Last Updated
The Goverment of Canada has issued an offical Travel Warning for Canadians to avoid all cruise ship travel.
"The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) is recommending that Canadians avoid all cruise ship travel 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. 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 condition are at a higher risk of developing severe disease.
Recent cruise ship outbreaks of COVID-19 indicate that 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 requiring hospitalization and critical care, and some deaths have been reported.
As the situation evolves, many countries are implementing policies and restrictions in order to contain the outbreak. These restrictions may impact a cruise traveller's:
- itinerary
- ability to disembark
- access to health care
Reminder – The Government of Canada has issued an official travel advisory: avoid all cruise ship travel due to #COVID19.
— Travel.gc.ca (@TravelGoC) March 10, 2020
Check our Travel Advice and Advisories regularly for the latest updates. https://t.co/t6OvUJD9dG pic.twitter.com/ZwMjyOSDFh
If an outbreak of COVID-19 occurs 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.
Government of Canada COVID-19 information line: 1-833-784-4397
The Canadian Government issued the travel warning after two large outbreaks on cruise ships have infected hundreds of people.
The most recent infection came when nineteen crew members and two passengers on the Grand Princess tested positive for Covid-19.
The vessel carrying 3,500 people from 54 countries, has docked in Oakland
Last month a large outbreak on the Diamond Princess forced the ship to be quarantined in Japan after 696 passengers were infected resulting in 7 deaths.
For The Latest Canada & United States Travel News: Join our Facebook Community below
