NEWS: Florida Asks Federal Judge to Allow Cruise Ships to Sail Again

Cruise lines have been one of the industries hardest hit by the pandemic, as over a year later, ships remain in port.

©Disney | Disney Magic Cruise Ship

While some cruise line companies are optimistic to relaunch this summer and fall, they await approval from the CDC, and Florida is now taking further action in an attempt to bring the cruise industry back even sooner.

Earlier this month, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced a lawsuit against the federal government and the CDC in an effort to resume the cruise industry. The lawsuit asked that sailings be allowed to be resumed immediately from ports throughout the U.S.

©Carnival Cruise Line

Earlier this week, things became even more complicated for cruise lines returning, as the CDC announced new travel recommendations for the Bahamas, elevating the risk from a Level 3 to a Level 4. This newest recommendation means that even those who are fully vaccinated should avoid traveling to this area, where many cruise lines operate.

©CDC

Following this, Florida’s governor and attorney general are now requesting immediate action from the federal courts to overturn the CDC’s Conditional Sail Order, according to the Orlando Sentinel.

©Disney

The injunction filed Thursday states that Florida could potentially lose billions if cruises are not allowed to resume, citing threats of companies moving abroad. It also notes that almost 160,000 Floridians are employed by various cruise lines, including Disney.

©Disney

We will be paying close attention to see how the court rules on the injunction, as well as to other cruise news as it happens. Stay tuned to make sure you hear the latest!