Having just gone through the rigorous process of following all of Canada’s current COVID-19 mandates to board a ship in Vancouver, I can say firsthand how much easier the cruise experience will be now that our northern neighbors are finally doing away with their travel restrictions.
Traveling from San Diego to the Canadian embarkation port in September 2022 (while fully vaccinated), I had to register a laborious amount of health details through the ArriveCAN mobile app, wear a mask on my Air Canada flight and still worry that I might be selected for random arrival testing.
But that is all going away as of Oct. 1, and the cruise industry at large along with individual lines are already applauding the easing of requirements and preparing to welcome more cruisers not only in Canada, but also in Alaska and New England for the 2023 season. Due to the Passenger Vessels Services Act of 1886, Alaskan cruises, for example, must make a foreign (effectively Canadian) call to legally sail.
“Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) and its member cruise lines welcome the decision by the Government of Canada to remove mandatory measures and publish public health guidance,” read a statement from the cruise organization. “The decision is also a testament to the effectiveness of the industry’s comprehensive and robust protocols.”
CLIA went on to recall the industry’s decades-strong reputation for health and safety protocols at sea, reiterating its significantly lower incidence of major illness onboard compared to on land, even before the pandemic.
"Passengers sailing on CLIA-member cruise lines will continue to see health and safety protocols in place that evolve commensurate with the public health situation,” it added.
Changing COVID-19 Cruise Protocols
In the meantime, cruise companies have been quick to update their guest protocols to match the changing governmental regulations. Carnival Corporation’s Holland America Line,Princess Cruises and Seabourn Cruise Line have issued statements to share the changes, with Princess and Seabourn expressly inviting all passengers onboard Alaska, Canada and New England voyages.
“We applaud these decisions by Transport Canada to make visiting the country easier and more convenient for all guests sailing our popular Alaska and Canada/New England itineraries, and look forward to welcoming everyone on our incredible Alaska and Canadian cruises,” said John Padgett, president of Princess Cruises. “Alaska and Canadian cruises are among the most desired vacation options in the world, and we look forward to welcoming everyone who’s waited the past three years for this market to fully open.”
Both Holland America and Seabourn are sharing a new Health Protocols Tool that will allow guests to enter their booking number and know exactly what vaccination and testing requirements will be in place for their particular sailing. All 2022 voyages are already available to view with more 2023 itineraries to be added soon.
Holland America is citing growing interest in Alaska and Canada/New England sailings for 2023, with this recent news being an even greater win for all involved.
"It’s a positive step that puts health protocols for our Canada and Alaska cruises more in line with most of our other global cruises,” said Gus Antorcha, president of Holland America Line. “We thank Transport Canada for taking action that will continue to protect the health of travelers while also making it easier for them to book a cruise that allows us to support the local economy.”
Six Holland America ships will sail to Alaska in 2023 between April and September, and another two will sail to Canada/New England for the same season. Seabourn will similarly deploy Seabourn Odyssey to Alaska and British Columbia from May to October next year, and from late August until October, Seabourn Quest will head to Canada and New England.
“These spectacular destinations have so much to offer and are highly coveted areas to visit,” said Josh Leibowitz, president of Seabourn. “We look forward to welcoming our guests onboard our ultra-luxury ships and delivering special ‘Seabourn Moments’ when they sail with us.”
