NCL can ask for proof of vaccine: Judge

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) can require Covid-19 vaccinations prior to crew and passengers boarding its ships in Florida, according to a federal judge's ruling.

Judge Kathleen Williams for the US District Court for the Southern District of Florida granted NCL a preliminary injunction yesterday, blocking a Florida law banning businesses from requiring proof of vaccination for customers.

In the ruling, Williams said NCL's argument was likely to prevail on the grounds that the Florida law violates the company's First Amendment rights and poses a health risk because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

"We want nothing more than to sail from Miami, the cruise capital of the world, and from the other fabulous Florida ports and we welcome today's ruling that allows us to sail with 100pc fully vaccinated guests and crew which we believe is the safest and most prudent way to resume cruise operations amid this global pandemic," NCL chief executive Frank Del Rio said.

The Florida law, signed in May, would fine businesses up to $5,000 per violation for asking for proof of vaccination. The ban could force the NCL to discontinue operations in Florida if it is enforced, according to the initial lawsuit filed last month.

Governor Ron DeSantis' (R) office disagreed with the judge's legal reasoning and plans to appeal to the US Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit.

"A prohibition on vaccine passports does not even implicate, let alone violate, anyone's speech rights, and it furthers the substantial, local interest of preventing discrimination among customers based on private health information," according to the governor's office.

The Florida Department of Health did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

By Luis Gronda