Florida’s Lawsuit Against CDC May Prevent Cruising in Alaska

A few months back, Florida along with Alaska sued the CDC in an attempt to get the cruise industry to sail once again. But this time around, it seems that Florida’s lawsuit against the CDC may have the potential to stop cruises from returning to Alaska.

This is what US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is worried about. The health agency suggested that a ruling in favor of Florida will “end cruising in Alaska for the season”. The reason behind this is that Florida’s lawsuit pushed by Governor DeSantis wants to have the Conditional Sailing Order considered unlawful.

If this happens, it could spell disaster for cruise lines in Alaska. Cruise lines depend on the recent law signed by President Joe Biden that is only valid if the Conditional Sailing Order is in effect.

Alaska Tourism Restoration Act

The Alaska Tourism Restoration Act will temporarily allow “covered cruise ships” to sail in Alaska during the summer. “Covered cruise ship” is defined as a ship that “operates in accordance with and retains a COVID19 Conditional Sailing Certificate of the CDC”.

Alaska Tourism Restoration Act will only allow cruises that have a Conditional Sailing Certificate from CDC. And without the Conditional Sailing Order, cruises won’t be able to sail in Alaska.

Judge Steven Merryday heard both CDC and Florida’s lawyers on May 12 and has ordered both parties to come up with an out-of-court resolution via mediation.

Conditional Sailing Order

Since March 2020, large ships weren’t able to sail in Alaska. Because of the Conditional Sailing Order, only ships with passengers and crew fewer than 250 were able to operate in the last 15 months.

This time around, the CDC eased on their health guidelines allowing large cruises to operate as long as they can meet the number of vaccinated passengers and crew. If not, they will have to run a simulated voyage to test safety protocols that will be used on the actual cruises.