Disney Cruise Line Extends Suspension of Operations Through June 2021
There is bad news for fans of cruising as the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) have released their latest guidelines for the next phase of cruising. Due to the new guidelines, many major cruise lines have had to cancel more of their sailings, including Disney Cruise Line. However, the CDC promises to stay vigilant and keep abreast of current trends.
Disney Cruise Lines Suspends All Cruises Through June 2021
Disney Cruise Line is the latest major cruise line to announce the suspension of all cruises through June 2021. Regrettably, it is also canceling all international cruises on the Disney Magic, sailing from European ports through September 18 this year.
As before, Disney Cruise Line is offering passengers who have paid in full for their cruise a 125 percent future cruise credit. While the credit is to be used before September 30, 2022, passengers can, if they wish, opt for a full refund of their fare instead. Passengers who have yet to pay in full for their cruise will receive a refund of the amount they have paid so far.
Adventures by Disney packages
If passengers have purchased additional packages from Adventures by Disney, they will be refunded for their Embedded package. Any guests who have booked an Adventures by Disney Escape package will have the option to reschedule their booking or receive a full refund.
“SeaMails” from Disney Cruise Line were set to be sent out on Tuesday, April 6, to alert passengers of the impacted sailings and outline the next steps to be taken.
As for travel agents, Disney Cruise Line had promised that any commissions from cruise bookings will be honored for cruises that have been paid in full. However, should a Future Cruise Credit be used to rebook a canceled cruise, the travel agent’s commission for the second sailing will only be paid if that sailing does occur. However, should Disney Cruise Line cancel the second sailing, that commission will not be paid.
Cruising Could Resume By Summer
According to a report by Cruise Industry News, in response to pressure from the industry, the CDC may be open to lifting or changing its Conditional Sailing Order (CSO) by as soon as this summer.
That report quotes a CDC spokesperson as saying the agency’s “goal aligns with the desire to resume passenger operations in the United States expressed by many major cruise ship operators and travelers; hopefully, by mid-summer with restricted revenue sailings.”
However, so far, it is unclear what will happen next, but many expect the CDC to issue further guidelines on quarantine regulations, onboard protocols and capacity restrictions.
In the meantime, the CDC promises to remain vigilant, while constantly updating its protocols as more research is concluded. It can only be hoped that Disney Cruise Lines and other major cruise lines will be able to return to sailing in the coming months.
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