UPDATE: DCL is no longer requiring testing or proof of vaccinations before sailing.
UPDATE: As of Sept 13, 2021, Disney is requiring all travelers on every ship to do a rapid test at the port before embarkation, regardless of vaccination status, courtesy of Disney. The text below has been updated to reflect the latest information.
Last week, the Bahamian government announced that all eligible guests need to be vaccinated in order to visit any Bahamian island, including the private islands owned by cruise lines. Cruise lines are not allowed to port at any Bahamian islands unless all guests 12 and older are vaccinated on the ship. This is in effect through November 1, 2021 currently, but there’s no guarantee that they won’t extend it after that.
So, it comes as no surprise that Disney Cruise Lines announced this morning that all guests 12 and older are now required to be fully vaccinated before they will be allowed to board any sailing with a stop at the Bahamas, which includes the Disney private island Castaway Cay. Any guests younger than 12 will be required to have a negative PCR test still. I’m sure other cruise lines will follow suit soon, if they haven’t required vaccinations already.
If you have an affected Disney cruise booked between September 3, 2021 and November 1, 2021, Disney is allowing you to cancel or reschedule the trip without any penalty fees before September 3, 2021 if this effects your ability to sail. Make sure to do it before the 3rd or the usual fees will apply.
Disney cruise changes and cancellations need to be called in, they cannot be made within the app yourself. If you used a travel agency to book your cruise, you have to go through them, so let them know ASAP so they can be on the long phone lines with Disney for you.
As always, read the information directly from Disney for exact specifics, including how to provide your proof of vaccination or specifics on the testing process. If your sailing was affected, you should have gotten an email from Disney as well. This is currently affecting sailings on the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy ships in the upcoming months.
Disney has not stated if the vaccination policy will stay in effect beyond Nov 1, 2021, regardless if the Bahamas extends their requirement. If you have a cruise booked beyond that date, you may still want to start preparing now, if necessary, since it will take several weeks to get both doses of the vaccinations in order to be considered fully vaccinated.
As always, feel free to contact me if you need any help with your cruise information and bookings.
Adventures By Anne 