Disney Cruise Line Makes Big Change to Face Mask Policy

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Disney Cruise Line Sail-A-Wave Party

Credit: Disney

When Disney Cruise Line recently resumed sailings in the United States, a strict face mask policy was in place. As when both Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort reopened, all Guests age two and over were required to wear appropriate face coverings at all times, unless actively eating or drinking in a stationary position. At first, when each of the theme parks reopened, face masks could not even be removed for photos. This rule also applied to Disney Cruise Line.

Guests were also, of course, not required to wear masks while in their own staterooms behind closed doors.

disney cruise line stacks
Credit: Disney

Related: Chapek Confirms Disney Cruise Line’s Second Private Island

Now, Disney Cruise Line has updated its policy to allow Guests of all ages to remove their masks for photos, when they are socially distanced from other parties. Per the official Know Before You Go webpage:

All Guests (ages 2 and up, including those who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19) are required to wear face coverings indoors. Exceptions include when Guests are in their staterooms or actively eating, drinking or taking a photo (while stationary and maintaining an appropriate physical distance). Face coverings are not required for Guests outdoors while on board the ship and at designated locations on Disney Castaway Cay. Face coverings may be required in ports of call based on local government requirements.

All face coverings should:

  • Fully cover an individual’s nose and mouth and allow the Guest to remain hands-free.
  • Fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face.
  • Be secured with ties or ear loops.
  • Be made of 2 layers of breathable material, either disposable or reusable, that is not elastic in nature, such as spandex and elastane.

Guests may bring face coverings that have an integrated transparent plastic panel to aid in viewing the wearer’s mouth. These face coverings must:

  • Fully cover an individual’s nose and mouth and allow the Guest to remain hands-free
  • Be a fabric face covering featuring a solid plastic panel containing no openings that is attached to the fabric on all sides using tight knit stitching
  • Meet all face covering requirements listed above

At this time based on guidance from health authorities, neck gaiters, open-chin triangle bandanas and face coverings containing valves, mesh material or holes of any kind are not acceptable face coverings. Costume masks are not considered appropriate and are prohibited from being worn.

The use of face coverings is not a substitute for physical distancing.

disney cruise line halloween on the high seas
Credit: Disney

Related: Disney Cruise Line Is Enforcing an Important New Rule

When Disney Parks removed the face mask requirement for photos, it was incredibly popular with Guests.

This policy change applies cruises out of the U.S., as the update was only shared on the Know Before You Go page for U.S. cruises, not for U.K. cruises.  The Disney Magic is currently sailing exclusively out of the U.K., while the Disney Dream (and, soon, the Disney Fantasy) is sailing out of the U.S. The Disney Wonder has not yet resumed sailing.

It is important to note that DCL still has a face mask requirement for Guests when they are not actively taking photographs or, again, actively eating or drinking in a stationary position.

disney cruise line canaveral terminal exterior evening
Credit: Disney

Although 2021 cruises may look quite different, Disney is planning a huge return to sailing in 2022. The fleet’s first Triton Class cruise ship, the Disney Wish, will take her maiden voyage in June 2022.

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!

The Wish will be the fifth ship in the DCL fleet, joining the Disney Dream, the Disney Fantasy, the Disney Magic, and the Disney Wonder. She will be based in Port Canaveral.

Are you looking forward to your next Disney Cruise Line vacation?

Let the expert team at Academy Travel help you plan your next trip to Castaway Cay or any other DCL destination worldwide!

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