Disney Cruise Line Will Require Vaccines For Guests 5 And Older

Orlando FL

17 November, 2021

4:47 PM

Description

FLORIDA — As Disney Cruise Line plans its phased relaunch, the company has updated its vaccine protocol for guests. All guests who are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine at the time of sailing — both in the United States and internationally — must be fully vaccinated against the virus before they can board a ship, according to Disney's website. This includes the latest group approved to receive the vaccine — children ages 5 to 11 years old. Earlier this month, federal health officials gave the go-ahead to COVID-19 vaccinations for Florida children ages 5 to 11, setting off a new, long-awaited phase in the battle against the pandemic. Related Stories: Face Masks Required Again For All Walt Disney World GuestsDisney World Reaches Union Deal Requiring COVID Vaccines: UnionWalt Disney World Annual Passes Will Return For 50th AnniversaryDisney World Guest Jumps From Epcot Ride To Steal CucumberIt's Smooth Sailing For Port Of Tampa As It Resumes CruisesFL Vaccine Passport Cases Target Venues, Cities, Cruise LinesRoyal Caribbean Crew Tests Positive For COVID-19, Cruise DelayedLaw Bans FL Vaccine Passports, DeSantis Suspends COVID OrdersThe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention approved the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine for elementary school-aged children, paving the way for inoculations for some 28 million youths across the country. "As we set sail again, the health and safety of our guests, cast members and crew members is a top priority. Our focus remains on operating our ships in a responsible way that continues to create magic for all on board," Disney said. Disney Cruise Line's new vaccine policy is required for all cruises that start on or after Jan. 13. Guests who aren't eligible for the vaccine because of their age must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test result — paid for by the guest — taken between three days and 24 hours before their sail date. The test should be a NAAT test, rapid PCR test or lab-based PCR test, Disney said. Rapid antigen tests are not accepted. Before Jan. 13, guests 5 to 11 may opt for the COVID-19 test rather than being fully vaccinated.