There are various guidelines being issued to curb the spread of coronavirus infection. One such guideline introduced required people to show proof that they are vaccinated before using a business or service. However, the Florida governor has ordered banning businesses from asking customers to provide what some call ‘vaccine passport.’ Unhappy with the decision, Norwegian Cruise Line has now threatened that it will boycott Florida port unless the regulation is rolled back by the state. Norwegian CEO Frank Del Rio said that he would stop sending cruise ships if the order from Governor Ron DeSantis remains in force.
The treat from the Norwegian Cruise Line came just days after the Governor signed the legislation that bars government and businesses from asking for so-called vaccine passports. “If by any chance we are not able to operate in Florida, there are other states from where we can continue our operations. We can even operate from the Caribbean,” said Del Rio. Norwegian Cruise Line Holding is responsible for operating not only Norwegian Cruise Line but also Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas. Del Rio reiterated that every passenger and crew member onboard will be vaccinated against Covid once operations restart. Cruises are already on hold since March 14 when a No Sail Order was passed on March 14, 2021.
The legislation signed by Governor DeSantis will go into effect from July 1. Earlier in March, DeSantis openly opposed the move of making vaccine passports necessary. He had signed an executive order at that time. He had said that it was being done for the time Legislation could be drafted. The governor is of the view that Americans should be allowed to make their own decisions. Some states, which are ruled by Republicans, have followed the suit and have banned the passport visa. Texas Governor Greg Abbott has also announced that his administration was not in favor of making passport visas compulsory and therefore would ban such requirements in his state.
