We have had a whirlwind of Disney Cruise health and safety protocols! Disney has been hard at work preparing its Cruise Line to set sail once again. Recently, it announced that sailings would resume Monday, August 9, 2021.
While the company has been preparing to relaunch its present fleet, it has also revealed some very stunning features that will be a part of the up-and-coming Disney Wish. We have a separate review of those items here.
Without further ado, let’s jump into the Disney Cruise Line updates.
Disney Cruise Line Healthy & Safety Protocols
Safety first! Disney is reopening its ships to bring the magic of Disney sailing back to its guests while also keeping health a priority. Sailing will resume in a gradual, phased approach that emphasizes multiple layers of health and safety measures.
Disney is also offering options that will allow guests to change or cancel a booking while making plans in advance. That way, guests will feel secure regardless of what changes the coming months may bring.
If you have visited Walt Disney World since it reopened, you probably remember that the parks look slightly different from pre-Covid. The same will be true for those returning to the Disney Cruise Line. This is because Disney has made several adjustments to the ship and its protocols to help ensure the safety of its passengers while still delighting guests throughout an unforgettable voyage.
VACCINATIONS
Disney is strongly encouraging that guests to be fully vaccinated before embarking upon a cruise.
Guests who provide proof of vaccination will not need to meet pre-trip and embarkation day requirements (unless the guests are arriving from outside the United States).
The pre-trip requirement is proof of a negative Covid PCR test taken between 1 to 5 days before boarding the ship. You can bring your own, or Disney has a vendor that provides a PCR test. However, it is strongly suggested that you plan ahead and do this on your own. Disney will be charging a hefty $98.33 per test, plus a 3.5% processing fee.
The embarkation day requirement is getting a negative result on a $65 test at the cruise terminal. Anyone with a positive test result will be denied access to the ship.
Again, if you are from the U.S. and show proof of full vaccination, you do not need to get either of these tests. You are covered.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Those who are not fully vaccinated will have to purchase travel insurance that meets Disney’s minimum coverage requirements. However, guests who are fully vaccinated and opt to show proof of this will not need to be covered by travel insurance.
MASKS
Both vaccinated and unvaccinated guests over the age of 2 will be required to wear face coverings indoors. However, they will not be necessary when in your stateroom and while eating and drinking on the ship.
Disney seems to be a bit more lenient when guests are out in the open air. While outdoors on the ship, masks will not be required. Additionally, in designated areas on Castaway Cay, you will not have to wear a mask.
REIMAGINED EXPERIENCES
What would a Disney Cruise be without the entertainment? The Cruise Line will still feature Characters “in new and entertaining ways.” Disney has not yet announced what this means exactly, but it’s good to know we can still expect to find some of our favorite friends on board.
Disney also announced that we can expect Broadway-style spectaculars. Live entertainment is always a star feature of the ships. It seems that these performances will continue to amaze fans of all ages.
DINING
Everyone knows that dining is one of the best parts of any Disney vacation. Disney Cruise Line insists that their cuisine will continue to satisfy and wow guests. We can’t wait!
As with most dining locations, buffets will not be available yet on the cruise ships. However, quick-service food and beverage stations will still offer all-you-care-to-eat treats. Of course, knowing Disney, the food will still be as spectacular as ever!
ENHANCED CLEANING
Lastly, Disney is taking its cleaning very seriously. Housekeeping will consist of twice-daily cleanings for every stateroom onboard.
In addition, items aboard the ship that tend to be touched often and are loose (think pillows on sofas) have been removed to reduce the spread of germs.
If you have more questions or concerns about planning your next Disney Cruise Line vacation, please fill out our contact form below. We’ll be glad to discuss your personal needs and answer any questions you might have.
This article was contributed by Erica Seman of Firefly Travels, she specializes in planning Disney Destination vacations.
For more information about the Disney Parks, check out our full list of 2021 Disney World Updates. We still have a summer room offer available through 8/28/2021.
What are your thoughts about these new cruise health and safety protocols? Are you planning to cruise within the next year?
