## Norwegian Cruise Line Allowed to Demand Proof of Vaccination
**A judge has ruled that the cruise line has the right to ask for proof of vaccination, even though it goes against Florida laws.**
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Vacation cruise lines are slowly returning to operation in popular tourist destinations worldwide, but with increased caution and restrictions due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Following the well-known incident involving the Diamond Princess cruise ship last year, cruise lines are keen to avoid becoming a hotspot for localized outbreaks. To mitigate this risk, many cruise lines are now requiring passengers and crew to provide evidence of full vaccination before allowing them to board. This requirement contradicts laws enacted in Florida by Governor Ron DeSantis, which prohibit the use of “vaccine passports” in the state.
This conflicting situation resulted in a legal battle between Norwegian Cruise Line and the Florida state government, specifically with Florida Surgeon General Scott Rivkees. As of this past weekend, the lawsuit has been settled in favor of Norwegian. US District Judge Kathleen Williams from the Southern District of Florida deemed the ban on vaccine passports not only unconstitutional but also a threat to public health and safety. The judge asserted that Rivkees lacks the authority to enforce the law, at least in the context of Norwegian Cruise Line.
Frank Del Rio, the president and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, stated, “The public health landscape is continuously changing around the world, and our comprehensive science-based health and safety protocols, which include vaccines as a central component, enable us to offer what we believe is the safest vacation experience for individuals eager to resume their daily lives and explore the world once more.”
In a tweet, [The Associated Press](https://twitter.com/AP/status/1424607588705001475?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) reported that a federal judge has granted Norwegian Cruise Line’s request to temporarily halt a Florida law that prohibits cruise companies from requesting proof of coronavirus vaccination from passengers prior to boarding their ships.
Daniel Farkas, the executive vice president and general counsel for Norwegian, explained that the lawsuit was initiated “in the best interest of the well-being of our guests, crew, and the communities we visit, as part of our commitment as responsible corporate citizens to minimize, to the greatest extent possible, the further spread of COVID-19 as we gradually resume our operations.”
