HUGE Disney Cruise Line COVID-19 Update for Guests Ages 5+

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Disney Cruise Line Captain Minnie

Credit: Disney

After months of COVID-19 closures hitting the cruise industry, we’re thrilled to see the Disney Cruise Line (DCL) fleet is back on the big blue. Guests are once again boarding the stunning Disney ships and setting sail to Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay, and beyond. Of course, Disney has kept strict health and safety measures in place as we navigate this new normal after the pandemic. Now, we’re learning of the DCL’s most recent update impacting younger cruise Guests, ages 5 and up.

Disney Magic swimming pool
Credit: Disney

The Disney Cruise Line website previously noted: “For all sailings, Guests 12 years of age and older must be fully vaccinated at the time of sailing and take a COVID-19 test upon embarkation. Guests 11 years old and under are not required to be vaccinated but must take a pre-trip NAAT test, rapid PCR test or lab-based PCR test for COVID-19, as well as a rapid COVID-19 test upon embarkation.” Now, the age requirement notation has changed.

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Disney Cruise Line Mickey Mouse
Credit: Disney

According to an email released on November 17, 2021, by the Disney Cruise Line regarding COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements:

Currently, Disney Cruise Line continues to require all vaccine-eligible Guests (based on U.S. eligibility requirements) to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 at the time of sailing, as defined by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This will be a requirement for all Guests (U.S. and international) ages 5 and older for sailings beginning on and after January 13, 2022.

In consideration of guidance from the CDC and the World Health Organization, Disney Cruise Line accepts the following vaccine types: Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson, AstraZeneca, Covishield, Novavax, Sinopharm, and Sinovac.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines fully vaccinated as 14 days after receiving:

a single-dose of an accepted 1-dose vaccine
the second dose of an accepted 2-dose vaccine
the full series of an active (not placebo) COVID-19 vaccine in the U.S.-based AstraZeneca or Novavax COVID-19 vaccine trials
the second dose of any “mix-and-match” combination of accepted COVID-19 vaccines (administered at least 17 days apart)

RELATED: Disney Gives Glimpse at New “Reimagined Cruise Experience”

With the CDC now recommending the COVID 19 vaccination for ages 5 and up, it’s not a huge surprise that the Disney Cruise Line is deciding to follow the CDC guidelines. With Disney Cruise Line being THE cruise industry for families with young children, the big question is does this change impact your Disney Cruise Line plans as a parent that may or may not be willing to have their child vaccinated?

More on the Future of Disney Cruise Line

Disney Wish
Disney Wish (Credit: Disney)

As we coast through to the end of 2021, 2022 is fast approaching and promises good things for Disney Cruise Line! A new cruise ship called the Disney Wish will set sail out of Port Canaveral in June 2022, becoming the fifth ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet which currently includes the Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, Disney Magic, and the Disney Wonder.

The Disney Wish will offer numerous first-of-its-kind experiences such as the highly anticipated Star Wars Hyperspace Lounge, a Toy Story splash pad just for kids, and incredible Frozen and Marvel dining experiences for the whole family!

Does this age 5 and up vaccination requirement impact your Disney Cruise Line plans?

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