Level 4 Bahamas Travel Warning: How Could Cruises Be Affected?

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Credit: Disney

The U.S. State Department has aligned with the U.S. Centers For Disease Control’s Level 4 travel warning for the Bahamas. Previously, the advisory level for Bahamian visitors had been Level 3, but due to their recent spike in COVID-19 cases, it has been increased to Level 4, which makes it a “do-not-travel” location.

This week, the State Department amended its travel advisory notice to more closely mirror the CDC’s. This means that 80% of international destinations are Level 4 at this time.

Pixar Plane Alaska Airlines
Credit: Disney

The State Department issued the following statement:

As travelers face ongoing risks due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of State will begin updating its travel advisories this week to better reflect the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s science-based Travel Health Notices that outline current issues affecting travelers’ health,” the State Department said in a statement on Monday. “Our advisories also take into account logistical factors, including in-country testing availability and current travel restrictions for U.S. citizens. 

The big question is, how could this affect Disney Cruises when they are able to resume?

disney cruise line
Credit: Disney Cruise Line

While Disney is not currently cruising, Disney CEO Bob Chapek has stated that he would like to see Disney resume cruising as early as this fall. As of right now, all Disney Cruises have been canceled through June 2021. The cancellations are as follows.

  • Disney Wonder with embarkations through 6/28/21
  • Disney Dream with embarkations through 6/28/21
  • Disney Fantasy with embarkations through 6/26/21
  • Disney Magic with embarkations through 9/18/21
AquaDuck Water Coaster Disney Fantasy Pools
Credit: Disney

Given Chapek’s estimate of a fall return to sailing, it is likely that even more cruise ship itineraries will be canceled, though this has not been confirmed. At this time, Disney has not yet begun the test cruising process on any of its four existing vessels — the Dream, the Fantasy, the Magic, and the Wonder. Test cruises are required before the cruise ships can obtain their respective conditional sailing certificates, which are required by the CDC’s Conditional Sailing Order before paying passengers can once again board.

Disney commonly takes Guests to Castaway Cay, a private island owned by the company. However, Castaway Cay is located in the Bahamas and if the travel restrictions are not lifted, then Guests will be unable to go there when cruising is able to resume.

Should the Bahamian Level 4 warning last longer than Disney Cruise Line’s suspension, it could pose a problem for The Walt Disney Company. Though nothing has been confirmed by Disney, one theory about how Cruise operators can safely resume sailing is that they can begin by visiting only their private islands, rather than traditional ports of call. This new theory could mean that Disney could resume sailing to Castaway Cay.

A boat is docked next to a body of water with Castaway Cay in the foreground
Disney Dream at Castaway Cay

Disney’s most recent statement about their cruising schedule reads:

We are carefully reviewing the most recently released guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and working toward resuming operations. As we continue to refine our protocols for our eventual return to service, we are cancelling all Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy and Disney Wonder sailings departing through June 2021.

Disney Cruise
Credit: Disney

The Bahamas is currently open to international travelers, but all travelers over the age of 11 must have proof of a negative COVID-19 test that was taken within 5 days of departure. They must also have a Bahamian health travel visa and get the required COVID-19 health insurance.

While there is no official date for Disney cruises to resume in 2021, Disney has announced Summer 2022 itineraries to beloved locations. The official DCL Instagram account noted:

Just announced! In summer 2022, we’ll be cruising to dream destinations like Alaska, Norway and even returning to Greece. 

There is no word yet on whether cruises will set sail after the June cancellations, but Inside the Magic will keep readers update when we receive more information!

Will you be taking a Disney Cruise when they resume? Let us know in the comments!

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