COVID-19 vaccination requirements are changing for cruisers on-board Disney Cruise Line. And the changes take effect almost immediately.
Vaccination Changes
Starting on October 14, 2022, guests sailing on the Disney Wonder, Dream, Fantasy, and Wish are no longer required to be fully vaccinated. The same is true for guests on the Disney Magic starting November 7, 2022. This is a major shift for Disney; the cruise line did require all eligible passengers to be fully vaccinated or else they could not board the ships. The change comes on the heels of several other large cruise lines lessening their rules regarding COVID-19 vaccinations, such as Princess Cruise Lines and Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines.
Testing Requirements
While there are no longer vaccination requirements, Disney Cruise Line is requiring any unvaccinated cruiser over the age of 5 to submit a negative PCR test taken no more than 2 days prior to their sail date. The cruise line accepts rapid PCR tests and tests proctored via telehealth, but will not accept rapid antigen tests. Guests 4 and younger are not required to take a test or prove vaccination status.
To make testing easier, Disney is partnering with Inspire Diagnostics to offer several pre-cruise options. This includes ordering a test directly to your home and taking it via telehealth. Guests can also make an appointment for testing set up by Disney near the port of departure.
Starting 2 weeks before sailing, each guest must create a profile on Disney’s Safe Passage website and either upload their vaccination card or test result. All documents are due on this site no later than midnight prior to embarkation day. Disney will clear you to arrive and sail once it has reviewed your documents.
Exceptions
There are a few exceptions regarding the new vaccination policy. Guests sailing on back-to-back cruises will need to take a COVID-19 test in between the two sailings, but Disney will pay for it. Additionally, if a guest was diagnosed with COVID-19 within 90 days prior to sailing, he or she can apply for a 90-Day-Recovered exemption. A copy of the positive test and a signed letter from a health professional stating that the guest has recovered from the virus are required to receive this exemption. Once granted, these guests will not have to take a COVID-19 test prior to sailing.
Now that you are clear to sail on a Disney ship, check out our adult’s guide to sailing with Disney, plus our tips on how to save money on your drinks! If you still need some inspiration, just take a look at this massive two-story suite on-board the Disney Wish!