Disney Cruise Line enacts strict new protocols for UK cruises

Disney Cruise Line has released information pertaining to health and safety protocols for UK guests on summer “staycation” sailings. Read on for details.

We’ve long known that Disney Cruise Line would be the last of our favorite Disney destinations to come back after the pandemic hit last year.

CEO Bob Chapek had said from the start that the fleet would be the most difficult to get back up and running. He shared that he hopes for US Cruises to be back by this fall.

UK Sailings

Then Disney Cruise Line announced that they would offer “staycation” cruises for guests in the UK this summer! There may not be any exotic ports to visit, but guests in the UK can at least get back to enjoying the Disney Magic.

The Disney Magic is one of the two original Disney Cruise Line ships, also referred to as the “classic” ships, along with sister ship the Disney Wonder.

Guests who reside in the United Kingdom can book 2,3, or 4 night sailings this summer. Prices start at just over $1,000 for a party of 2 on a 2 night sailing.

Health and Safety Protocols

In contrast to the parks, health and safety protocols onboard the ship are considerably more strict.

Keeping in mind that the following information only applies to the UK sailings, let’s take a look at the requirements as it pertains to vaccination, testing and face coverings.

Vaccinations

According to the Disney Cruise Line website, guests over age 18 will be required to be fully vaccinated against the coronavirus.

A guest is considered fully vaccinated one week after their final vaccine dose.

“For questions regarding special accommodations to our vaccination policy, please contact us at [email protected] at least 15 days prior to your sail date.”

From DCL Website

The website seems to indicate that there may be exceptions, presumably for guests who cannot be vaccinated.

Covid-19 Testing

Guests under the age of 18 are not required to be vaccinated, but must provide a negative Covid test taken between 5 days and 24 hours prior to sailing. The testing is at the guest’s expense, but Disney has secured a discount for their guests.

Further, all guests, including those who have been vaccinated, will undergo a rapid test prior to embarkation. The test will be conducted by a third party vendor and at no cost to the guest.

In the event of a positive test, the guest will be tested again. Guests with a positive test and those in their travel party will be denied boarding.

Face Coverings

All guests ages 11 and up, including vaccinated guests, must wear masks on board the ship in indoor common areas.

Guests may remove their face coverings when actively eating or drinking or when outdoors.

The guidelines for acceptable face coverings echo the familiar policy from the Disney parks: No neck gaiters or bandanas, must fit snug over nose and mouth and secure with ear loops, etc.

What to Expect for US Sailings

As stated previously, the policies for UK sailings will not necessarily be duplicated when US based cruises resume.

Disney Cruise Line continues to work with the CDC to come up with acceptable guidelines.

I (Rebecca) found the “11 and up” guidance particularly surprising, given that the parks require guests over the age of 2 to don a face covering unless vaccinated. The Disney parks do not require proof of vaccine.

What do you think? Do you expect the US policies to be similar to those in the UK? Let us know in the comments on Facebook!

-Rebecca W Davis