disney cruise lines vaccination policy

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Disney Cruise Line will require all passengers ages 5 and older to be fully vaccinated.

The mandate will go into effect on Jan. 13 and will apply to sailings both in the United States and abroad.

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By Ceylan Yeginsu

• Nov. 17, 2021

Disney Cruise Line updated its immunization policy for guests on Wednesday, requiring all children over the age of 5 to be fully vaccinated against the coronavirus.

The vaccine mandate will go into effect on Jan. 13 and will apply to sailings both in the United States and abroad. Until then, unvaccinated guests between the ages of 5 and 11 must take a pre-departure coronavirus test. Currently, guests age 12 and up and all crew members on Disney ships must be fully vaccinated.

The new requirement comes after federal regulators recently cleared Pfizer-BioNTech’s pediatric vaccine for children ages 5 through 11 earlier.

Like Disney, most other major cruise lines have required passengers 12 and older to be fully vaccinated. While some companies like Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean Group and MSC Cruises have allowed unvaccinated children on board ships with testing requirements, some sailings have had to limit numbers on board because of policies that require at least 95 percent of passengers to be fully vaccinated.

Last week, the chief executive officer of Royal Caribbean, Richard Fain, said he expects an update on vaccine protocols for children soon, but no changes have been announced yet.

“I think we’re moving in the direction where every cruise will have 100 percent of the crew vaccinated and 95 or more percent of the guests,” he said at a media event on board Odyssey of the Seas, a cruise ship owned by Royal Caribbean.

Norwegian Cruise Line has one of the most stringent immunization policies, requiring all passengers and crew to be fully vaccinated — including eligible children — and recently announced that the rules would be extended “indefinitely” in the near future. It bars ineligible children from sailings.

To encourage family cruise vacations, Holland American Line recently announced a new offer allowing fully vaccinated children ages 5 to 17 to sail for free as third and fourth guests in the same stateroom.

“Now that kids ages 5 and older can receive the Covid-19 vaccine, getting out and seeing the world is on everyone’s mind,” said Gus Antorcha, president of Holland America Line.

Ceylan Yeginsu is a London-based reporter. She joined The Times in 2013, and was previously a correspondent in Turkey covering politics, the migrant crisis, the Kurdish conflict, and the rise of Islamic State extremism in Syria and the region. More about Ceylan Yeginsu

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2 flood warnings in effect for lake and volusia counties, theme parks, disney cruise line updates covid-19 vaccination requirements, current vaccination guidelines remain in effect until september.

Thomas Mates , Streaming Executive Producer

Disney updated its vaccination requirements Monday for guests traveling on its cruise line.

According to Disney’s website , the current vaccination guidelines, requiring anyone 5 and older to be fully vaccinated before traveling, will continue through Sept. 1.

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Starting Sept. 2, guests aged 12 and older must be fully vaccinated before sailing on Disney Cruise Line. Disney, according to the site, now “highly recommends that Guests ages 11 and younger be fully vaccinated before sailing.”

Disney still requires guests to submit to a COVID-19 test before boarding and upload the test results on “the Inspire Diagnostics Safe Passage website by midnight prior to embarkation day,” the website states.

Read the full updated vaccination policy below:

Learn about the requirements for COVID-19 vaccination at the time of sailing. COVID-19 Vaccination: For sailings departing US and Canadian ports through September 1, 2022, Disney Cruise Line requires Guests ages 5 and older to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 at the time of sailing, as defined by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Beginning September 2, 2022, for sailings departing US and Canadian ports, Disney Cruise Line will require Guests ages 12 and older to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 at the time of sailing, as defined by the CDC. In consideration of CDC guidance, Disney Cruise Line highly recommends that Guests ages 11 and younger be fully vaccinated before sailing. In consideration of guidance from the CDC and the World Health Organization, Disney Cruise Line accepts the following vaccine types for Guests ages 5 and older: Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson, AstraZeneca, Covishield, Novavax, Sinopharm BBIBP-CorV (VeroCell), Sinovac-CoronaVac and Covavaxin (Bharat Biotech). For Guests ages 5 and older, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines fully vaccinated as 14 days after receiving one of the following: 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 US-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) Disney Cruise Line accepts Pfizer and Moderna for Guests ages 4 and younger; Sinopharm (BBIBP-CorV, VeroCell) for Guests ages 3 through 4 years of age; and Sinovac (CoronaVac) for Guests ages 6 months through 3 years. For Guests ages 4 and younger, the CDC defines fully vaccinated as receiving one of the following: 3 doses of Pfizer: the second dose administered 21 days after the first; and the third dose administered 56 days after the second. 2 doses of Moderna: the second dose administered one month after the first. 2 doses of Sinopharm BBIBP-CorV (VeroCell): the second dose administered 21 to 28 days after the first. 2 doses of Sinovac-CoronaVac: the second dose administered 14 to 28 days after the first. Disney Cruise Line

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About the Author

Thomas mates.

Thomas Mates is a Streaming Executive Producer for News 6 and ClickOrlando.com. He also produces the podcast Florida Foodie. Thomas is originally from Northeastern Pennsylvania and worked in Portland, Oregon before moving to Central Florida in August 2018. He graduated from Temple University with a degree in Journalism in 2010.

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New disney cruise line vaccine requirements now in effect.

Posted by: Krysten Swensen January 13, 2022

Back in November, Disney Cruise Line announced that they would soon be requiring all Guests who are able to receive the vaccine to be vaccinated before they are able to embark on one of DCL’s amazing cruises. Originally, the vaccination requirement was only in place for those Guests 12 and over, but when the CDC approved vaccines for children as young as 5, Disney Cruise Line changed its policy as well. Disney gave Guests a couple of months’ notice and now the time is here –Disney Cruise Line’s new vaccine requirements officially go into effect today.

Credit: Disney

If you are going on a Disney Cruise — or looking into booking a Disney Cruise — here is what you need to know about the vaccination requirements. Per the Disney Cruise Line website :

Currently, Disney Cruise Line continues to require all vaccine-eligible Guests (based on US eligibility requirements) to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, as defined by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), at the time of sailing. This is a requirement for all Guests (US and international) ages 5 and older. 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 ages 4 and under must complete the testing requirements. The test should be a NAAT test, rapid PCR test or lab-based PCR test.  Rapid antigen tests are not accepted.

Credit: Disney Cruise Line

Now, if you are unsure of what a rapid antigen test is, it is a test that involves a quick swab of the inside of your nose and test results typically come back in under one hour. Disney Cruise Line requires a negative PCR test for children 4 and under — which is typically done at a testing facility or in a doctor’s office, and the results may take a few days to get back.

It is very important to note that children and adults who are vaccine eligible will NOT be able to simply provide proof of a negative COVID test taken less than 72 hours before their trip. Proof of vaccination is the only way they will be able to board the vessel.

It is also important to remember that, even though vaccinations are required, masks are still to be worn indoors at all times , unless the Guest is in their stateroom, or they are actively eating or drinking while stationary and are at a socially distanced from other Guests. The face mask requirement applies to all Guests ages two and up.

About Krysten Swensen

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Disney Cruise Line Shares Updated CDC and Vaccination Requirements for Sailing

Disney Cruise Line has sent an update on revised CDC requirements for all sailings, including that all Guests sailing, regardless of age and vaccination status, will be required to take a rapid PCR test prior to boarding and that all Guests 12 and older starting September 3 are required to be fully vaccinated.

What’s Happening:

• Disney Cruise Line has sent an update on CDC requirements for all sailings starting September 13, 2021 until further notice. The CDC update requires all Guests, regardless of age and vaccination status, to take a COVID-19 test before boarding.
• In addition, starting September 3, all Guests 12 years and older must be fully vaccinated to sail to any destination. Guests 11 years of age and younger are not required, but must provide proof of a negative pre-trip PCR COVID-19 test.
• There have also been updates made to the Safe Passage website pushing the registration date to 15 days prior to sailing instead of the 33 days previously allowed.

Timing for Pre-Sail COVID-19 Testing (Begins Sept. 13):

• The window for Guests 11 years of age and under to submit proof of a negative COVID-19 test result has been reduced to 3 days and 24 hours prior to the sail date.
• The previous window was 5 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 (Begins Sept. 13):

• 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.
• The test cost will be covered by Disney Cruise Line.

Fully Vaccinated Requirement (Begins Sept. 3)

• 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 where all passengers regardless of age must be vaccinated.

Safe Passage Website Update

• Guests sailing on Disney Cruise Line can now register and create an account associated with their reservation starting 15 days prior to their sailing instead of 33 days prior to their sailing.
• If a Sail ID changes or an itinerary change is made, you’ll need to re-register with Safe Passage.

Children 5 & Up Will Need To Be Fully Vaccinated To Set Sail On A Disney Cruise

Meanwhile, kids 4 years old and younger must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test result before departure.

Families looking to cruise the high seas with Disney in 2022 will want to make sure they’ve double-checked the company’s Covid-19 policies. On Wednesday, Disney Cruise Line announced plans to require passengers including children over the age of 5 be fully vaccinated against Covid-19. The policy update comes shortly after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) expanded the emergency use authorization granted to the Pfizer BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine to include kids between the ages of 5 and 11.

“Disney Cruise Line continues to require all vaccine-eligible Guests (based on U.S. eligibility requirements) to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 , as defined by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), at the time of sailing,” a statement on the Disney Cruise Line website read. “This will be a requirement for all Guests (U.S. and international) ages 5 and up for sailings beginning on or after January 13, 2022.”

Currently, only guests 12 years old and older must be fully vaccinated to board a Disney cruise ship . Unvaccinated children between the ages of 5 and 11 are required to provide proof of a negative Covid-19 test until the cruise liner’s new policy comes into effect next year.

According to the cruise liner, guests who are not of a vaccine-eligible age, meaning they are 4 years old or younger, will be required to provide proof of a negative Covid-19 test result. Tests must be paid for and completed by the guest no later than 24 hours before their cruise is set to depart and no earlier than three days before their sail date. Additionally, Disney Cruise Line has said it will not accept rapid antigen tests. Rather, guests must test for the virus using a NAAT test, rapid PCR test, or a lab-based PCR test.

Following guidance from the CDC, Disney Cruise Line has said it defines a fully vaccinated individual as anyone 14 days past receiving either a single dose of a vaccine such as the Johnson & Johnson or the second dose of an accepted two-dose vaccine like Moderna or Pfizer. The cruise liner will also accept the AstraZeneca, Covishield, Novavax, Sinopharm, and Sinovac vaccines.

But Disney Cruise Line isn’t the only cruise liner to mandate that children 5 years old and up be fully vaccinated before boarding. Norwegian Cruise Line also requires all guests and crew be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 at least two weeks prior to their ship’s departure date. Guests who considered by the FDA World Health Organization (WHO), or European Medicines Agency (EMA) to be too young to be vaccinated are not permitted to sail with the cruise liner, according to their website. Holland American Line also has a strict policy that requires all guests, regardless of age, to be fully vaccinated .

According to The New York Times , more cruise liners may soon follow suit. Royal Caribbean CEO Richard Fain recently said he expected his company would update its vaccine protocols for children soon. “I think we’re moving in the direction where every cruise will have 100 percent of the crew vaccinated and 95 or more percent of the guests,” the paper reported Fain said.

For now, families looking to book a cruise will want to be sure they carefully review the Covid-19 vaccine requirements well before their departure date.

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Disney Cruise Line’s New COVID Vaccine Policy: What You And Your Kids Need To Know

Starting on Jan. 13, 2022, Disney Cruise Line ( DIS ) will require all U.S. and international passengers aged 5 and older to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to sail onboard its ships, making it one of the first cruise lines to implement a coronavirus vaccination policy for young children.

The vaccination requirement for children comes as the Pfizer COVID vaccine rolls out for kids aged 5 to 11.

Currently, Disney requires passengers aged 12 and older to be fully vaccinated, saying in a message on its website that it will continue to do so through the rest of the year. But it added in an update posted Wednesday that with the availability of the Pfizer vaccine for younger children in the U.S., it will begin requiring it for them in the new year.

The message reads, in part, “Currently, Disney Cruise Line continues to require all vaccine-eligible Guests (based on US eligibility requirements) to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, as defined by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ), at the time of sailing. This will be a requirement for all Guests (US and international) ages 5 and up for sailings beginning on or after January 13, 2022.”

Disney continued by saying that passengers under the age of 5 must show proof of a negative COVID test taken three days to 24 hours before the sail date of the cruise. Disney will accept NAAT tests, lab-based PCR tests, or rapid PCR tests. Rapid antigen test will not be accepted, the cruise line said.

The cost of the COVID tests is the responsibility of the passenger.

COVID vaccines accepted by Disney include Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson, AstraZeneca, Covishield, Novavax, Sinopharm, and Sinovac shots, CNN reported.

At press time, the only COVID vaccine available for children aged 5 to 11 is Pfizer-BioNTech which is given in two doses approximately three weeks apart.

As of Thursday's premarket hours, shares of Disney were trading at $157.14, down 18 cents or 0.11%.

© Copyright IBTimes 2024. All rights reserved.

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Every Cruise Line's Requirements for COVID Vaccines, Testing

A guide to every major cruise line's health requirements for safe sailing.

Cruise lines have shifted their requirements for passengers, making cruising accessible to practically everyone. Many popular cruise lines have eliminated the vaccine and pre-embarkation test as the industry is beginning to shift away from mandatory vaccines and testing.

The changes began shortly after the CDC ended a pandemic-era policy of publicly displaying COVID-19 cases onboard, different cruise lines to the public in July 2022. For those looking to check current COVID-19 trends onboard the CDC urges direct contact with the cruise line, and the organization will continue to monitor and offer guidelines to ships.

Below, we break down each line's list of regulations to sail as well as what travelers need to know to plan.

Avalon Waterways

Where they sail: These small-ship river cruises sail throughout Europe, Asia, South America, and down the Nile River in Egypt.

Who needs the vaccine: All international travelers from the U.S. must be fully vaccinated before boarding. Beginning March 2023 the vaccine is no longer required (but strongly encouraged).

What other safety measures are in place: All guests will undergo a health screening upon arrival and luggage will be disinfected. Avalon will provide COVID-19 testing for travelers who need to show proof of a negative test to return home at no extra cost. Depending on the location of the cruise a pre-departure COVID-19 test may or may not be required.

Find out more: Avalon Waterways

Where they sail : Azamara sails mid-size ships all over the world, to all seven continents.

Who needs the vaccine : All guests and crew 12 and older will be required to be fully vaccinated at least two weeks before boarding a ship. Beginning Dec. 1, 2022, the company plans to drop the vaccine requirement for departures from the U.S. and Europe.

What other safety measures are in place : Depending on the port of embarkation guests may or may not to pre-test to travel. For a full list of ports and whether they require a test guests can check online.

Azamara's ships have been upgraded with new HVAC filtration systems, and EPA-certified disinfectants are used to clean the ship.

Find out more : Azamara

Carnival Cruises

Where they sail: Carnival sails large ships around the world, including popular trips to the Caribbean. The company sailed its maiden voyage on the Mardi Gras out of Florida in July.

Who needs the vaccine: All guests are encouraged to be vaccinated but unvaccinated travelers, or vaccinated guests without proof of vaccination, will have to present the negative results of a PCR or antigen test taken no earlier than 3 days before sailing.

What other safety measures are in place: For cruises five days or less, there will no longer be pre-cruise testing for vaccinated passengers unless a specific port requires it. Itineraries including Bahamas, Bermuda, or Grand Cayman will still be required to test. All guests will also be required to fill out a health screening 72 hours before embarkation and undergo health screenings prior to boarding. Unvaccinated travelers on a cruise to Bermuda will be required to purchase travel insurance (children under 12 are exempt as long as they are traveling with vaccinated parents).

Both vaccinated and unvaccinated guests who have recovered from COVID-19 within three months of their sailing date, do not need the required pre-cruise COVID test before embarkation, only if they are at least 10 days past their COVID-19 infection, have no symptoms and present documentation of recovery from COVID-19 from their healthcare provider.

Find out more: Carnival Cruise Line

Celebrity Cruises

Where they sail: Celebrity Cruises sails all over the world.

Who needs the vaccine: The vaccine is no longer required to sail on cruises from the U.S. and Europe. A vaccine is required for sailings visiting Canada.

What other safety measures are in place: A pre-embarkation test is no longer required for vaccinated guests on sailings nine days or less. Unvaccinated passengers will still be required to test three days prior to sailing. Self-tests are acceptable from European and U.S. ports that don't stop in Bermuda or Canada.

Find out more : Celebrity Cruises

Where they sail: Cunard, which sails all over the world, is known for its transatlantic journeys aboard the Queen Mary 2.

Who needs the vaccine: All guests 18 and older must be fully vaccinated. Unvaccinated passengers under 18 will be required to undergo a PCR test within 72 hours of their departure.

What other safety measures are in place: Cunard has "enhanced" their onboard ventilation systems and implemented mandatory mask-wearing policies indoors. All guests aged 4 and older are required to have a negative COVID-19 test before boarding. Crew will be tested regularly while on board. Guests who have certain pre-existing medical conditions, including those who are on supplementary oxygen, will not be allowed to board.

Disney Cruise Line

Where they sail: Disney sails family-friendly journeys including to the Caribbean, Europe, and Alaska.

Who needs the vaccine: Vaccination is no longer required by highly suggested.

What other safety measures are in place: Unvaccinated guests must provide results of a COVID-19 test taken 1 to 2 days before sail date, at home tests are not accepted, this requirement will end Nov. 14. The Cruise line also has a full list of enhanced cleaning protocols.

Find out more: Disney Cruise Line

Grand Circle Cruise Line

Where they sail: Grand Circle Cruise Line sails small ships and river cruises all over the world, including an extensive list of European itineraries. The company plans to start sailing again in August, including to Greece, Turkey, and Italy.

Who needs the vaccine: All guests and crew are required to be fully vaccinated with the booster shot.

What other safety measures are in place: All ships have been equipped with High Efficiency Particular Air (HEPA) filters and buffets have been eliminated. The cruise line states some itineraries will require proof of a negative COVID-19 test prior to travel, and that instructors will be sent out 30 days prior to travel.

Find out mor e: Grand Circle Cruise Line

Holland America

Where they sail: Holland America sails large ships all over the world, including to the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Europe, and more.

Who needs the vaccine: Unvaccinated guests are welcome but will be required to self-test three days before cruising.

What other safety measures are in place: Vaccinated passengers traveling on ships for less than 16 days excluding itineraries with the Panama Canal, trans-ocean, and other selected itineraries will no longer be required to test.

Lindblad Expeditions

Where they sail: Lindblad Expeditions is known for its adventurous trips to hard-to-reach destinations like Antarctica and the Russian Far East, partnering with National Geographic to add to the experience.

Who needs the vaccine: All guests 12 and older need to be vaccinated before boarding. Boosters are recommended but not required.

What other safety measures are in place: Pre-departure testing will not be required unless for a specific destination.

Margaritaville at Sea

Where they sail: Margaritaville at Sea offers 3-day cruises to Grand Bahama Island departing from the port of Palm Beach. The cruise line also offers the opportunity to take the ship one way to the Bahamas to allow guests to stay at the Margaritaville resort, and then take the ship back to the Bahamas at a later date.

Who needs the vaccine: All guests are welcome regardless of vaccination status, according to the cruise line.

What other safety measures are in place: All crew members must be vaccinated for COVID-19 and the cruise line states there are vaccination requirements on board (but does not specify).

Find out more: Margaritaville at Sea

MSC Cruises

Where they sail: MSC Cruises sails large ocean cruises around the world, including throughout Europe, South America, the Persian Gulf, and the Caribbean. In August, the company started sailing to the Bahamas with a stop at its private island, Ocean Cay.

Who needs the vaccine: Vaccinations are recommended but no longer required.

What other safety measures are in place: Fully-vaccinated passengers are no longer required to show proof of a negative test unless it is required of the destination. Unvaccinated children must show proof of a negative PCR test.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Where they sail: Norwegian sails big ocean cruises all around the world, including popular itineraries all throughout the Caribbean and Greece.

Who needs the vaccine: All passengers may sail regardless of vaccination status.

What other safety measures are in place: Testing is no longer required for any passenger regardless of vaccination status with the exception of local government mandates.

Find out more : Norwegian Cruise Line

Oceania Cruises

Where they sail: Oceania Cruises sails all over the world, including offering several World Cruise itineraries.

Who needs the vaccine: All passengers regardless of vaccination status are allowed to sail.

What other safety measures are in place: Only unvaccinated guests will be required to show proof of a negative PCR or antigen test taken 72 hours prior to boarding. Unvaccinated children aged 12 years and younger are exempt.

P&O Cruises

Where they sail: The UK-based cruise line sails around Europe, including to the Canary Islands, as well as to the Caribbean from Southampton in the UK.

Who needs the vaccine: Although P&O Cruises' policy states that passengers over the age of 15 are required to be vaccinated, the latest update on its website says guests will be contacted directly in regards to vaccination protocol.

What other safety measures are in place: All guests are required to undergo a COVID-19 test at the terminal. Masks will be required on board indoors, and all shore excursions will be with vetted operators.

Princess Cruises

Where they sail: The global cruise line sails large ocean ships all around the world, from Australia to Alaska.

Who needs the vaccine: All guests are welcome on board, but unvaccinated passengers will be required to test and may need an additional medical exemption at some ports.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Where they sail: Regent Seven Seas offers all-inclusive luxury cruises around the globe, which include perks like free airfare, free excursions, and complimentary unlimited drinks on board.

Who needs the vaccine: All guests are now welcome. Unvaccinated passengers will be required to test 3-days before embarkation.

What other safety measures are in place: Pre-departure testing may not be necessary depending on the port. Currently cruises leaving from Bermuda, Canada, and Greece will require a test.

Royal Caribbean International

Where they sail: Royal Caribbean sails large ocean ships all over the world, including many popular itineraries throughout the Caribbean and Asia.

Who needs the vaccine: Everyone is welcome regardless of vaccination status, passengers traveling to Bermuda or Canada are required to be vaccinated.

W hat other safety measures are in place: On Royal Caribbean, unvaccinated travelers 12 and older leaving from a U.S. or Caribbean port still have to get tested within three days of embarkation,  according to the cruise line , vaccinated guests are exempt.

Royal Caribbean will accept a variety of tests as proof to board, including simply taking a photo of a self-administered home test.

Find out more : Royal Caribbean International

Where they sail: The British cruise line, exclusively for guests 50 and older, sails both ocean and river cruises around the globe.

Who needs the vaccine: All guests must be fully vaccinated, including a booster shot at least 14 days before boarding a ship. Saga was the first major cruise line to implement this vaccination policy.

What other safety measures are in place: Ocean Cruise guests will be required to get tested for COVID-19 in the terminal. Masks are required on bus transfers, in hotels, and on excursions.

Find out more : Saga

Where they sail: Seabourn's mid-size luxury cruises head all around the world, from Alaska to the Caribbean.

Who needs the vaccine: Vaccinations are not required on most cruise itineraries, unvaccinated guests will be required to present a negative test taken within three days of embarkation.

What other safety measures are in place: Masks are recommended onboard in most indoor venues and the casinos are frequently sanitized.

Where they sail: Silversea brings guests all around the world in luxury and style, including to the Galapagos and Antarctica.

Who needs the vaccine: All guests are welcome, however, unvaccinated guests may not be welcome on all sailings depending on local regulations.

What other safety measures are in place: Vaccinated guests do not need a pre-departure test unless local regulations such as cruises leaving from Australia, Bermuda, Canada, or Greece require it. Unvaccinated travelers will need a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of embarkation.

UnCruise Adventures

Where they sail: This small-ship company is known for its Alaska journeys as well as adventures in places like the Galapagos and island hopping in Hawaii.

Who needs the vaccine: As of April 7, all guests are welcome on board regardless of vaccination status.

What other safety measures are in place: Guests will no longer be required to present proof of vaccination or a COVID-19 test prior to, or during any point of sailing and the cruise line will no longer be running at limited capacity. These measures go into effect on April 7, until then guests 12 and older must provide proof of vaccination, and itineraries may sail at less then full capacity.

Masks are required in public spaces, according to the company "bandana" and "buff" face masks will not be accepted.

Victory Cruise Lines

Where they sail: Victory Cruise Lines is known for its Great Lakes cruises, providing all-inclusive sailings to see breathtaking sights from Niagara Falls to the iconic architecture of Chicago from Lake Michigan. Beyond the U.S., Victory Cruise Lines sails to Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula.

Who needs the vaccine: All guests and crew will be required to be vaccinated before boarding, and will be required to show physical proof prior to boarding.

What other safety measures are in place: Testing is no longer required on any river cruise.

Luggage is then disinfected before being brought onto the ship and staterooms cleaned with electrostatic fogging. Masks will be required during the embarkation process and while riding a shore excursion bus, but will not be required on board.

Viking Cruises

Where they sail: Viking sails ocean and river cruises all over the world, including throughout Europe. This summer, Viking will sail several voyages, including around England for UK residents, to Bermuda, and to Iceland in June.

Who needs the vaccine: All guests must be fully vaccinated to board a ship. Guests who are eligible must have a booster.

What other safety measures are in place: In addition to vaccines, all guests may be required to undergo a saliva PCR test at embarkation as well as "frequent" testing throughout the journey. All staterooms are equipped with independent air handling units.

Virgin Voyages

Where they sail: The brand-new cruise line is launching mini sailings from England for UK residents, and has cruises throughout the Caribbean, and transatlantic options.

Who needs the vaccine: All are welcome regardless of vaccination status, the cruise line removed all vaccine and testing requirements for all its ships in late October, according to the company.

What other safety measures are in place: Virgin Voyages was the first cruise line to eliminate pre-departure testing for vaccinated guests. The cruise line will continue to work with an advisory board to help ensure health and safety on board at all times, including the use of air filtration systems and sanitization of high touch surface areas.

Find out more : Virgin Voyages

Windstar Cruises

Where they sail: Windstar operates small-ship cruises and several sailing vessels all around the globe, including to places like Central America .

Who needs the vaccine: All guests will be required to be fully vaccinated at least 14 days before boarding one of Windstar's yachts. Boosters are highly encouraged and are recommended to be administered at least one week prior to travel.

What other safety measures are in place: Guests no longer need a pre-embarkation test unless a specific destination requires it.

Alison Fox is a contributing writer for Travel + Leisure. When she's not in New York City, she likes to spend her time at the beach or exploring new destinations and hopes to visit every country in the world. Follow her adventures on Instagram .

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Disney Cruise Line to require COVID-19 vaccination for passengers despite Florida law

Disney Cruise Line’s ‘Dream’ is docked in Port Canaveral, Friday, July 30, 2021. Disney Cruise Line is the latest to shift policy to now require passengers 12 and older to be vaccinated against COVID-19. (Joe Burbank, Orlando Sentinel/TNS)

(Tribune News Service) — Disney Cruise Line is the latest to shift policy to now require passengers 12 and older to be vaccinated against COVID-19 for sailings from Florida, even though a law pushed by Gov. Ron DeSantis threatens to fine cruise lines for demanding proof of vaccination.

The move comes nearly a week after the Bahamas updated an emergency COVID-19 declaration that prohibits cruises ships from entering a Bahamas port, including the many cruise lines’ private islands, unless eligible passengers are fully vaccinated. This does not apply to passengers 11 and under who don’t have a vaccine option or to passengers with proof of a medical reason they cannot get a vaccine.

The Bahamas order goes into effect Sept. 3 and lasts through October for now. On Tuesday, Disney posted its amended policy to follow the same approach as Royal Caribbean, Carnival, MSC Cruises and Celebrity, all of which sail from Florida and had allowed some unvaccinated passengers.

Cruise lines have opted to require vaccines from its eligible passengers from every U.S. state except Florida because of the law that went into effect July 1, which threatens to fine companies $5,000 per instance for any time a business demands proof of vaccination.

Norwegian Cruise Line filed suit over the law and a federal judge granted a temporary injunction to prevent the state from enforcing it. That injunction only applies to NCL and its sister brands Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas.

The Orlando Sentinel reached out to the governor’s office for comment about how it will enforce the law now that cruise lines will be asking for proof of vaccination but has not heard back.

Disney Cruise Line has only one ship currently active in the U.S. with Disney Dream sailing three- and four-night sailings from Port Canaveral with stops at its private Bahamas island Castaway Cay. It plans to add Disney Fantasy beginning Sept. 11, also on short sailings with stops solely at Castaway Cay. Disney Magic sailings listed on the company’s website from Miami in October would also be affected.

Now, Disney is requiring that proof of full vaccination be provided no later than 24 hours ahead of sailing.

“Guests who choose not to provide proof of vaccination to meet the requirements of The Bahamas will not be permitted to board the ship,” reads a statement on the Disney Cruise Line website.

Like other cruise lines, Disney is offering passengers affected by the policy change to shift their sail dates or get a refund without penalty.

The move by the Bahamas forced the hands of all major cruise lines that have returned to business from Florida as the majority of sailings have included stops either in Nassau or at the cruise lines’ private islands.

Royal Caribbean makes stops to its private island Coco Cay, Disney Cruise Line to Castaway Cay, Carnival to Half Moon and Princess Cays, Norwegian to Great Stirrup Cay and MSC Cruises to Ocean Cay – MSC Marine Reserve.

The cruise industry shut down in March 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic spread worldwide.

Cruise lines only returned to sailing from U.S. ports in June, but now have 14 ships doing regular voyages from the three major ports in Florida and several more on tap to begin in the next month.

©2021 Orlando Sentinel.

Visit  orlandosentinel.com .

Distributed by  Tribune Content Agency, LLC .

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clock This article was published more than  1 year ago

All major cruise lines will soon allow unvaccinated travelers

Disney cruises are set to become the last major group to drop the vaccine requirement on most U.S. sailings

Disney Cruise Line will no longer require vaccinations on most of its voyages beginning in October, the company announced Tuesday, marking the final major cruise line to ease its vaccine requirement on most U.S. sailings.

For voyages on the Disney Wish, Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy and Disney Wonder beginning Oct. 14, full vaccination is “highly recommended,” but not required, according to the cruise line’s website . Unvaccinated travelers 5 and older must provide proof of a negative coronavirus test taken within two days of the sail date, either through an observed antigen test or a lab-based PCR test. Vaccinated travelers and children under 5 are not required to test.

The same policy applies to Disney Magic sailings beginning Nov. 7. The Magic will be visiting ports of call in Canada and Bermuda in October, which have their own health requirements, though Canada is lifting all entry restrictions on Oct. 1.

The family-focused cruise line dropped its vaccination requirement for kids between 5 and 11 in August. The company did not immediately respond to a request for comment on its announcement Tuesday.

Welcome aboard, unvaccinated cruise passengers

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ended its covid program for cruises in July. Since then, all major cruise lines serving the U.S. — including Norwegian, Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Princess and MSC Cruises — have dropped their vaccine requirements for all but a few voyages, according to their websites.

Depending on the company, vaccinations may be required for sailings that last more than 16 days or visit ports of call with additional requirements, such as Bermuda and Greece.

Costa Cruises, the Italian carrier that operates some Caribbean cruises, announced last week it will permit unvaccinated passengers onboard beginning Oct. 8.

Anne Madison, a spokesperson for Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), said in a statement provided to The Washington Post that “most countries, travel sectors, and other businesses” have eliminated testing and vaccination requirements as a larger share of the population has gotten vaccinated or recovered from coronavirus cases.

“CLIA and our member lines will continue to monitor health conditions onboard and employ health and safety protocols commensurate with those conditions,” Madison’s statement says. “CLIA and its cruise line members have and will continue to make science-driven and medically informed decisions.”

As of Tuesday, the only seagoing cruise line requiring vaccinations on U.S. sailings is Cunard Line , a luxury British carrier operating three ships, including the only remaining ocean liner still in service.

Cunard requires all adults to be vaccinated, including with a booster if more than 270 days have passed since their initial vaccination, and take a test before departure, according to its website .

Cruises are smashing records despite covid on board: ‘Life goes on’

Travel agents and cruise companies have seen a spike in bookings in recent weeks after vaccine requirements were lifted, though company executives said they expect that most passengers will still be vaccinated. The recovery is a boon for the industry after a 15-month shutdown, but covid remains a concern , as experts have warned the close quarters of ships are particularly conducive to the virus’s spread.

The CDC continues to recommend being up to date with vaccines, including boosters, before cruise travel and to test no more than three days before departure.

More cruise news

Living at sea: Travelers on a 9-month world cruise are going viral on social media. For some travelers, not even nine months was enough time on a ship; they sold cars, moved out of their homes and prepared to set sail for three years . That plan fell apart, but a 3.5-year version is waiting in the wings.

Passengers beware: It’s not all buffets and dance contests. Crime data reported by cruise lines show that the number of sex crimes has increased compared to previous years. And though man-overboard cases are rare, they are usually deadly .

The more you know: If you’re cruise-curious, here are six tips from a newcomer. Remember that in most cases, extra fees and add-ons will increase the seemingly cheap price of a sailing. And if you happen to get sick , know what to expect on board.

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