Back in November, Disney Cruise Line announced that they would soon be requiring all Guests who are able to receive the vaccine to be vaccinated before they are able to embark on one of DCL’s amazing cruises. Originally, the vaccination requirement was only in place for those Guests 12 and over, but when the CDC approved vaccines for children as young as 5, Disney Cruise Line changed its policy as well. Disney gave Guests a couple of months’ notice and now the time is here –Disney Cruise Line’s new vaccine requirements officially go into effect today.
If you are going on a Disney Cruise — or looking into booking a Disney Cruise — here is what you need to know about the vaccination requirements. Per the Disney Cruise Line website:
Currently, Disney Cruise Line continues to require all vaccine-eligible Guests (based on US eligibility requirements) to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, as defined by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), at the time of sailing. This is a requirement for all Guests (US and international) ages 5 and older. Guests who are not vaccine-eligible because of age must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test result (paid for by the Guest) taken between 3 days and 24 hours before their sail date. Guests ages 4 and under must complete the testing requirements. The test should be a NAAT test, rapid PCR test or lab-based PCR test. Rapid antigen tests are not accepted.
Now, if you are unsure of what a rapid antigen test is, it is a test that involves a quick swab of the inside of your nose and test results typically come back in under one hour. Disney Cruise Line requires a negative PCR test for children 4 and under — which is typically done at a testing facility or in a doctor’s office, and the results may take a few days to get back.
It is very important to note that children and adults who are vaccine eligible will NOT be able to simply provide proof of a negative COVID test taken less than 72 hours before their trip. Proof of vaccination is the only way they will be able to board the vessel.
It is also important to remember that, even though vaccinations are required, masks are still to be worn indoors at all times, unless the Guest is in their stateroom, or they are actively eating or drinking while stationary and are at a socially distanced from other Guests. The face mask requirement applies to all Guests ages two and up.
