In-Person Safety Requirement Returns to Disney Cruise Line

Posted on by Mathew Corn Uncategorized

Over the weekend, Disney Cruise Line resumed in-person safety drills onboard some of their cruise ships. This was reinstated after previous COVID restrictions enabled the need to have this process completed virtually.

These drills, also known as “muster drills,” are a way for Disney Cruise Line to ensure Guests’ safety by making sure Guests know what to do in the event of an emergency. This also complies with U.S. Coast Guard and international safety regulations.

Previously, when there were still COVID concerns onboard, as well as reduced capacity, Guests were able to go to a designated muster station, check in virtually on the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App, and then watch a safety video.

Now, as COVID restrictions are being lifted on the Cruise Lines, this process will once again be done in person, as it started this past weekend on November 12.

Disney Cruise Line at Christmas

Disney Cruise Line announced these changes in a message sent to travel agents and advisors:

We regularly review our processes and have made the decision to reintroduce the in-person assembly drills. All Guests will be required to report to their assigned assembly station in person at the scheduled time on embarkation day, beginning on the following sailings:

  • Saturday, Nov. 12: Disney Dream & Disney Fantasy
  • Monday, Nov. 14: Disney Wish
  • Wednesday, Nov. 16: Disney Wonder
  • Sunday, Nov. 20: Disney Magic

This transition will ensure all Crew Members and Guests are fully aware of our safety procedures in the event of an emergency. The DCL Navigator App will continue to notify Guests of their assigned assembly station, provide directions for getting to their location and share additional safety information with Guests.

Although Disney Cruise Line Guests may hate or feel inconvenienced by these drills, they are vital to keeping everyone safe, as safety is one of Disney’s key tenets.

Per Disney, these Guest Assembly Drills entail the following:

Before departing on each cruise, we hold a mandatory assembly drill for guests, providing important instructions on what would be required of passengers in the event of an actual emergency. Crew services are suspended during the drill, and attendance for guests is required. We use a state-of-the-art automated system to account for guests checked-in at assembly stations.

Disney Cruise at New York

You can read more about Disney’s commitment to safety, which includes these Guest Assembly drills, along with safety management, crew training, and crew drills, on Disney Cruise Line’s safety information webpage.

More than 30 Super Heroes and Villains assemble for Marvel Day at Sea in 2023

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Whether our guests are a lifelong fan or newcomer to the Marvel Universe, they’ll be sure to embark on an epic vacation when fan-favorite Super Heroes and Villains assemble in all-new ways aboard Marvel Day at Sea sailings in early 2023.

Setting sail January through March from Miami, Marvel Day at Sea combines the thrills of renowned Marvel comics, films and animated series with the excitement of a Disney cruise.

Disney Cruise Line guests will assemble on the Disney Magic to celebrate the epic adventures of the Marvel Universe’s mightiest Super Heroes and Super Villains in a brand-new, day-long event: Marvel Day at Sea. The event kicks off on seven special sailings from New York City in the fall of 2017, followed by eight special voyages from Miami departing January through April 2018. The celebration combines the thrills of renowned Marvel comics, films and animated series, with the excitement of Disney Cruise Line entertainment to summon everyone’s inner Super Hero for the adventures that lie ahead during this unforgettable day at sea. (Chloe Rice, photographer)

During this one action-packed day aboard the Disney Dream, guests will get to experience all-day entertainment including meet-and-greets, stage shows, film and TV screenings, special merchandise, themed food and beverage offerings, and activities for every member of the family.

For the first time ever, more than 30 Marvel Super Heroes and Villains will be featured in new heroic encounters andlive entertainment throughout the event:

  • Guests can interact with some of the mightiest Marvel Super Heroes and the menacing foes who oppose them, including the debut of Captain America Sam Wilson, Mighty Thor, Shang-Chi, Marvel, Ant-Man and the Wasp, Kate Bishop and more. Returning fan-favorites include Spider-Man, Iron Man, Black Panther, Captain Marvel, Thor, Loki and Black Widow.
  • A brand-new take on “Heroes Unite” — the signature nighttime spectacular featuring special effects, stunts and pyrotechnics — will assemble an unprecedented line-up of Marvel characters for a time-warping, multiverse-spanning adventure. The action will culminate in an epic battle with never-before-seen villains on a Disney Cruise Line ship.
  • New in the Walt Disney Theatre, “Strange Academy: A Spellbinding Spectacular” will keep guests and their families on the edge of their seats with demonstrations of the power of the mystic arts. The show will feature Doctor Strange, the powerful witch Agatha Harkness and the first-ever appearance of Sorcerer Supreme Wong.
  • Young recruits will sharpen their super hero skills during an all-new, interactive training experience with Captain America Steve Rogers, Black Widow, Hawkeye and Kate Bishop held on the upper decks and in the kids’ club.

Returning to Marvel Day at Sea, families are invited to suit up as their favorite Marvel Super Hero or Villain for an exciting costume bash; join favorite Disney friends for a high-energy party on the upper decks during Mickey and Minnie’s Super Hero Celebration; dance the night away with Star-Lord and Gamora at the adult-exclusive Ravagers Dance Party; and more. 

Disney Cruise Ships Forced to Alter Course Due to Strong Subtropical Storm

Posted on by Mathew Corn Uncategorized

On Wednesday, November 9, Subtropical Storm Nicole is expected to hit Florida, with near hurricane-strength winds. While the term “subtropical” may not sound as bad as tropical, a subtropical storm can be just as dangerous — with the term meaning that the strongest winds are not located close to the center of the storm and the storm has less symmetry. Currently, Subtropical Storm Nicole is making her way through the Caribbean and the state of Florida is under a Hurricane watch.

Nicole sitting in the Caribbean is causing some major problems for the Disney Cruise Line. All the ships in Disney’s fleet — the Disney Magic, the Disney Dream, the Disney Wonder, the Disney Fantasy, and its newest ship, the Disney Wish — sail through the Caribbean and stop at Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay. Unfortunately, some sailings have to be altered and Guests will no longer be able to spend time on the gorgeous Castaway Cay beaches.

Castaway Cay

Guests aboard the Disney Dream were set to leave port on Monday, November 7, and head through the tropics for a 5-night voyage. However, when Guests boarded the ship, they were given the following notice.

Dear Disney Dream Guest, 

We are glad that you have joined us aboard the Disney Dream. 

As you may be aware, Subtropical Storm Nicole is currently located in the Eastern Caribbean and is forecasted to move through the Bahamas later this week. We have been closely monitoring the storm system to ensure our Guests enjoy safe and comfortable cruises.

While we plan to sail from PortMiami today as scheduled, it is necessary to make some changes to your sailing to make certain out ships steer clear of the storm. Below is the revised itinerary of your sailing. 

  • Monday – Miami, Florida
  • Tuesday – Day at Sea (previously Castaway Cay)
  • Wednesday – Day at Sea
  • Thursday – Cozumel, Mexico
  • Friday – Day at Sea
  • Saturday – Miami, Florida

Any pre-reserved Port Adventures in Castaway Cay will be automatically removed from your stateroom account. If you are interested in reserving additional experiences ashore in Cozumel, you may do so once on-board the ship through the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app.

We appreciate your understanding regarding this necessary itinerary change and look forward to providing you with an enjoyable sailing. 

Sincerely, 

The Cast & Crew

Update to Disney Cruise Line Health & Safety Policies

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UPDATE: SeaMails have been sent to guests who booked through a travel agent on sailings departing from the U.S. Nov. 14, 2022 to Jan. 31, 2023 and all sailings departing on or after Feb. 1, 2023.

Beginning Nov. 14, 2022, for sailings departing from the United States, Disney Cruise Line will no longer require Guests (regardless of vaccination status) to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test prior to sailing. Disney Cruise Linecontinues to highly recommend that all Guests be fully vaccinated and encourages unvaccinated Guests to take a COVID-19 test two days prior to sailing.

SeaMail for Sailings departing from the U.S. Nov. 14, 2022 to Jan. 31, 2023:

Dear [Guest Who Booked Through a Travel Agent],

All of us at Disney Cruise Line look forward to welcoming you aboard soon. We are reaching out with important updates to the COVID-19 testing requirements for your sailing.

Beginning November 14, 2022, for sailings departing from the United States, Disney Cruise Line will no longer require Guests (regardless of vaccination status) to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test prior to sailing. Disney Cruise Line continues to highly recommend that all Guests be fully vaccinated and encourages unvaccinated Guests to take a COVID-19 test two days prior to sailing.

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 sailings departing from the U.S. November 14, 2022, through January 31, 2023, may modify or cancel their sailing by November 13, 2022 without any Disney-imposed cancellation fees. Please contact your travel agent for details on how to cancel or modify your booking. 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 November 14, 2022.

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. 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.

We look forward to welcoming you aboard soon.

Sincerely,

The Cast and Crew

Disney Cruise Line

SeaMail for All Sailings Departing on or after Feb. 1, 2023:

Dear [Guest Who Booked Through a Travel Agent],

All of us at Disney Cruise Line look forward to welcoming you aboard soon. We are reaching out with important updates to the COVID-19 testing requirements for your sailing. 

Beginning November 14, 2022, for sailings departing from the United States, Disney Cruise Line will no longer require Guests (regardless of vaccination status) to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test prior to sailing. Disney Cruise Line continues to highly recommend that all Guests be fully vaccinated and encourages unvaccinated Guests to take a COVID-19 test two days prior to sailing. 

For sailings departing from International destinations, Disney Cruise Line adheres to the local laws, regulations and protocols in place, including those related to health and safety. Guests on these will be notified of any specific requirements closer to their sail date. In addition, we recommend that Guests review and stay up to date with any cruise-specific requirements, restrictions or recommendations that may be in place for travel to destinations outside of the United States. 

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 sailings departing from the U.S. on or after February 1, 2023, may modify or cancel their sailing by November 17, 2022 without any Disney-imposed cancellation fees. Please contact your travel agent for details on how to cancel or modify your booking. 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 November 18, 2022. 

We look forward to welcoming you aboard soon.

Sincerely, 

The Cast and Crew

Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line Returns to the 96th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

Posted on by Mathew Corn Uncategorized

One of the greatest ways for families to kick off the holiday season is by watching the iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade together.

Disney Cruise Line debuted an all-new cruise ship float during the turkey day tradition last year, and we are thrilled to share that the same stunning vessel will be returning to the parade later this month! This year, our majestic “ship” – inspired by the fantastical style of the Disney Wish – will float through the streets of New York once again, accompanied by an all-new performance in Herald Square.

This year’s live parade performance will be inspired by one of the new Broadway-style shows on board the Disney Wish, “Disney Seas the Adventure.” Minnie Mouse, Mickey Mouse and Goofy will lead an incredible cast of performers and Disney characters in this show-stopping number, which has quickly become a guest favorite aboard our newest ship. 

Be sure to tune in to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on NBC-TV on Nov. 24 from 9 a.m. to noon in all time zones.

We’ll “see you real soon” on 34th Street!