SAFETY ABOARD THE VESSEL
Inspection & Classification: The M/V Canadian Empress was built under the comprehensive regulations of the Canadian Ministry of Transport – Canadian Steamship Inspection – Canadian Coast Guard Ship Safety. The vessel undergoes annual inspections by a ship classification society (RINA).
Medical Facilities: While the Canadian Empress does not carry a doctor, the ship maintains a list of medical facilities along her route. Any necessary medical advice can be obtained quickly via the ship’s VHF radio or cellphones, and the ship is never very far from suitable landing points in the event of an emergency. A defibrillator and oxygen supplies are maintained on board and our officers are well trained for their use and for other medical needs.
Smoking Policy: In the interests of safety and as a courtesy to non-smoking passengers, smoking is only permitted on the sundeck and downwind of other guests.
Cannabis Policy: While cannabis has been legalized in Canada, it is illegal to transport cannabis across borders, and transportation is restricted in the international waters of the St. Lawrence Seaway. Therefore, St. Lawrence Cruise Lines prohibits cannabis products on board.
RESPIRATORY HEALTH & SAFETY
In the post-pandemic era, cruise operators continue to be mindful of the impacts of respiratory viruses and infections aboard ships. This is because there is a high potential for the spread of colds, flu, and Covid-19 in public spaces aboard a vessel. St. Lawrence Cruise Lines has instituted safeguards in the form of HEPA air filters in the Grand Saloon and crew quarters, electrostatic cleaning at regular intervals, and making masks available to passengers and crew who are experiencing flu-like symptoms.
All passengers and crew must be willing to undergo a Covid-19 rapid test if requested by the safety officer, and we recommend all travellers undergo a rapid test before leaving home for travel. Passengers or crew members that test positive for Covid-19 will be asked to quarantine before the next available debarkation from the vessel. This policy has been put in place to prevent widespread infection and protect the health of all travellers. If you have any questions about our Health & Safety Procedures, please contact our Reservations Staff at 1-800-267-7868.
HEALTH & SAFETY REFERENCES
Health Canada Public Health Notices
https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/public-health-notices.html
Government of Canada Covid-19 Updates
https://travel.gc.ca/travel-covid
Kingston Regional Health Unit
https://www.kflaph.ca/
#SAFETRAVELS STAMP
St. Lawrence Cruise Lines has received the World Travel & Tourism Council’s #SafeTravels stamp. This initiative promotes industry best practices to support travel and tourism in the move from crisis management to recovery due to COVID-19.
The objective of #SafeTravels is to ensure that protocols are in place across all relevant areas of the industry with an increased focus on health, hygiene, and reduction of physical contact guidance which travellers will need and expect to embrace a safe travel experience.
