Japan to reopen to international cruise ships

Japan's government has announced that it plans to reopen its ports to international cruise ships in line with the easing of border controls for inbound tourists.

The tourism ministry said it will allow the vessels as long as they abide by guidelines drawn up by an industry group on measures to prevent coronavirus infections and responses to outbreaks.

If suspected cases occur on a ship, the crew are to conduct necessary testing and isolation measures and report to quarantine officials before the vessel docks.

Cruise ships that travel internationally have not docked in Japan since a vessel with infected passengers arrived in Yokohama, near Tokyo, in February 2020.
Procedures took time and manpower then, as quarantine officials boarded the ship after it docked to confirm passengers' symptoms.

Tourism minister Saito Tetsuo told reporters on Tuesday that he hopes businesses will abide by the guidelines so that people can safely enjoy their cruise experience in Japan.

The ministry says a cruise ship is scheduled to leave Yokohama next month and return in January.

Source: https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221115_20/