Cruise Travel Tips for Canadians

Cruise ships are about to return to Canada! After nearly a two-year hiatus ports in Victoria, Vancouver and Halifax will start seeing cruise ships dock and welcome visitors again this April.

The cruise industry brings approximately $4 Billion to the Canadian economy. It also creates many jobs in the tourism industry.

All cruise lines have COVID-19 management plans in place. This includes measures to prevent COVID-19 on board and during shore excursions.

What Canadians Need to Board a Cruise Ship

The rules for cruise travel are much like other international travel.

At this time, Canadians are required to:

> show proof that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19
> travellers will be 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 the scheduled departure
> before leaving for their scheduled cruise, Canadians need to enter their trip information into the ArriveCAN website

Before Disembarking

When returning to Canada, Canadians are required to:

> take a COVID-19 molecular test within 72-hours before arriving in Canada
OR
> take an antigen test within one day of the scheduled arrival
> passengers must monitor signs or symptoms of COVID-19 for 14 days after arrival
> use the ArriveCAN website after their entry to Canada

It is encouraging to see the cruise industry finally coming back to our Canadian ports.

Starting in April, the Norwegian Bliss and the Norwegian Jewel will be sailing to Alaska and stopping in Victoria, BC and Vancouver, BC. The new Norwegian Encore will be sailing and stopping in Victoria starting in May.

Cruising with kids has always been a fun family travel option. Cruise ships have so many activities, dining options and excursions perfect for families.

Canadians seeking more information regarding cruise travel should refer to the Government of Canada website.