Report: Disney Cruise Line’s Strict COVID Rules Causing Loss of Passengers

Disney Cruise Line remains one of the most draconian cruise lines on the seven seas in matters of enforcing Covid-19 vaccinations and testing, and it appears that their dedication to mandates is costing them customers.

Over the recent weeks, cruise lines such as Norwegian, Celebrity Cruises, and Royal Caribbean International have all lowered or even dropped their vaccination mandates and testing requirements, offering arguably a more free and accessible sailing experience. However, Disney Cruise Line has remained relatively steadfast in its commitment to only catering to those “fully vaccinated” and willing to face multiple rounds of testing.

According to Travel Weekly, 

“Some clients were so excited about cruise lines rolling back testing requirements that they canceled their reservations on one line to book on another with more relaxed rules. I heard that most often about Disney Cruise Line…With other family-oriented lines dropping both vaccination and testing requirements, agents said their clients wanted out of their Disney cruises in favor of a vacation with less hassle.”

“It’s easier,” said DeeAna Archer, owner of Texas-based Archer Luxury Travel. “When you talk about a family of four, five or six, [testing] adds up to a lot of money.” Her clients would rather sail on a line where they don’t have to worry about that testing or the risk that they’ll test positive at the last minute. “Do you know how terrifying it is to spend that kind of money on airfare and find out you have Covid, and now you can’t go? I was a nervous wreck about it.”

Archer disclosed that her clients had canceled at least $40,000 worth of Disney Cruise Line vacations, deciding to opt for less strict alternatives.

It should be noted, though, that while Guests may not need to meet the current definition of “fully vaccinated” in order to board a cruise ship, some ports of call will still require full vaccination for disembarkation. But it appears vacationers are making it clear that an extra day on the ship is better than not being able to go at all. Please keep this in mind if you are planning to cruise with varying levels of vaccination in your group.

As of this article’s publication, Disney Cruise Line still requires all “vaccine eligible” Guests as young as five years old to meet the CDC’s current definition of “fully vaccinated” but has plans to drop that mandate for Guests aged 12 and younger beginning September 2. Mandatory Covid-19 testing two days prior to sailing is still required.

Despite Disney Cruise Line’s strict protocols, covid cases have been reported aboard its ships. 

Disney Cruise Line operates a fleet of ships that consists of the Disney Magic, Disney Wonder, Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, and Disney Wish. 

We at Disney Fanatic will continue to update our readers on Disney Cruise Line news and stories as more developments come to light.