Image of Boston Sunset Cruise Goes Viral – Draws Governmental Rebuke

The domestic travel industry was shocked over the weekend after a Massachusetts woman posted images of a cruise ship packed with people online. Now, authorities in the state have issued a cease-and-desist order to the company responsible for the cruise.

NBCBoston.com reports that the Massachusetts Department of Labor Standards ordered Bay State Cruise Company to cease operating so-called “sunset cruises” following viral images of one of the company’s ships filled with revelers over the weekend. 

Under the state’s current coronavirus-related regulations the company is permitted to operate charter boats at 50% capacity. Bay State argues that it had approximately 210 people on the ship, which has a capacity of 900. But despite the company’s defense of the gathering, the cease and desist order notes that the company “offers some services that are permitted to be open during Phase III Step 1, and some services that are not permitted to be open,” and adds that “Venues offering entertainment, beverages, or dancing and not providing seated food service prepared on-site and under retail food permits is not eligible to reopen until Phase IV.”

The issue even caught the attention of Bostons mayor, who weighed in, saying “We’ve made great sacrifices and worked hard over the last few months to stop the very real and very dangerous spread of COVID-19, and it’s vital every person and every business take this public health emergency seriously, and do their part to keep their families, neighbors and communities safe.”