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Disney raises age for vaccination mandate to 12 on many cruises, testing continuesDisney raises age for vaccination mandate to 12 on many cruises, testing continues

Disney Cruise Line raised the mandatory vaccination age from 5 to 12 on sailings from the US and Canada and is continuing testing for both vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers.

Anne Kalosh, Editor, Seatrade Cruise News & Senior Associate Editor, Seatrade Cruise Review

August 15, 2022

1 Min Read
CRUISE Disney funnels
At a time when a number of lines are waiving testing for fully vaccinated passengers, that's still not the case for DisneyPHOTO: DISNEY CRUISE LINE

The age change takes effect with cruises from Sept. 2.

The line still 'highly recommends' travelers under 12 be fully vaccinated if eligible. 

Age 5 and up remains on Europe cruises

For Disney cruises departing from and arriving to homeports in Europe — including Barcelona, Civitavecchia (Rome), Dover and Copenhagen — the vaccination requirement remains for ages 5 and above.

Testing for US, Canada, Europe stays in place

At a time when a number of lines are waiving testing for fully vaccinated passengers, that's still not the case for Disney. 

Fully vaccinated travelers on sailings from the US, Canada and Europe need to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test result taken one to two days before embarking in order to be exempt from pre-embarkation testing at the terminal. Tests must be completed using a proctored in-person or telehealth service. Rapid antigen tests are accepted.

Unvaccinated need PCR test and will also be tested at embarkation

Passengers who aren't fully vaccinated, including those under 5, must provide a negative test result taken one to three days before sailing. This must be a PCR test; rapid antigen tests are not accepted. Travelers not fully vaccinated will also need to undergo a test at the terminal before embarking; this is covered by Disney Cruise Line.

Vaccination and testing proof in advance

Proof of vaccination, if applicable, and negative COVID test for all travelers — adults and children — must be uploaded to a site as directed by midnight prior to embarkation day. Those who fail to do so will be tested at the terminal at their expense.

About the Author

Anne Kalosh

Editor, Seatrade Cruise News & Senior Associate Editor, Seatrade Cruise Review

Anne Kalosh covers global stories, reporting both breaking and in-depth news on cruising's significant people, places, ships and trends. A sought-after expert on cruising, she has moderated conferences around the world, including the high-profile State of the Industry panel at Seatrade Cruise Global. She created and led the acclaimed itinerary-planning case study for Seatrade's cruise master classes held at Cambridge and Oxford universities. She has been the cruise columnist for AFAR.com, and her freelance stories have appeared in a wide range of publications, from The New York Times to The Miami Herald.

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