The Association of Canadian Travel Agencies (ACTA) said in a media release that it welcomes the announcement from the Canadian federal government which drops the advisory against cruise travel within the country, but the organization continues its call for an an end to all COVID-19 testing requirements for travel.
“ACTA is pleased at the significant progress to re-opening Canada’s cruise industry, including the easing of the travel advisory,” said Wendy Paradis, President, ACTA. "This is another milestone on the road to recovery, and will support travel agencies and independent travel agents who depend on cruise sales."
“We are thankful to the Government of Canada, [Transport] Minister Alghabra and [Tourism] Minister Boissonnault for their close engagement with travel and tourism partners,” said Paradis. “We also thank CLIA for their leadership and two years of tireless advocacy.”
The first cruise ship to enter Canada since the beginning of the pandemic will call in Victoria on 06APR, marking the beginning of Canada's 2022 cruising season.
Nonetheless, ACTA and Canadian Travel and Tourism Roundtable partners are continuing to advocate for the pre-departure test be removed "in the coming weeks" for all modes of travel, for all fully vaccinated individuals for a complete restart to travel for Canadians.
The updated cruise protocols announced on 07MAR drop the current “avoid all cruise travel outside Canada” advisory to instead recommend for travellers to exercise a "high degree of caution," while cruising. ACTA notes this means travel insurance for cruising becomes more accessible.
In addition, the federal government has developed a comprehensive public health plan for cruise ships, including:
- Crew and passengers being required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19;
- Crew and passengers being required to self-monitor for symptoms;
- Passengers being required to take a COVID-19 molecular test within 72-hours before boarding a cruise ship OR take an antigen test within one day of boarding a cruise ship; and
- 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.
