A new preliminary ruling issued on August 8, 2021 by District Judge Kathleen Williams will allow cruise lines to require proof of vaccination for COVID-19 from passengers before they are allowed to board any vessel.
This ruling is major as it directly contradicts Florida’s Governor Ron DeSantis’ May 2021 continuous push for “vaccine passports” to not be required by law.
According to Reuters, the U.S. Judge on the case said that the cruise line in question, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., could potentially prevail in the matter due to the fact that it could put the public health of those aboard the ship in jeopardy. There is also the matter of unconstitutional infringement on the company’s rights as a fleet.
Violations of the law by the cruise line, if in place, could be upwards of $5,000 per guest.
The cruise line will continue to operate as scheduled on August 15th from port.
