The chair of the Association of Canadian Port Authorities’ Cruise Committee says “the time is right” for Transport Canada to act on the Committee’s request to lift Canada’s cruise ban that currently expires at the end of FEB 2022.
“The Canadian government, Transport Canada and Public Health have been responsible about the health and welfare of Canadians,” Andrew Dixon told Seatrade.
Dixon said the ACPA Cruise Committee, with the goal of safely resuming cruising in Canada, has been “very, very active” in developing new, COVID safety protocols for ports and tour operators. ACPA provided the government with a report in April.
“They are listening to our message now,” he said, adding, “I expect a very definitive and positive announcement imminently, before the end of July.”
The Cruise Committee has made two requests of Ottawa.
Clear Statement Canada will be Open for Cruising in 2022
One, according to Dixon, “Let's reopen cruise for 2022. Let's make a statement and let's tell the industry we're ready. Let's let people know they can plan on 2022.”
While cruising doesn’t start until warmer months, planning begins long before.
“We know cruising is going to restart. We need to make sure the Canadian government understands how critically important it is to give notice for that well in advance, not just for operational reasons and ship deployment but business development ... People book cruises a year ahead, a year and a half ahead, and more,” Dixon pointed out.
This comes as some American legislators attempt to revise the Passenger Vessel Services Act, that - while ‘temporarily’ lifted - requires ships to call in Canadian ports rather than all - U.S. ports of call.
As Open Jaw reports, this has many Canadian cruise stakeholders worried Canada could be bypassed altogether - especially if it’s not clear well in advance that Canadian ports will be able to welcome ships.
Dixon seems sure cruising will return to Canada.
'We know we've got a great product. We know we're a place people want to visit. Cruise lines are going to cruise to Canada, no doubt, regardless of the Passenger Vessel Services Act,' Dixon asserted, but also acknowledged any change in the PVSA could have some impact on the cruise industry in Canada.
However, if Canada already declares it will be open to cruising definitively, it will be a moot point.
Immediate Raising of Cap on Pax to 500; Allowing some Cruising in 2021
In addition to an announcement confirming the lifting of the cruise ban next year, the Committee has also asked the federal government to raise the limit on the size of ships currently allowed under the ban.
Right now, only vessels carrying less than 100 total aboard - both pax and crew - are exempted from the cruise ban.
The committee wants to see that lifted to 500 as of 31OCT this year - which would allow small ships to operate at the end of the season this year, which Dixon points out “ would give everyone the chance to test protocols” and ensure a smooth transition back to full throttle cruising in Canadian waters next year.
