Cancel your cruise
The federal government says Canadians should avoid all travel on cruise ships due to the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak.
“Cruise passengers include travellers from around the world who may be arriving from areas with known or unknown spread of COVID-19,” said the government in an advisory on its website.
“The virus can spread quickly on board cruises due to the close contact between passengers. Older people and people with a weakened immune system or underlying medical conditions are at a higher risk of developing severe disease.”
The advisory noted that recent cruise ship outbreaks of COVID-19 show a large number of individuals onboard can become infected. While the majority of affected passengers may experience mild symptoms, there have been a significant number of cases that required hospitalization and critical care. Some deaths have been reported. “As the situation evolves, many countries are implementing policies and restrictions in order to contain the outbreak,” said officials.
These restrictions may impact a cruise traveller’s:
• itinerary
• ability to disembark
• access to health care
And if an outbreak of COVID-19 does happen on your cruise ship:
• you could be subject to quarantine procedures, on-board ship or in a foreign country
• the range of consular services available to those on cruise ships, in particular in situations of quarantine, may be significantly restricted by local authorities
• upon return to Canada, you will be required to remain in mandatory isolation for 14 days at a location determined by the Chief Public Health Officer as per the terms of any applicable emergency orders
“Canadians who choose to voyage on a cruise ship should also be aware that they may not be offered the opportunity to return to Canada on a government-organized repatriation flight, or could be responsible for the costs of repatriation travel,” said officials.
Meanwhile, on Friday Transport Minister Marc Garneau said no cruise ships carrying more than 500 people will be allowed to dock in Canada until at least July 1.
The restriction will apply to ports in the North for the whole season, because the risk from COVID-19 is greater in more remote communities. He says the government is also planning to restrict the airports that can accept international flights, so people arriving on them can be more closely screened.