2026 Calendar

COVID PUBLIC SAFETY PRECAUTIONS:
At North Channel Cruise Line we are determined to help reduce the spread of respiratory infections including COVID-19.‍

Employees:
At the beginning of each shift, employees will go through a ‘pre-work’ screening“health check” to confirm that they are not suffering from any possible COVID-19 symptoms.

The following are healthy hygiene practices that our employees have been trained in and are taking seriously:

Hand Hygiene:
-washing hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. When soap and water are unavailable an alcohol-based sanitizer that contains 60-95% alcohol will be used.‍

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) & Physical Distancing:
-PPE will be worn by employees based on their role and responsibilities and in adherence to current regulations.
-Employees have been trained on how to effectively use, clean, and dispose of PPE.
-Disposable gloves will be used when changing waste/recycling receptacles and will wash hands when task is completed.
-When staff cannot safely physical distance 2 meters from passengers outside the service area, non-medical masks or face coverings will be utilized.
-The bar and galley area has been enclosed behind plexiglass.
-Restrooms have been equipped with new fresh air exchange equipment.‍

Passengers:
A pre-board self-assessment will be required before boarding the Grand Heron. No one with potential COVID-19 symptoms will be permitted to board. Please reduce the personal items you bring on-board to necessity only.‍

Physical Distancing:
-We have significantly limited our sailing capacity to 50%. This provides plenty of room for the 50 or less passengers that can board.
-Signage and a safety announcement at the beginning of our sail will give direction on safe passenger flow while aboard. Tables and chairs have been spaced apart at a distance that will allow appropriate distancing from others.‍

Group Size:
-Size of parties cannot exceed that of current public health authority restrictions. Passengers should stay within their group for the duration of the cruise and not circulate.
-Family Groups/bubbles can stay together in a 6ft(2M) space as long as the group is at least 6 feet away from any other individuals or groups.

Hand washing:
-Wash your hands often and avoid touching your face. Avoid touching surfaces. Use hand sanitizer frequently.‍

Mask wearing:
It is suggested that passengers bring their own face coverings for their comfort. A nonsurgical mask will be provided to those who arrive without one. At this time, masks are mandatory as per governmental regulations. Masks must be worn at all times while inside the cabin areas including the washrooms or while passengers are on their feet away from their table. Masks can be removed only while a passenger is seated. ‍

‍Cleaning and Sanitation:
-Enhanced cleaning procedures have been introduced with special attention to high touch surfaces and objects. The frequency and approach have become necessarily more meticulous.
-An after hours deep cleaning and sanitation will take place when a ferry service will be departing within 48 hours of the previous sailing.
-Hand sanitizer is available for staff and guests at the entrance, exit and service counters.‍

Services:
-In an effort to reduce person-to-person interaction we encourage contactless payment options such as use of touch Mastercard or Visa as opposed to cash payment when purchasing an item at the bar.
-We recommend tipping digitally rather than using cash.
-Designate one person from your group to go to the bar for beverages
-Prep-packed meal options will be served to passengers when they are seated. Meals and beverages should be consumed on the outside decks.‍

While many of these procedures seem foreign, they are necessary to allow us to resume operations and share the exquisite beauty of the North Channel. Once we arrive at our destination whether it be the Benjamins, Baie Fine or Killarney, you will have the chance to freely explore these secluded beauties without a face covering and feel the sun on your face or take a refreshing dip in Lake Huron. We all want to return to normal life and we thank you for supporting our business through these most unusual times.

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