Feds defer start of cruise ship season amid COVID-19 concerns
by CM Staff
The Government of Canada will defer the start of the cruise ship season in Canada until at least July
PHOTO: Jhuy126, via Wikimedia Commons
As a response to COVID-19, the Government of Canada will defer the start of the cruise ship season in Canada, from April 2, 2020, to July 1, 2020, at the earliest. This deferral will apply to cruise ships capable of carrying more than 500 passengers and crew members.
While this measure does not apply to ferries or smaller vessels at this time, the Government of Canada added that it is also developing an approach to ensure health measures are strengthened in all passenger vessels across Canada.
“The safety and security of Canadians is a top priority,” said Marc Garneau, minister of Transportation. “There is no immediate solution to allow cruise ships to operate in Canada while adequately containing the public health risk associated with COVID-19, other than delaying the start of the cruise ship season. We do not take these decisions lightly and will continue to reassess as the situation evolves.”
Canadians who are planning to travel abroad are reminded to consult the Government of Canada’s Travel Advice and Advisories and register with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service.
