Disney Cruise Line makes big changes for vaccine requirements

More changes are coming for vaccine requirements on Disney cruises. What do you think of the new requirements?

Disney Cruise Line protocols

Just like at its theme parks and other destinations, Disney Cruise Line is constantly updating guidelines and protocol based on the current environment. Disney Cruise Line eliminated mask mandates and social distancing. In addition, self-serve buffets returned as well. You can read about those changes HERE.

Back in July, the CDC released an update stating that “CDC’s COVID-19 Program for Cruise Ships is no longer in effect. CDC will continue to publish guidance to help cruise ships continue to provide a safer and healthier environment for passengers, crew and communities going forward.”

What does this mean for Disney? Well, since cruise ships no longer have to follow the guidelines, it will be up to each individual cruise line on what guidance they want to follow for their guests and crew.

With this update, Disney Cruise Line is adjusting vaccine requirements.

New vaccine requirements

Soon, guests 11 years and under are no longer required to be vaccinated in order to cruise. Here is the official announcement:

COVID-19 Vaccination: For sailings departing US and Canadian ports through September 1, 2022, Disney Cruise Line requires Guests ages 5 and older to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 at the time of sailing, as defined by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Beginning September 2, 2022, for sailings departing US and Canadian ports, Disney Cruise Line will require Guests ages 12 and older to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 at the time of sailing, as defined by the CDC. In consideration of CDC guidance, Disney Cruise Line highly recommends that Guests ages 11 and younger be fully vaccinated before sailing.

Note that this does not take effect until September 2, so if you are sailing before then all guests 5-11 must be vaccinated.

What do you think of these changes? Will you be sailing soon? Let us know in the comments below and on Facebook.