Although cruise lines have been quietly supporting Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ stance against the CDC, the state’s ban on so-called ‘vaccine passports’ could sink their mandatory vaccine policies.. It could lead to a stand-off between cruise lines and a state which is by far the global cruise industry leader.
DeSantis signed an executive order banning any companies from requiring customers provide documentation of Covid-19 vaccination. However, cruise lines have already mandated vaccinations. Many require them for guests, and almost all mandate vaccinations for ship crew at least.
A potential get out clause for cruise lines is that some legal experts are questioning whether Florida even has legal jurisdiction over this for foreign-flagged cruise ships traveling in international waters.
