According to news reports, the Japan International Cruise Council, an industry group, and the Japan Ocean Passenger Ship Association published guidelines for preventing the spread of COVID-19 on cruise ships, while the Japan Port and Harbor Association published similar guidelines for passenger terminals.
Cruise operators are to hold discussions with the relevant parties of the ports they plan to visit for approvals and after obtaining an agreement, they will gradually resume operations, the Transport Ministry said.
No international cruise calls since March 2020
International cruises have not been allowed since the COVID-19 outbreak onboard Diamond Princess, which was quarantined at the Port of Yokohama at the start of the pandemic in March 2020.
In a statement to Seatrade Cruise News last week, Princess Cruises expressed optimism that its continued discussions with Japanese authorities would allow it to return in March 2023.
Frank Del Rio, president and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, recently told financial analysts demand for Japan was 'red hot.'
Domestic cruises have been operating in Japan for some time.
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