WDW News Today just announced that all Guests 12 and older must be vaccinated to board a Disney Cruise. The Prime Minister of the Bahamas signed an emergency power that requires all eligible passengers to be fully vaccinated. This included all parts of the Bahamas including private islands such as Castaway Cay. The new restriction will be in effect from September 3rd through November 1st. The vaccine requirement at the moment affects the Disney Fantasy and the Disney Dream. The Disney Magic is currently hosting Staycations for United Kingdom residents with no ports of call.
A federal judge declared that Florida Cruise Lines can require proof of COVID-19 vaccine. According to the CDC guidelines, guess who have received both doses of Moderna, Pfizer, or AstraZeneca are considered fully vaccinated 14 days after the second dose. Guess who have received the one dose Johnson & Johnson are considered fully vaccinated 14 days after. Guests that do not provide proof of vaccination will not be allowed aboard. Ships with unvaccinated passengers will not even be allowed to dock. That being said, staying on the ship will not even be an option.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has made vaccine passports illegal in the state of Florida which is why this ended up going to court. According to the governor’s order, businesses could be fined up to $5,000 each time they ask for proof of vaccination.
Along with those safety measures, all Guests and Cast Members will be required to wear masks while in public indoor areas of the ship. They will not be needed in outdoor areas or in staterooms. The recent Disney Cruises have only been sailing with two stops at Disney’s Private Island Castaway Cay. Any Guests that would like to modify or cancel their cruise may do so and can receive a full refund.
