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Credit: Disney via Disney Cruise Line InstagramDisney Cruise Line has just released an update regarding the extended suspension of cruise sailings further into 2021.
In December, we reported that Disney Cruise Line had to cancel cruises that were longer than 7 nights due to new CDC guidelines, which prohibits cruise ships from operating voyages longer than 7 nights.
And the last we reported, Disney Cruise Line canceled sailings into March 2021. Now, as of January 27, 2021, Disney Cruise Line is continuing to cancel certain sailings on the Disney Fantasy, Disney Dream, Disney Magic, and Disney Wonder further into Spring 2021.
Related: Disney Cruise Line Confirms a Full Year Without Sailing
Disney Cruise Line Cancels Sailings Further Into 2021
The announcement reads:
Our team at Disney Cruise Line remains focused on the health and well-being of our Guests and team members. We are carefully preparing for a return to service following the guidelines issued by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). As we continue to refine our protocols and await further technical guidance from the CDC, we are cancelling all sailings through April 2021 and select sailings onboard the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder in May.
Sailings are cancelled aboard the Disney Fantasy through April 24; the Disney Dream through April 30; the Disney Magic through May 6 and Disney Wonder through May 12.
Additionally, as previously shared, based on the conditional sail order provided by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Disney Cruise Line must cancel sailings longer than 7 nights.
We are offering affected Guests who have paid their reservation in full the choice of a 125% future cruise credit* to be used for a future sailing prior to May 31, 2022, or a full refund.
A letter will be going out to Guests to inform them of these changes, which reads:
All of us at Disney Cruise Line hope you and your family are staying well.
Our team at Disney Cruise Line remains focused on the health and well-being of our Guests and team members. We are carefully preparing for a return to service following the guidelines issued by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). As we continue to refine our protocols and await further technical guidance from the CDC, we are cancelling [Disney Magic/Disney Wonder/Disney Dream/Disney Fantasy] sailings departing through [May 6, 2021/May 12, 2021/April 30, 2021/April 24, 2021].
We are offering affected Guests who have paid their reservation in full the choice of a 125% future cruise credit* to be used for a future sailing prior to May 31, 2022, or a full refund. The credit has automatically been added to your account. Once you have decided on an alternate sail date, you may contact your travel agent. Your agent may place a reservation on hold for you by applying this credit as a payment option when booking a new reservation online. Guests that have not paid their reservations in full will automatically receive a refund of what they have paid so far.
Thank you for your patience and understanding during these times. We look forward to welcoming you aboard as soon as we can and making magic for you and your loved ones.
Sincerely,
Cast & Crew
Disney Cruise Line
*The Future Cruise Credit (FCC) is equal to 125% of your original voyage fare plus the cost of the Vacation Protection Plan, if applicable. The FCC is only valid for sailings departing prior to May 31, 2022. Your original reservation must be paid in full to be eligible for the FCC. The FCC is applied per person and is non-transferable, non-refundable and has no cash value. Standard prevailing rates apply and Guests are responsible for any balance due after the FCC has been applied. If you end up not being able to use the FCC, you will be eligible for a refund up to the amount of your original voyage fare plus the cost of the Vacation Protection Plan, if applicable. Standard cancellation policies and terms and conditions apply to future sailings. Guests who previously received a FCC are not eligible for an additional FCC.
If you were booked on any of these sailings, we recommend you check your email for any updates directly from Disney Cruise Line or to get in contact with your Travel Agent as soon as possible.
More on Disney Cruise Line
As a result of the ongoing pandemic, Disney Cruise Line, along with the cruising industry as a whole, was forced to suspend sailings in order to comply with the CDC and its “No Sail” order. Though the order was lifted on October 31, 2020, the CDC made it very clear that the cruising industry will need to meet several health and safety requirements in order to earn a “Conditional Sailing Certificate” and allow passengers back on the ships. In addition to these requirements, the CDC has stated that cruise ships are not able to operate voyages longer than 7 nights, as mentioned earlier.
Despite having to cancel sailings further into 2021, Disney Cruise Line continues to gear up and get ready to bring sailing back to Disney fans everywhere when they can do so safely. They are also showing how they will adapt to “the new norm” and how they can operate safely during this unprecedented time and gain the “Conditional Sailing Certificate.”
It is more than likely Disney Cruise Line will be implementing similar rules as the ones in place at the Disney Parks around the world, including face coverings to be worn, keeping a safe social distance from others, enhanced hand sanitizing stations located throughout the ships, limited capacity, and more.
It’s safe to say Disney Cruise Line is eager to once again welcome back Guests once they are able to do so. In the meantime, it looks like they are gearing up by ensuring their ships are safe and showing viewers what cruising could look like once they make their return, which you can read more about here.
To keep up with all of the latest Disney Cruise Line news, as well as other Disney Parks news, be sure to subscribe to our email list below and stay tuned to Inside the Magic as we continue to update you as we get information.