Disney Cruise Line Updates Pre-Trip COVID-19 PCR Testing Requirements

Today, Disney Cruise Line updated its Know Before You Go information page with an updated to the pre-sailing testing requirements. Specifically, the pre-trip COVID-19 test should be a NAAT test, rapid PCR test or lab-based PCR test. Rapid antigen and antibody tests are not accepted.

DCL Pre Trip COVID 19 PCR Testing Requirements 20210923
Guests 11 years of age and under must take a pre-trip COVID-19 PCR test (performed at Guest’s expense). The test should be a NAAT test, rapid PCR test or lab-based PCR test. Rapid antigen tests are not accepted. Learn more about Pre-Trip testing options available from Inspire Diagnostics by visiting Before Leaving Home: Know Before You Go.

As always, the latest updates and requirements can be found on Disney Cruise Line’s Know Before You Sail information pages.

13 Replies to “Disney Cruise Line Updates Pre-Trip COVID-19 PCR Testing Requirements”

  1. Walt

    That is good news for those that were infected with COVID-19 at one time and now may have a negative PCR test. The PCR test is more accurate dealing with now than if you had COVID-19 in the past. This gives hope to cruisers that have tested positive at one time in their lives. Some light or hope at the end of the tunnel. DCL at its best, being safe than sorry.

    Reply
    1. Heidi

      I just booked a cruise last minute for Sept 18, 2022. I get my first vaccine tomorrow and the 2nd dose on August 4th. If I were to have a positive Rapid PCR test before I meet the CDC “fully vaccination” requirements, can I still submit a letter from my medical provider stating I’m clear to sail, completed the CDC isolation period, and have no residual COVID 19 symptoms and still qualify for 11 to 90 Recovery Provision? Has anyone been rejected the 11 to 90 recovery provision for not being fully vaccinated at time of positive COVID test? Thank You!

      Reply
  2. Christopher Fisher

    ENUFF, you would be of help to people if you would get up to date on tests and vaccines before making an across the board statement about vaccines and test status being “experimental”. You’ll find that the FDA and CDC gave the approval of some vaccines and tests to be taken out of “experimental” status.

    Reply
  3. jlf0326

    We are booked on the Dream for 11/29. My TA told me something interesting yesterday. We always take the Disney transfer bus from resort to the Port. She told me that if anyone on the bus test positive at the port, the entire bus cannot board she suggest taking a car service to the Port. How different of pre boarding as far as luggage and security is it from Disney transportation?

    Reply
  4. Kate

    I understand, “All Guests, regardless of age and vaccination status, are required to take a COVID-19 test (paid for by Disney Cruise Line and administered by Inspire Diagnostics) at the terminal before boarding. Guests with positive COVID-19 test results, including those in their travel party, will be denied boarding”, but wonder how this would be handled. Would a full refund be granted? Does FL have quarantine rules that prevent a family from departing the state? Just curious how many non-symptomatic positives they find on cruise.

    Reply
  5. S

    FL does not have any quarantine rules so you would be free to depart the state even with a positive test result. I have spoken to Disney a number of times about what happens if there is a positive test at the port. What I am told is that they would refund the money back to the original form of payment – so if using FCC then it would go back to FCC, if paying by gift card back on gift card, etc.

    I have not heard that the entire bus is denied boarding and before taking the word of a TA , I would suggest that you call DCL directly to ask that question.

    Reply
  6. Spring

    I would also suggest checking with Disney about whether the entire bus would be denied boarding. I had read earlier that they were saying that that would not be the case, and only the immediate travel party of the positive case would be affected and denied boarding

    Reply
    1. jlf0326

      I actually contacted DCL yesterday and this is their response
      Rocco (Disney Cruise Line)
      Sep 27, 2021, 7:09 AM EDT

      Dear Joni Fitch‍,

      Thank you for choosing a Disney Cruise Line vacation!

      I would be happy to assist you.

      Since face coverings are required during transport, the remaining Guests who arrived on the same motorcoach will be able to sail as long as they are cleared to sail by Inspire Diagnostics.

      When you take the bus from a resort, the luggage is currently being picked up around 7 am and the bus arrives in the 8 am hour. Your exact time will be given to you the day prior to departure. This is subject to change.

      If you decide on a car service, the service will drop you off outside the secure area where you can check your luggage in. You will be directed to have a rapid PCR test prior to going into the secure area.

      I hope this information has been helpful. If you require further assistance with any other inquiries, please feel free to contact us.

      We look forward to sailing with you!

      Have a Magical Day!

      Rocco
      Email Communications Agent
      Disney Cruise Line

      Reply
  7. jlf

    I actually got this response today
    happy to assist you.

    Since face coverings are required during transport, the remaining Guests who arrived on the same motorcoach will be able to sail as long as they are cleared to sail by Inspire Diagnostics.

    When you take the bus from a resort, the luggage is currently being picked up around 7 am and the bus arrives in the 8 am hour. Your exact time will be given to you the day prior to departure. This is subject to change.

    If you decide on a car service, the service will drop you off outside the secure area where you can check your luggage in. You will be directed to have a rapid PCR test prior to going into the secure area.

    I hope this information has been helpful. If you require further assistance with any other inquiries, please feel free to contact us.

    We look forward to sailing with you!

    Have a Magical Day!

    Rocco
    Email Communications Agent
    Disney Cruise Line

    *If applicable, please include your full name, reservation number, and phone number on all correspondence.

    PLEASE NOTE: All information is subject to change without notice and should be confirmed just prior to your sailing.

    Reply
  8. Matt

    Do guests under age 12 who are obviously not vaccinated need to purchase a Port Adventure to disembark at Castaway Cay? I saw that rule appears to apply to most ports but wasn’t sure about that port specifically, which is the only port we’d be planning to disembark at with our kids.

    Reply

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