The state of Florida sued President Joe Biden’s administration aiming to block the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s decision to prevent the U.S. cruise industry from immediately resuming operations.
According to Reuters, the suit asked the court to issue an injunction barring enforcement of the CDC’s order and to quickly lift a “nationwide lockdown” on the industry.
As Florida says, its ports have suffered a fall in operating revenue of almost $300 million since the pandemic began.
All started when the CDC issued new guidance to the cruise industry, as a necessary step before passenger voyages can resume. However, it did not set a date for resuming cruises.
In the lawsuit, Florida notes that “it now appears the CDC will continue that lockdown until November 2021, even though vaccines are now available to all adults who want them.”
On the other hand, White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki told reporters that the CDC guidance is based on data and health and medical guidelines.
The Cruise Lines International Association also shared its opinion, claiming that the CDC guidance means there is “no reasonable timeline” for resuming cruises.
With no discernable path forward or timeframe for resumption in the U.S., more sailings originating in the Caribbean and elsewhere are likely to be announced, effectively shutting American ports, closing thousands of American small businesses, and pushing an entire industry offshore
