It’s official: Disney Cruise Line is returning!

On July 23, Disney announced Disney Cruise Line sailings would resume with departures beginning Aug. 9, 2021 on the Disney Dream.

The Disney Dream is currently departing from Port Canaveral, Florida for 3- and 4-night cruises to the Bahamas and Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay.

There are two stops at Castaway Cay for 3- and 4-night cruises and one day at sea for 4-night cruises.

Sailings initially resumed with the Disney Dream. Departures are currently available to book. You can also use a travel agency to make reservations (we recommend Small World Vacations).

Know that itineraries for certain 4-night and 3-night Disney Dream sailings have been temporarily modified to exclude visits to Nassau, The Bahamas.

For 4-night Disney Dream sailings (Sept. 13, 20 and 27, and Oct. 4, 2021): modified to include an additional day at Castaway Cay, instead of visiting Nassau.

This itinerary includes:

• Monday: Port Canaveral, Florida
• Tuesday: Day at Sea
• Wednesday: Disney Castaway Cay
• Thursday: Disney Castaway Cay
• Friday: Port Canaveral, Florida

For 3-night Disney Dream sailings (Sept. 10, 17 and 24,and Oct. 1 and 8, 2021): modified to include a day at sea instead of visiting Nassau.

This itinerary includes:

• Friday: Port Canaveral, Florida
• Saturday: Day at Sea
• Sunday: Disney Castaway Cay
• Monday: Port Canaveral, Florida

Guests on a sailing to The Bahamas (including Castaway Cay) departing from Sept. 3, 2021 to prior to Nov. 1, 2021, may modify their sail date or cancel their sailing without any Disney-imposed cancellation fees by Sept. 3, 2021.

Guests who cancel will receive a full refund back to the original form of payment. Cancellation fees imposed by third-party suppliers, including airlines, as well as travel insurance, are not refundable.

These itinerary updates are in relation to the changes made to Disney Cruise Line’s vaccination requirements that went into effect on Sept. 3, 2021.

The Disney Fantasy resumed sailings starting Sept. 11, 2021. This new date was in place of its original Sept. 4 departure date. Read more about the Disney Fantasy cancellations, modifications, and refund policies.

Know that the Disney Fantasy began 7-night and longer voyages out of Port Canaveral beginning Oct. 9, 2021 and 3 Disney Fantasy itineraries have been modified (more below).

The Disney Wonder set sail with 3- and 4-night itineraries beginning Oct. 1, 2021 sailing out of San Diego, California. Three-night sailings feature a stop in Ensenada, Mexico, and a day at sea, while 4-night sailings will feature 2 days at sea and a stop in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

On Nov. 5, 2021, the Disney Wonder departed San Diego on a 14-night sailing through the Panama Canal to Galveston, Texas, with stops in Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, Cartagena and Cozumel.

The Disney Wonder will also resume sailing Nov. 19, 2021, from Galveston, Texas, with a variety of Western Caribbean cruises, including stops in Cozumel and Costa Maya, Mexico.

Starting Feb. 2, 2022, the Disney Wonder will return to sailing from New Orleans with a variety of Western Caribbean cruises.

Read more about the Disney Wonder’s upcoming itinerary changes, refund policies, etc.

The Disney Magic resumed sailing in the U.S. beginning Oct. 28, 2021 with mostly 4- and 5-night itineraries out of Miami, Florida.

Learn more about the Disney Magic and its upcoming sailings.

Similar to when Walt Disney World and Disneyland first reopened following their temporary closures, Disney Cruise Line is a little bit different now.

There are certain health and safety protocols guests must follow, including the requirement of face coverings when indoors, maintaining a safe, physical distance from other guests, and ensuring guests have either been fully-vaccinated or tested negative for COVID-19 prior to boarding the ship.

Plus, modifications have been made to entertainment, character interactions, fireworks, dining, recreation, amenities, and more.

Since Disney Cruise Line has returned, there’s a lot to know before setting sail. It’s actually somewhat overwhelming. But, that’s where we come into play!

Here is everything you need to know about Disney Cruise Line’s return and what’s available (and what’s not). The following is updated as of March 7, 2022.

Vaccinations & Negative Test Results

IMPORTANT VACCINATION & COVID-19 TESTING UPDATE

Approved vaccines include those produced by Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, and Johnson & Johnson.

• Guests who have received both doses of Moderna, Pfizer or AstraZeneca are considered fully vaccinated 14 days after the second dose has been administered.
• Guests who have received Johnson & Johnson are considered fully vaccinated 14 days after receiving one dose.
• Guests with both one dose of Moderna and one dose of Pfizer are considered fully vaccinated 14 days after the second dose. 
• 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, Moderna) are not considered fully vaccinated.

Make sure to read the following:

Every Guest 18 years of age and older must individually create an account (no sooner than 15 days prior to sailing) associated with their reservation on the Safe Passage website by Inspire Diagnostics and upload their proof of vaccination or COVID-19 test results.

A parent or legal guardian will need to use their own account to provide the necessary information on behalf of all minors.

Guests choosing to order a testing kit from Inspire Diagnostics should order one so that they have it in hand at least 4 days before setting sail.

Be sure to bring proof of your COVID-19 results and vaccination status along with your Port Arrival form with QR codes.

All guests are also required to complete a health questionnaire before arrival. You can fill out the form via the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App on Embarkation Day. An email will also be sent to all guests with a link where they can fill out the questionnaire online.

IMPORTANT: As of Sept. 3, 2021, you are no longer required to purchase the Vacation Protection Plan or provide proof of a valid travel insurance policy in order to sail with Disney Cruise Line.

Pre-Trip Testing

All guests 5 years of age and older, must be fully vaccinated to sail to any destination. Guests 4 years of age and younger are not required to be vaccinated but must provide proof of a negative pre-trip PCR COVID-19 test (paid for by the Guest).

The test should be a NATT test, rapid PCR test, or lab-based PCR test. Rapid antigen tests are not accepted. 

The test must be taken between 3 days and 24 hours prior to your sail date.

Disney Cruise Line has a special rate of $98.33 per PCR test (which includes a 3.5% processing fee) through Inspire Diagnostics. You can also obtain a PCR test from any independent testing supplier.

To avoid delay, test results should be uploaded as an image file (PDF, JPG, TIFF, etc.) no later than 24 hours prior to embarkation.

Guests are encouraged to bring documentation of a negative COVID-19 PCR test result with them to the terminal on Embarkation Day.

If you live in the U.S., you can order a PCR testing kit from Inspire Diagnostics from the Safe Passage website. For those who live outside the U.S., they must obtain their test results from a provider within their country.

Tests must be completed 3 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.

You can choose to use the Safe Passage website to purchase and schedule a pre-trip test to be performed at a testing site in Central Florida, performed 1-3 days before their sail date. The cost is $98.33 per test (which includes a 3.5% processing fee).

Testing locations are available at the following locations:

• Sheraton Suites Orlando Airport (near Orlando International Airport)
  Open 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM EST, 7 days a week
  7550 Augusta National Drive, Orlando, FL 32822
  Edgewood Room, third floor
  
• Cape Canaveral Radisson Resort – Port Canaveral, Florida 
  Open 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM EST, 7 days a week
  Radisson Resort
  8701 Astronaut Blvd, Cape Canaveral, FL 32920
  Bermuda Room
  
• Holiday Inn Port of Miami – Miami, Florida
  Open 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM EST, 7 days a week
  340 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33132
  Key West Meeting Room, located on the north side of the lobby adjacent to the Business Center.
  
• The San Luis Resort, Spa and Conference Center – Galveston, Texas
  (Approximately 9 minutes from the Port of Galveston)
  Open 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM CST, one to 3 days before each sail date from November 16, 2021 through January 31, 2022.
  5222 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX 77551
  Marlin Room, located on the first floor, accessible through the hotel’s north lobby.
  
• InterContinental New Orleans
  (Approximately 6 minutes from the Port of New Orleans)
  Open 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM CST, one to 3 days before each sail date for sailings beginning on January 30, 2022.
  444 St Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70130
  Storyville Room (for testing appointments on February 11, February 26, February 27 and March 1, 2022); for all other testing appointments, go to the Gentilly Room.

Results take 24-48 hours to process and will be sent to the email address provided during the registration on the Safe Passage website.

Guests who completed an at-home test kit, but did not mail it to Inspire via UPS, can drop off their completed test sample at one of the onsite testing locations in Central Florida.

Guests with positive COVID-19 test results, including those in their travel party, will be denied boarding. Guests may also be denied boarding if Inspire Diagnostics has not received the required documentation and/or pre-arrival test results needed to sail.

Embarkation Day Testing

All Guests, regardless of age and vaccination status, are required to take a COVID-19 test administered by Inspire Diagnostics at the terminal before boarding. Disney Cruise Line will cover the cost.

Guests with positive COVID-19 test results, including those in their travel party, will be denied boarding.

All Guests on consecutive, back-to-back sailings will be required to take a COVID-19 test administered by Inspire Diagnostics at the terminal after debarking the ship from their first cruise and before reboarding the next ship for their second cruise.

The COVID-19 test is a self-swab test. Test results typically take between 45 to 60 minutes to complete but could take longer, so plan accordingly.

When test results are available, you will be notified by email.

You’ll then log in to the Safe Passage website to determine whether your party is clear to embark. Once cleared, you can make your way to the cruise terminal.

Guests Recently Recovered from COVID-19

In some cases, people who have recently recovered from COVID-19 may still test positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus. If Guests have tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 within 11 to 90 days of their sail date, they may qualify to be considered as “90-Day-Recovered.”

With the appropriate documentation and subsequent approval, Guests considered “90-Day-Recovered” are not required to participate in COVID-19 testing during the Pre-Sail, Embarkation or Disembarkation phases of their voyage.

If you have tested positive for COVID-19 within 11 to 90 days of your sail date and would like to be identified as 90-Day-Recovered, please upload to Safe Passage the following:

• A copy of your previous positive COVID-19 test result which is greater than 11 days and less than 90 days from your expected sail date. The test must have been antigen, NAAT, rapid PCR or lab-based PCR. The test result must include your date of birth.
• A signed letter (on official letterhead that shows the name, address and phone number of a licensed healthcare provider or public health official) stating that you have recovered from COVID-19 in the last 90 days and are clear for travel.
• Vaccinated Guests must also upload proof of vaccination in addition to their 90-Day-Recovered documentation.

Bring this documentation with you to the port as well.

Face Covering Requirements

Face coverings are required in select areas for all guests ages 2 and up, including those who are fully vaccinated.

Masks must be worn indoors, except when in your stateroom or if you’re actively eating or drinking. Regarding the latter, you must remain stationary and maintain an appropriate physical distance.

Face coverings may also be required in ports of call based on local government requirements.

You do not need to wear a mask outdoors when on board the ship or when visiting Castaway Cay.

Guests can also briefly remove their face coverings to take photos while stationary and maintaining physical distancing.

Important face covering update beginning March 11, 2022

Face coverings will become optional in most indoor locations throughout the ships.

Take note of the following:

• Guests ages 2 and up, including those who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, will still be required to wear face coverings in the Walt Disney Theatre. Guests under 5 years of age who are currently ineligible to be vaccinated will be required to wear face coverings in Youth Activities spaces and in the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. While note required, Disney Cruise Line strongly recommends these Guests wear a face covering in all other indoor locations.
• Face coverings may be required in ports of call based on local government requirements, including in some areas at Disney Castaway Cay. Masks should also be worn in the cruise terminal during the boarding and screening process, as well as during disembarkation.

Other Health & Safety Measures

Disney Cruise Line is also implementing the following health and safety measures.

Physical Distancing

Physical distancing will be promoted in certain areas on board, along with the reduction of guest capacity. This includes:

• In terminals
• Upper decks
• Dining rooms
• Food and beverage locations
• Lounges
• Theaters
• Walkways
• Elevators
• Pools
• Queues
• Other common spaces

There is both physical distancing signage posted as reminders, along with physical barriers to help maintain a safe distance.

Increased Cleaning

There will be a frequency of enhanced cleaning protocols, specifically to high-touch services, children’s facilities, and other common areas.

Staterooms “will undergo enhanced treatments between voyages” and also receive twice-daily housekeeping service during each voyage. High-touch loose soft goods, like sofa pillows and paper stationary, have been removed from staterooms.

All ships will also have a new purification system that cleans both air and surface areas using a process called ionization. The circulation of fresh air on board will also be increased.

Plus, all HVAC air filters have been upgraded to MERV-13 high efficiency grade, which can remove very small particles, per Disney. Each stateroom has singular air circulation, which eliminates the need for air intake from adjacent common areas.

You’ll also be able to find an increased number of hand-sanitizing stations on board.

Experienced Medical Staff

A Public Health Officer has been added to each ship. A staff of nurses and physicians experienced in emergency or critical care and certified in advanced cardiac care and life support are also on board.

If you think you’re experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, you can make a free appointment with the Health Center.

Medical facilities on the ships also have isolation, monitoring care, ventilators, oxygen, and laboratory and pharmacy services.

Disney Cruise Line Navigator App

Guests are encouraged to use the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app during travel. The app helps with maintaining physical distancing and even has new features.

• Guest Services Live Chat: You can chat directly with a Guest Services Crew Member and Dining and Port Adventures teams. 
• Virtual Queue: You’ll need to join the virtual queue to debark the ship at all ports of calls.
• Details You Need: You can view digital menus, activity schedules, venue descriptions and locations, and more.
• Exploring the Ship: Search for deck plans, restaurants, ships, and more.
• Mandatory Emergency Drill: Guests are required to participate in the Mandatory Emergency Drill by using the app to check in at their designated Assembly Station.
• Online Check-In: Begins 30 days prior to your sail date and by checking in online in advance helps with physical distancing and may allow you to skip checking in at the front desk. 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. Guests will not be permitted at the terminal or in parking areas before their scheduled arrival time.

Entertainment & Experiences

Several entertainment options and experiences have been modified for health and safety reasons.

Characters

• Characters will interact with guests from a distance and autographs have been temporarily paused.
• Characters will make surprise appearances throughout the ship.
• You can still take physically-distanced photos with characters with your own camera and/or mobile device.

Shows

• Live shows in the Walt Disney Theatre: Seating is first come, first-served with physical distancing in place. Each itinerary will offer one Broadway-style live show performed multiple times with reduced capacity. You can check the DCL app 30 days before setting sail for more information. Beauty and the Beast is expected to play during 3- and 4-night sailings, with Disney’s Believe on 4-nights.
• Movies in the Buena Vista Theatre: You can watch movies throughout the day. Seating is first come, first-served with physical distancing in place. You can check the DCL app while on board for showtimes.

Note: Concessions will be temporarily unvailable.

Funnel Vision

You can watch classic Disney films outside on a jumbo screen atop the Forward funnel. Seating is first come, first-served with physical distancing in place.

Deck Parties

Deck Parties are temporarily paused.

Fireworks

Fireworks will continue, but with reserved viewing times. The 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 DCL app.

Upper-deck capacity will be limited to help promote physical distancing. Crew Members will direct guests to locations to help ensure physical distancing throughout the show.

There will also be a new Disney-themed fireworks show. Captain Minnie and Captain Mickey will even lead the countdown.

Dining

Here are the following changes with dining on board:

• Dining room seating times will be staggered for physical distancing reasons.
• Guests will be assigned to the same table and service team for dinner, with one travel party per table.
• Guests can continue to choose first or second seating times when booking their cruise, subject to availability.
• Digital menus will be available via the DCL app. You can request paper menus.
• Quick Service locations, including buffets, remain all-you-can eat and are served by Crew Members at designated times each day.
• Self-service stations will now be served by Crew Members. This includes ice cream, soft drinks, coffee, and reusable mugs. If refillable mug stations are closed in the evenings, guests can call room service.
• Royal Court Tea is still available on 3- and 4-night sailings, but Disney Princesses will make physically-distanced appearances. Only one travel party will be assigned per table. Collectible journals and lithographs will replace the autograph books. Photo sessions and autographs are temporarily paused.
• The Enchanted Garden will bring new character (and socially-distant) interactions via a parade. Princesses will wave from the atrium during dinner at the Royal Palace.

Note: Room service will be available for breakfast, snacks, or late-night 24 hours a day. It will not be offered on the final morning of your cruise. Once on board, you can browse the room service menu via the DCL app.

Recreation & Amenities

Take note of the following changes to several recreation offerings and other amenities.

Pools & Waterslides

Pools, aqua play areas, waterslides, splash zones, wading pools, and whirlpools will be available.

Waterslides will open with queue locations to promote physical distancing. Splash zones, wading pools, and whirlpools are open with limited capacity.

Youth Activities

• Dropping Off/Picking Up: Only one parent or guardian at a time can drop off or pick up kids at Disney’s Oceaneer Lab and Disney’s Oceaneer Club. Parents are also not allowed to enter the youth clubs.
• Teen/Tween Clubs: Both Vibe (teens) and Edge (tweens) are open. Reservations aren’t required.
• Nursery: “it’s a small world” nursery!” is temporarily unavailable.

Parents must register their children (3 to 12 years of age) for the Oceaneer Club and Lab during the Online Check-In process. Prior to sailing, they’ll have to reserve a specific session time online or via the DCL app.

All guests can make bookings 30 days prior to sailing.

Only one session per day per child can be booked and on a first-come, first-served basis. Kids can stay anywhere between 1 hour 30-minutes and 2 hours 30-minutes.

Children will receive their youth activities wristband at the cruise terminal, which they need to access the Oceaneer Lab and Club.

Face coverings are required at all times inside the Oceaneer Club and Lab. Children must wash their hands upon entering and exiting the clubs.

There will be a focus on cleaning and surfaces will be sprayed with a non-toxic disinfecting mist each night.

At the Oceaneer Club and Lab, children will interact within groups of 15, paired with one Disney counselor. Dining will also be temporarily paused.

If you didn’t register your child, once on board, you can check to see if there are any available openings.

Spa & Salon

Spa therapies and salon treatments will be offered at the Senses Spa & Salon, but there are modifications in place.

Some important factors to remember:

• Face coverings are required for all guests during therapies and treatments.
• Locker rooms, changing rooms, and showers will be unavailable.
• Private rooms will be available for guests who need to prepare for select treatments.
• Areas will be cleaned between treatments and also nightly.
• Guests must fill out consultation forms prior to their visit.

Reservations for therapies and treatments must be booked via the DCL app.

The booking window is based on your Castaway Club membership level: Platinum Castaway (120 days prior to sailing), Gold Castaway (105 days prior to sailing), Silver Castaway (90 days prior to sailing), and first-timers (75 days prior to sailing).

Once on board the ship, you can call or stop by the spa to make a booking, depending on availability.

These are the current available offerings:

• Massages (including Aroma Stone Therapy, Bamboo, Deep Tissue and Swedish) and Castaway Cay Cabana massages
• Acupuncture
• Body therapies (Ionithermie Cellulite Reduction and Aroma Seaweed Massage)
• Manicures and pedicures
• Hairstyling
• Rainforest Room (available for one travel party at a time, up to 10 Guests, for 1 hour 45-minute sessions at a cost of $174 per session; reservations can be made on board the ship)

Fitness Center

The fitness center will be available and is complimentary for guests 14 years of age and older. Those between the ages of 14 and 17 must be accompanied by an adult or guardian.

• Specialized Classes: Guests are encouraged to make a reservation through the DCL app. These are first-come, first-served.
• Personal Training: Personal trainers will maintain a minimum distance of 6 feet during training sessions, except during short intervals when necessary. Face coverings are required for both guests and personal trainers.
• Equipment: Cardio and strength equipment have been rearranged to promote physical distancing.
• Cleaning: Cleanings will occur between sessions and nightly. There’s also hand sanitizer available.

Shopping

Guests can still use their Key to the World card to charge purchases, but there is a new contactless payment system being introduced.

This systems allows for transactions to be completed without Crew having to touch the card. Guests will also receive digital receipts and can review purchases in the DCL app.

Photos

When it comes to taking photos during your cruise, you can pre-book a photo package online.

There are also kiosks on board for you to view and purchase photos taken by professional photographers. Kiosks will be cleaned throughout the day and some will be closed for physical distancing.

Fun photo backdrops will also be available throughout the ship, along with professional photographers taking photos during dinner in the main dining rooms, on the top decks, and at iconic ship locations.

Important: Guests can briefly remove their face coverings to take photos while stationary and maintaining physical distancing.

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique

Children ages 3 through 12 will be able to have makeovers at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. Face coverings must be worn.

Sports

The following recreational activities have been temporarily paused: ping pong, shuffleboard, and basketball. The basketball courts have been temporarily turned into a sun deck for guests.

Staterooms

Staterooms will be thoroughly cleaned between voyages and prior to the arrival of guests.

A “Commitment to Cleanliness” sticker will be placed on the door to let guests know their rooms have been cleaned.

During voyages, housekeeping is offered twice a day: once in the morning and one “turndown” service in the early evening. It’s unclear if guests can deny housekeeping.

Crew Members will not enter staterooms while guests are present. High-touch loose soft goods (sofa pillows and paper stationery) have been removed.

Wave Phones will be removed from Staterooms. But, guests can chat with family and friends via an onboard chat feature available in the DCL app.

Fish Extenders, the door-to-door gift exchanges popular on Disney cruises, are not permitted at this time.

Premium Activities & Port Adventures

You can still reserve premium activities (experiences that are not included in the cruise fare, like adult-exclusive dining, beverage tastings, and Port Adventures) online via My Reservations or via the DCL app.

The booking window is based on your Castaway Club membership level: Platinum Castaway (120 days prior to sailing), Gold Castaway (105 days prior to sailing), Silver Castaway (90 days prior to sailing), and first-timers (75 days prior to sailing).

Cruise reservations must be paid in full in order to book premium activities.

Ports of Call

There are several things to take note of when debarking a ship to explore a ports of call.

Guests need to join a virtual queue to debark the ship at all ports of call. They can join the virtual queue via the DCL app while on board the ship.

Guests will receive a push notification and a debarkation ticket in the app when it’s their turn to leave the ship. They must show this ticket, their Key to the World card, and a photo ID if they’re over 18.

During less busy times, the virtual queue will close and guests can leave at their own leisure.

Remember, face coverings may be required in ports of call based on local government requirements.

Port Adventures

Port Adventures are special shore excursions selected by Disney Cruise Line. You’ll need to do the following in order to book and participate in Port Adventures during your cruise.

First, Port Adventures will operate at a reduced capacity and will strictly include only Disney Cruise Line guests.

These excursions are subject to availability, which may change based on port regulations and/or operator limitations.

You can reserve Port Adventures before setting sail online or through the DCL app. The booking window is based on your Castaway Club membership level: Platinum Castaway (120 days prior to sailing), Gold Castaway (105 days prior to sailing), Silver Castaway (90 days prior to sailing), and first-timers (75 days prior to sailing).

During your cruise, guests are strongly encouraged to reserve Port Adventures via the DCL app.

Castaway Cay

Castaway Cay is Disney’s private island.

Face coverings are not required for guests when on the island.

But, all guests (ages 2 and up, including those who are fully vaccinated), must wear masks in certain areas, like when traveling on trams or other island transportation, in merchandise locations, in dining pavilions when not actively eating, and in restrooms.

Like at Ports of Call, guests will need to join a virtual queue to debark the ship.

As for what’s available and unavailable on the island, here’s a list:

• Characters: Mickey, Minnie and the gang will make surprise appearances on Disney Castaway Cay. Plus, be on the lookout for the all-new “Party Patrol,” which will feature popular Disney Characters riding around in fun beach vehicles throughout the island.
• Photo Locations: Photographers will be on hand at the family beaches and at designated locations around the island to snap pictures of guests.
• Beaches: Beach lounge chairs and umbrellas have been arranged to promote physical distancing, while hammocks have been temporarily suspended. Guests are asked not to move lounge chairs.
• Cookie’s BBQ: The barbecue lunch, beverages and ice cream that were previously available at self-service stations at both Cookies BBQ and Cookies Too BBQ will now be served by Crew Members.
• Scuttle’s Cove: Temporarily unavailable.
• Recreation: Teen Hideout and In Da Shade Game Pavilion remain open with limited capacity for recreational activities, including basketball, foosball, table tennis and pool.
• Pelican Plunge: While you can still enjoy all the watery fun of Pelican Plunge, we have introduced a new queue on land to help promote physical distancing.
• Bike/Water Rentals: We’ve enhanced cleaning protocols for all rental equipment, including bicycles, inflatable tubes and snorkel gear.
• Package Pickup: Package Pickup has been temporarily paused.
• 5K Race: While the 5K group race on Disney Castaway Cay has been temporarily paused, 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 available via the DCL app.

Debarkation Day

When it comes to Debarkation Day, there are a few things to take note of.

Breakfast

You will be served breakfast at one of the themed restaurants on the last day of your cruise before leaving the ship.

Breakfast is scheduled using assigned, staggered seating times for physical distancing reasons. You’ll be able to find locations and times via the DCL app.

There is also an alternate option at Cove Café, which will be open for specialty coffees from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. Cabanas will also be available.

You will debark right after breakfast, so make sure your luggage is taken care of. You can take our luggage with you to breakfast or you can place your luggage outside your stateroom on the last night of your voyage between 8:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. for delivery to the ship’s terminal.

There will be color-coded luggage tags featuring Disney characters provided to help you in locating your luggage in the terminal. You’ll have to write your stateroom number, name, address ,and number of bags on these tags and attach the tags to your luggage.

Luggage is then placed in colored zones, according to stateroom number, so it’s easier for you to find in the port terminal.

Getting Off The Ship

• Debarkation Time: These times are based on your dining time and will be available via the DCL app.
• Picking Up Your Luggage: If you don’t have your luggage with you, remember to pick up your luggage in the port terminal.
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection: Once your luggage is collected, all guests in your party must present themselves for inspection to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Porters will be available in the terminal to help as you go through Customs.
• Express Walk-Off: Guests debarking the ship can take their luggage off the ship once the ship has been cleared by local authorities. Guests will be responsible for their own luggage, meaning no assistance will be provided by onboard Crew or shoreside representatives. For Express Walk-Off, you must be ready to debark as early as 7 a.m., and be listening for announcements as to when the ship has been cleared by local authorities.

Exiting The Port

Here’s what you need to know about exiting the port and transportation.

• To Orlando International Airport: Continuous motorcoach transfers to the airport will be available upon arrival at Port Canaveral for all guests who have purchased ground transfers through Disney Cruise Line. You’ll need to claim your luggage in the terminal building and go through U.S. Customs and Border Protection, after which time you will board the bus with your luggage to the Orlando International Airport. Airline check-in will be done at the airport. You will need to present your Key to the World Card to board the motorcoach.
• To Walt Disney World Resort: Guests continuing their vacation with transfers to the Walt Disney World Resort hotels should debark the ship no later than 7:30 a.m., as the motorcoach departs promptly at 9 a.m.

Disney Fantasy Updates

With the 7-night sailing being canceled on Sept. 4, Disney Fantasy will resume with departures beginning Sept. 11.

What about refunds? Take note of the following:

• If you paid in full, you will receive a 125% future cruise credit.
• If your not paid in full, you will receive a full voyage refund.
• U.K. and E.U. guests will receive a full voyage refund. A a future cruise credit cannot be issued.

The Disney Fantasy is also converting 4 original 7-night cruises into 4-night cruises with new itineraries, including two stops at Disney’s Castaway Cay. There are no other ports of call on these sailings.

• Original sail date of Sept. 11 now has new sail dates of Sept. 11-15, 2021
• Original sail date of Sept. 18 now has new sail dates of Sept. 18-22, 2021
• Original sail date of Sept. 25 now has new sail dates of Sept. 25-29, 2021
• Original sail date of Oct. 2 has new sail dates of Oct. 2-6, 2021

Due to these modifications, you can either remain on the same sailing, move you sailing, or cancel.

• If you remain on the same sailing — $400 non-refundable onboard credit, voyage fare and vacation projection plan adjusted, 25% future discount awarded after sailing (cannot be applied to Disney Wish; must be applied toward future cruise on or before Sept. 30, 2022).
• If you move your sailing — Voyage fare adjusted to the new sailing, no onboard credit or discount will be offered, vacation protection plan adjusted to new sailing.
• If you cancel — Full refund, no onboard credit or discount will be offered, full refund of air and vacation protection plan if booked by Disney.

Keep in mind that new guests can book the 4-night sailings on Sept. 11, 18, and 25 and Oct. 2 beginning Aug. 25, 2021.

The Disney Fantasy will begin 7-night and longer voyages out of Port Canaveral beginning Oct. 9, 2021. Also, itineraries for the Oct. 9 and Oct. 30 Disney Fantasy 7-night sailings have been modified, along with the Oct. 16 Disney Fantasy 8-night sailing.

The following is regarding the Oct. 9 and Oct. 30 sailings.

If you move your sailing:

• Voyage fare is adjusted t the new sailing
• No Onboard Credit/discount will be offered
• Vacation Protection Plan is adjusted to new sailing

If you cancel:

• You’ll receive a full refund of the voyage fare
• No Onboard Credit/discount will be offered
• You are responsible for any fees associated with airfare and the Vacation Protection Plan

The following is for the Oct. 16 sailing.

If you move your sailing:

• Voyage fare is adjusted t the new sailing
• No Onboard Credit/discount will be offered
• Vacation Protection Plan is adjusted to new sailing

If you cancel:

• You’ll receive a full refund of the voyage fare
• No Onboard Credit/discount will be offered
• You are responsible for any fees associated with airfare and the Vacation Protection Plan

If you stay on the Oct. 16 sailing:

• $500 non-refundable Onboard Credit per stateroom will be given

Please see above for vaccination and COVID-19 testing protocols.

Disney Wonder Updates

The Disney Wonder resumed sailings beginning Oct. 1, 2021. These include California sailings, as well as the Panama Canal Sailing on Nov. 5, 2021.

• All 4-night sailings call on Cabo San Lucas with 2 sea days
• All 3-night sailings call on Ensenada with 1 sea day
• For the 14-night Panama Canal sailing, there will be an additional day at sea instead of a stop at Grand Cayman.

The Disney Wonder will resume sailing Nov. 19, 2021, from Galveston, Texas, with a variety of Western Caribbean cruises, including stops in Cozumel and Costa Maya, Mexico.

• 6-night sailings on Nov. 23, Dec. 7 and 31, 2021 will now visit Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico instead of Key West, Florida and Disney Castaway Cay
• 6-night sailing on De. 21, 2021 will now visit Progreso, Mexico, instead of George Town, Grand Cayman
• 6-night sailing on Jan. 14, 2022 will now visit Cozumel, Mexico, and George Town, Grand Cayman, instead of Key West, Florida, and Disney Castaway Cay

Due to the revised cruises, each stateroom will receive a $400 non-refundable onboard credit that can be used toward onboard purchases.

This credit applies to Disney Wonder sailings on Nov. 23, Dec. 7, Dec. 31 and Jan. 14, 2022. If guests move or cancel their sailing, they forfeit the onboard credit.

Disney Wonder Guests on impacted sailings may modify their sail date or cancel their sailing without any Disney-imposed cancellation fees, if applicable, from Oct. 6-20, 2021.

If guests move their sailing (before Oct. 21, 2021):

• Voyage fare is adjusted to new sailing
• No onboard credit/discount will be offered
• Vacation Protection Plan adjusted to new sailing

If guests cancel their sailing (before Oct. 21, 2021):

• Full refund of voyage fare
• No onboard credit/discount offered
• Guests is responsible for any fees associated with airfare and Vacation Protection Plan

As part of the relaunch of the Disney Wonder, 2 California sailings were cancelled:

• 2-night sailing on Sept. 24
• 5-night sailing on Sept. 26

If paid in full, you’ll receive a 125% future cruise credit. If not paid in full, you’ll receive a full voyage refund. All U.K. and E.U. guests will receive a future cruise credit that must be used within 14 days or receive a voyage refund.

Many California itineraries are being modified, so take note.

7-night itinerary modifications:

• The Oct. 1 sailing will be converted from a 7-night to a 4-night cruise followed by a 3-night cruise on Oct. 5.
• All existing reservations will automatically be modified to a 4-night sailing on Oct. 1.
• Beginning Sept. 16, all standard cancellation fees apply.
• If you remain on a new 4-night or 3-night sailing, you’ll receive a $400 non-refundable onboard credit. The voyage fare and vacation protection plan will be adjusted and a 25% future discount will be awarded after sailing.

Important: The future discount cannot be used on the Disney Wish Maiden Voyage and can only be applied toward a future cruise commencing on or before Sept. 30, 2022. The 25% future discount and onboard credit can only be earned on the Oct. 1 (4-night) or Oct. 5 (3-night) sailings.

• If you move your sailing, the voyage fare is adjusted to the new sailing. No onboard credit or discount will be offered and the vacation protection plan will be adjusted to the new sailing.
• If you decide to cancel, you’ll receive a full refund of the voyage fare. No onboard credit or discount will be offered and Disney will give a full refund of airfare and the vacation protection plan if you were booked with Disney.

5-night itinerary modifications:

• Two sailings will be converted from a 5-night to a 4-night cruise. This impacts the Oct. 22 and Oct. 31, 2021 sailings. All existing reservations will automatically be modified to the 4-night sailing.
• Beginning Sept. 16, all standard cancellation fees apply.
• If you remain on the same sailing, you’ll receive a $200 non-refundable onboard credit. You voyage fare and vacation protection plan will be adjusted and you’ll be awarded a 25% future discount after sailing.

Important: The future discount cannot be used on the Disney Wish Maiden Voyage. The discount must be applied toward a future cruise commencing on or before Sept. 30, 2022.

• If you move your sailing, the voyage fare will be adjusted to the new sailing and no onboard credit or discount will be offered. The vacation protection plan will be adjusted to the new sailing.
• If you decide to cancel, you’ll receive a full refund of the voyage fare and no onboard credit or discount will be offered. Disney will give a full refund of airfare and the vacation protection plan if you were booked with Disney.

The following itineraries are not impacted:

• There are no itinerary changes on 3-night and 4-night Disney Wonder sailings between Oct. 8 and Oct. 27.
• Beginning Sept. 16, all standard cancellation fees apply.
• If you move your sailing, the voyage fare will be adjusted to the new sailing. You are responsible for fees associated with adjusting airfare or the vacation protection plan.

The Oct. 11, 2021 Disney Wonder itinerary is being modified due to weather. The Cabo San Lucas stop will be replaced with a stop in Ensenada, Mexico.

Any pre-reserved Port Adventures in Cabo San Lucas have been automatically removed from stateroom accounts. If you’re interested in reserving experiences ashore in Ensenada, you can do so once onboard the ship through the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app.

Panama Canal updates:

IMPORTANT — All passengers must be vaccinated. All Guests must undergo a Disney Cruise Line-paid PCR COVID-19 test administered by Inspire Diagnostics at the terminal before boarding.

Reservations with children 11 years of age and under:

• Reservations with children 11 years of age and under, as well as those reservations linked as “Travel With” are considered to be 1 travel party for Panama Canal sailings.
• From Sept. 2-Sept.14, you can cancel the reservation or modify to an alternate itinerary.
• By Sept. 15, all children 11 years of age and under will need to be removed from the reservation.
• If the travel party remains on the same sailing, they will receive a 25% future discount available for future use. (Children 11 years of age and under must be removed from the reservation.)
• If the travel party moves their sailing, the voyage fare will be adjusted to the new sailing. A 25% future discount will be available for future use and the vacation protection plan will be adjusted to the new sailing.
• If the travel party decides to cancel, they will receive a full refund of the voyage fare and a 25% future discount is available for future use. If booked by Disney, a full refund of airfare and vacation protection plan will be given.

Important: The future discount cannot be used on 14-night Panama Canal sailing or Disney Wish Maiden Voyage. Discount must be applied toward a future cruise commencing on or before Sept. 30, 2022.

Reservations with Guests 12 and older:

• From Sept. 2-Sept.14, you can cancel the reservation or modify to an alternate itinerary.
• Beginning on Sept. 15, standard cancellation fees will apply.
• If you move your sailing, the voyage fare will be adjusted to the new sailing. You will be responsible for any fees associated with adjusting airfare or the vacation protection plan.

The Disney Wonder will return to sailing from New Orleans on Feb. 2, 2022 with a variety of Western Caribbean cruises.

There is also an update to the 6-night sailing on Feb. 18, 2022. It will now visit Cozumel and Costa Maya, Mexico instead of Key West, Florida and Disney Castaway Cay.

As a thank you for sailing with DCL on this revised itinerary, each stateroom will receive a $400 non-refundable onboard credit that can be used toward onboard purchases. If you move or cancel this sailing, you forfeit the onboard credit.

Disney Wonder Guests on this sailing may modify their sail date or cancel their sailing without any Disney-imposed cancellation fees, if applicable, by Oct. 27, 2021. Refunds will be processed back to the original form of payment.

If you move your sailing (before 10/27/2021)…

• Voyage fare is adjusted to new sailing
• No onboard credit/discount will be offered
• Vacation Protection Plan adjusted to new sailing

If you decide to cancel (before 10/27/2021)…

• Full refund of voyage fare
• No onboard credit/discount will be offered
• You’re responsible for any fees associated with airfare and Vacation Protection Plan

Please see above for vaccination and COVID-19 testing protocols.

Disney Magic Updates

The Disney Magic resumes sailing in the U.S. resume sailing with mostly 4- and 5-night itineraries out of Miami, Florida beginning Oct. 28, 2021.

Two Disney Magic sailings have also been cancelled:

• The Oct. 21 3-night sailing
• The Oct. 24 4-night sailing

For both sailings:

• If you paid in full, you’ll receive a 125% Future Cruise Credit
• If you didn’t pay in full, you’ll receive a full voyage refund
• U.K. and E.U. guests will receive a Future Cruise Credit which must be used within 14 days or they will receive a voyage refund

Disney Magic itineraries with Key West, Florida as a port of call through May 2022 have been modified to remove Key West from the itinerary. Nassau or Castaway Cay will replace Key West on those sailings.

If you choose to cancel, that only applies to 2021 sailings. Disney Magic 2022 sailings are subject to the standard cancellation policies/fees.

If you move your sailing:

• Voyage fare is adjusted t the new sailing
• No Onboard Credit/discount will be offered
• Vacation Protection Plan is adjusted to new sailing

If you cancel:

• You’ll receive a full refund of the voyage fare
• No Onboard Credit/discount will be offered
• You are responsible for any fees associated with airfare and the Vacation Protection Plan

Please see above for vaccination and COVID-19 testing protocols.

Cancellations & Refund Policies

Extended Final Payment

For sailings through Sept. 30, 2022, your final payment is temporarily extended until 60 days prior to sailing, but only for guests booked in unrestricted stateroom categories.

This means that those Guests who have not yet reached their final payment due date can wait until up to 60 days prior to sailing to pay for their cruise.

Onboard cruise activities can be scheduled within each Guest’s Castaway Club booking window once final payment is received. 

Relaxed Cancellation Fee Schedule

For sailings through Sept. 30, 2022, the cancellation fee schedule has been temporarily relaxed from beginning as early as 119 days prior to sailing to beginning 59 days prior to sailing for guests booked in non-Suite and non-Concierge categories.

For guests booked in Suite and Concierge categories, cancellation fees in excess of the deposit amount will temporarily begin at 59 days prior to sailing.

Reservations for Inside, Outside and Verandah Categories with Restrictions remain nonrefundable and nontransferable.

Flexible Refund Policy

Within 14 days of the sailing, guests with COVID-19-related health concerns (symptoms or exposure) can receive a full refund without Disney-imposed cancellation fees or apply their cruise fare toward a future sail date.

For those who want to change their sail date, they must move it to a future sailing that begins prior to Sept. 30, 2022. Onboard offer blockout dates apply.

Future cruise credits cannot be applied to the Disney Wish maiden voyage, setting sail on June 9, 2022. Guests cannot change their reservation back to the original sail date after taking advantage of this policy.

Qualifying scenarios include guests who:

• Have symptoms of COVID-19
• Have a temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or greater
• Have had known exposure to a person with COVID-19 within the previous 14 days
• Have tested positive for COVID-19

Guests who do not wish to select a new sail date will be provided a full refund without Disney-imposed cancellation fees in their original form of payment.

Guests who experience one or more of the qualifying scenarios on the day of Embarkation 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.

Once on board, guests who are subject to mandatory quarantine or who test positive for COVID-19 will receive a pro-rated voucher for a future cruise or a pro-rated refund.

Additionally, guests sailing through March 28, 2022 may modify their sail date or cancel their sailing and receive a full refund back to the original form of payment without the Disney-imposed cancellation fees by Aug. 6, 2021.

Standard cancellation policies and terms and conditions apply for any cancellation requests received on or after Aug. 7, 2021.

Cruise Date Flexibility

For any sailings scheduled on or before May 31, 2022, you can change your sail date up to 15 days prior to departure. To take advantage of this offer, call (800) 951-3532.

Guests who wish to change their sail date must move their sail date to one that begins prior to May 31, 2023. Standard prevailing rates will apply. Future cruise credits cannot be applied to the Disney Wish’s maiden voyage on June 9, 2022.

Guests cannot change their reservation back to the original sail date after taking advantage of this offer.

If you cancel your new sail date, cancellation fees will be the greater of: a) cancellation fees that would have been applicable to the original sail date; or b) cancellation fees applicable to the new sail date.

Standard air cancellation fees apply for guests who booked flights through Disney Cruise Line.

If you need to cancel or reschedule your cruise, you can contact Disney Cruise Line at (888) 325-0168 (U.S. domestic toll free) or (407) 566-7475 (local), Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

2023 Bookings

Disney Cruise Line returns to tropical destinations in the Bahamas, Caribbean, and Mexico in early 2023.

Castaway Club Members and select Disney Guests can take advantage of the opportunity to book early 2023 itineraries before they go on sale to the general public on Oct. 21, 2021.

Here are the booking dates:

• Oct. 14: Disney Cruise Line Platinum Members, Golden Oak Club Members, Club 33 Members
• Oct. 15: Disney Cruise Line Gold Members
• Oct. 18: Disney Cruise Line Silver Members, Disney Vacation Club Members, Adventures by Disney Insiders
• Oct. 21: All Guests

Browse the 2023 itineraries.

Be sure read our complete guides to the Disney Dream, the Disney Fantasy, the Disney Wonder, and the Disney Magic. You can also visit the official Disney Cruise Line website.