| CDC rules struck down

UNITED States District Judge for the Middle District of Florida Steven Merryday has struck down the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention’s (CDC) cruise rules.

The ruling said the national public health institute cannot enforce its rules from 18 Jul.

As part of its Conditional Sailing Order, the CDC said lines could only sail if 95% of crew members and passengers aboard a ship are vaccinated.

If not, the CDC required cruise lines to take volunteers on test cruises to show they can mitigate the risks of coronavirus.

The ruling says the CDC can propose “a narrower injunction” by 02 Jul “to further safeguard the public’s health while this action pends”.

Florida would have to respond to any such proposal within seven days, with the state’s Governor Ron DeSantis, who filed the suit in Apr, hailing the decision as a “major victory”.

Some cruise lines, such as Royal Caribbean International (RCI), were initially preparing to sail as soon as next week with the CDC’s blessing.

However, RCI now plans to resume sailing from the United States on 31 Jul (see page 2), and said passengers on its first sailings from Florida who don’t show proof of a coronavirus vaccine will face more restrictions than passengers who do.

Guests not presenting as vaccinated will be restricted to a fixed dining time and be assigned to a designated area specifically for the unvaccinated, and will not be able to sign up for My Time Dining.

They will also not be able to participate in some activities, will not be able to access all venues, and will not be able to attend certain performances.

Unvaccinated passengers also will have to wear masks at all times when in interior areas of the ship, and will face extra coronavirus testing at their own expense, including a test at the cruise terminal prior to boarding the ship, and another test on board prior to disembarkation, at an extra cost of $136 per passenger.

Vaccinated passengers will be issued wristbands, while those who are unvaccinated will have a hole punched in their key cards.

All passengers will have to show their SeaPass cards to access lounges, shows and dining venues on the ship.

Passengers who don’t wish to follow the newly announced protocols for the ship can cancel their trips for a full refund.

“Since the majority of our guests will be vaccinated, there will be venues and events restricted to vaccinated guests only,” RCI said.

“We’ll do our best to create opportunities for all guests to enjoy their time with us.”