Know Before You Go Updates: European Cruise Protocols Announced

Disney Cruise Line updated the Know Before You Go page on April 13th to add protocols specific to the European sailings this summer aboard the Disney Magic. There is now a dedicated page for European sailings here (archived). Along with the protocols, Disney Cruse Line sent emails to guests booked on European sailings from May 21, 2022 through September 18, 2022 that they may modify their sail date or cancel their sailing without any Disney-imposed cancellation fees by contacting their travel agent by May 4, 2022.

Know Before You Go Europe 20220413

The following email was sent to guests booked on European cruises.

04/13/2022

Reservation #:

Dear Emily,

All of us at Disney Cruise Line hope you and your family are staying well. We are reaching out with important updated information about your sailing.

As we welcome Guests aboard our ships, promoting the health and safety of our Guests, Cast Members and Crew Members is a top priority. We have resumed sailing in a gradual, phased approach that emphasizes multiple layers of health and safety measures, developed considering guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other medical experts.

Guests on sailings departing from and arriving to homeports in Barcelona, Spain, Civitavecchia, Italy, Dover, England, and Copenhagen, Denmark, are required at this time to adhere to the following Disney Cruise Line COVID-19 vaccination and testing protocols.*

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements

Currently, Disney Cruise Line requires all vaccine-eligible Guests to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 at the time of sailing, as defined by the CDC and the World Health Organization (WHO). This is a requirement for all Guests ages 5 and older.

In consideration of guidance from the CDC and the WHO, Disney Cruise Line accepts the following vaccine types: Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson, AstraZeneca, Covishield, Novavax, Sinopharm BBIBP-CorV (VeroCell), Sinovac-CoronaVac and Covavaxin (Bharat Biotech).

The CDC defines fully vaccinated as 14 days after receiving:

  • a single-dose of an accepted 1-dose vaccine
  • the second dose of an accepted 2-dose vaccine
  • the full series of an active (not placebo) COVID-19 vaccine in the U.S.-based AstraZeneca or Novavax COVID-19 vaccine trials
  • the second dose of any “mix-and-match” combination of accepted COVID-19 vaccines (administered at least 17 days apart)

See below for additional information about individual country-specific government entry requirements.

Pre-Trip COVID-19 Testing

Guests who are not vaccine-eligible, because of age, must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test result (paid for by the Guest) taken between 3 days and 24 hours before their sail date. Guests 4 years of age and under must complete these testing requirements. The test should be a NAAT test, rapid PCR test or lab-based PCR test. Rapid antigen tests are not accepted.

Guests Recently Recovered from COVID-19

In some cases, people who have recently recovered from COVID-19 may still test positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus. If Guests have tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 within 11 to 90 days of their sail date, they may qualify to be considered as “recently recovered.” With the appropriate documentation and subsequent approval, Guests considered recently recovered are not required to participate in COVID-19 testing during the Pre-Sail, Embarkation or Disembarkation phases of their voyage. To be considered recently recovered you will need to provide:

  • A copy of your previous positive COVID-19 test result which is greater than 11 days and less than 90 days from your expected sail date. The test must have been antigen, NAAT, rapid PCR or lab-based PCR. The test result must include your date of birth.
  • A signed letter (on official letterhead that shows the name, address and phone number of a licensed healthcare provider or public health official) stating that you have recovered from COVID-19 in the last 90 days and are clear for travel.
  • Proof of vaccination.

Embarkation COVID-19 Testing

Currently, in consideration of guidance from the CDC and other medical experts, all Guests (regardless of age and vaccination status) will be required to take a COVID-19 test at the terminal before boarding (paid for by Disney Cruise Line and administered by Prenetics). Guests with positive COVID-19 test results will undergo a second confirmatory test. Guests with confirmed positive COVID-19 test results—as well as those sharing the same stateroom and their close contacts—will be denied boarding. Prenetics is Disney Cruise Line’s third-party partner for COVID-19 testing and vaccination verification. Embarkation COVID-19 testing is subject to change at any time based on evolving government guidance and local requirements. Please visit the Know Before You Go section of our website for the latest information.

Country-Specific Government Entry Requirements

Certain European countries may have COVID-19 vaccination, testing and documentation requirements for entry that are independent of and in addition to Disney Cruise Line’s health and safety protocols. Some countries may require a COVID-19 booster dose to enter the destination or port of call if your final COVID-19 vaccine was administered more than 270 days before arrival. In these instances, guests should consider completing a booster dose at least 14 days before arrival into the country. Guests who do not meet country-specific entry requirements for their sailing may be unable reach their point of embarkation or unable to debark at certain ports of call or their final destination.

Guests are responsible for checking and meeting all requirements or restrictions that may be in place for travel to any homeport or port of call that is part of their cruise itinerary. Some countries may require a valid EU Digital COVID-19 Certificate or additional registration and documentation. Guests are responsible for adhering to these requirements.

Guests can visit the websites below to learn more about the government entry requirements for the following European homeports:

Country-specific government entry requirements may change at any time, without notice. We strongly recommend that guests frequently check the entry requirements for each country they plan to visit, especially as they approach their sail date.

Face Coverings

Face coverings are not required for Guests outdoors while on board the ship. Face coverings are optional in most indoor locations throughout the ship. Guests under 5 years of age who are currently ineligible to be vaccinated will be required to wear face coverings in Youth Activity spaces and in the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique; and, while not required, we continue to strongly recommend these guests wear a face covering in all other indoor locations. Face coverings are required on motorcoach transportation and in the cruise terminal and may be required in ports of call based on local government requirements.

Project Screen by Prenetics Website

In order to sail, all Guests must submit their proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 PCR test result to the Project Screen by Prenetics website prior to arrival at the terminal. Guest will be able to register at the Project Screen website no sooner than two weeks prior to their sailing.

Online Check-in

Guest must complete Online Check-in beginning 30 days prior to their sailing. You will need to submit the required documents as well as select a Port Arrival Time. All Guests, including our Platinum Castaway Club Guests, will need to select a Port Arrival Time. Please be aware that Guests will not be permitted at the terminal or in parking areas before their scheduled arrival time. Guests who arrive early will be asked to return at their scheduled arrival time, and Guests arriving after their scheduled time may be delayed and asked to wait behind those arriving at their scheduled time. Online Check-in can be completed or modified up to one day prior to sailing. After completing Online Check-in, you will receive a Port Arrival Form by email. Bring this with you to the port to expedite your arrival.

*As our health and safety protocols and operational guidelines are subject to change, please visit the Know Before You Go section of our website for the latest information and answers to many frequently asked questions.

Guests booked on the Disney Magic May 21, 2022 through September 18, 2022 may modify their sail date or cancel their sailing without any Disney-imposed cancellation fees by contacting their travel agent by May 4, 2022. Please note that change fees and cancellation fees imposed by third-party suppliers, such as airlines and hotels, as well as travel insurance, are not refundable. Refunds will be processed back to the original form of payment. Standard cancellation policies and terms and conditions apply for any cancellation or modification requests received on or after May 5, 2022.

We look forward to welcoming you aboard soon.

Sincerely,

The Cast and Crew
Disney Cruise Line

DCL Email Europe Protocols 20220413

As alway, for the most current, and up to date information for your upcoming cruise, please visit the Disney Cruise Line Know Before You Go pages.

4 Replies to “Know Before You Go Updates: European Cruise Protocols Announced”

  1. Alan

    Speaking of Europe, Scott you hearing anything on when Disney plans to announce 2023 summer itineraries? Don’t ever recall it being this late.

    Reply
    1. Lois

      I’m thinking the same thing Anne. We are on the 12 Night Med with Greece, and will go even if the itineraries are changed. Hopefully we will know something soon.

      Reply

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