Return to cruising? Federal judge hears arguments in Florida’s cruise ship lawsuit

PORT CANAVERAL, Fla. — Some cruises got the green light to set sail with passengers for the first time in more than a year.

What’s unclear is if people will be required to show a so-called “vaccine passport” to get on board.

On Thursday morning, a federal judge heard more arguments in Florida’s cruise ship lawsuit.

READ: Carnival Cruise Line to restart select US cruises in July, will require COVID-19 vaccines

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said cruise ships can sail from U.S. ports if 95% of passengers and 98% of crew members are vaccinated against COVID-19.

Florida’s governor is fighting back, calling it “unreasonable.”

READ: Disney Cruise Line approved to sail test cruise out of Port Canaveral

Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a law in May that could fine cruise lines $5,000 per passenger required to show proof of vaccination.

The CEO of Celebrity Cruises says she hopes the situation will resolve itself.

READ: CDC says cruises could resume in July if majority of crew members, passengers are fully vaccinated

“I do think that right now, the opportunity to offer cruises for people who have had the vaccine is really important to our industry,” said Lisa Lutoff Perlo.

A judge said that an impasse was not declared and that mediation is ongoing.

©2021 Cox Media Group