Credit: DisneyFor those of you who plan to set sail on Disney Cruise Line, you are probably already aware that due to recent guidance from the CDC, Disney is requiring that Guests 11 years of age and younger provide proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test result (paid for by the Guest) taken between 3 days and 24 hours before their sail date since they are not required to be vaccinated.
According to Disney, the test should be a NAAT test, rapid PCR test, or lab-based PCR test. Rapid antigen tests will not be accepted.
Now, Disney Cruise Line is adding another option for pre-cruise PCR COVID-19 testing.
The new option allows Guests to utilize a testing location in Central Florida one to three days before their sail date. Per Disney:
Option 1 (NEW!): Guests may use the Safe Passage website to purchase and schedule a pre-trip test to be performed at a testing location in Central Florida, 1-3 days before their sail date.
Beginning Sept. 13, 2021, Guests may use the Safe Passage website to purchase and schedule a pre-trip test to be performed at a testing site in Central Florida, performed 1-3 days before their sail date. The cost is US $98.33 per test (which includes a 3.5% processing fee).
Testing locations will be set up at the Orlando International Airport and at the Radisson Resort in Cape Canaveral, Florida.
The Orlando International Airport Testing Location will be open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., 7 days a week.
The Cape Canaveral Radisson Resort, near Port Canaveral, will be open 12 p.m. to 7 p.m., 7 days a week.
Results take 24-48 hours to process and will be sent to the email address provided during the registration on the Safe Passage website.
Guests who completed an at-home test kit, but did not mail it to Inspire via UPS, can drop off their completed test sample at one of the onsite testing locations in Central Florida.
The second option, which was available to Guests prior, allows those wishing to set sail on Disney Cruise Line to purchase a pre-trip, at-home PCR test directly from the Safe Passage website. Per Disney:
Option 2: Guests residing in the United States may purchase a pre-trip, at-home PCR test directly from the Safe Passage website by Inspire Diagnostics.
Guests residing in the United States may purchase an at-home PCR testing kit directly from the Safe Passage website by Inspire Diagnostics at a cost of US $98.33 per test (which includes a 3.5% processing fee).
Test kits must be administered and mailed back to Inspire Diagnostics exactly 3 days before the sail date and mailed using the pre-paid UPS envelope included with the kit.
Guests must drop the envelope at an official UPS drop box or at a UPS store location. Guests must not use a “UPS Access Point” for shipment, which are drop boxes located at a retail outlet such as pharmacy, grocery store or gas station.
Results will be available 24 to 48 hours from the time the sample is received by Inspire Diagnostics and will be sent to the email address provided during registration on the Safe Passage website.
Guests who completed an at-home test kit, but did not mail it to Inspire via UPS, can drop off their completed test sample at one of our onsite testing locations in Central Florida located at the Orlando International Airport and at the Radisson Resort in Cape Canaveral.
And lastly, the third option, which was also previously available to Guests, allows future cruisers to obtain their PCR test from any independent testing provider. Per Disney:
Option 3: Guests may obtain their PCR test from any independent testing provider.
Guests may obtain their PCR test from any independent testing provider. When selecting an independent testing provider, Guests should choose a provider with the fastest processing time, as the window for testing and submitting test results is between 3 days and 24 hours prior to their sailing. If the Guests is submitting their test sample to an independent provider by mail, overnight mail is recommended.
Additionally, the following is an update on how old a child must be in order to sail with a negative COVID-19 PCR test:
Guests who turn 12 within 5 weeks of embarkation are permitted to sail but will be required to follow testing protocols, which include providing proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test result (paid for by the Guest) taken between 3 days and 24 hours before their sail date. This test should be a rapid PCR test or lab-based PCR test. Rapid antigen tests will not be accepted. Additionally, they will also be required to take a COVID 19 test administered by Inspire Diagnostics at the terminal before boarding, per recently updated CDC guidance.
Related: Disney Gives Glimpse at New “Reimagined Cruise Experience”
Disney Cruise Line recently resumed sailings after over a year of not sailing due to the ongoing pandemic. In order to operate as safely as possible, the ships have enhanced health and safety measures to promote wellness for Guests and crew aboard the ship and in the destinations that Disney Cruise Line will visit.
Make sure to familiarize yourself with the new safety rules and protocols prior to setting sail on Disney Cruise Line by visiting the official website here.
Are you planning to set sail on Disney Cruise Line this year? Let us know in the comments below.
If you want to set sail aboard Disney Cruise line on one of their ships — Disney Dream, Disney Wonder, Disney Magic, or Disney Fantasy — or aboard the newest ship, Disney Wish, once it debuts next year, make sure you get in contact with our friends at Academy Travel.