Disney Cruise Line Revised CDC Requirements for ALL Sailings – All Guests to be Tested at Embarkation Port

Disney Cruise Line updated its CDC requirements for all sailings beginning September 13, 2021 until further notice: 

Timing for Pre-Sail COVID-19 Testing:

  • The window in which Guests 11 years of age and under must take and submit proof of a negative COIVD-19 test result has been reduced. Instead of between 5 days and 24 hours prior to the sail date, tests must be taken and submitted between 3 days and 24 hours prior to the sail date.
  • The test should be a rapid PCR test or lab-based PCR test. Rapid antigen tests are not accepted.

Embarkation COVID-19 testing:

  • All Guests, regardless of age and vaccination status, are required to take a COVID-19 test administered by Inspire Diagnostics at the terminal before boarding.
  • Disney Cruise Line will cover the cost.

Additionally, beginning September 3, 2021*, all Guests 12 years of age and older, must be fully vaccinated to sail to any destination. Guests 11 years of age and younger are not required to be vaccinated but must provide proof of a negative pre-trip PCR COVID-19 test. The only exception is for Panama Canal sailings: all passengers must be vaccinated.

DCL Guest Email Revised Guidelines 20210908

Safe Passage Website Update
In addition, Disney Cruise Line has an update on the Safe Passage Website:

  • Beginning August 31st, Guests can register and create an account associated with their reservation starting at 15 days prior to their sailing instead of 33 days prior to their sailing.
  • This will shorten the time window in which Guests can register and request test kits.
  • When a sail ID changes or a Guest changes their itinerary, they will need to re-register the reservation with Safe Passage.
  • If a test kit was ordered previously, a new kit must also be requested, as each test kit is specific to that sailing. Reducing the number of days to create an account also lowers the risk of the wrong test kit being utilized.
  • This change also aligns with the Cruise Date Flexibility policy that allows Guests to change their sail date up to 15 days prior to embarkation. This is for bookings confirmed by July 31, 2021 and sailings before December 31, 2021.
DCL Safe Passage 1

*Update: Here is the source for the Additionally, beginning September 3 statement.

63 Replies to “Disney Cruise Line Revised CDC Requirements for ALL Sailings – All Guests to be Tested at Embarkation Port”

  1. CATHY

    This is starting to sound more like work and less like vacation. Also no mention of people who have had prior infection and may test positive for 3 months after but not be infected. Even airlines and other countries accept a positive test with a doctors note saying you are cleared for flying. I don’t see anywhere that Disney takes this into consideration. My husband got covid when fully vaccinated 2 months ago and is still testing positive on PCR tests which they say is not uncommon.

    Reply
  2. Randy

    Wow, this is great. DCL leading the way, as usual. We sailed last week on the Disney Dream and felt very safe due to their strict protocols. Every time we walked by 687 it was “full” and no more people were being allowed in, so must get their earlier next time. Were able to snag a socially-distanced seat in District Lounge for the violinist though. We are booked for back-to-backs in November and cannot wait to get back onboard.

    Reply
  3. Brenda Thurmes

    I’m not happy about this at all. I have two cruises with one day in between and this will be a lot of hoops to jump through. Also, not looking forward to having something shoved up my nose twice in one week.

    Reply
  4. Randy

    Scott…. this sentence: “Additionally, beginning September 3, 2021, all Guests 12 years of age and older, must be fully vaccinated to sail to any destination.” I do not see this in the DCL announcement. I do see that between September 3 and November 1, all cruisers must be fully vaccinated to go to the Bahamas. Did you mean “….to any CURRENTLY SCHEDULED destination.”

    Reply
  5. Debbie Hudson

    I agree. I know so many people that are unvax. Some have never done vax because of their beliefs, incidents that affected their children’s health in the past (i.e., autism, etc.), and other reasons. Some people are NOT anti-vax, but anti-vax for this particular one because of what it does to your blood vessels, it’s non approval (yes, it’s NOT approved – you can read this directly on medical sites if you do the research), and because they are suspect to why it is being pushed so very hard on everyone (unlike others in the past).

    I totally disagree with forcing everyone to a medical procedure to enjoy a service. Everyone should have the right to their beliefs – whether they are personal, religious, or suspect. I know everyone will say, “Then don’t go. It’s that simple.” But – it’s not right. It’s “entertainment blackmail.” It’s very sad that all the cruise lines are forcing people (if they want to cruise) to a medical protocol they don’t want.

    Super sad to see companies requiring vaccinations. JMHO

    Reply
    1. Cheri furr

      It was long ago proven that vaccines do not cause autism, and they also do nothing to your blood vessels! This is yet again more disinformation. And if the vaccines didn’t work, 99% of people with Covid DYING in hospitals right now are UNVACCINATED! We wiped out smallpox and polio with vaccines. George Washington MANDATED the smallpox vaccine, and science was nothing like it is today back in the 1700’s.

      Reply
  6. Ryan

    I just spoke with DCL, the info “Additionally, beginning September 3, 2021, all Guests 12 years of age and older, must be fully vaccinated to sail to any destination” is not accurate. My sailing is to the Bahamas on the Fantasy for 11/06/21 and was told by DCL that Covid vaccination was not a requirement. Just FYI, if anybody was getting worried.

    Reply
  7. Todd

    To be clear, you’re saying that everyone has a right to their beliefs, but you’re excluding those businesses who are exercising their own beliefs (and in this case, obligations) that contradict your own. For those entities, you’ve coined a new term “entertainment blackmail” to imply that they are forcing their beliefs upon you. You have, of course, the option to walk away if their beliefs are in conflict with your own or to accept their conditions if you wish to enjoy their services. There is no “right” to entertainment!

    Reply
  8. Steve

    Good! Fake vaccine cards everywhere. 2 people just got caught at my HOSPITAL with
    them. The only way now to know if you are negative is to test. To me vaccine cards are
    now questionable unless fully verified.

    Reply
    1. Machell

      Maybe that’s why fully vaccinated people are testing positive and getting hospitalized. But then again the tests are not accurate with the negative positives and the positive negatives. Can’t trust anyone or anything. Just a gamble I guess!

      Reply
  9. Marsha H.

    Hi Scott! Thanks for your article. Did you notice that it’s unclear when the embarkation testing starts for Bahamian cruises from Port Canaveral?
    1. In the top of page announcements on the DCL website, in the section about Bahamain cruises it says “effective Sept 13th”… they will begin embarkation testing for all.
    2. At the Know Before You Go -> sailing from the U.S. -> third paragraph (and in the blue box) just mentions the embarkatuon testing for all but no effective date.

    I know its a nightmere to explain, but for those on the Sept 11th Fantasy sailing, we should know what to expect. We’ve not heard directly from TA or DCL yet.

    Reply
  10. L

    debbie, no one is forcing anyone to be vaccinated. but a cruise is not a right. if someone wishes to remain unvaccinated (for reasons that are beyond my understanding) then they need to accept that their choice comes with consequences in the form of not being allowed to do certain things. it is not trampling on anyone’s rights in the least- the choice is still yours to make, but that comes with responsibility and acceptance of what that choice means. people seem to think that denial of entry to a nonessential business due to vaccination status is somehow an infringement on rights. guess what, it’s not. you can’t scream about not being able to do what you want because of a choice you made. life doesn’t work that way

    Reply
  11. Ryan

    So by that rational, since non-essential businesses are not a right, then you must have been for businesses who refused to serve gay or minorities back in the day. If you ever wondered where you would have stood in 1930s-40’s Germany, your stance just showed us.

    Reply
  12. Randy

    What is your answer to those, like me, who point out that Polio and other diseases were eradicated thanks to all of the people that trusted science and the need to get vaccinated? We are going through the exact same thing today, except back then there was no social media spreading lies and misinformation. I mean, people taking animal deworming medicine instead of the vaccine? That’s pure craziness.

    Reply
  13. John

    @Randy – not wanting to get into the debate of vaccination here. I’m vaccinated. But comparing covid vaccination to polio vaccinations isn’t even close. Covid is never going to be eradicated. It’s like the flu. It’s here in some form for the rest of our lives.

    Reply
  14. S

    @Cathy – great point on still testing positive after a diagnosis regardless of vaccination status. I think that is absolutely an issue that needs to be solved.

    @ Debbie H – there is now a FULLY APPROVED vaccine. Not just an EUA but a full approval.

    This will be interesting as we have a back to back booked in December so not sure yet how that will work.

    @L – agree with you. Vacations are not a right and no one is entitled to a vacation. It is a private company who is making rules for their own business and if we want to interact with that business then we follow their rules if we don’t want to follow their rules then we don’t interact with them.

    Reply
  15. Steve

    If your still testing positive do not book or delay until you test negative. My wife tested positive
    in July . We canceled August and waited until she had 3 negative tests . Now rebooked
    for September. Yay!!!

    Reply
  16. Ryan

    Polio vaccine prevents you from contracting or spreading Polio. The Covid vaccine does not prevent you from contracting or spreading Covid. No comparison to the Polio vaccine. That’s science, not an opinion.

    Reply
  17. John Doe

    The Bahamas is mandating that everyone entering a port of call in their country (INCLUDING Castaway Cay) has to be vaccinated. What else is Disney supposed to do?

    Reply
  18. Walt

    I like or accept what I am reading so far. Eventually we will all come around to accepting the new norm. Yes COVID-19 is not going away so some of us might not be able to the things we once did before. I know the feeling because I am restricted to some things that I enjoyed at one time, like roller coaster rides. I had to accept the fact that my health didn’t allow me to ride them anymore, so now I stand by and enjoy seeing others enjoy what I once enjoyed at one time. I cruise now because I can’t do theme parks. Yes I am vaccinated and can’t wait to cruise again. The only thing I worry about is getting a positive test when I get tested at the port. That would be discouraging, but I would have to accept not cruising if that is the rule and I test positive. There is nothing else for me to do, but find something else to do since I made the trip already. Life must go on, until things get better or my health improve, if that is the case. Enjoy life people to best that you can.

    Reply
  19. Todd Gerber

    Ryan – I’ve seen that particular statement far too many times on social media, and it isn’t viable. You are jumping from businesses trying to protect their own and employees’ well-being during a recognized health crisis to a comparison to Nazi Germany’s persecution of minorities. I recognize that you are looking for hyperbole to make your point, but perhaps you should recognize that it is simply offensive to suggest that believing businesses can establish health-based safeguards automatically translates to discriminatory views on unrelated topics. Instead of citing memes that you saw on Facebook, I might suggest reading a history book on the issue you’ve cited. No comparison.

    Reply
  20. L

    @ryan, grow up and read a book. getting vaccinated is a choice. one’s ethnic or racial background or disability is not. stop comparing anything to nazi germany, it makes you look ridiculous and foolish.

    Reply
  21. Unknown or Deleted User

    Well this final change as of yesterday was the straw that broke the camels back for me. Luckily I read about the additional PCR test requirements online this morning, as I never received an email from Disney indicating the change. We had a group of 10 family members (all adults fully vaccinated) with 4 children under the age of 12 scheduled for a mid-October cruise to the Bahamas on the Disney Dream. However, I cannot risk that one of us will test positive prior to boarding and then the vacation is basically ruined for all of us, especially since I don’t believe that these PCR tests are that accurate. I have known of several people getting false positives, only 3 days later to be retested with a negative result which in our case would do us no good. Also not particularly thrilled with the idea that the requirements keep changing without any prior notice. On hold with Disney Cruise Lines (more than an hour and counting) as I type to cancel today, as I have come to the conclusion that this is no longer a vacation I want to take (if you can even call it that anymore). I can only say I am very disappointed so far in how all this is being handled by Disney, and I guess the the old adage “buyer beware” truly speaks volumes here. Also with the CDC just recently upgrading the Bahamas to COVID Level 4, do I really want to risk bringing my family to an island that basically the CDC is telling us to avoid at all cost? Enough said.

    Reply
  22. Mike

    Well this final change as of yesterday was the straw that broke the camels back for me. Luckily I read about the additional PCR test requirements online this morning, as I never received an email from Disney indicating the change. We had a group of 10 family members (all adults fully vaccinated) with 4 children under the age of 12 scheduled for a mid-October cruise to the Bahamas on the Disney Dream. However, I cannot risk that one of us will test positive prior to boarding and then the vacation is basically ruined for all of us, especially since I don’t believe that these PCR tests are that accurate. I have known of several people getting false positives, only 3 days later to be retested with a negative result which in our case would do us no good. Also not particularly thrilled with the idea that the requirements keep changing without any prior notice. On hold with Disney Cruise Lines (more than an hour and counting) as I type to cancel today, as I have come to the conclusion that this is no longer a vacation I want to take (if you can even call it that anymore). I can only say I am very disappointed so far in how all this is being handled by Disney, and I guess the the old adage “buyer beware” truly speaks volumes here. Also with the CDC just recently upgrading the Bahamas to COVID Level 4, do I really want to risk bringing my family to an island that basically the CDC is telling us to avoid at all cost? Enough said.

    Reply
  23. Karen Carty

    I get it, DCL. You are doing what you have to do to stay in business… I want so badly to show the Hawaii that I know to my son, but that Hawaii does not exist right now,,, So, Plan B… He wants to share his wonderful DCL experiences with me, but it is no longer “the vacation you do not need a vacation from”… So… We will keep looking for that Plan C… It’s OK… We still love Hawaii and we still love you!

    Reply
  24. Jerry

    It’s sad. But I’m done cruising. Not spending this kind of crazy money for this. No way. Not my idea of a vacation when you have more tests, requirements, and restrictions than a bio lab. Cruise lines are going to go under. Anyone who pays $8,000 for a family for this is out of their minds. That’s crazy.

    Reply
  25. Becky Rowe

    This vaccine is being pushed became we are in the middle of a highly infectious pandemic. As the mother of a medically complex child I think it is selfish not to get vaccinated. The average person with Covid will infect 7 other people. I am married to a pharmacist who helps with the Covid information I can assure you the vaccine does not change your blood vessels. Pfizer has full FDA approval. Please do not spread misinformation. It could end up killing someone.

    Reply
  26. Lars

    @Debbie: I strongly disagree with you. People who would not be vaccinated are a burden to the society. We would not take about all the restrictions if people would act more solidaric. It is not about a blacklist for entertainment but the lifes of many people and businesses.

    Reply
  27. Mike

    Does anyone know the best practice for the pre embarkation testing? I have two children under 12 and our cruise leaves Monday how can I ensure that the results are received in time?

    Reply
  28. Emily

    We cancelled for this same reason. We would’ve been traveling during the 3 day window to get the kids tested, and one just had Covid last week.

    Reply
  29. Thomas

    If you have to get tested after being vaccinated, then the vaccine does not work. If you have to still wear a mask, then the vaccine does not work. If you ever wonder if you would have complied during 1930’s Germany, now you know.

    Reply
  30. Larry

    They do take this into consideration through “safe passage” site. at least now, they have the option to submit positive test and letter from Dr. clearing.

    Reply
  31. Todd

    Sorry Thomas – Ryan already used the ridiculous Nazi Germany comparison on this thread, so you’ll need to find some other misguided and offensive meme to try to make your anti-vax point. Or maybe, just maybe, you could take that time to do a bit of research to understand how vaccines and masks actually work during a pandemic.

    Reply
  32. Thomas

    Sorry Todd, you’re the one misinformed. I’ve done plenty of research (I could fill this page up with links/facts but I know you simply won’t read it) plus I have family members in the medical field so I know what’s going on. You many continue your compliance.

    Reply
  33. CATHY

    @Larry- great I must have missed that part. I will have to reread it. When we went to Toronto last month that is what they took at immigration. I read the comment above about don’t travel if you test positive. I just assumed that they didn’t realize that after having a covid infection you can test positive for months.

    Reply
  34. Jo

    Just an observation: If you drive to the port and stop for gas, you use the pump that everyone before you used and there is no attendant washing it between customers. If you fly, you are told to keep 6 feet apart at the airport and then are squeezed in like sardines on the plane. Is it any wonder that most no longer trust those making the policies.

    Reply
  35. Donna

    I choose to be happy. I’m tired of people needing to fight every inch of their lives. Good going, DCL. You’re doing everything you can to keep everyone happy….passengers and CDC.

    Reply
  36. Phil

    I don’t know what’s worse… the misinformation about the vaccine or the people who believe it. The vaccine is safe and effective. Is it perfect? No. There is no such thing as a 100% effective vaccine. But the fact is 99% of people who are hospitalized or dying from covid are not vaccinated. If masks don’t work, then why do doctors wear them in operating rooms???? Why is getting people vaccinated so hard???? They certainly didn’t have this problem for smallpox and polio.

    Reply
  37. Marcus

    Phil, what you have just said is one of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever heard. At no point in your rambling, incoherent response were you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. Everyone in this room is now dumber for having listened to it. I award you no points, and may God have mercy on your soul.

    Reply
  38. Phil

    Marcus, what is so idiotic about posting the truth? What part do you not understand? If you are going to insult me at least back it up with some credible information. Otherwise, don’t waste my time.

    Reply
  39. Brenda

    One year ago today……….Joe Biden quote, “If the president asks tomorrow we have a vaccine, would you take it? Only if it was completely transparent that other experts in the country could look at it. Only if we knew all of what went into us, because so far, nothing he’s told us has been true.” Biden was undermining the vaccine 1 year ago today. How about Harris, here’s what she say, quote, “I will say that I would not trust Donald Trump and it would have to be a credible source of information and talks about the efficiency and the reliability of whatever he’s talking about. I will not take his word for it. Wants us to inject bleach. I will not take his word.” So that’s pretty interesting in a historical context, is it not? And you can draw your own conclusions. But now that Biden is president if you question the vaccine you are not following the science. For the record I am vaccinated but I’m getting really sick of people putting other people down for their medical decisions.

    Reply
  40. Marcus

    Phil, nothing you said is truthful. Anyone that spent 30 seconds searching could find the truth. I choose to follow the science and listen to actual doctors not politicians. Good luck.

    Reply
  41. Cassie

    I’m saddened that wither I have, have not been vaccinated decides if my family and I are eligible to go on a cruise.
    I completely agree this is takes away our rights as Americans to chose what we want done medically. Many brave have fought so hard to attain/ keep our freedom. So sad!

    Reply
  42. PLI

    A few points:

    @Marcus…if you’re going to throw insults at people at least be original, not quoting from “Billy Madison.”

    @Brenda…look at Harris’ quote from the VP debate in its entirety. She said she wouldn’t trust Trump if he said the vaccine was safe and effective, but that if the doctors and medical professionals said it was safe and effective, she would be first in line to be vaccinated. That speaks to the obvious truth that Trump lies about everything.

    @Jerry. You and I probably disagree politically, but I’m in total agreement with you about cruising with restrictions. I’m in favor of vaccine and masking mandates; my employer announced last month that everyone had until 9/24 to provide proof or vaccination or be fired. We’ve lost and will lose some people as a result. It was a tough decision but I’m glad my employer did it. We made the deliberate decision to not cruise until July 2022 until our 10-year old daughter can be vaccinated and to see if things change, but if there are a whole bunch of restrictions that would inhibit our enjoyment we’ll cancel anyway; like you, I don’t want to pay that much money for a half experience. I don’t blame DCL for doing what they’re doing; they have to do what they can to make the cruises as safe as possible. It will just be an informed decision on our part to use our vacation dollars elsewhere.

    Reply

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