Posted on 05/28/2021 7:24:16 AM PDT by Capt. Tom
Florida has no plans to exempt cruise lines from its law that forbids businesses from asking customers for proof of vaccination, and cruise ships in violation of the law could be fined $5,000 per passenger who is asked to provide such proof, according to Gov. Ron DeSantis' office.
The statement comes one day after Celebrity Cruises became the first line to get CDC approval to resume big-ship cruising from U.S. waters, with the Celebrity Edge slated to depart from Fort Lauderdale on June 26 on a seven-day Caribbean sailing.
In an email, DeSantis press secretary, Christina Pushaw, said that the CDC's vaccine guidance for cruise lines was "coercive" and pushing lines to violate Florida state law.
"The CDC has no legal authority to set any sort of requirements to cruise," she said. "Moreover, the CDC went on record admitting that the federal government chose not to make a legal requirement for vaccine passports. Now they provide coercive guidance, in the absence of any federal law or congressional authorization. In short, the CDC is pushing cruise ships to violate Florida law, in order to comply with CDC 'guidance' that is not legally binding."
Pushaw said the office cannot comment on the specifics of Celebrity's restart because the state is in mediation with the CDC.
"We hope to reach an outcome whereby all cruise lines will be able to set sail in compliance with Florida law," she said.
As per an April 2 law that was first put in place as an executive order by DeSantis, Florida does not allow businesses to ask for proof of vaccination, which is a central component of cruise line resumption plans.
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) brands, for example, require all passengers to be vaccinated, while others, like Royal Caribbean International, have said that anyone eligible for a vaccine will have to be inoculated while those who are not, such as children under 12, must have a negative PCR test.
Celebrity is able to restart without a test sailing because it has promised that 95% of passengers and crew on the Edge will be vaccinated.
When asked about the law, Royal Caribbean Group said, "we continue to work with local and state governments to facilitate a return to service by July with fully vaccinated crew and guests who are eligible for vaccinations."
NCLH chief Frank Del Rio said earlier this month that the law "is an issue" and said that if the company's ships can't operate from the state they'd launch elsewhere. DeSantis brushed off those comments, saying that if NCLH didn't want to sail from Florida, another line would take its spot.
"We have a whole bunch of people who are itching to do business in the state of Florida," he added.
How can the govt force a business to require or not require proof of vaccination ? How is it constitutional ?
I just love federalism.
Power to the states and the people therein!
Go, Ron, go!
Practicing medicine is a regulated affair, and that includes recommending or demanding medicines be taken.
Ron DeSantis is the ONLY person on this planet deserving my vote this man has balls of steel!! I would like to see a Trump DeSantis ticket in 2024 we would then have 12 years to get this nation back on the right track!!
Then while you're at it, test all pets on board for symptoms of vitamin C deficiency and keel haul the scurvy dogs.
A private company has no business asking you for your personal medical history to do business with you. Ever hear of HIPPA law?
Term should be “inoculate”, not just “vaccinate”.
Vac Passports are an infringement of my freedom. HOWEVER, not allowing a BUSINESS to run the business THEIR WAY, is just as bad. (Gay Cakes?). We can’t have it both ways. If we believe vac passports on ships are an infringement of our PERSONAL freedom, then we don’t take a cruise. People not using the cruise lines, for this reason, will make the cruise line change. But such a “business practice” should not be “governed” by the government.
Good job Florida.
Amen.
Good for DeSantis!!
As expected another hurdle exists for Florida Cruise ship departures this summer. -Tom
The only ‘hurdle’ seems to be these absurd requirements, by the cruise lines.
I love the guy too. However, in a moment of sober reflection all of us should admit that there is no bigger petri dish in the modern world than a cruise ship. The “outbreaks” of norovirus, influenza, and other contagious diseases has been legendary.
The media will have a field day with any outbreak on a ship and it is certain given past history.
I have been wanting to take my family on an inland passage cruise up to Alaska for years. I am going to wait another year to see what happens first.
Aaaarrrrrr! 🏴☠️
In an email, DeSantis press secretary, Christina Pushaw, said that the CDC’s vaccine guidance for cruise lines was “coercive” and pushing lines to violate Florida state law.
“The CDC has no legal authority to set any sort of requirements to cruise,” she said. “Moreover, the CDC went on record admitting that the federal government chose not to make a legal requirement for vaccine passports. Now they provide coercive guidance, in the absence of any federal law or congressional authorization. In short, the CDC is pushing cruise ships to violate Florida law, in order to comply with CDC ‘guidance’ that is not legally binding.”
Very clear and well stated!
i agree, a private business should be able to make this a requirement, and people can vote with their wallet by not using them.
Agreed.
The naive Cruise Lines have for over a year shot themselves in the foot by trying to placate the hostile CDC by going beyond the restriction put on them by the CDC.
I seriously wonder if the multi millionaire CEOs of these cruise lines haven't risen to their level of incompetence.-Tom
Cruise execs: “We’re making money, what’s the problem?”
Public: “How can you be making money when we’re not cruising??”
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