Disney Cruise Line Resumes in August 2021!
Disney Cruise Line has announced it will restart Bahamian sailings from Florida in August 2021! Beginning August 9, the Disney Dream will resume voyages departing from Port Canaveral. In this post, we’ll share details about this DCL news, health & safety measures, vaccine policies, and more.
Starting in August 2021, the Disney Dream will resume 3 and 4-night cruises that will visit Castaway Cay in the Bahamas. As previously shared, Disney Fantasy departures through August 28, 2021, Disney Wonder departures through September 19, 2021 and Disney Magic departures in the United States through November 4, 2021 have been suspended. The status of those other three ships remains unchanged.
With sailings starting again on the Dream, Disney Cruise Line reiterated that its focus remains on operating its ships in a responsible way. Sailings are resuming in a gradual, phased approach that emphasizes multiple layers of health and safety measures, developed in consideration of guidance from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other medical experts. What follows are some specific details about DCL’s multi-layered approach to health and safety…
Before we get started, it’s worth noting that Disney Cruise Line has enacted temporary “peace of mind” policies that let you adjust your sail date or receive a full refund should the need arise. For sailings through December 31, 2021, the cancellation fee schedule has been relaxed from beginning as early as 119 days prior to sailing to beginning 59 days prior to sailing for Guests booked in non-Suite and non-Concierge categories.
For Guests booked in Suite and Concierge categories, cancellation fees in excess of the deposit amount will temporarily begin at 59 days prior to sailing. Reservations for Inside, Outside and Verandah Categories with Restrictions remain nonrefundable and nontransferable.
Within 14 days of the sailing, booked Guests with COVID-19 related health concerns, either symptoms or exposure, can receive a full refund without any Disney Cruise Line imposed cancellation fees or apply their cruise fare toward a future sail date.
Now let’s turn to modifications to the guest experience aboard the Disney Dream (and other ships once they restart sailings). While the Disney Cruise Line experience will change a bit, the company indicates that it has come up with modified offerings to create magical memories together that are tailored to the present times and presented with care.
From original live shows inside the lavish Walt Disney Theatre to new ways to see and interact with Disney Characters throughout the ship, most of the hallmarks of Disney Cruise Line will be present when the Disney Dream resumes sailings in August 2021.
Fireworks will continue to illuminate the night on most itineraries. To accommodate everyone, the fireworks show will take place at 10:30 PM on 2 different nights. Guests will be assigned their show date prior to setting sail.
Conversely, Deck Parties have been temporarily paused.
To promote physical distancing, each itinerary will offer one Broadway-style live show performed multiple times with reduced capacity.
First-run films and popular motion-picture releases are available for the viewing pleasure of guests throughout the day inside the Buena Vista Theatre. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis–with physical distancing measures in place.
Disney characters will be popping up for surprise appearances throughout the ship.
Characters will interact with guests from a distance and there will be opportunities for photos of them. However, close-up encounters and autographs have been temporarily paused.
Disney Cruise Line’s popular pool options–aqua play areas, waterslides, plus freshwater pools designed for kids, families and adults–will remain open.
Waterslides are open with queue locations to promote physical distancing. Splash zones, wading pools and whirlpools are open with limited capacity.
Dining room seating times will be staggered to promote physical distancing. Guests will be assigned to the same table and service team for dinner, with one travel party per table.
Buffets still offer all-you-care-to-eat food, and are served by Crew Members at designated times each day throughout the cruise. All food and beverages that were previously available at self-service stations will now be served by Crew Members.
There are a variety of health safety protocol aboard the ships. First and foremost, Disney Cruise Line strongly encourages all eligible guests to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before sailing. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) considers people to be fully vaccinated 14 days after the final dose has been administered.
Guests who are fully vaccinated may choose to provide proof of vaccination in order to be exempt from pre-trip and Embarkation Day testing requirements (unless arriving from outside the United States) and travel insurance requirements. Note that this is not required, and guests are providing this information voluntarily if they so desire. It’ll be a nice money-saving perk, for those who choose to take advantage.
Guests must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken between 5 days and 24 hours prior to the sail date. This must be paid for at the Guest’s expense. Disney Cruise Line has secured a special rate of $98.33 per PCR test through a preferred provider, but guests may also obtain their PCR test from any independent testing supplier. Guests who are fully vaccinated may choose to provide proof of vaccination instead of undergoing pre-trip testing.
Guests are required to undergo a rapid PCR COVID-19 test administered at the terminal prior to boarding. Guests with positive COVID-19 test results, as well as those in their travel party, will be denied boarding. The $65 test fee will be charged to the folio of all Guests 12 years and older. Guests who are fully vaccinated may choose to provide proof of vaccination instead of undergoing Embarkation Day testing.
Multiple health screenings will be conducted before and during the cruise to promote health and wellness on board. Guests are required to complete a health questionnaire related to COVID-19 and gastrointestinal illnesses on Embarkation Day. Guests are also required to attest as to whether they have experienced or are currently experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, or have been in contact with anyone suspected of or confirmed as having COVID-19 within the previous 14 days.
All Crew Members will be screened for symptoms of illness before every shift. Crew Members showing any symptoms or feeling unwell will refrain from working.
Disney Cruise Line ships is increasing the circulation of fresh air on board its ships, and all HVAC air filters have been upgraded to MERV-13 high efficiency grade, which can remove very small particles. Additionally, each stateroom maintains singular air circulation, eliminating the need for air intake from adjacent common areas.
For anyone concerned about their own health & safety aboard Disney Cruise Line, this is the biggest detail of its modified protocol. As an airborne virus, ventilation is key. By contrast, surface cleaning and many other measures are more hygiene theater (at least when it comes to COVID–cleaning surfaces is definitely a good idea on cruise ships, and always has been!)
To promote physical distancing, Disney Cruise Line has reduced capacity aboard its ships and will adjust experiences. This includes limiting capacity and implementing physical distancing measures in terminals and areas of the ships such as upper decks, dining rooms, food & beverage locations, lounges, theaters, walkways, elevators, pools, and other common spaces.
Close-up interactions with Disney Characters have been paused, and youth activities are experienced in small group settings. Plexiglass barriers have also been installed in areas where physical distancing may be difficult to maintain, like at check-in and Guest Services counters.
All guests ages 2 and up, including those who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, are required to wear face masks indoors except when in their staterooms or actively eating or drinking while stationary and physically distanced.
Masks are not required outdoors while on board the ship or at Castaway Cay. Face masks may be required in ports of call based on local government requirements.
All face masks are required to:
- Fully cover an individual’s nose and mouth.
- 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
Guests may bring face coverings that have an integrated transparent plastic panel to aid in viewing the wearer’s mouth. These face coverings must 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. They must also meet all other face covering requirements listed above.
Neck gaiters, open-chin triangle bandanas, and face masks 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.
We’ve simply shared the highlights and main changes aboard Disney Cruise Line when it resumes sailing. There’s a ton more to know about Disney Cruise Line’s health & safety policies, as well as operational modifications.
For full details, we’d recommend checking out DCL’s comprehensive Know Before You Go pages.
Ultimately, this is good news for Disney Cruise Line fans who are ready to set sail once again. Based on the entertainment, dining, and more, it also appears that Disney Cruise Line is putting in consider thought and effort into the modified experience. Those who do opt to go on a cruise right now–and are cognizant of the compromises that entails–will likely have a good time.
With that said, I’ve seen enough to not want to do an early return sailing of Disney Cruise Line. With so many viable vacation opportunities back in nearly normal form and without restrictions, cruising just is not as attractive to me right now. These policies are understandable given the circumstances, but also feel like stepping back in time a few months as compared to other destinations, including Walt Disney World.
Moreover, although I’m not worried about my own health safety as someone who is fully vaccinated, I do have lingering concerns about the possibility of a cruise being cancelled, cut short, or having other issues due to an outbreak of guests or Crew Members. This concern is more pronounced right now as the Delta variant is surging in Florida. As compared to other cruise lines, DCL is not doing as much to incentivize pre-cruise vaccinations or discourage unvaccinated guests from cruising. To each their own, but I’d rather watch how early cruises go for others, and consider sailing for Christmas 2021 or maybe in early 2022. Regardless, it’s very exciting to see Disney Cruise Line resuming sailings–and we’re happy for others who choose to cruise next month and beyond!
Planning to set sail aboard one of the DCL ships? Read our comprehensive Disney Cruise Line Guide to prepare for your voyage, plus plan entertainment, activities & excursions, and learn what to expect from your Disney cruise! For personalized planning & recommendations, click here to get a cruise quote from a no-fee Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. They can find you all of the current discounts, and help you plan the details of your cruise!
YOUR THOUGHTS
Are you excited to see Disney Cruise Line resume sailings aboard the Dream in August 2021? Will you be going on one of the late summer or early fall cruises? Thoughts on the modified operations, entertainment, dining, and character encounters? Are you okay with all of the health safety protocol, or does it feel like stepping back in time? Will you sail with Disney Cruise Line this year, or will you wait longer? Do you agree or disagree with our advice and assessment? Any questions? Hearing feedback about your experiences is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!
Tom has linked to many studies showing the efficacy of masks over the past year. It’s a shame that some people lie about something obviously true when there are honest trade-offs to be made considering how worried to be about varied members of our families. (For instance, we’re waiting till next year because, while the vaccines prevent against hospitalization-level illness, we don’t want the kids to deal with a nasty flu-level virus if they don’t have to do so.)
I’m personally psyched that cruising is starting and cannot wait to go in March 2022. The new filtration system is a game changer for COVID and other airborne viruses; so glad they did that upgrade. I know we weren’t supposed to keep the verandah door open, but always did for the fresh air.
As far as kids activities, I wish they would designate kid pods like they’ve done in schools and camps to allow more kid interaction and activities on board and CC. I am sure this is complicated but would be a great add.
Finally, we’ll wear our masks and be grateful to sail the DCL seas once again. Not ideal for fully vaxed folks but based on our recent experience “filling in all available space” with others who I’m sure we’re not vaxed, so be it. There is no way for Disney to police it nor should they.
Nope, no, all the no’s!
What happens if there are positive COVID cases once on board? Will guests have to stay in their rooms? Just those with positive PCRs? Just unvaccinated guests?
@Laura.. I applaud DeSantis for making the decisions he has made. First of all there is not one study showing the efficacy of masks and secondly many are not able to take the vaccine. I suppose you think that they shouldn’t be able to sail. Are the people who can’t get vaccinated second class citizens? Do you really think you should have more rights than they have. I have been vaccinated but I know many who can not receive the vaccine, some because of horrible reactions from the first ( yes even though they downplay the horrible reactions and sickness that many have experienced from the vaccines their are many who are still suffering) and some because of other conditions. I feel their rights are just as important as my rights and the bottom line is covid will never be eradicated vaccine or not.
@Tammy.. Why would you accuse anyone who refuses to get vaccinated anything? You must realize that all people are not able to have the vaccine. Why not stop judging and worry about your own family?
Until our kids can get vaccinated, we’ll keep pushing back our cruises. The thought of having to tell my kids they cruise they’ve been counting down to for literally years is getting called off just a day or two before we leave because their PCR test came positive (including because we’ve all had the virus and know that can cause false positives for many months) is a level of heartbreak there’s no way in heck I’d inflict on them. I am glad to see that pre-cruise testing is not required for the vaccinated, so hopefully once under 12s can get their shot we’ll be able to sail again.
Is the dining still going to rotate through the 3 dining rooms? I could not find an exact answer to that question.
We have two cruises scheduled for this year, and we will happily go on both. We are both fully vaccinated, but since the vaccination has not been approved for children of all ages we will wear our mask. I accuse those who refuse to get vaccinated of being selfish and irresponsible, but in this instance I would be the person being self and irresponsible. It’s not my ideal way of cruising, but we have to start somewhere.
You should worry about your own health even though you are fully vaccinated. You can still get sick, as the increasing number of breakthrough infections shows. Likely not AS sick, but still sick.
Wearing a mask the whole time indoors… not my kind of vacation.
My husband and I are so very intrigued as fully vaccinated cruisers. Plus our anniversary is in August. Plus we’ve got two cruises scheduled in 2022 and only need one more cruise to be counted as platinum cruisers. Masks are not a deal breaker, not ideal either, but we haven’t had to wear them much during the pandemic due to working from home. A double dip at Castaway Cay – admittedly one of our favorite places would be awesome as well.
Six months ago when I was first vaccinated I’d have gone along with masks everywhere indoors, no objection. But since that time evidence has continued to accumulate that the vaccine does actually work, both in protecting me and protecting others FROM me (should that be needed). The new delta variant is spreading almost entirely among the unvaccinated (99% of cases, by the last news I heard), with the risk it poses to the vaccinated being negligible, if not zero.
My tolerance for this sort of hygiene theater has thus declined– not just for my personal experience but because the public health message we vitally need today is “Get vaccinated if you’re not already” and policies that seem to say the vaccine doesn’t really make a difference undermine that.
My cruise isn’t until October and that’s plenty of time for things to change; but if they don’t, I’m likely to cancel.
Booked for a November Merrytime cruise and can only hope these requirements are initial “return to sailing” mandates that will be eased before the holidays. I do like reduced capacity and having two fireworks shows (it’s always been waaaay too crowded on deck for fireworks) to reduce crowding but… facemasks indoors… not crazy about that and it could be a deal breaker for us.
I applaud the mask requirements- we know how important masks are to halting the spread of covid, and delta is a gamechanger. The bigger problem, however, is the restriction desantis put on the industry to not allow private business to require proof of vaccination. That overreach will hurt the industry, because unfortunately, there will be inevitable spread amongst the unvaccinated. What he claimed as freedom will severely hurt one of his state’s biggest industries and send them backward. We aren’t booked for another 15 months… i hope all is normal by then.
I’m not sure why all the precautions. They’ve sure dumped them all when it comes to the park. . Cramming a bunch of non masked strangers into the stretching room couldn’t be much different than being on the ship. I mean I don’t disagree that there should be precautions. It’s just kind of ironic.
I have cancelled my 3 back to back August cruises as well as my October Halloween sailing. I have another one double dip in November and will most likely cancel that as well. At this point I am not prepared to wear a mask inside unless actively eating or drinking. I live in Florida and am on vacation now and don’t have any of those restrictions so for the time being I am going to just keep taking trips within the state. Maybe a bit more money in the nicer hotels and food is not included but much less stress. For every cruise we have cancelled we have stayed at the Ritz Carlton.. in Orlando now and you really can’t beat it. You have Disney World if you want the magic and an abundance of restaurants and activities. It just seems like too much planning and uploading for it to really be the fun stress free vacation we are accustomed to. Yes I know these are different times but there are many places you can have the same experience with way less hassle.
I prefer DCL vaccination policy compared to RCCL and other lines I’ve seen. I think Disney is doing an exceptional job at not creating two classes of guests by keeping every thing the same (but for pre cruise testing, which I think is reasonable). I have been disappointed to see several cruise lines choosing to make select venues only available to those who are vaccinated and I’m glad that Disney has not chosen to do that.
Yeah, no thanks. This is one thing I will not do or compromise on… go on a cruise and have to wear a mask much of the time. I sure hope things go back to normal someday. 🙁 Thanks for the update!
That’s exciting news. I’m most happy for all the people who work up front and behind the scenes in the cruise industry. I can’t imagine what life has been like for them, and I hope they are able to get their livelihoods back.
Personally, I’m with you; My desire to go on a cruise is less than zero. Not because of fear of Covid, but just fear of being on the ship where there is a positive test (because there likely will be one). That being said, I’m sure these will sell out at full asking price.
Horse poop. I’m vaccinated and am not wearing a mask inside. I’ll wait or hope on another boat that doesn’t require face mask