Canada will lift its cruise ship ban on 1 November 2021 for operators that are able to fully comply with public health requirements.

Earlier this year the Canadian government had extended the ban until the end of February 2022, but it is now ready to welcome ships back earlier than expected due to the improving public health situation.

Transport Canada outlined in a statement: “As the outlook of the Covid-19 pandemic continues to improve, Canada looks forward to having a cruising season in 2022.

“The cruise ship industry, which represents more than $4 billion annual input into the Canadian economy and directly and indirectly generates approximately 30,000 jobs, is an important part of Canada’s domestic tourism sector.”

Minister of transport Omar Alghabra said: “As Canadians have done their part to reduce the spread of Covid-19, our government continues to work hard to safely restart our economy and build back better. We will welcome cruise ships – an important part of our tourism sector – back in Canadian waters for the 2022 season.

British Columbia minister of transportation and infrastructure Rob Fleming added: “I would like to thank the federal government for working collaboratively and constructively with us, and for taking action on this issue that is an important part of BC’s economy.

“We know that cruise ship passengers want a Canadian experience in British Columbia, and we know that British Columbians want to welcome them to our cities when it is safe to do so.”

The Canadian government, does, however, continue to advise Canadians to avoid all travel on cruise ships outside the country until further notice.