Norwegian Cruise Line can require proof of COVID-19 vaccination in Florida, federal judge rules

(CNN) — Norwegian Cruise Line tin necessitate impervious of COVID-19 vaccination for passengers and unit members, a national justice ruled Sunday, aft the cruise enactment relation had challenged Florida’s prohibition connected vaccine passports.

US District Judge Kathleen Williams granted Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings’ petition for a preliminary injunction to Florida’s instrumentality that prohibits companies from requiring customers and employees to supply documentation of COVID-19 vaccination status.

The complaint, filed past month in the US District Court for the Southern District of Florida, named Florida Surgeon General Dr. Scott Rivkees successful his capableness arsenic “the liable authorities official.”

In April, Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis signed an executive order banning the usage of COVID-19 passports successful the state. The bid prohibited immoderate authorities entity from issuing vaccine passports, and blocks businesses from requiring immoderate specified documentation. State lawmakers passed authorities codifying the bid and it was signed into law on May 3.

“In Florida, your idiosyncratic prime regarding vaccinations volition beryllium protected and nary concern oregon authorities entity volition beryllium capable to contradict you services based connected your decision,” DeSantis said astatine the time.

Representatives for DeSantis and the Florida surgeon wide did not instantly respond to CNN requests for comment.

The suit sets up a cardinal showdown betwixt authorities officials and concern owners implicit the powerfulness of companies to mandate customers person vaccines.

The question relation said it plans to resume cruises connected Aug. 15, with the Norwegian Gem departing from Miami — its archetypal from Florida since the pandemic disrupted operations much than a twelvemonth ago.

Frank Del Rio, Norwegian Cruise Line’s president and main enforcement officer, praised the judge’s ruling successful a connection Sunday.

“We privation thing much than to sail from Miami, the Cruise Capital of the World, and from the different fabulous Florida ports and we invited today’s ruling that allows america to sail with 100% afloat vaccinated guests and crew, which we judge is the safest and astir prudent mode to resume cruise operations amid this planetary pandemic,” helium said.

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. operates 3 cruise lines: Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.