Disney Cruise Line Resumes Florida Cruises on August 9
On Friday, Disney Cruise Line officially announced that its Florida cruises will resume on August 9. In a video on Instagram, Disney Signature Experiences President Thomas Mazloum said, “We’re ready to welcome you aboard and set sail once again.” Mazloum is in charge of Disney Cruise Line, Adventures by Disney and Disney Vacation Club, among others. What do you need to know about the Florida cruises as they resume on August 9?
Sailing from Port Canaveral, Florida to Disney Castaway Cay, Bahamas
As the cruises resume, the first US sailings for paying passengers since the COVID-19 pandemic began will be on the Disney Dream. Guests will be able to enjoy three- and four-night cruises, setting sail from Port Canaveral, Florida, and heading to Disney Castaway Cay, Disney Cruise Line’s private island in the Bahamas.
The cruise line is also preparing its Disney Wonder and Disney Fantasy ships for upcoming sailings.
How safe is sailing?
Disney Cruise Line wrote an advisory to guests, stating that it is resuming sailing in a “gradual, phased approach that emphasizes multiple layers of health and safety measures.” These have been developed under guidance from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other medical experts.
While vaccinations are “strongly encouraged,” they are not mandated for guests on Disney Dream sailings from Florida. However, guests who do have proof of vaccination will be able to skip the necessary coronavirus testing. This testing is required before leaving home and at port, with negative results from both necessary to board the ship.
Face masks are required in most indoor public areas of the cruise ship for guests aged 2 and up and ship capacity has been reduced to allow for social distancing. Hand sanitizer stations have been set up throughout the ship, as well as on Disney’s private island.
According to the cruise line, there will be twice-daily stateroom cleanings with extra attention paid to high-touch surfaces, plus new air purification systems are in place on the ship.
What if there is COVID-19 on board?
Should incidences of COVID-19 crop up on the cruise, Disney Cruise Line assures that experienced doctors and other medical crew will be available on board. They will be ready to screen for, and respond to, coronavirus symptoms.
However, according to the Disney Cruise Lines website, if a threshold of COVID-19 is detected on board the cruise ship during a voyage, the voyage will be ended immediately. The cruise ship will then return to the US port of embarkation, meaning any subsequent travel, including returning home, may be delayed or restricted.
“By sailing with Disney Cruise Line you voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19 and agree to follow all health and safety measures implemented by Disney Cruise Line and any relevant governments and authorities.”
Can guests cancel their cruise?
According to the cruise line, any guests with COVID-19 symptoms or exposure can cancel their bookings within 14 days of sailing. They will receive a full refund, or can apply their fares toward future sailings without any of the usual cancellation fees.
Meanwhile, guests wishing to cancel without coronavirus concerns will face a relaxed cancellation fee schedule this year.
Dazzling entertainment and impeccable service
Despite the fact that some things look a little different for now, Mazloum assures guests that the “dazzling entertainment, impeccable service and attention to detail that have long defined Disney vacations remain the same.”
Be sure to catch up on everything happening with Travel. Come back here often for Travel news and updates.
Photo credit: Disney