From coast to coast, Canadian cruise ports and destinations have positive reactions to the federal government’s announcement on Thursday that cruising in Canada can now restart on 01NOV.
The 01NOV date is purely symbolic, as in reality, cruising in Canada only takes place during late spring to early fall.
What makes the announcement significant is that it allows operators to plan for a full 2022 season, and especially for cruise lines to have confidence enough in Canada as a 2022 cruise destination to solidify plans and itineraries.
That’s what’s giving real hope to the cruise and travel industry across Canada. Although the west coast is the country’s biggest cruise market, Maritime and Great Lakes/ St. Lawrence Seaway cruises are also vital to local economies.
“I’m confident based on the track record here in British Columbia and our ability to keep businesses open safely during the pandemic that the cruise ship industry is going to be part of our economic rebound and the tourism economy going forward,” B.C.’s transportation minister Rob Fleming told CTV News.
“Suppliers, small businesspeople, longshore cruise ship industry employees, caterers — the list is long of people whose incomes that support their families are attached to this industry.”
On the other side of the country, those who live and work in Port St. John are also relieved they’ll be able to get their industry back. According to Global News, Port St. John was set for a record cruise season before the pandemic struck, and missed out on roughly $7 million over the last two botched seasons.
“It gives us almost ten months of preparation,” said Andrew Dixon, the port’s senior vice president of business development.
“So, operationally that’s great, but it’s even more important from a business development standpoint. The cruise lines can announce to their clientele, ‘this is happening. This Canada-New England product is happening.”
“This sends a very clear message to cruise lines to include Canada in their 2022 itineraries and to the USA senators who are advocating for permanent changes that would enable cruise ships to circumvent Canada,” said Wendy Paradis, ACTA president in a statement.
“All these steps are extremely important to our industry and towards the easing of blanket travel advisories for all non-essential travel and cruise travel altogether.”
