Cruises

Cruise lines could resume US operations by mid-July, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Thursday, sending the industry’s stocks up on investor hope that a more than year-long suspension could be nearing its end.

The state of Florida filed a request in federal court Thursday for an immediate halt to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s sailing restrictions in its latest effort to restart the cruise line industry.

Royal Caribbean Group CEO Richard Fain expressed optimism Monday that cruise lines will be able to resume operations this summer, more than one year after the industry effectively shut down in the coronavirus pandemic.

Republican Sens. Rick Scott and Marco Rubio of Florida, as well as Dan Sullivan of Alaska, on Tuesday introduced legislation to jumpstart cruise operations.

Miami Mayor Francis Suarez stressed on Tuesday that the continued shutdown of the cruise industry has affected tourism in Miami and, in turn, the local economy.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Thursday that the state of Florida is suing the federal government over a failure to lift restrictions on cruise ships as the U.S. stages its recovery from the coronavirus pandemic.