Outlook for 2021 cruises to Asia?

[BruceMuzz]

Although Japan’s State of Emergency for COVID ends tomorrow (and things go back to more or less normal) the Japanese Government today confirmed that only foreign “athletes and performers” will be allowed to enter Japan for the Summer Olympics. These foreigners must have negative COVID tests to enter, go through 14 days quarantine, and have regular COVID tests during the Olympics. No foreign spectators or tourists will be allowed to enter Japan until further notice.

 

COVID vaccines will be administered to all Japanese citizens between mid-April and June.

The Olympics are scheduled for the final week of July and the first week of August.

It is looking more and more likely that no foreigners will be allowed on cruises in Japan  in 2021.

There are going to be some incredible Japan cruising bargains for those of us who live here.

[BruceMuzz]

The Japanese Ministry of Health announced this week that a new digital vaccine passport App will be introduced shortly. Anyone entering or leaving Japan will be required to have a smartphone with this free app installed. 

The app will also allow the authorities to track your location and movements during any quarantine required after entering Japan.

At this point, foreigners - with the exception of Olympic Athletes - are not allowed to enter Japan for any reason. For the time being, the app will be required for Japanese residents only. That will most likely change when the borders re-open.

[anaco_angler]

BruceMuzz, you have been very kind and forthright in answering questions related to the situation in Japan. We have a 14 day Japan cruise on HAL booked in Oct, and a fall-back booking next Mar on a similar but not identical itinerary. My reading of the tea leaves is that there is almost no chance of foreigners being allowed into Japan this October, and next March is anybody's guess. Does that track with your reading of the local situation?

Thank you.

Dennis

[BruceMuzz]

Dennis,

 

Your read on this sounds about right.

The situation is still very fluid.

COVID Infection and Death numbers for Japan - with 126 Million people - are just about the same as the State of Massachusetts  - with 7 million people. That sounds pretty good, but the Japanese do not see it that way. The State of Emergency has been expanded and extended. There is more and more talk about cancelling the July Olympics.

Until this week, Japanese Residents Only were allowed to enter Japan. But now even that is being limited by the COVID outbreaks around India.

Vaccination programs in Japan have been moved up. Everyone in Japan will be vaccinated by the end of July. This may have a positive effect on opening up the country to foreigners.

There is probably still a very slim chance for Autumn cruises here.

If conditions continue to improve, foreigners cruising in Japan for Spring 2022 is a possibility.

[anaco_angler]

Thank you, Bruce. You are a great resource for Japan cruises. We hope one of our cruises will sail, either this Oct (better itinerary) or next Mar.