Japan has lifted its ban on international cruise ships nearly three years after the last vessel docked in Yokohama in early 2020.
Japan’s Transport Ministry made the announcement after it was satisfied with port authorities and cruise ship groups’ new anti-virus guidelines.
“Japan is now ready to start receiving international cruise ships again,” Transport and Tourism Minister Tetsui Saito said.
Under the new guidelines, all ship’s crew members will need to have been vaccinated at least three times against the virus, while a minimum of 95 per cent of passengers will be required to have had at least two shots, Kyodo News reported.
Travellers who are suspected of having the virus will need to take a Covid test, with those who return a positive result and their close contacts required to quarantine.
While a vessel can continue operating if a doctor can determine an outbreak of the virus can be contained, a ship’s schedule will be reduced if more than 10 per cent of passengers are infected.
Cruise ship operators will also need to ensure strict guidelines are followed for distancing, the disinfection of common areas and ventilation before they are allowed to dock in Japan’s ports.
Cruise companies will need to come to an agreement with local port authorities on any further terms for docking.
Infectious disease and crisis management specialists vetted the guidelines, which were then reviewed by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and related government agencies.
While cruise ship operators have not released their exact schedules for Japan yet, 166 visits by foreign cruise ships are already planned for next March, according to the Japan International Cruise Committee.
Big in Japan
In 2019, more than 2.15 million international cruise passengers visited Japan, spending around 80 billion yen (US$575 million) during 1,932 stops.
Now, the government hopes international cruise holidaymakers will help visitor numbers return to pre-pandemic levels by 2025.
International cruising returned to the US and Europe more than a year ago, while Australia welcomed back its first cruise ship in April.
Japan reopened its borders to all international travellers last month.
