Norwegian Cruise Line Wins Right To Proof Of Vaccination Cruises In Florida

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) can now require its passengers in Florida to show proof of their COVID vaccine status, allowing it to operate fully vaccinated cruises from the state’s ports, a federal judge has ruled.

Miami U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams granted Norwegian a preliminary injunction in light of a Florida law that was passed in May and led by Gov. Ron DeSantis that levied a fine of $5,000 per occurrence against any business that required proof of COVID vaccination.

Williams maintained in her decision that Norwegian’s argument that Florida’s ban on vaccination proof infringes on its First Amendment rights and is a risk to public health would most likely succeed in a court battle, NPR reported.

Following William’s decision, Norwegian will set sail on its first trip from Miami since ceasing operations due to the pandemic back in March 2020. Norwegian said that the suspension of its cruise operations due to the pandemic cost it more than $6 billion, according to NPR.

The cruise line, which operates the Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises brands, plans to make its inaugural voyage from Miami on the Norwegian Gem on Aug. 15.

In a statement about the ruling, President and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line, Frank Del Rio, said, “We want nothing more than to sail from Miami, the Cruise Capital of the World, and from the other fabulous Florida ports and we welcome today’s ruling that allows us to sail with 100% fully vaccinated guests and crew which we believe is the safest and most prudent way to resume cruise operations amid this global pandemic.

“The public health environment continues to evolve around the globe and our robust science-backed health and safety protocols, with vaccines at its cornerstone, allow us to provide what we believe is the safest vacation experience for people who long to get back to their everyday lives and explore the world once again,” he added.

Florida is one of the top states for COVID cases. The state has confirmed over 2.7 million cases of the virus and over 39,600 COVID-19 deaths, according to the New York Times tracker. On Sunday alone, 19,250 positive cases of the virus were reported in the state along with 88 COVID-19 deaths, according to the Times.

Norwegian operates 100% vaccinated cruises, including both passengers and crew members, for all global ports it sails from.

The cruise line filed its lawsuit against Florida’s Surgeon General and head of the state’s Department of Health in July after failing to come to any sort an agreement on a COVID vaccine requirement for cruises.

As of Monday at 12:22 p.m. EST, shares of Norwegian Cruise Line were trading at $24.31, down 58 cents or 2.33%.