Canada’s ban on cruises in Canadian waters, which was set to end on Feb. 28, has been extended for a full year, until the same date in 2022. The ban includes most Arctic expeditions and cruise vessels carrying more than 100 people.

Stating that “cruise vessels in Canadian waters pose a risk to our health care systems,” the federal government says it will “continue to evaluate the situation and make changes as necessary to ensure the health and safety of all Canadians,” adding, “Should the COVID-19 pandemic sufficiently improve to allow the resumption of these activities, the Minister of Transport has the ability to rescind the Interim Orders.”

Transport Canada says keeping Canadians and transportation workers safe and healthy are its top priorities.

Announced Thursday by Minister of Transport Omar Alghabra, the two new Interim Orders prohibit pleasure craft in Canadian Arctic waters and cruise vessels in all Canadian waters until Feb. 28, 2022. This means:

• Adventure-seeking pleasure craft are still prohibited from entering Arctic waters.

• Passenger vessels carrying more than 12 people are still prohibited from entering Arctic coastal waters, including Nunatsiavut, Nunavik, and the Labrador Coast.

• Cruise vessels carrying 100 or more people are still prohibited from operating in Canadian waters.

The order makes clear that there is no national ban for smaller cruise ships certified to carry 100 or fewer people that follow provincial, territorial, local and regional health authority protocols for timelines and processes around their operations.

Essential passenger vessels, such as ferries and water taxis, are instructed to continue to follow local public health guidance and protocols and follow mitigation measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and prevent future outbreaks. These could include reducing the number of passengers, ensuring physical distancing, the wearing of masks, and enhanced cleaning and hygiene measures.

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