Norwegian Cruise Line can seek proof of COVID vaccination at boarding, judge rules
The cruise operator wins a preliminary court injunction giving it permission to ask passengers from Florida if they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Norwegian Cruise Line can ask passengers for proof that they are fully vaccinated for COVID-19.
Norwegian Cruise Line is now allowed to ask passengers from Florida if they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. The cruise company won a preliminary court injunction on Sunday from US District Judge Kathleen M. Williams in Miami. The federal judge said that Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' "vaccine passport" ban, passed in May, hinders public health and is an unconstitutional infringement on the company's rights.
The Norwegian Gem is scheduled to depart Miami on Aug. 15, according to CNBC.
"Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings is pleased to report that today Judge Williams ruled in our favor granting a preliminary injunction which paves the way for the company's three brands to require documentation confirming a guest's vaccination status prior to boarding. This order will now allow the company to operate in the safest way possible with 100% vaccination of all guests and crew when sailing from Florida ports," the cruise line said in a statement emailed to CNET on Sunday.
The company also noted in its statement that "nothing takes priority over the health and safety of the company's guests, crew and the communities visited."