The safety of our passengers and crew is of the utmost importance. Throughout the 2020 season we have been proactive regarding COVID 19 policies and procedures. We have corresponded regularly with Interior Health and BC Centre for Disease Control as to how to operate safely. We have decreased passenger numbers and implemented stringent cleaning policies and social distancing measures.
In response to recent, selective media coverage on CBC and Castanet that has caused much confusion, we would like to provide a timeline of events.
Bush Party was originally scheduled to perform on our boats on July 17, 2020. The maximum attendance was set, in line with the current COVID 19 policies at that that time, for a maximum of 50 people, 50 people, and 40 people per vessel (note: we operate three separate vessels).
As COVID 19 regulations changed alongside the increase in cases in recent weeks, we consulted Interior Health for direction on how and if we should run the event. As per their recommendation we lowered attendance numbers to 40, 40 and 20 people per vessel and introduced mandatory masks and social distancing requirements. We also independently decided to postpone the event until August 7th to allow us more time to evaluate the safety of running the event in a rapidly changing environment.
On July 19th we further lowered attendance numbers to 35 people or less per vessel, as per changing BC CDC recommendations. With the new regulation released by Dr. Bonnie Henry on July 27th we have now cancelled the cruise entirely.
The information used in recent media coverage stating a party of 140 people was not posted by Kelowna Cruises and did not reflect actual event numbers or safety measures in place, as outlined above.
Unfortunately, this coverage has been significantly damaging, including threatening and hateful communication to ourselves and to our staff. The 2020 season is already incredibly challenging for tourism businesses such as ours.
We are deeply saddened to share that the media coverage—which does not reflect the true operation of Kelowna Cruises—is jeopardizing the viability of the business we love, and one that supports raising our family in the city we love. We hope to continue to operate safely, and see our small business make it through these difficult times. Thank you to everyone showing us love and support this season!
Pease be assured that our operations are under direct guidance from multiple government regulating bodies, such as Interior Health, BC CDC, Transport Canada, Work Safe BC, and many others, with safety and responsible operating always at the forefront.
Mike Reddecliff
Owner, Kelowna Cruises
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Organization and Arrangement
- All staff will wear non-surgical face masks at all time while guests are onboard. Two per employee will be provided by employer.
- All seating areas on the upper and lower decks will be situated so that guests stay 2 metres apart while seated. Guests will sit at a designated table.
- Waiting areas will be setup with tape on the floor to ensure guests stay 2 metres apart while moving about on the boat.
- There will be a flow of traffic set out and marked on the floor to alleviate areas of congestion on the boat.
- Smoking area on the boat will be eliminated.
- Sanitation stations will be setup on the lower and upper decks.
- Sanitizer will be offered to guests as they board the boat.
- Maximum passenger of each boat will decreased to allow for physical distancing.
- Encourage guests to dispose of their own garbage, plastic cups, napkins, disposable plates, etc. to limit the amount of contact between guests and staff. Therefore more garbage and recycle cans will be available in public spaces.
- An extra staff member will be available to ensure extra cleaning is completed and will not affect other duties on board.
- During an emergency guests and crew will disregard this plan and follow the directions of the Captain.
Activities
Fareharbor Booking Questions to Guests
Do you feel well today?
Have you been diagnosed with COVID 19? If so, you may not be able to cruise with us.
Booking guests at window
A seat will be left unused giving space between employees.
Guests will be encouraged to book online.
Taped line will have guests standing 2 metres from the window to ensure spacing.
Reservation staff will always wear masks.
Boarding guests
Rope and pylons will be setup on the cement area or on the grass area in Stewart Park to keep the ramp area clear before boarding the boat.
The Captain will scan guests board passes through a plexiglass shield.
Guests will be given table numbers and be directed to that table.
Food Service
All food will be plated.
Guests will be called up by table.
There will be a plexiglass divider between the kitchen and the dining area.
Guests will be given an option between glass plate ware and real cutlery or plastic / paper wares.
Bar Service
A line will be taped to the floor to indicate where guests need to stand to order a drink. This will provide a safe distance from the bartender.
For payment tap will be encouraged, there will be a gratuity function on the POS.
No straws or lime wedges in drinks.
Bathroom wait areas
Stickers on the floor will maintain social distancing while guests wait for washrooms.
Cleaning
- Touch points are cleaned by a staff member every half hour while guests are onboard and recorded. These points will include, toilet handles, sink faucets, and all door handles.
- The bar service area will be sanitized after each guest. Touch pads on POS machine will be cleaned after each use and tap will be encouraged.
- A complete clean will be completed after every cruise which will include sanitizing tables and chairs, bar tops, bathroom sinks and all touch points.
Communication
- Prior to each day the Captain will go over the outlined plan with the crew to ensure all employees are following the guidelines set out.
- Regular staff meeting will be held, as per usual, every two weeks to update employees and take feedback from them.
- During the Captain’s safety orientation when all guests have boarded, the Captain will explain what is expected from the guests while ordering drinks or food service procedures.
- Staff will be required to do a self assessment on their health before starting work, if they feel unwell they will not work.
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Hi Mike and Staff,
Thank you for the excellent cruise. Our clients and staff thoroughly enjoyed it! Your staff provided highly professional service from the delicious dinner (that salmon!) to the entertaining bartender. We look forward to using Kelowna Cruises again in the future for our Net 360 events!
Ray Petkau
Net 360 staff
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Mother’s Day Brunch Cruise
11 to 11:30am on dock
11:30am to 1:30pm on the water
eggs
sausages
bacon
fruit platters
pan potatoes
muffins
Mimosa for mom when she arrives
Live entertainment
$40 per plus gst
Call 778 753 5888
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Kelowna Cruises is happy to host The Steadies LIVE on July 22, 2016.
Boarding at 8pm. Cruise 8:45 – 11:45pm.
Tickets $40.
19+ event. ID Required.
Call or book your tickets online!
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DJ Invizible is doing a show on the boat(s)?? this summer! What?!
We are going to do something we’ve never done before. So excited, it will be huge!
Stay tuned for more info.
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Feel the Latin Experience in Kelowna! Latin Dance Kelowna will host a DJ dance party every month through the summer. Call Sam at 2508990216 for tickets. Prices: $30 in advance, $40 at the door. Kelowna Cruises does not sell these tickets directly. Dates: Saturday June 4th, July 2nd, and August 27th.
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Happy to be a partner in the Okanagan WaterWise Challenge – GET WILD ABOUT WETLANDS!
Explore an Okanagan wetland & report back for a chance at awesome prizes, including a TWO HOUR BOAT CRUISE on Okanagan Lake & POOL PASSES to some of the valleyy�?s best pools! Open to Okanagan youth!
Details at www.OkWaterWise.ca/challenge!
Deadline is April 24.
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