Cruise Industry Responds to One-Year Extension of Prohibition on Cruise in Canada (CA)

Pre-pandemic the industry supported more than 29,000 jobs and $4.25 billion in economic activity

(Vancouver)—Cruise Lines International Association- North West & Canada (CLIA-NWC), the voice of the cruise industry in Canada, is surprised by the length of the extension of the Government of Canada’s ‘No-Sail Order’.

“While we understand and support the government’s focus on combatting COVID-19 in Canada, we are surprised by the length of the extension of the prohibition of cruise,” said Charlie Ball, Chair of CLIA-NWC. “We hope to have an opportunity to revisit this timeline and demonstrate our ability to address COVID-19 in a cruise setting with science-backed measures, as CLIA members are doing in Europe and parts of Asia where cruising has resumed on a limited basis.”

The pandemic is having a devastating impact on local businesses, and two years without cruising in Canada will have potentially irreversible consequences for families throughout the country. In 2019, the cruise industry generated a total of $4.25 billion in economic activity in Canada, a 33% increase from 2016. Further, 29,000 Canadian jobs paying $1.43 billion in wages were generated in 2019—a 26% increase in employment and 43% increase in wages since 2016.

“We stand ready to work with Canadian health and transportation officials to operationalize a path forward,” Mr. Ball concluded.

 Additional information:

• CLIA members have agreed to adopt multiple layers of protocols informed by the insights and guidance of leading experts in health and science, including but not limited to:
• 100% testing for passengers and crew prior to embarkation
• Mandatory quarantine for crew prior to interaction with guests
• Expanded medical capabilities onboard
• Pre-arranged response logistics involving transportation and medical facilities
• Physical distancing measures
• Mask-wearing requirements
• Increased ventilation
• Cruise activity supports multiple sectors of the global economy, from transportation and aviation to food and beverage, lodging, manufacturing, agriculture, travel agencies and a robust supply chain that stretches across the globe.

• Cruising is resuming on a gradual, phased-in basis in Europe. CLIA members have sailed on a variety of modified itineraries from Germany, Italy, and Greece under strict protocols. These protocols have been developed by operators in collaboration with medical experts, scientists and health and government authorities, and have been informed by Guidance from the EU Healthy Gateways and European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA).

• Since the beginning of July 2020, there have been over 200 sailings in Europe (and parts of Asia) with enhanced measures in place and approval from authorities in those regions.

• The success of these initial sailings demonstrates the effectiveness of a multi-layered approach and confirms that the new protocols are working as designed—to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 in a cruise setting.

About the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA)
CLIA is the world’s largest cruise industry trade association, providing a unified voice and leading authority of the global cruise community. On behalf of the industry, together with its members and partners, the organization supports policies and practices that foster a secure, healthy and sustainable cruise ship environment, as well as promote positive travel experiences for the more than 30 million passengers who cruise annually. The CLIA community includes the world’s most prestigious ocean, river and specialty cruise lines; a highly trained and certified travel agent community; and cruise line suppliers and partners, including ports and destinations, ship development, suppliers and business services. The organization's global headquarters are located in Washington, DC, with regional offices located in North and South America, Europe, Asia and Australasia.

About the Cruise Lines International Association – North West & Canada (CLIA-NWC)

Cruise Lines International Association – North West & Canada (CLIA-NWC) is a non-profit association representing the major cruise lines that operate in Canada and the Pacific Northwest, including Washington State, Alaska and Hawaii. CLIA-NWC is one of fifteen offices around the world that are part of Cruise Lines International Association – the world’s largest cruise industry association, which supports policies and practices that foster a safe, secure, healthy and sustainable cruise ship environment.

The cruise industry is regulated by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), flag states and port states (e.g., Transport Canada, Canadian Coast Guard, Canadian Public Health Agency) among others. In addition, as a requirement of membership, all CLIA cruise line members must adhere to robust set of policies and practices which undergo constant review and improvement and often exceed what international, national, and regional laws require.