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Credit: DisneyThe Walt Disney Company’s cruise fleet hasn’t had passengers in over a year. Brought to a halt amid the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic, and bringing a huge blow to the cruise industry, Disney Cruise Line hasn’t operated a cruise out of a U.S. port since March 2020.
Despite not setting sail for quite some time to Resorts like Castaway Cay, the Disney Cruise Line has been making small steps to ensure the safety of future onboard passengers, and now, DCL has made huge headway with the creation of a brand-new health and safety role.
While the Disney Wonder, the Disney Dream, and the Disney Fantasy may not have been welcoming Guests for the past year, the Disney Magic did set sail earlier this month. The “staycation” cruise left Southampton, U.K., in early July and is only open to U.K. residents who must carefully follow COVID-19 protocols. That being said, it was seemingly an emotional time for those Guests, the Cast Members, and the Disney characters aboard the first sailing since last year.
With no domestic sailings just yet, recent news signals a positive future for the Disney Cruise Line. Recently, the Disney Dream had its first successful test voyage out of Port Canaveral which paved the way for more test voyages to be added for the Disney Fantasy, the Disney Wonder, and more for the Dream. More recently, DCL is looking to establish a homeport at Port Everglades for future sailing seasons.
With things looking good for Disney’s marine subsidiary, more news has been shared that suggests further health and safety measures are being put in place to ensure safe travel for all Guests aboard the cruise ship fleet.
Sharing to Facebook, Disney Cruise Line has revealed that they have created a new role that will impact the future safety of the fleet.
Meet Dr. Lauana, Disney Cruise Line‘s first Public Health Officer!
After spending years on board as a Physician with Disney Cruise Line, Dr. Lauana returned to help create the new Public Health Officer role. From top 10 in her MBA program, to charting a new path in Public Health, Dr. Lauana continues to lead by example.
The post goes on to add Dr. Lauana’s thoughts on this new appointment.
“I’m so honored to be the first Public Health Officer and I’m giving it my all because it’s something really close to my heart. Disney is known by the world for the quality standards and this is not different at all. We go above because we want the best for the guests and the crew.”
Though it is not yet confirmed when U.S. sailings will once again take place, Disney CEO Bob Chapek is still hoping for a fall 2021 return. With these new safety measures in place — test cruises with volunteer Cast Members, Guest sailings out of the U.K., and the new Public Health Officer role — the cluster of health and safety measures currently in place, and being tested, is surely an indication that Disney Cruise Line’s cruise ship fleet will once again set sail soon.
The potential launch of the fleet at the end of this year will surely stir up even more excitement for the arrival of the Disney Wish — the newest ship. The luxury cruise includes everything from a Star Wars Hyperspace Lounge to unparalleled dining experiences featuring Frozen and Marvel and stunning staterooms. The new cruise ship is due to sail in summer 2022.
Is this a good sign that cruises are on track to return this year? Let us know in the comments!