Seattle cancels first calls of the cruise season, Canada weighs a delay

Seattle canceled cruise ship visits on April 1 and April 5, both transit calls.

Seattle has been at the forefront of the US coronavirus outbreak.

'This region is in a public health emergency and we will cancel the first two sailings of our cruise season,' Port of Seattle Commission President Peter Steinbrueck said Wednesday. 'The health, safety and well-being of our residents is our top priority.'

The port said it will continue working with first responders, cruise lines and local leaders, and consider current public health guidance, as well as enhanced actions that lines are undertaking, to determine future sailings.

Canada

Canada's government was close to making a decision to delay the cruise season on both coasts, according to The Globe and Mail.

This followed the recommendation of British Columbia's chief public health officer.

'We are in a very critical time around the world and it is my belief that we should be delaying our cruise season until we are safe internationally,' Dr. Bonnie Henry told reporters from Victoria on Monday.

Earlier that day, Dr. Theresa Tam, Canada's chief public health officer, recommended Canadians avoid all cruise ship travel.