Adventure Canada, a one-ship cruise company based in Mississauga, Ontario, popular for its expedition trips in the Canadian Arctic, cancelled all of its cruises for the rest of 2021.
The cruise line suggested Canada‘s extended ban on cruise ships operating in Canadian waters (including the Canadian Arctic) had left it no choice.
Adventure Canada CEO Cedar Swan said that due to the news of the "continued ban, as well as the ongoing uncertainty around international and domestic cruise travel," Adventure Canada had made the difficult but necessary decision to cancel their entire 2021 sailing season.
“By proceeding with the utmost caution, especially to ensure the safety of our host communities, we know that one day we will be able to travel together again — safely, conscientiously and enjoyably.”
In a blow to the efforts of the cruise industry to restart operations in North America in 2021, last week the Canadian government banned cruise ships from its waters through February 28, 2022, and cited the ongoing pandemic for the move.
The ban applies to any cruise ship carrying 100+ people and has additional provisions for smaller vessels operating in Arctic regions.
Adventure Canada sails in the Canadian Arctic and other areas around Canada on Ocean Endeavour, which typically accommodates up to 199 guests.
Adventure Canada is the first cruise ship operator still in business to cancel all sailings for 2021. 7 other mostly small cruise ship operators have gone out of business since the crisis began.