Disney Cruise Line hasn’t set sail for over a year as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Following months of delays, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) finally lifted their domestic “No-Sail Order” on October 31, 2020.
Disney’s cruise ship fleet — the Disney Dream, the Disney Fantasy, the Disney Magic, and the Disney Wonder — couldn’t hit the high seas immediately, however. There are numerous health and safety requirements that must be met in accordance with the CDC’s conditional sailing framework.
Furthermore, all of a cruise operator’s ships must obtain conditional sailing certifications in order to begin cruising with passengers once again.
One of the health and safety requirements that Disney Cruise Line will implement upon their return to sailing is a face mask mandate, presumably for Guests age 2 and over like in open Disney theme park properties worldwide.
Just like in Disney Parks, Guests have mixed opinions on face masks being worn onboard Disney Cruise Line ships. As a matter of fact, in a recent ITM poll, our readers were divided almost right down the middle!
46% of respondents indicated they will be willing to cruise while face mask requirements are in place, while 54% of DCL fans polled said they will wait to book a stateroom until masks are no longer necessary.
Previously, ITM fans shared their thoughts about wearing masks while onboard a Disney Cruise vacation. Ron W. said simply, “I will wait until there is NO mask requirement.”
Mark P. also expressed disappointment about how the COVID-19 outbreak has changed the cruise travel landscape, noting, “My wife and I had to cancel or cruise in 2020, we will are planning to try again in 2023.”
In January, the CDC confirmed that all cruise ship crew members and passengers will be required to wear masks. Per our prior coverage from Cruise Industry News:
“‘Requiring masks on our transportation systems will protect Americans and provide confidence that we can once again travel safely even during this pandemic,’ said the order, which was signed by Dr. Martin Cetron, director of the CDC’s Division of Global Migration and Quarantine.
‘Therefore, requiring masks will help us control this pandemic and aid in reopening America’s economy.’
Passengers may take the mask off to eat, drink or take medications for brief periods, as well as for communication purposes. Children under the age of two are exempt, as are those with a disability who cannot safely wear a mask.”
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Credit: Disney Cruise Line
