Holland America Line is gearing up for a full summer season of Alaska cruises and Canada/New England sailings, after the relaxing of Covid restrictions and the opening of Canadian ports.
The action occurred after the Canadian government outlined a public framework for cruise ships to follow in order to resume sailings on Monday (March 7).
Cruise lines are expected to follow a tight public health framework as a condition of sailing, which includes requiring everyone on board to be completely vaccinated against Covid-19 – with "extremely few" exclusions – as well as testing and reporting.
"The ability to welcome cruise ships back to our waterways is feasible because Canadians have worked together," Transport Canada said.
"By agreeing to a complete set of increased safety standards on board, including vaccinations, improved sanitary practices, and passenger screening based on the best available science, the cruise industry has made the safe return of cruise ships to Canadian waters feasible."
HAL has been able to sail itineraries that include Canadian homeports and ports of call as scheduled since the publication of rules for the safe resumption of cruises to Canadian ports.
"The completion of this guidance by Transport Canada, the Canada Border Services Agency, the Public Health Agency of Canada, and port officials will allow us to sail our Alaska and Canada/New England seasons as planned," HAL president Gus Antorcha stated.
“Many of the protocols Canada is applying were successfully implemented in the United States after the restart of cruising, and they are working well.
“We are well-positioned to follow Canada’s direction and continue delivering memorable cruise vacations that include Canadian ports.”
"We highly cherish our lengthy cooperation with Holland America Line, which was the first cruise line to call at the new Canada Place cruise terminal in the Port of Vancouver in 1986," stated Vancouver Fraser Port Authority CEO Robin Silverster.
