New cruise ship restrictions will mean big hit to B.C. economy, industry says

There will be no cruise season in Canada this year, an industry representative says, after the federal transport minister announced new restrictions on vessels' ability to sail in Canadian waters.

On Friday, federal Transportation Minister Marc Garneau announced further limits on vessels and extended restrictions until October as a measure to limit the spread of COVID-19.

"It's obviously disappointing news," said Barry Penner, legal advisor to Cruise Lines International Association — Northwest and Canada. "There won't be a cruise season in Canada, at all."

"This announcement will be acutely felt in coastal communities, small towns, bigger centres, everywhere from Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick,  Prince Edward Island, Quebec, and especially British Columbia."

Penner said the cruise ship industry contributed over $4.1 billion to the Canadian economy in 2018 and led to 29,000 jobs. Over $2.3 billion of that economic activity and over 15,000 of those jobs are in B.C. 

The employment figures include spin-off jobs in businesses like hotels, restaurants and taxis serving cruise ship customers on shore, as well as suppliers producing goods for vessels, Penner said.

310 Vancouver port calls cancelled

B.C. health officials have already said cruise ships will be allowed to stop for refuelling in the province's ports but passengers will not be permitted to disembark.

Dayna Miller, director of global partnerships with Tourism Vancouver, said her organization understands the decision by the federal government.

"I think we were not entirely surprised," Miller said, especially with large gatherings on hold in B.C.

However, she said, 310 cruise ship calls were expected in Vancouver this season, which would have brought about 1.2 million visitors to the city. Each call, she said, generates about $3 million in economic activity.

"It's a vital industry as a whole," she said.

Global problems

The coronavirus pandemic has been devastating to the cruise industry globally.

Experts have said cruise ships, with hundreds or thousands of people in close proximity, present virus transmission risks. 

There have been reports that even once cruises are given the OK to begin operations again, fewer customers will want to set sail over health fears. Some have speculated the pandemic will mean the end for at least some cruise lines.

In February, a high-profile outbreak on the cruise ship Diamond Princess led to hundreds of passengers testing positive for the disease. 

"I think everybody's been learning, as fast as they can, around the world," Penner said.

Penner said the pandemic has been a "vexing" problem for governments and health authorities and the cruise industry is working with both to find best practices to contain viral risks.

But cruise lines aren't alone, he said. Airlines and movie theatres face similar issues, for instance.

His industry is making some changes to increase consumer confidence, such as making cancellations more flexible for travellers booking in 2021.