NEW: Big Changes for Vaccinated Guests on Disney Cruise Line

Lots of changes are coming up for Disney Cruise Line. Disney continues to adjust protocols, and big changes are on the way.

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. Character hugs and autographs also return soon!

Back in July, the CDC released an update stating that “CDC’s COVID-19 Program for Cruise Ships is no longer in effect.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.

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. Read more about this HERE.

Latest change

The latest update included guests 11 and younger do not need to be full vaccinated. Now, this latest update states fully vaccinated Guests do not need to test before sailing. Here is the announcement:

Beginning Sept. 23, 2022, for sailings aboard the Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, Disney Wish and Disney Wonder and beginning Nov. 7, 2022, for sailings aboard the Disney Magic, fully vaccinated Guests are no longer required to participate in COVID-19 testing in order to sail.

Guests who are NOT fully vaccinated must continue providing proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken one to 3 days before the sail date. However, Guests who are not fully vaccinated will no longer be required to complete a second test at the terminal on embarkation day.

Fully vaccinated Guests do not need participate in Covid-19 testing before sailing. Additionally, Guests who are not fully-vaccinated no longer have to complete a second test.

What do you think of these changes? Are you ready to sail, or are you waiting a bit longer? Let us know in the comments below and on Facebook.