On Wednesday Disney Cruise Line announced that all passengers ages 5 and up will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. This announcement comes after the FDA and CDC both approved the Pfizer vaccine for children ages 5 to 11 years old. The new rules Regarding vaccination status will take effect on January 13, 2022.
Disney had this to say in their statement on the Disney Cruise Line website:
Currently, Disney Cruise Line continues to require all vaccine-eligible Guests (based on US eligibility requirements) to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, as defined by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), at the time of sailing. This will be a requirement for all Guests (US and international) ages 5 and up for sailings beginning on or after January 13, 2022.
According to the CDC, people who choose to take the Pfizer vaccine are considered fully vaccinated when two weeks have passed after their second dose of the vaccine.
For those whose children are too young to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, Disney requires proof of a negative COVID-19 test 24-72 hours before their date to set sail aboard the cruise line. Children 4 and under May use a NAAT test, rapid PCR test, or lab-based PCR test.
Disney is the first cruise line to require passengers as young as five to be fully vaccinated. Disney Cruise Line released this statement explaining their decisions:
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.
Are you an avid Disney Cruise goer? Let us know in the comments below! Stay tuned to the DVC Shop blog to get all the latest news and updates for Disney parks and Disney Vacation Club resorts.
Written by
Rachel Van Norman
Contributing Writer
Rachel fell deeply in love with all things Disney as a little girl. Now as a wife and a mother herself, she shares this Disney obsession with her son and everyone around her. From her love of princesses to eating all the Disney food, Rachel spends her time radiating Disney magic and keeping everyone up to date on Disney news.
