MIAMI (AP) \u2014 Norwegian Cruise Line is challenging a new Florida law that prevents cruise companies from requiring passengers to show proof of vaccination against the COVID-19 virus.<\/p>\n
The lawsuit, filed Tuesday in Miami federal court, contends that the law jeopardizes safe operation of cruise ships by increasing risk of contracting the virus. Norwegian intends to restart cruises from Florida ports Aug. 15 with vaccinations required for all passengers.<\/p>\n
Norwegian wants a judge to lift the ban by Aug. 6. The law imposes a fine of $5,000 each time a cruise line mandates that a passenger provide vaccination proof. Norwegian claims it violates federal law and several constitutional rights.<\/p>\n
The company, officially known as Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings or NCLH, says it won\u2019t be able to sail from Florida unless a judge acts to block the law.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe result would be a devastating, unrecoverable loss for everyone \u2014 not only for NCLH\u2019s business but also for tens of thousands of passengers, employees, and stakeholders who all benefit from NCLH resuming safe operations as planned,\u201d the lawsuit says.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe only way NCLH could maintain its protocols and operations as currently planned is by abandoning Florida altogether,\u201d the lawsuit adds.<\/p>\n
The lawsuit names as a defendant Florida\u2019s surgeon general, Dr. Scott Rivkees, who is head of the state Health Department. Rivkees is an appointee of Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis, whose spokeswoman said the cruise line\u2019s policy discriminates against children under 12 and others who are not vaccinated.<\/p>\n
DeSantis press secretary Christina Pushaw noted in an email that Florida recently won a lawsuit challenging several cruise industry regulations imposed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention over the COVID-19 pandemic.<\/p>\n
\u201cFlorida already fought and won its case so that Norwegian and all other cruise lines can invite and serve all Americans on its vessels,\u201d Pushaw said. \u201cBut apparently Norwegian prefers the shackles of the CDC to the freedom offered by Florida.\u201d<\/p>\n
The CDC is appealing that earlier decision by a Tampa federal judge.<\/p>\n
Other cruise lines, including Carnival and Royal Caribbean, have already begun voyages from Florida with a variety of policies regarding COVID-19 vaccination.<\/p>\n