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JUNEAU — The state of Alaska is joining Florida in a lawsuit that attempts to overturn public health restrictions on large cruise ships.
On Tuesday, the state filed a motion to intervene in the case, which is proceeding in a federal district court in Florida. The state’s documents were filed by a Florida law firm temporarily hired until a state attorney is licensed for the Florida court.
If the suit succeeds, large cruise ships would be able to begin sailing in the Lower 48 sooner than currently scheduled. Large ships traveling to Alaska would remain blocked by the Passenger Vessel Services Act, which requires a stop in Canada. Canada has halted large-ship cruise travel through February 2022.