Disney Cruise Line U.S. Restart Frequently Asked Questions Updated August 4, 2021 (subject to change) For reactive purposes only - please do not distribute
Timing
Q1: When does Disney plan to resume sailings from the United States? A: Beginning August 9, the Disney Dream will return to cruising from Port Canaveral, Florida, offering a mix of three- and four-night cruises to our private island in The Bahamas, Castaway Cay.
Q2: Are bookings for U.S. departures open? A: Yes.
Q3: When will the Disney Fantasy and Disney Wonder resume sailings? A: We continue to prepare the Disney Fantasy and Disney Wonder to welcome Guests once again and look forward to sharing more information soon.
Health & Safety/ COVID Protocols
Q4: What measures is DCL taking to help prevent illness onboard? A: Disney Cruise Line is implementing multiple layers of health and safety measures considering guidance from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other medical experts. This includes COVID-19 testing, health screenings, face coverings, reduced guest capacity, physical distancing and enhanced cleaning, among other measures. Full information is available on our website.
Q5: Do I need to get tested for COVID-19 to sail? A: Guests must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test (paid for at the Guests’ expense) taken between 5 days and 24 hours prior to the sail date. Disney Cruise Line has secured a special rate of $98.33 per PCR test (which includes a 3.5% processing fee) through our third-party vendor, Inspire Diagnostics. Guests may also obtain their PCR test from any independent testing supplier. Guests are also required to undergo a rapid PCR COVID-19 test administered by Inspire Diagnostics at the terminal prior to boarding. The $65 test fee will be charged to the folio of all Guests 12 years and older. Guests who are fully vaccinated may choose to provide proof of vaccination instead of undergoing COVID19 pre-trip and embarkation day testing.
Q6: Do I need a vaccination in order to sail? A: Disney Cruise Line strongly encourages all eligible Guests to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before sailing. Guests who are fully vaccinated may choose to provide proof of vaccination in order to be exempt from pre-trip and embarkation testing requirements (unless arriving from outside the United States) and travel insurance requirements. Vaccinated Guests arriving from outside the United States who are required to undergo the rapid test on Embarkation Day will not be charged for the test. Additionally, travel insurance is not required for vaccinated Guests arriving from outside the United States on sailings originating in the United States. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) considers people to be fully vaccinated 14 days after the final dose has been administered.
Q7: I received my final does exactly 14 days prior to my sailing, am I considered fully vaccinated? Am I able to sail, if day 14 is also the day of sailing? Yes. Vaccination day is considered day 0. Therefore, Guests would be fully vaccinated and able to sail if day 14 is also the day of sailing.
Q8: I haven’t received my test results yet to upload them to Safe Passage site? Can I bring results with me to the terminal for approval onsite? Yes, as a backup, guests who are unable to successfully upload their results to Safe Passage may bring proof of negative COVID-19 PCR test results and proof of travel insurance with them to the terminal for review onsite.
Q9: Where do I need to get tested before embarkation day? A: Guests may obtain their PCR test from any independent testing provider or, for Guests residing in the United States, may purchase a PCR testing kit directly from Inspire Diagnostics at a cost of $98.33 per test (which includes a 3.5% processing fee). Guests who are fully vaccinated may choose to provide proof of vaccination instead of undergoing COVID19 pre-trip testing.
Q10: How do I submit my proof of negative COVID-19 test?
● Upload Results from an Independent Testing Provider: To submit your test results from an independent testing provider, log in to the Safe Passage website and follow the prompts for submitting your COVID-19 PCR test results. To avoid delay, test results should be uploaded as an image file (PDF, JPG, TIFF, etc.) no later than 24 hours prior to embarkation. It’s also recommended that Guests bring documentation of negative COVID-19 PCR test result with them for embarkation.
● Order a PCR Testing Kit from Inspire Diagnostics: Guests who live in the United States may order a testing kit directly from the Safe Passage website. Guests from outside of the US must obtain their test results from a provider within their country. Each testing kit includes instructions on how to obtain and submit your test sample. Tests must be completed 4 to 5 days before you set sail and immediately mailed back to Inspire Diagnostics. Samples can be mailed in the postage-paid envelope provided with your kit. Test results will be provided within 48 hours upon receipt by Inspire Diagnostics. Make sure to allow enough time for Inspire Diagnostics to receive and process your test sample.
Q11: How do I submit my proof of COVID-19 vaccination? A. Guests who are fully vaccinated may choose to provide proof of vaccination in order to be exempt from pre-arrival and embarkation day COVID-19 testing (unless arriving from outside the United States) and travel insurance requirements. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention considers people to be fully vaccinated 14 days after the final dose has been administered. Guests may visit the Safe Passage website beginning 33 days before – and no later than 24 hours before – sailing to upload an image file (PDF, JPG, TIFF, etc.) showing proof of vaccination, preferably a vaccination card. For Guests choosing this option and to be exempt from certain policies on board, it is recommended to bring proof of vaccination (vaccination card) to the port for embarkation.
Vaccinated Guests arriving from outside the United States who are required to undergo the rapid test on Embarkation Day will not be charged for the test. Additionally, travel insurance is not required for vaccinated Guests arriving from outside the United States on sailings originating in the United States.
Q. Will I experience any challenges with uploading proof of vaccination card if my last name on the vaccination card does not match the last name on reservation?
A. The full name on the vaccination card will need to match the full name on the reservation. In the event the names are different, the Guest will need to upload a single photo including both the photo identification and documentation supporting the name change
Q12: I am traveling from outside the United States, but plan to arrive before my cruise. Will I still need to undergo embarkation testing at the terminal? A. Guests who are arriving into the United States 5 or more days prior to their sail and who are fully vaccinated may choose to provide proof of vaccination instead of undergoing COVID19 pre-trip testing.
Q13: What is the price of COVID-19 testing? A: If Guests choose to use our third-party vendor, Inspire Diagnostics, the total costs for pre-trip and embarkation day testing is $163.33 per person. For pre-trip testing, Disney Cruise Line has secured a special rate of $98.33 per PCR test (which includes a 3.5% processing fee) through our third-party vendor, Inspire Diagnostics. Guests may also obtain their pre-trip PCR test from any independent testing supplier. The $65 embarkation test fee will be charged to the folio of all Guests 12 years and older. Disney Cruise Line acts as the paying agent for Inspire Diagnostics and will remit the entire cost of the COVID-19 test to Inspire Diagnostics. Guests who are fully vaccinated may choose to provide proof of vaccination instead of undergoing COVID-19 tests.
All Guests on back-to-back, consecutive sailings will be required to undergo a rapid PCR COVID-19 test administered by Inspire Diagnostics at the terminal after debarking the ship following their first cruise, before reboarding the ship for their second cruise.
Q14: My child is not eligible to be vaccinated, am I still responsible for paying for COVID-19 tests? A: Guests must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test (paid for at the Guests’ expense) taken between 5 days and 24 hours prior to the sail date. The fee for embarkation testing will only be charged to the folio of all Guests 12 years and older. Children under 12 will receive the embarkation testing; however, they will not be charged the $65 test fee.
Q.15 Is the Embarkation COVID-19 testing a nasal swab or saliva test? The rapid PRC test on embarkation day is performed via a nasal swab
Q16: I’m fully vaccinated, do I still need to take COVID-19 tests? A: Guests who are fully vaccinated may choose to provide proof of vaccination instead of undergoing COVID-19 testing.
Q17: If someone tests positive on embarkation, who will be denied boarding: just those in immediate travel party (sharing the stateroom) or all Guests in linked reservations? Will a refund be issued? A: Guests with positive COVID-19 test results, as well as Guests who have been identified as close contacts, will be denied boarding. Guests who are denied boarding will receive a Denied Boarding Voucher for the full amount of their sailing or a full refund without Disney-imposed cancellation fees. Please note that cancellation fees imposed by third-party suppliers, including airlines, as well as travel insurance, are not refundable.
Q18: Would all Guests who are traveling on a DCL transfer be denied boarding if someone tested positive?
A: Guests with positive COVID-19 test results, as well as Guests who have been identified as close contacts, will be denied boarding
Q19: Are guests who have mixed vaccinations considered fully vaccinated? A: In accordance with CDC guidance, Guests who have received one single dose of a vector vaccine (e.g. AstraZeneca) and one single dose of a mRNA vaccine (e.g. Pfizer/Biotech, Moderna) will not be considered fully vaccinated. Guests who have received one dose of Moderna and one dose of Pfizer are considered fully vaccinated, per CDC guidelines.
Q20: Are crew required to be vaccinated? A: Our Crew Members are required to be vaccinated.
Q21: I need to provide proof a negative COVID-19 PCR test before returning home after the cruise. Can I take the test onboard? A: No. Guests will need complete this testing on their own prior to returning to their country.
Q22: What type of health screening will take place at the terminal? A: All Guests are required to complete a health questionnaire online prior to arriving at the port. The form can be found on the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app on embarkation day. A secondary screening by a health care professional may be required based on the answers provided in the health questionnaire.
Q23: What health questionnaires are required to be completed? A: Guests are required to complete a health questionnaire related to COVID-19 and gastrointestinal illnesses on embarkation day. Guests are required to attest as to whether they have experienced or are currently experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, or have been in contact with anyone suspected of or confirmed as having COVID-19 within the previous 14 days. Onboard, any guest who is presenting symptoms is asked to notify onboard medical teams immediately.
Q24: Will all guests have to wear face coverings? Are children required to wear face coverings? A: All Guests (ages 2 and up, including those who are fully vaccinated against COIVD-19) are required to wear face coverings indoors, except when in their staterooms or actively eating or drinking (while stationary and maintaining appropriate physical distance). Face coverings are not required for guests outdoors while onboard the ship and at Castaway Cay.
Q25: What if a Guest doesn’t want to wear a face covering? Are there any exceptions? A: No. All Guests (ages 2 and up, including those who are fully vaccinated against COIVD-19) are required to wear face coverings indoors, except when in their staterooms or actively eating or drinking (while stationary and maintaining appropriate physical distance). Face coverings are not required for guests outdoors while onboard the ship and at Castaway Cay.
Q26: What types of face coverings are permitted onboard? A: All face coverings should fully cover an individual’s nose and mouth and allow the Guest to remain hands-free; fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face; be secured with ties or ear loops; and be made of two layers of breathable material, either disposable or reusable that is not elastic in nature such as spandex and elastane. At this time based on guidance from health authorities, neck gaiters, open-chin triangle bandanas and face coverings containing valves, mesh material or holes of any kind not acceptable face coverings. Costume masks are not considered appropriate and are prohibited from being worn.
Q27: What protocols are in place if there is a Covid-19 outbreak? A: While we are taking a multi-layered approach to help promote health and well-being, we have a plan for managing any suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19. We have added a Public Health Officer and continue to staff our ships with nurses and physicians experienced in emergency or critical care and certified in advanced cardiac care and life support. We have developed protocols for screening for and responding to COVID-19 symptoms. Appointments with the Medical Center to evaluate COVID-19 symptoms are free of charge. Medical facilities are equipped with isolation, monitoring care, ventilators, oxygen, laboratory and pharmacy services. The ship’s medical staff adheres to the requirements of the American College of Emergency Physician Health Care Guidelines for Cruise Ship Medical Facilities.
Q28: If a member of my party tests positive on board, does the rest of my party have to quarantine? A: While we are taking a multi-layered approach to help promote health and well-being, we have a plan for managing any suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19. If a guest tests positive while onboard, the guest will be placed in isolation and their immediate traveling party will be placed in quarantine. The Public Health Officer will also work to identify any other close contacts of someone confirmed to have COVID-19.
Q29: Will Disney Cruise Line conduct contract tracing and notify Guests who may have come in close proximity to someone confirmed to have COVID-19? A: Yes. Disney Cruise Line will conduct contract tracing and notify Guests if they are identified as a close contact of someone confirmed to have COVID-19.
Q30: If I am quarantined, can I receive a refund for my cruise? A: Once onboard, Guests who are subject to mandatory isolation or quarantine due to testing positive for COVID-19 or being a close contact of someone who does will receive a pro-rated voucher for a future cruise or a pro-rated refund.
Q31: Is overall capacity reduced? If so, by how much? A: Considering guidance from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other medical experts, we're reducing overall Guest capacity in our terminal and aboard our ships, and modifying our experiences to promote physical distancing.
Q32: How is Disney Cruise Line enforcing physical distancing guidelines? A: We’re reducing Guest capacity aboard our ships and adjusting experiences to promote physical distancing. This includes limiting capacity and implementing physical distancing measures in our terminals and areas of our ships such as upper decks, dining rooms, food and beverage locations, lounges, theaters, walkways, elevators, pools, queues and other common spaces. Signage throughout the ship reminds Guests and Crew to practice physical distancing. Physical barriers have also been installed in areas where physical distancing may be difficult to maintain, like at check-in and Guest Services. Complimentary experiences, such as kid clubs, must be booked in advance. Close-up interactions with Disney Characters have been paused, and youth activities are experienced in small group settings.
Q33: Are hand sanitizers or hand washing stations available in the terminal and onboard? A: We have increased the number of hand sanitizer stations in the terminal as well as onboard.
Q34: Have you done anything to enhance air quality on your ships? A: All ships will be equipped with a new purification system that cleans both air and surface areas using a process called ionization. We are also increasing the circulation of fresh air on board our ships, and all HVAC air filters have been upgraded to MERV-13 high efficiency grade, which can remove very small particles. Additionally, each stateroom maintains singular air circulation, eliminating the need for air intake from adjacent common areas.
Q35: What contactless technology is available onboard? A: We’re implementing technology solutions that can make it easier for our Guests to minimize contact with others and maintain physical distancing, including our enhanced Online Check-In, digital dining menus and contactless room service. We’re harnessing the power of an upgraded Disney Cruise Line Navigator app with new features including guest services live chat, advance reservations for complimentary and premium experiences, and virtual queue check-in.
Q36: Have housekeeping practices changed? A: We are operating at elevated cleaning levels throughout our ships with a special emphasis on high- touch surfaces, common areas and children’s facilities. Staterooms will receive deep cleaning treatments between voyages, in addition to twice-daily housekeeping service during each voyage. All linens will be washed at high temperatures for extended cycle times and high-touch loose soft goods— such as sofa pillows and paper stationery—have been removed.
Q37: How are Crew Members being screened for COVID-19? A: All Crew Members must be fully vaccinated.
Insurance/ identification
Q38: Do I need travel insurance to sail? A: For cruises departing from Florida through December 31, 2021, guest 12 or older must provide proof of a valid travel insurance policy that has a minimum of $10,000 per person in medical expense coverage and $30,000 coverage for emergency medical evacuation and no COVID-19 exclusions. The insurance policy must name guest as the policy holder or beneficiary, and may be purchased from a travel insurance company of the guest’s choosing or through the Disney Cruise Line Vacation Protection Program, which includes the requisite coverage and provides other benefits for travel protection. Guests that purchase insurance from a provider other than Disney Cruise Line will need to provide proof of the insurance policy, showing the name of each of the covered guest(s) and a description of the coverage in the policy to Inspire prior to receiving clearance to sail. Guests who are fully vaccinated may choose to provide proof of vaccination instead of obtaining travel insurance.
Q39. What documentation do I need to bring with me to the terminal? In addition to Guests presenting an original form of identification such as a valid U.S. passport, original copy of state-issued birth certificate, or valid original Permanent Resident Card, it is recommended that Guests bring their negative COVID-19 PCR test result and proof of travel insurance with them to the terminal. We also recommend that fully vaccinated Guests, who have chosen to provide proof of vaccination, also bring their vaccination card with them onboard to be exempt from policies such as COVID-19 testing and travel insurance.
Operational Q40: Do I need to complete my online check-in? A: Online Check-In open 30 days prior to sailing as long as the reservation is paid in full. Please complete your Online Check-In at least one day prior to the date you set sail. This step-by-step process includes filling out important cruise documents, in addition to selecting a port arrival time, which you’ll need to do before you make your way to the terminal. Completing Online Check-In in advance helps in physical distancing efforts and reduces the time at the cruise terminal before you board the ship.
Q41: Do I have to select a Port Arrival Time? How early can I arrive? A: All Guests and Castaway Club Members—including Platinum Members—are required to select a port arrival time before making their way to the cruise terminal. In order to promote physical distancing, 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. When completing online check-in, the earliest time guests will be able to select to arrive at the terminal is 1pm.
Q42. Do all members of the traveling party have to arrive together? It is recommended for all Guests traveling in the same stateroom arrive on or around the same time as no member of the travel party may enter the terminal until all members of the travel party who require testing have received their negative test results.
Q43: Are Guests permitted to carryon luggage? A: We strongly recommend all bags and luggage be checked in. All checked bags will undergo a sanitization process.
Q44: What is the policy for bringing alcohol onboard? A: Each Guest 21 years and older may bring two bottles of unopened wine or champagne (no larger than 750ml) or six beers (no larger than 12oz) onboard in carry-on luggage at the beginning of the voyage and at each port-of-call. All wine/champagne and beer brought onboard must be packed in the Guest’s carry-on luggage. Any alcohol packed in checked luggage will be removed and not returned, and no compensation will be offered. Guests are not allowed to bring liquors or spirits (including powdered alcohol) onboard at the start of the cruise. Any liquors or spirits purchased in ports of call will be stored until the end of the cruise. Guest must retrieve any stored alcohol before leaving the ship. Items not retrieved at end of the cruise will be discarded and no compensation will be offered.
Onboard Experience
Q45: Is the muster drill still taking place on embarkation day? A: Once guests have boarded the ship they must complete the Mandatory Emergency Drill. Using the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app, guests will go to a designated Assembly Station and check in. In addition, a safety Information video will be broadcasted across all monitors throughout the ship, on all staterooms televisions and will also be available to view via the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app throughout the voyage.
Q46: What food and beverages services are available on embarkation day? A: Upon boarding, Guests should check the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app to see the lunchtime selections available. Quick and casual-dining offerings will also be available at the ship’s many outdoor eateries on the upper decks.
Q47: Are guests able to visit the Guest Services desk in person? A: To reduce contact with others, Guests will have several contactless options to communicate with Guest Service representatives: • Utilize the phone in their stateroom. • Guests may use the two-way chat function on the Navigator App to chat with representatives from Guest Services, Port Adventures, Senses Spa, Dining Services, and Concierge Services. • Guests can book an in-person appointment with Guest Services via the Navigator App.
Q48: Have concierge services changed? A: Guests can still enjoy many of our signature Concierge services with new measures in place to promote health and safety.
Q49: Are the onboard shops open? A: Yes. In merchandise locations on board the ship, you will continue to discover apparel, toys, jewelry, timepieces, collectibles and more—many exclusive to Disney Cruise Line—with some modifications to the shopping experience, which will help us manage capacity and promote physical distancing.
Q50: Are photography services available onboard? A: Our professional services are available with new measures to promote health and safety. Kiosks are available to view and purchase photos taken by our professional photographers. Plexiglass barriers at check-out have been added to promote physical distancing and to help minimize contact with others.
Onboard Entertainment
Q51: Will entertainment offerings be different than on past sailings? A: While some experiences have been modified to accommodate new health and safety measures, you can be sure entertainment to inspire is always front-and-center for the entire family. Our ships are overflowing with magic—from Characters delighting Guests in new and entertaining ways to Broadway style spectaculars. To promote physical distancing, each itinerary will offer one Broadway style live show performed multiple times with reduced capacity. Seating in the Walt Disney Theatre will be organized to include empty rows and seats between parties to promote physical distancing. Seating will be first- come, first-served.
Q52: Can Guests interact with characters onboard? Can I still take pictures with the Disney characters? A: Disney Characters will interact with Guests in new and entertaining ways, while close-up encounters and autographs have been temporarily paused. Be on the look-out for many popular Disney pals throughout your voyage as they pop up for surprise appearances throughout the ship, providing opportunities for selfies from a safe distance.
Q53: Will fireworks be offered? A: Yes. To promote physical distancing, upper deck capacity will be limited during the fireworks show. To accommodate everyone, the fireworks show will take place at 10:30 p.m. on two different nights. Guests will be assigned their show date prior to setting sail, which will be available to view via the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app.
Q54: Is “Pirates in the Caribbean Deck Party” and other deck parties still offered? A: The “Pirates in the Caribbean Deck Party,” along with other deck parties and entertainment experiences previously offered in large group settings, have been temporarily paused.
Q55: Will Broadway-style shows be offered during my cruise? A: To promote physical distancing, each itinerary will offer one Broadway-style live show performed multiple times with reduced capacity. 4-night cruises will also include an additional live variety show.
Q56: Will first-run films play in the Buena Vista Theatre? A: First-run films as well as popular motion-picture releases are available for your viewing pleasure throughout the day inside the Buena Vista Theatre. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Check the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app while on board for show times.
Q57: Will family game shows be offered? A: Game shows are available inside D Lounge and Fathoms throughout the day. Check the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app while on board for the most up-to-date schedule.
Q58: Will Fish Extenders and pin trading still be permitted? A: To promote health and safety, pin trading and door-to-door deliveries among guests as part of Fish Extender activities are temporarily paused.
Q59: Is the Spa open? While modifications have been made to promote the health and well-being of everyone on board, favorite spa therapies and salon treatments are available throughout your voyage such as massages, acupuncture, manicures and pedicures, hair styling and cuts. Guests should arrive at Senses Spa & Salon prepared for their treatment. Changing rooms will only be available for restroom use. Showers, lockers and the sauna are suspended during this time. The Rainforest Room is available for one travel party at a time, up to 10 Guests, for 1 hour 45-minute sessions; reservations can be made onboard the ship.
All Guests are required to bring and wear face coverings during their entire visit at Senses Spa & Salon, including during treatments, when entering and exiting the Rainforest Room, and while on heated lounge chairs. All Crew Members are required to wear face coverings and Personal Protective Equipment while administering treatments.
Senses Spa & Salon will be thoroughly cleaned between treatments and shall undergo a deep cleaning nightly.
For the safety and well-being of our Guests and Crew, the following features and services are temporarily unavailable – spa tours, teeth whitening services, rejuvenation spa services, facials, chill spa treatments and barbering services.
Food & Beverage
Q60: How has the dining experience changed? A: Serving up diverse global cuisines and classic casual bites inside themed restaurants peppered with Disney magic, Disney Cruise Line invites you to savor the finest dining at sea sure to surprise and delight—and promote health and safety.
Dining room seating times will be staggered to promote physical distancing. Guests will be assigned to the same table and service team for dinner, with one travel party per table. Preassigned locations and dinner times can be found on the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app, and are also printed on the Key to the World cards located in each stateroom. Guests can continue to choose first or second seating times when booking their cruise, subject to availability. Additional offerings for breakfast and lunch can be found on the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App.
Quick service food and beverage locations, including buffets, still offer all-you-care-to-eat bites and treats. Food will be served by Crew Members at designated times each day throughout the cruise. All food and beverages that were previously available at self-service stations will now be served by Crew Members.
Guests will use the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app to view all restaurant menus on board the ship, including menus for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and when dining at Palo and Remy, inside our lounges and bars, and for in-stateroom dining. Paper menus will be available upon request for Guests without a mobile device.
Face coverings for Guests ages 2 and older—including those who have received a COVID-19 vaccine— are not required while Guests are eating or drinking at their tables; however, they are required at all other times while moving about the dining areas.
Q61: Will rotational dining be offered? Yes, guests will enjoy our rotational dining experience.
Q62: Are buffets still offered? A: Quick service food and beverage locations, including buffets, still offer all-you-care-to-eat bites and treats. Food will be served by Crew Members at designated times each day throughout the cruise. All food and beverages that were previously available at self-service stations will now be served by Crew Members.
Q63: Is room service available? A: Contactless room service is available 24 hours a day (until 1 a.m. on the last night of your voyage). The room service menu can be found on the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app once on board the ship. Room Service will continue to be delivered to your stateroom; however, Crew Members will not enter your room. They will be happy to deliver all items to the stateroom door threshold upon arrival. When finished, Guests may call Room Service to arrange for their trays to be picked up.
Q64: Will I be seated with other Guests or just members of my own party? A: Cruise reservations can be linked for everyone you plan on traveling with (including all family and friends) online or via the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app to ensure everyone will be seated together for dinner and sharing the same service team –with one family or travel party per table. The largest tables seat up to 10 guests together, but accommodations may be made for larger parties.
Q65: What food and beverages services are available on embarkation day? A: Upon boarding, Guests should check the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app to see the lunchtime selections available. Quick and casual-dining offerings will also be available at the ship’s many outdoor eateries on the upper decks.
Q66: Can Members outside of my travel party be assigned to the same table and service team for dinner? A: Cruise reservations can be linked for everyone you plan on traveling with (including all family and friends) online or via the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app to ensure everyone will be seated together for dinner and sharing the same service team –with one family or travel party per table.
Pools & Waterslides
Q67: Are the family pools and waterslides open for guests? A: Yes, pools and waterslides are open with limited capacity and additional measures in place to promote physical distancing.
Youth Clubs and Activities
Q68: What safety enhancements have you made to the dedicated youth spaces? A: The following health and safety protocols have been implemented in the youth activity spaces: • To help manage capacity, parents must register their children for Disney’s Oceaneer Club and Disney’s Oceaneer Lab during the Online Check-In process before sailing. Thirty (30) days prior to setting sail, Guests may reserve specific session times online via the Disney Cruise Navigator App. • To accommodate physical distancing, only one parent or guardian at a time can drop off or pick up children at both Disney’s Oceaneer Lab and Disney’s Oceaneer Club. In addition, parents are not allowed to enter the youth spaces when dropping off and picking up children. • All children ages 3 and older are required to bring and wear face coverings at all times while inside Disney’s Oceaneer Club and Disney’s Oceaneer Lab. • Children will interact only within groups of 15 and are paired with one Disney youth activity counselor. All children will be required to wash their hands upon entering and exiting the youth clubs. • All dining within Disney’s Oceaneer Club and Disney’s Oceaneer Lab has been temporarily paused, including our Dine and Play program.
Q69: Will Open House will be available for Disney’s Oceanear Club and Lab while onboard? A: At this time, Guests will still need to book the Youth Activities online during the Complimentary Cruise Activity booking window. Open houses are temporarily paused until further notice.
Q70: For the youth clubs, do the older kids club not have to book times for Edge and Vibe? How is this being handled? A: Both Vibe for teens and Edge for tween are open. No reservations are required.
Q71: Is the “it’s a small world” nursery open? A: Disney Cruise Line’s “it’s a small world” nursery is temporarily closed.
Q72: Since the Nursery is not available to utilize at this time, is Palo offering any exceptions to bring a 2 year old with the Guest? A: Even though “it’s a small world” nursery!” is temporarily unavailable, Guests must be 18 years or older to go to Palo. Therefore, we are unable to allow exceptions.
Q73: What health and safety measures are in place in the Fitness Center? A: To accommodate physical distancing, the Fitness Center will limit capacity. Access to the Fitness Center will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Use of the Fitness Center is complimentary for Guests 14 years of age and older. Guests between the ages of 14 and 17 must be accompanied by an adult or guardian to enter. Face coverings must be worn at all times while inside the Fitness Center.
Cardio and strength equipment have been rearranged in an effort to promote physical distancing. Personal trainers will maintain a minimum distance of 6 feet during training sessions, except during short intervals when necessary. Both Guests and personal trainers must wear face masks during the entirety of the session.
The fitness center will undergo cleanings between sessions and nightly. Hand sanitizers will also be available on site.
Ports of Call/Castaway Cay
Q74: Will Disney Cruise Line still visit Ports of Call? A: During this initial phase, the Disney Dream will visit Disney Castaway Cay in The Bahamas. We continue to work with other port destinations and their local governments and health authorities to discuss resuming visits to their communities.
Q75: How will guests debark the ship for their Port Adventures? A: Guests will need to join our new virtual queue to debark the ship at all ports of call. Guests join the virtual queue via the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app while on board the ship. Guests will receive a push notification on their mobile device when it is their turn—plus a debarkation ticket in the app—to leave the ship. Before exiting, Guests must show the debarkation ticket, their Key to the World card and—if they’re over 18 years of age—a photo ID. Please note, during less busy times, our virtual queue will close, and Guests may make their way off the ship at their leisure.
Q76: Will Guests be required to wear face coverings at Castaway Cay? A: Face coverings are not required for Guests outdoors at Castaway Cay. However, all Guests (ages 2 and up, including those who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19), are required to wear appropriate face coverings while in covered locations such as at dining pavilions, merchandise locations and restrooms and while onboard transportation.
Q77: Can I interact with characters at Castaway Cay? Can I still take pictures with the Disney characters? A: Throughout the day, Beach Cruisin’ mobiles make their way along the island path bringing Mickey and the gang to appear and wave locations. These bright, colorful, and musical drive byes are a new, fun way to experience some favorite Disney friends.
Q78: Will the youth spaces on Castaway Cay be open? A: Teen Hideout and In Da Shade Game Pavilion will be open with limited capacity for recreational activities, including basketball, foosball, table tennis and pool. Scuttle’s Cove has been temporarily paused.
Q79: Is Pelican Plunge open? A: Yes, Pelican Plunge is open. We have introduced a new queue on land to help promote physical distancing.
Q80: Is the 5K group race available on Castaway Cay? A: While the 5K group race on Disney Castaway Cay has been temporarily suspended, Guests may run the race on their own (no registration required), while practicing physical distancing. All participants who complete the 5K run will receive a finishing medallion. Information on where and when Guests can pick up their medal will be made available via the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app.
Q81: Will the trams be operating? A: Yes, the trams will be operating on Castaway Cay. Cleaning measures have been enhanced and seating has been modified—in both overall capacity and arrangement— to promote cleanliness and physical distancing. Guests (ages 2 and up, including those who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19), are required to wear appropriate face coverings while onboard the tram.
Medical Center
Q82: What Health & Safety measures are in place for the onboard medical center? A: We’ve updated our protocols for cleanliness throughout our ships, including the onboard medical centers. A special emphasis will be given to extensively cleaning examination rooms in between patients and high touch surfaces. Visits require an appointment. Walk-ups are not accepted. We will stagger appointment arrival times and ask that only one parent accompanies a child.
Q83: What are the onboard medical capabilities? A: Our ship’s medical facilities are equipped with isolation, monitoring care, ventilators, oxygen, laboratory and pharmacy services. They are staffed with a Public Health Officer, as well as nurses and physicians experienced in emergency or critical care and certified in advanced cardiac care and life support. The ship’s medical staff adheres to the requirements of the American College of Emergency Physician Health Care Guidelines for Cruise Ship Medical Facilities.
Q84: Is there a cost to being seen by a doctor or nurse? A: Medical services related to acute respiratory illness or gastrointestinal, flu, and evaluation for COVID- 19 symptoms are free for all Guests. Additionally, the after-hours fee has been suspended. Please note that medical personnel are employed by an independent third-party provider and standard prevailing fees are charged for select services.
Debarkation Day
Q85: What time do we get off the ship? A: Debarkation times are based on your dining time and are listed in the Navigator App. If you’d like to take advantage of Express Walk-Off, you should be ready to debark the ship as early as 7:00 AM, and be listening for announcements as to when the ship has been cleared by local authorities. Guests need to be able to carry their own luggage off the ship.
Q86: How should I prepare my luggage for debarkation? We strongly recommend that you take your luggage with you when you debark the ship. For complimentary delivery of your luggage to the ship's terminal, you may place your luggage outside your stateroom on the last night of your voyage between 8:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. Luggage will be placed in colored zones, according to stateroom number, for easy recognition in the port terminal. Guests choosing Express Walk-Off will take their luggage with them once the ship has been cleared by the local authorities. When taking your luggage with you, no assistance will be provided by onboard crew or shoreside representatives.