In its place, the CDC introduced their Conditional Sailing Order, a framework that outlines various health and safety protocols cruise operators, including Disney Cruise Line, must adhere to in order to once again set sail with passengers onboard.
Among the requirements are the fact that every ship in a cruise line’s fleet — in Disney’s case, the Disney Dream, the Disney Fantasy, the Disney Magic, and the Disney Wonder — must obtain conditional sailing certificates prior to once more serving Guests.
Now, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has spoken out against the framework, calling for it to be rescinded completely and for the cruise industry to have the ability to return to normal, pre-pandemic operations. According to a report from news network Local 10, DeSantis spoke at a Port Canaveral roundtable discussion with cruise line executives and employees:
“If there is one thing we’ve learned over the past year, it’s that lockdowns don’t work and Floridians deserve the right to earn a living,” DeSantis said. “The cruise industry is essential to our state’s economy and keeping it shut down until November would be devastating to the men and women who rely on the cruise lines to provide for themselves and their families. I urge the CDC to immediately rescind this baseless no-sail order to allow Floridians in this industry to get back to work.”
As previously noted, the official “No-Sail Order” was lifted last fall — around the same time that Governor DeSantis gave theme parks, such as Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort, the go-ahead to operate as they did before the COVID-19 pandemic. Disney World and Universal Orlando, however, continued enforcing health and safety protocol such as limited capacity and face mask requirements.
The CDC has stated that the new Conditional Sailing Order will remain in effect until at least November 1, 2021. Presumably, this is what Governor DeSantis wants to be revoked.
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Credit: Disney Cruise Line
