Canada is to allow cruise ships back into Canadian waters starting in November as the pandemic fades, but they must comply with public health requirements that have yet to be finalized.
Earlier this year, Canada extended its ban on cruise ships until February 2022, citing "the need to protect public health."
In a statement, Transport Minister Omar Alghabra said the restriction would now be lifted on November 1, 2021.
"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.
"We're providing certainty to the industry, letting them prepare, schedule trips and start selling tickets."
The US Senate had unanimously passed a bill that allows foreign-flagged cruise ships to sail to Alaska without stopping in Canadian ports. The Alaska Tourism Recovery Act passed the Senate in a vote on May 13, 2021.
Canada had banned cruise ships for at least a year and prohibited liners from mooring, anchoring, navigating, or berthing in Canadian waters until February 28, 2022, or until the Government lifts the prohibition.
The Canadian government continues to advise Canadians to avoid cruise ship travel outside the country until further notice.