the grandeur of tea at the Fairmont Empress hotel, the city's most recognizable landmark and one of the former Canadian Pacific Railway hotels built at the turn of the last century. On the same day that Transport Canada released its guidance on cruise, U.S. Sens. "Alaskans cannot gamble again on the. After two years off because of COVID-19, cruise ships are expected to be back at Port Saint John this summer. 15 Surprising Reasons To Use a Travel Advisor for Your Next Trip, American Queen Voyages - Deeply Discover the Difference, Copyright 2023 Northstar Travel Media, LLC. "The issue at the moment is still about resolving Canadian government requirements," wrote Heald. The ban, which has been extended until Feb. 28, 2022,. "Cruises in most cases [are]never a large revenue earner for a portit's about the economic benefit that goes into the community and it's about the support industries," he said. Passengers being required to take a COVID-19 molecular test within 72-hours before arriving in Canada or taking an antigen test within one day of the scheduled arrival. Transport Canada is working with the cruise industry, the. Exemptions for religious or medical reasons under Canadian law tend to be rare. The Lithuanian capital is celebrating with art exhibits, concerts and festivals. Passenger Vessel Services Act. Transport Canada had previously banned cruise travel in Canadian waters until March 1, 2022 -- a nearly two-year extinction of cruise operations in Canada. Explore Were hopeful, cautiously optimistic. Victoria-based Maple Leaf Adventures specializes in small-ship cruises to Alaska and British Columbia. The Canadian government announced cruise ships would once again be welcomed to its ports in 2022, but strict coronavirus-related restrictions will be in place to ensure the safety of travelers and the locals. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. We can relax. The legislation would allow ships sailing to and from Washington and. Strict COVID-19 measures will be enforced when cruise ships return to Canada's ports next month after a nearly two-year hiatus, federal Transport Minister Omar Alghabra announced on Monday. "The Plan should include procedures for the Company to inform passengers of the Government of Canada's current vaccination requirements for entry into Canada.". If that cannot be worked out promptly, the industry will seek to have government regulations suspended like what took place last year, and our itineraries will bypass Canada altogether," he wrote. In a news release, it said 10 shipswill call between early May and late August. Bell Estabrooks said the return of cruise ships will be good for the local economy, which suffered losses because of travel bans. ', "It's not about just the dollars and cents," Robertson said. Photo: MaxFX/Shutterstock.com. Both lines said that they would continue to engage with government officials to find a solution to save the 2021 Alaska season, but had to make the changes because of Transport Canadas decision. The 2022 cruise season in Canada will run between April and November. the latest travel news, advice, updates, upcoming exclusive deals and more. The Canadian federal government announced today the cruise ship ban will end on November 1, 2021, which was previously slated to continue through February 28, 2022. Ritzenthaler's announcement sent shock waves through the travel agency distribution channel. Canadians travelling, whether on cruise ships or other modes of transportation, should consult the COVID-19 travel page for the most up-to-date information. Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West and leaders from top river cruise companies to get the latest updates on your clients Cruise North America with More Value Than Ever. The line was just starting to see Americans showing up to cruise again in October 2021 and expects that to continue in 2022. Now it is incumbent upon the Biden Administration and the CDC to work quickly and collaboratively to implement a plan to safely resume cruising, Young said. "Despite vastly declining COVID-19 cases, a higher vaccination rate than any other mode of transportation and proven viral mitigation measures, Canada cannot guarantee that they will not take actions that may disrupt a complete and robust 2022 Alaskan Cruise season. ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) The Canadian government has extended a ban on cruise ships through February 2022, which is expected to block many ships from visiting Alaska this year. Gordon told Cruise Critic approximately half of Maple Leaf Adventures' passengers hail from the United States or abroad, while the other half are predominantly Canadian. "I was talking to a restauranteur, and she said she was excited about cruises coming back," Robertson concludes. What would otherwise be a random midweek day is the most hotly anticipated date of the year -- the .css-hghiur{transition-property:var(--chakra-transition-property-common);transition-duration:var(--chakra-transition-duration-fast);transition-timing-function:var(--chakra-transition-easing-ease-out);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;outline:2px solid transparent;outline-offset:2px;font-weight:var(--chakra-fontWeights-medium);border-bottom-width:1px;border-bottom-style:dotted;cursor:pointer;color:var(--chakra-colors-blue-base);border-color:var(--chakra-colors-blue-base);}.css-hghiur:focus-visible,.css-hghiur[data-focus-visible]{box-shadow:var(--chakra-shadows-outline);}.css-hghiur:hover,.css-hghiur[data-hover]{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;border-bottom-width:1px;border-bottom-style:solid;}arrival of the first cruise ship in a Canadian port of call since October 2019. Allan Gray, president and CEO of the Port of Halifax, said Monday's announcement gives a clear signal to ports and to tourism operators that ships are returning in a safe manner. "The Plan should include procedures for the Company to inform passengers of the Government of Canada's current requirements for entry into Canada, including the requirement to use the ArriveCAN mobile app or website to submit mandatory travel information before and after entry into Canada.". "As we look to the 2022 season, Transport Canada remains focused on keeping Canadians safe. The cruise industry has worked hard to meet important health standards in order to ensure the safety of their passengers and crews and the communities they visit. The decision, if left unchanged, would not only eliminate Canadian sailings in 2021 but also end the hope for an Alaska cruise season. Cruise injects approximately $4 billion into the Canadian economy, and the past two years without cruise ships have dramatically affected ports dependent on cruise tourism. But in terms of where passenger numbers will be, we think it will be around 75 percent of total capacity.". No cruise shipshave stopped in Saint John since 2020, when the pandemic restricted travel. Rather than wealthy retirees, the people flocking to stay at the Empress were working professionals between 25 and 35 years of age -- most of whom were predominantly booking rooms on the exclusive Fairmont Gold floor. During the Fall period there are ten days with double ships and five days with triple ships.. In the month since Transport Canada unexpectedly extended the countrys cruise ship ban to February 2022, government officials and cruise executives have pushed for a workaround to welcome guests on board Alaska sailings. New itineraries offered by lines like Viking on its new expedition ships are also beginning to offer Great Lakes cruises that start or end in Toronto and visit a number of Canadian ports of call, while Canadian small-ship operators like St. Lawrence Cruise Lines maintain a steady presence throughout Ontario and Quebec. "If that cannot be worked out promptly, the industry will seek to have government regulations suspended like what took place last year, and our itineraries will bypass Canada altogether.". What do ICs want from a host? Passengers need to be informed if those requirements differ from those the CDC has implemented. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. .css-18jw8gc{-webkit-appearance:none;-moz-appearance:none;-ms-appearance:none;appearance:none;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-box-pack:center;-ms-flex-pack:center;-webkit-justify-content:center;justify-content:center;-webkit-user-select:none;-moz-user-select:none;-ms-user-select:none;user-select:none;position:relative;white-space:nowrap;vertical-align:middle;outline:2px solid transparent;outline-offset:2px;line-height:1.2;border-radius:var(--chakra-radii-md);transition-property:var(--chakra-transition-property-common);transition-duration:var(--chakra-transition-duration-normal);height:auto;min-width:var(--chakra-sizes-10);font-size:var(--chakra-fontSizes-md);background:none;border:0;color:black;display:inline;margin:0px;padding:0!important;font-family:var(--chakra-fonts-Roboto);font-weight:500;padding-top:0.625rem;padding-bottom:0.625rem;-webkit-padding-start:1rem;padding-inline-start:1rem;-webkit-padding-end:1rem;padding-inline-end:1rem;}.css-18jw8gc:focus-visible,.css-18jw8gc[data-focus-visible]{box-shadow:var(--chakra-shadows-outline);}.css-18jw8gc:disabled,.css-18jw8gc[disabled],.css-18jw8gc[aria-disabled=true],.css-18jw8gc[data-disabled]{opacity:0.4;cursor:not-allowed;box-shadow:var(--chakra-shadows-none);}.css-18jw8gc:active,.css-18jw8gc[data-active]{border:var(--chakra-borders-none);background:none;}.css-18jw8gc:hover,.css-18jw8gc[data-hover]{border:var(--chakra-borders-none);background:none;}.css-18jw8gc:focus,.css-18jw8gc[data-focus]{border:var(--chakra-borders-none);outline:2px solid transparent;outline-offset:2px;box-shadow:var(--chakra-shadows-none);}Cookie Consent, Coronavirus: Updated Cruise Ship Policies and Cancellations, Foreign Office Eases Travel Exemption for 67 Countries, Paving Way for European Cruises, In Industry Step Forward, CDC Seeks Public Comment On Cruise Resumption, Costa Cruises Becomes First Carnival Corp. In its entirety, the cruise industry in Canada represents more than $4 billion in annual input directly and indirectly. Canada's Transport Ministry announced last week it was extending a prohibition of passenger cruise vessels carrying more than 100 people visiting its ports through the end of February 2022 . "I hope they will follow the model that the CDC has developed," said Robertson. Alaska lawmakers are working on new legislation that would allow cruise ships to continue to sail past Canada without the required stop. We know they understand.". We'll send you a weekly newsletter to your inbox. require essential passenger vessels, such as ferries and water taxis, to follow all public health guidance and protocols. "We've needed to keep the conversations open and really build honest relationships. The firstis scheduled for May 4, when the Pearl Mist will sail into the harbour. Dixon hopes the government will act on the Committee's request to lift the cruise ban, effective Jan. 1, 2022. The million-dollar question that remains unanswered -- for now -- is whether people will be able to cruise from Canada this year. The most popular port in the Canadian Maritimes saw 179 cruise ships bring just over 323,000 passengers in 2019, and those numbers are expected to hold steady for the 2022 cruise season. All Rights Reserved. ", "We're not great here at telling our story," Poustie said of Victoria, which rates consistently high on passenger satisfaction surveys. The cruise ship industry, which represents more than $4 billion annual input into the Canadian economy and directly and indirectly generates approximately 30,000 jobs, is an important part of Canadas domestic tourism sector. Alaska Tourism Recovery Act proposes a temporary solution The Alaska Tourism Recovery Act, introduced last week by Alaska Rep. Don Young, proposed a temporary solution. ArriveCAN is currently required for all persons flying into Canada or crossing its land border. On the other side of the country, cruise contributes roughly $165 million to the local economy in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Cruise Critic recently traveled to Victoria to find high optimism surrounding the industry's pending restart this spring, and since then, ports of call from both coasts have rolled out their anticipated cruise ship schedules. Currently, proof of vaccination is required to board any domestic train, airplane or long-distance bus within Canada for all eligible travelers. Get expert advice, insider tips and more. While NCLH has suspended taking new bookings on Alaska, Del Rio said the company still holds out some hope that these initiatives led by the Alaskan delegation can open up Alaska for 2021.. The ban applies to cruise vessels carrying 100 or more people. While a question mark still exists around the big-ship lines, Canadian small ship operators already have the green-light to set sail again in 2022. Published on March 8, 2021. The aim is to reduce inspection turnaround times along with container congestion at the port, as well as truck traffic in downtown Halifax. As of November 1, 2021, the prohibition of cruise ships in Canadian waters was no longer in effect if operators fully complied with public health requirements. The legislation would allow ships sailing to and from Washington and Alaska to operate without stopping in Canadian ports until Canada lifts its cruise ship ban. The cruise industry has developed some of the most stringent safety and operational protocols, which have been successfully demonstrated since global cruise resumption began in July 2020.. According to Transport Canada's guidance, all passengers will require proof of vaccination to set sail, visit or disembark at a Canadian port of call. Canada's ban prohibits cruise ships from navigating, mooring, anchoring or berthing in Canadian waters until February 28, 2022 or until the Canadian Government lifts the prohibition. How to Choose Your Amtrak Sleeping Accommodations, 10 Things You Should Not Pack for a Cruise, Ten Essential Items I Always Pack For a Cruise, Complete Guide: What to Pack for a Cruise Plus Printable Checklist, Amtrak California Zephyr Train Three Days Across America, Small Ship Chichagof Dream Alaska Cruise Review, Princess Cruises to Alaska with Seven Ships, 158 Departures in 2024, Do You Need a Passport for an Alaska Cruise, Amtrak Returns to Canada for the First Time Since 2020. And businesses and operators are beginning to hire staff for the upcoming season. Transport Canada has been and will continue to pursue a series of consultations and engagements to establish and develop a plan for a successful restart of cruise ship sailing in Canada for the 2022 season. "It's been varying up and downso it's difficult for us at this point to get firm numbers.". The GVHA and the Victoria Cruise Ship Industry Alliance have worked diligently for two years to change the conversation around cruise in Canada, particularly after Alaska sought -- and received -- a temporary exemption to the U.S. Aboard Radiance of the Seas bound for an Alaska cruise from Vancouver. The Canadian government extended a ban on cruise ships until at least 2022 just weeks before its initial restrictions were set to expire. The law remains in effect "until either the date on which Canada lifts restrictions prohibiting cruise ships from docking in its waters due to. However, he is encouraged that Transport Canadas decision to close waters until spring of 2022 has been noted by various government officials.. "The industry will have to. After buying Seabourn Odyssey, Japanese cruise line to put focus on U.S. River lines put more sports-related cruise options in play, Canada again making things difficult for Alaska cruising, Virgin Voyages sees Limitless potential for JLo partnership, Carnival unveils ocean-themed zones on the upcoming Jubilee, Pickleball is a hit, and Holland America has taken notice, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings sets emissions goals. It marked 300 COVID-19 deaths since the beginning of the pandemic last week, and there are currently 77 people in hospital with the virus. As Canadians continue to do their part by stepping up and rolling up their sleeves to get vaccinated against COVID-19 and practising public health measures, our government continues to work hard to restart our economy safely and sustainably. Port of Halifax CEO Allan Gray said the government's return of cruising announcement "gives a clear signal to ports and to tourism operators that ships are returning in a safe manner.". Transport Canada banned all foreign cruise activities from Canadian ports of. Learn How You Can Sell Alaska This Summer: Part 3. Only on June 8 will the first large cruise ship sail into the port. On February 4, 2021, the Government of Canada announced a one-year ban for cruise ships and Arctic pleasure craft until February 28, 2022. Bell Estabrooks said the number of ships comingin this year is the same as pre-pandemic seasons. ", Sullivan didn't mince words, either, saying, "Simply put, we need a banner year for visitors in 2022. Royal Caribbean Lays the Tracks for New Dining Experience, Carnival Jubilee Will Feature Two New Ocean-Themed Zones, 5 Things I Learned on my First River Cruise: Just Back From Emerald Luna. Without the waiver, cruise lines would not have been able to salvage the 2021 Alaska cruise season. "I'm involved in weekly calls with Transport Canada and PHAC (the Public Health Agency of Canada), and I know they've been talking to the CDC.". Whether legislative, regulatory, or diplomatic, we will continue to push for a solution to this impasse. That solution would help save some of 2021s Alaska cruise season, preventing a second lost year. Canada once again extended its ban on cruises - pushing back the possibility for large passenger vessels to sail in Canadian waters by an additional year after shutting them out last year amid. Cruise Hive was established back in 2008 and among the earliest blogs in the industry. Also last week, other cruise lines continued to make changes in light of Transport Canadas decision. Cruise ships were banned from Canada in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic. But even as cruises restarted around the world last year, Canadian ports like Victoria found themselves shut out. In an update to booked guests posted to Facebook on February 23, Carnival Cruise Line ambassador and senior cruise director, John Heald, said the line was still waiting on clarity from Canada. As we have said all along, Canadas border measures will remain flexible and adaptable and we will continue to evaluate our measures to keep Canadians safe., The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos Minister of Health, The return of cruise ships to Canadian waters will be a welcome boost to the tourism sector and to the Canadian economy as a whole. Canada's Minister of Transport Omar Alghabra announced Monday that cruise ships are again welcome at Canadian ports, starting April 6. "Operationally, we're planning for 100 percent" of the season to go ahead, said Robertson. Search for related information by keyword: a comprehensive public health plan for cruise ships, Backgrounder: Preventing or limiting the spread of COVID-19 on cruise ships, COVID-19: Boarding flights, trains, and cruise ships in Canada, COVID-19 measures, updates, and guidance issued by Transport Canada, COVID-19 guidance posters for marine transportation. Under a framework developed with federal, local and provincial public health agencies, the United States government and the cruise industry, all cruise ship employees and passengers must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to be allowed into Canada, Alghabra said. Three former Crystal Cruises cruise directors are returning. By closing Canadian ports to passenger vessels for another year, the livelihoods of tens of thousands of Americans and Canadians are at risk from more job losses and further economic devastation, the letter said. The increase during the fall months has to do with the popular fall cruises along the Eastern Seaboard of the United States and the Canadian east coast. Canada's guidelines create a higher standard for cruising than the CDC. "We're not under the jurisdiction of Transport Canada. The Government of Canada is committed to reopening safely and this public health framework demonstrates that we are ready to restart cruise ship activity in Canada and to welcome travellers once again., The Honourable Randy Boissonnault Minister of Tourism and Associate Minister of Finance. "What they're doing in terms of testing is 21 times the rate of testing just in the United States alone," he said. CRUISE HIVE LTD 2008-2023. Halifax businesses anticipate busy season as cruise ships return after 2 years, Victims' family raises questions on timeline, gunman's exit in Portapique inquiry, Police charge man with second-degree murder in Dartmouth death, Nova Scotia businesses, organizations gear up for next round of reopening, Canada considers quota cut on commercial baby eel fishery to increase Mi'kmaw access, 'This is ridiculous': Victoria County parent fed up with short-staffed school bus service, CBC's Journalistic Standards and Practices. According to the Canadian Press, Federal Transport Minister Omar Alghabra announced a series of COVID-19 measures that will be enforced when cruise ships return to Canada's ports next month after a nearly two-year hiatus. "The issue at the moment is still about resolving Canadian government requirements. But cruise ship operators are required to fully comply with public health requirements. Saint John Cruise Port in New Brunswick, Canada is set to welcome back cruise ships for the first time in two years in May 2022. The cruise ban meant that no ships could visit Canadian ports during 2020 and 2021. Despite working for a land-based hotel, Fairmont Empress Director of Public Relations Brigette Diem-Guy says everyone is looking forward to the cruise ships coming back to Victoria. The PVSA is a law that requires non-coastwise endorsed cruise ships to stop at a foreign port between domestic stops. "It's about the buzz and the energy of having a ship in port brings to our community.". Sometimes you head for a corner of the world where luxury resides in a surprisingly approachable way. It generates approximately 30,000 jobs and is an essential factor for tourism. "We're preparing for a full season," Gordon told Cruise Critic. Still, optimism is high that these last impediments will be lifted sooner rather than later -- even amongst locals. ASTA: Government and industry must work togetherIn a statement published this past weekend, President and CEO of the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) Zane Kerby called Transport Canadas decision the most recent example of government action devastating the travel industry. and other partners to put in place the public health provisions and others arrangements to enable cruise ships to safely resume visits to Canadian ports when the season begins next year. Other cruises that typically call on Canadian waters -- Canada and New England, St. Lawrence River, Great Lakes and Arctic voyages -- weren't so lucky. Passenger Vessel Services Act -- if only for a year -- allowing cruises to restart from Seattle and bypass Canada altogether. The Transport Canada guidelines require testing of all passengers and crew, though they don't go into detail about how this will work for passengers who have flown into the country and have previously tested -- nor do they indicate how a ship calling on Victoria for an evening will test all passengers and crew prior to arrival. Under the Canada Shipping Act, 2001, the Minister of Transport is authorized to make an Interim Order to deal with a direct or indirect risk to marine safety or to the marine environment. The province is in Level 1 of itsCOVID-19 recovery plan. Twenty-nine long months will have passed without a single cruise ship in Canada; the result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and efforts to curb it spread. The Canadian government unrolled a new set of guidelines for cruise ships that require a 100% vaccination rate for all ships stopping at its ports, potentially complicating the 2022 Alaska cruise season. The last cruise ship scheduled for this year is Norwegian Breakaway on November 3, 2022. Photo Credit: Royal Caribbean. A total of 350 ships are scheduled to call here in 2022, the most in the history of the city. 07070 USA Telephone: (201) 902-2000, The Serenade of the Seas departing Seattle on an Alaska cruise last summer. Mar 12, 2022. And that has allowed the Port to more freely advocate for the return of cruise to Canadian waters over, say, the more famous Port of Vancouver. While some cruise lines are still optimistic about welcoming guests onboard Alaska sailings sometime before February 2022, heres where things stand: U.S. representatives push for a solution Last week, the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure sent a letter to the Canadian ambassador to the U.S., pushing the Canadian government to work with the U.S. to find a solution.