The world continues to move forward amidst the COVID-19 pandemic as The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has just announced that it is ending its COVID-19 Program for cruise ships.

Yesterday, Monday, July 18, the CDC officially ended its COVID-19 Program for cruise ships, meaning cruise lines may now make their own decisions and protocols regarding health and safety.

USA Today reports:

“CDC has worked closely with the cruise industry, state, territorial, and local health authorities, and federal and seaport partners to provide a safer and healthier environment for cruise passengers and crew,” the agency’s website reads. “Cruise ships have access to guidance and tools to manage their own COVID-19 mitigation programs.”

The CDC added that:

“while cruising poses some risk of COVID-19 transmission, CDC will continue to publish guidance to help cruise ships continue to provide a safer and healthier environment for crew, passengers, and communities going forward.”

In regards to Disney Cruise Line, all vaccine-eligible Guests (based on US eligibility requirements) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 at the time of sailing. This is a requirement for all Guests (US and international) ages 5 and older.

Per the official website:

Fully vaccinated Guests on sailings departing US and Canadian ports must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test result (paid for by the Guest) taken no more than 2 days before setting sail to be exempt from embarkation testing at the terminal. Guests ages 4 and under, who are not vaccine-eligible because of age, must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test result (paid for by a parent or guardian) taken no more than 3 days before their sail date. Children ages 4 and under will also be required to complete a test at the terminal prior to embarkation (paid for by Disney Cruise Line). 

For more information on Disney Cruise Line’s COVID protocols, visit their official website here.

How do you feel about the CDC ending their COVID program for cruise ships? Let us know in the comments below.