To ensure we are equipping our readers with all the information they need, we will continue to report on all travel, safety, and COVID-related news that could impact a Disney Parks visit or Disney Cruise Line sailing.
COVID-19 policies and guidelines are continuing to change as the situation with the virus and its variants develops. Now, the CDC has changed some guidance for cruise ships.
The Disney Wish
The Disney Cruise Line has required vaccine-eligible guests to be fully vaccinated before embarking on their cruise, and all guests must undergo COVID-19 testing before they can board the ship. But could the current policies be CHANGING soon? Here’s what we know so far.
The CDC has announced that, as of July 18th, 2022, their COVID-19 Program for Cruise Ships is “no longer in effect.” In a statement on their website, the CDC said that they have “worked closely with the cruise industry, state, territorial, and local health authorities, and federal and seaport partners to provide a safer and healthier environment for cruise passengers and crew. Cruise ships have access to guidance and tools to manage their own COVID-19 mitigation programs.”
Disney Magic
Rather than the CDC regulating COVID-19 policies for cruise ships, it sounds like the individual companies will be able to make their own rules. This applies to pre-cruise testing requirements, mask requirements, and vaccine requirements. The color-coded COVID-19 chart previously found on the CDC’s website (which indicated the risk level of certain cruise ships) is no longer in use. The CDC also said that “cruise travelers have access to recommendations that allow them to make informed decisions about cruise ship travel.”
Boarding a Disney Cruise Ship
There may still be some guidance released by the CDC for cruise ships, as they have said they will “continue to publish guidance to help cruise ships continue to provide a safer and healthier environment for crew, passengers, and communities going forward.”
At the terminal
So far, the Disney Cruise Line has not made any changes to its COVID-19 policies. Guests are still required to be fully vaccinated (if vaccine-eligible) and complete COVID-19 testing before boarding the ship. If a guest tests positive for COVID-19, they and their group will not be permitted to board.
Learn all about the COVID-19 regulations for the Disney Cruise Line here.
We’ll continue to watch for more updates and let you know if the Disney Cruise Line makes changes to its policies. Keep following DFB for all the latest Disney news!
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Booked the WISH for August. It would be great if they got rid of the testing requirement for fully vaccinated and boosted guests who are exhibiting no symptoms. Not only is it one less thing to have to worry about but it will save us some money…more we could spend on the cruise….can’t wait!