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Credit: DisneyDisney Cruise Line vacations from U.S. ports have not taken place in well over a year as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Although the Disney Magic cruise ship recently began “staycation” cruises for U.K. residents, these types of cruises that lack ports of call are not legal in the United States. However, DCL’s domestic return to sailing is inching closer with a successful first test cruise out of Port Canaveral.
Related: Disney Cruise Line Considering Sailing Out of Ft. Lauderdale
The Disney Dream recently returned from her simulated voyage — with volunteer Disney Cast Members as passengers — and, now, Disney has seemingly added additional test cruise itineraries for the Dream, the Disney Fantasy, and the Disney Wonder.
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The Disney Dream’s upcoming test cruises are 3-night Bahamian Cruises from Port Canaveral visiting Nassau and Castaway Cay on the following dates:
- Sunday August 1, 2021 3-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral (Cast Test Cruise)
- Thursday August 5, 2021 3-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral (Cast Test Cruise)
The Disney Fantasy’s upcoming test cruises are a 3-night Bahamian visiting Nassau and Castaway Cay and a 4-night Western Caribbean from Port Canaveral to Cozumel on the following dates:
- Thursday August 26, 2021 3-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral (Cast Test Cruise)
- Sunday August 29, 2021 4-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral (Cast Test Cruise)
Although Disney has yet to confirm an official return to sailing date in the United States, Walt Disney Company CEO Bob Chapek has previously indicated that he is optimistic about a fall 2021 return. Should these test sailings be successful, it is possible — though, again, unconfirmed — that the Disney Dream’s August 9 itinerary and the Disney Fantasy’s September 4 itinerary could sail as scheduled.
Related: Disney Cruises to Castaway Cay Can Ease Travelers’ Minds
It is important to note that these test cruises are required for all cruise operators per the CDC’s Conditional Sailing Order (CSO).
Although the future of the DCL fleet in 2021 remains uncertain, Disney is planning a major return to sailing in 2022, crowned by the maiden voyage of the Triton Class Disney Wish in June of next year.
This all-new luxury liner features a first-of-its-kind Star Wars Hyperspace Lounge, a Toy Story splash pad just for kids, and incredible Frozen and Marvel dining experiences for the whole family!
What do you think? Is Disney Cruise Line about to return better than ever?