disney cruise unvaccinated

Do Disney Cruises require vaccinations?

For the past few years, travel requirements for vaccinations, masking, and COVID-19 testing seem to have been a moving target. Requirements seemed to change almost weekly, and it’s been easy to become a bit confused about whether Disney Cruises require vaccinations, COVID-19 testing, or masks.

Among all the types of vacations, cruises can be especially confusing in this regard. For example, a U.S. citizen taking an Alaskan Cruise with Disney typically flies from a U.S. airport to a Canadian airport, boards a Bahamian-registered ship at a Canadian port, visits several U.S. ports of call (possibly taking an Alaska cruise excursion that travels back into Canadian territory via motorcoach), then returns to a Canadian port before flying back to the U.S. via a Canadian airport.

So let’s try to sort out all of the requirements. Fortunately, they’ve gotten markedly simpler since 2022.

Note: Information in this article is accurate as of July 25, 2023 . Be sure to check your official Disney Cruise documentation or Disney Cruise Line’s “Know Before You Go” website to ensure you’re up-to-date on the latest regulations regarding your sailing. Also, please note that the information article generally refers to requirements for U.S. Citizens traveling from a U.S. port; those who are citizens of — or who are sailing from — another country should ensure they’re aware of any applicable requirements.

Do you need the COVID shot to take a Disney Cruise?

Disney Cruise Line itself no longer requires vaccinations just to board its cruise ships in most cases, but some ports may require vaccinations.

For it’s part, Disney Cruise Line advises that “Full vaccination [is] not required but highly recommended” for its cruises.

Though there is no direct requirement from the cruise line to be immunized, travelers must always ensure they meet any governmental requirements in order to board the ship or to disembark at a particular port-of-call during the cruise. Some countries may have regulations that are more strict than those onboard the ship itself.

For example, Australia and New Zealand cruises currently do require vaccinations for those ages 12 and up due to government mandates there .

Does Disney Cruise Line require COVID-19 testing to board?

Proof of a negative Coronavirus test was a requirement to board a Disney Cruise for about two-and-a-half-years, but that has since changed.

For Guests sailing from the United States on November 14, 2022 or later , it is no longer necessary to be tested for COVID-19 before boarding the ship.

As with vaccination requirements, COVID-19 testing requirements may vary by country and you’ll always need to abide by any local regulations.

Australia and New Zealand cruises currently  d o require testing for those ages 2 and up due to local governmental regulations.

Do Guests have to wear a mask on a Disney Cruise?

Face coverings are optional for most Guests onboard Disney Cruise ships. The cruise line does “strongly recommend” that unvaccinated guests wear a mask in all indoor locations, but it’s not a requirement.

In the US, face coverings are optional on Disney Cruise Line’s hotel and airport ground transfers. As always, you’re subject to any applicable local government regulations at various terminals and ports you might visit during your cruise, so masks may be required in some places you visit.

One of the easiest ways to keep track of all you should know about Disney Cruises is to work with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner such as The Vacationeer .

They provide free help planning your Disney Cruise Vacation, whether you’re just wondering how much is a Disney Cruise or you need assistance with complex bookings involving multiple staterooms.

There’s never any obligation to book and you won’t pay an extra penny to use their planning services! So get your free, no-obligation vacation quotation today!

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Disney Cruise Line Important Travel Information

Our approach to health and safety.

There are no active advisories at this time.

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Disney Cruise Line will require all passengers ages 5 and older to be fully vaccinated.

The mandate will go into effect on Jan. 13 and will apply to sailings both in the United States and abroad.

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By Ceylan Yeginsu

• Nov. 17, 2021

Disney Cruise Line updated its immunization policy for guests on Wednesday, requiring all children over the age of 5 to be fully vaccinated against the coronavirus.

The vaccine mandate will go into effect on Jan. 13 and will apply to sailings both in the United States and abroad. Until then, unvaccinated guests between the ages of 5 and 11 must take a pre-departure coronavirus test. Currently, guests age 12 and up and all crew members on Disney ships must be fully vaccinated.

The new requirement comes after federal regulators recently cleared Pfizer-BioNTech’s pediatric vaccine for children ages 5 through 11 earlier.

Like Disney, most other major cruise lines have required passengers 12 and older to be fully vaccinated. While some companies like Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean Group and MSC Cruises have allowed unvaccinated children on board ships with testing requirements, some sailings have had to limit numbers on board because of policies that require at least 95 percent of passengers to be fully vaccinated.

Last week, the chief executive officer of Royal Caribbean, Richard Fain, said he expects an update on vaccine protocols for children soon, but no changes have been announced yet.

“I think we’re moving in the direction where every cruise will have 100 percent of the crew vaccinated and 95 or more percent of the guests,” he said at a media event on board Odyssey of the Seas, a cruise ship owned by Royal Caribbean.

Norwegian Cruise Line has one of the most stringent immunization policies, requiring all passengers and crew to be fully vaccinated — including eligible children — and recently announced that the rules would be extended “indefinitely” in the near future. It bars ineligible children from sailings.

To encourage family cruise vacations, Holland American Line recently announced a new offer allowing fully vaccinated children ages 5 to 17 to sail for free as third and fourth guests in the same stateroom.

“Now that kids ages 5 and older can receive the Covid-19 vaccine, getting out and seeing the world is on everyone’s mind,” said Gus Antorcha, president of Holland America Line.

Ceylan Yeginsu is a London-based reporter. She joined The Times in 2013, and was previously a correspondent in Turkey covering politics, the migrant crisis, the Kurdish conflict, and the rise of Islamic State extremism in Syria and the region. More about Ceylan Yeginsu

Disney Cruise Line to Drop Vaccine Requirement For Sailing

Disney Cruise Line has dropped their COVID-19 Vaccine requirement to board their ships, however those who are unvaccinated will still have to provide proof of negative COVID test results.

What’s Happening:

• Beginning Oct. 14, 2022, for Disney Wonder, Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, and Disney Wish sailings and Nov. 7, 2022 for Disney Magic sailings, Disney Cruise Line will no longer require Guests to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 at the time of sailing, however, it is highly recommended.
• All Guests ages 5 years and older who are not fully vaccinated (Unvaccinated Guests) will need to submit proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken 1-2 days before the sail date. Guests ages 4 years of age and younger do not require testing.
• The following SeaMail will be sent to guests who have booked through travel agents on impacted sailings:

Disney Wonder, Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, and Disney Wish – Beginning Oct. 14 “Dear Guest. All of us at Disney Cruise Line look forward to welcoming you aboard soon. We are reaching out with important updates to the COVID-19 vaccination and testing requirements for your sailing. Beginning October 14, 2022, for Disney Wonder, Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, and Disney Wish sailings, Disney Cruise Line will no longer require Guests to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 at the time of sailing, however, it is highly recommended. All Guests ages 5 years and older who are not fully vaccinated (Unvaccinated Guests) will need to submit proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken 1-2 days before the sail date. Guests ages 4 years of age and younger do not require testing. Acceptable vaccines and testing information can be found in the Know Before You Go  section of our website.”

• To be exempt from testing requirements, fully vaccinated Guests must upload their proof of vaccination to the Inspire Diagnostics Safe Passage  website by midnight prior to embarkation day. Unvaccinated Guests must upload a negative COVID-19 test result to the Inspire Diagnostics Safe Passage  website by midnight prior to embarkation day. Uploading proof of vaccination or a COVID-19 test result is a requirement for adults and children, except for those ages 4 and younger.
• A parent or legal guardian will need to use their own account to provide this information on behalf of minors. To learn more about how to provide proof of your negative COVID-19 test result, please visit the Know Before You Go  section of our website.
• After appropriate documents have been uploaded and reviewed by Inspire, Guests should see the words “Clear to Arrive” or “Clear to Sail” in the Pre-Sail Screening section when they log into their Safe Passage  account before arriving at the port.
• It is also recommended that Guests bring a copy of their proof of vaccination or negative COVID- test result with them to the port. Guests who fail to upload proof of vaccination and/or COVID-19 test results prior to embarkation day will be delayed and may be denied boarding. If you have any questions about your Safe Passage registration or status, please contact Inspire Diagnostics at 877-250-5132.
• Fully vaccinated Guests are not required to be tested between back-to-back sailings. Guests ages 5 years and older who are not fully vaccinated and traveling on back-to-back sailings will be required to complete a COVID-19 test between sailings, arranged by Disney Cruise Line.
• Guests booked on the Disney Wonder, Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy or Disney Wish October 14, 2022, through January 31, 2023, may modify or cancel their sailing by October 11, 2022 without any Disney-imposed cancellation fees. Please contact your travel agent for details on how to cancel or modify your booking. Please note that change fees and cancellation fees imposed by third-party suppliers, such as airlines and hotels, as well as travel insurance, are not refundable. Refunds will be processed back to the original form of payment. Standard cancellation policies and terms and conditions apply for any cancellation or modification requests received on or after October 12, 2022.
• The Disney Magic will invoke the same requirements Beginning November 7th.

clock This article was published more than  1 year ago

All major cruise lines will soon allow unvaccinated travelers

Disney cruises are set to become the last major group to drop the vaccine requirement on most U.S. sailings

Disney Cruise Line will no longer require vaccinations on most of its voyages beginning in October, the company announced Tuesday, marking the final major cruise line to ease its vaccine requirement on most U.S. sailings.

For voyages on the Disney Wish, Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy and Disney Wonder beginning Oct. 14, full vaccination is “highly recommended,” but not required, according to the cruise line’s website . Unvaccinated travelers 5 and older must provide proof of a negative coronavirus test taken within two days of the sail date, either through an observed antigen test or a lab-based PCR test. Vaccinated travelers and children under 5 are not required to test.

The same policy applies to Disney Magic sailings beginning Nov. 7. The Magic will be visiting ports of call in Canada and Bermuda in October, which have their own health requirements, though Canada is lifting all entry restrictions on Oct. 1.

The family-focused cruise line dropped its vaccination requirement for kids between 5 and 11 in August. The company did not immediately respond to a request for comment on its announcement Tuesday.

Welcome aboard, unvaccinated cruise passengers

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ended its covid program for cruises in July. Since then, all major cruise lines serving the U.S. — including Norwegian, Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Princess and MSC Cruises — have dropped their vaccine requirements for all but a few voyages, according to their websites.

Depending on the company, vaccinations may be required for sailings that last more than 16 days or visit ports of call with additional requirements, such as Bermuda and Greece.

Costa Cruises, the Italian carrier that operates some Caribbean cruises, announced last week it will permit unvaccinated passengers onboard beginning Oct. 8.

Anne Madison, a spokesperson for Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), said in a statement provided to The Washington Post that “most countries, travel sectors, and other businesses” have eliminated testing and vaccination requirements as a larger share of the population has gotten vaccinated or recovered from coronavirus cases.

“CLIA and our member lines will continue to monitor health conditions onboard and employ health and safety protocols commensurate with those conditions,” Madison’s statement says. “CLIA and its cruise line members have and will continue to make science-driven and medically informed decisions.”

As of Tuesday, the only seagoing cruise line requiring vaccinations on U.S. sailings is Cunard Line , a luxury British carrier operating three ships, including the only remaining ocean liner still in service.

Cunard requires all adults to be vaccinated, including with a booster if more than 270 days have passed since their initial vaccination, and take a test before departure, according to its website .

Cruises are smashing records despite covid on board: ‘Life goes on’

Travel agents and cruise companies have seen a spike in bookings in recent weeks after vaccine requirements were lifted, though company executives said they expect that most passengers will still be vaccinated. The recovery is a boon for the industry after a 15-month shutdown, but covid remains a concern , as experts have warned the close quarters of ships are particularly conducive to the virus’s spread.

The CDC continues to recommend being up to date with vaccines, including boosters, before cruise travel and to test no more than three days before departure.

More cruise news

Living at sea: Travelers on a 9-month world cruise are going viral on social media. For some travelers, not even nine months was enough time on a ship; they sold cars, moved out of their homes and prepared to set sail for three years . That plan fell apart, but a 3.5-year version is waiting in the wings.

Passengers beware: It’s not all buffets and dance contests. Crime data reported by cruise lines show that the number of sex crimes has increased compared to previous years. And though man-overboard cases are rare, they are usually deadly .

The more you know: If you’re cruise-curious, here are six tips from a newcomer. Remember that in most cases, extra fees and add-ons will increase the seemingly cheap price of a sailing. And if you happen to get sick , know what to expect on board.

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New covid-19 vaccination requirements for disney cruise line.

Posted by: Jill Bivins August 16, 2022

Guests hitting the high seas with Disney soon will find that there’s been a change in Disney Cruise Line’s Covid-19 vaccination policy. Previously all guests 5 and up were required to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19. However, beginning September 2, 2022, only guests 12 and up will be required to show proof of vaccination. The former policy remains in effect until September 2. 

Credit: Disney Cruise Line

The updated information can be found on Disney Cruise Line’s official website and states: 

“COVID-19 Vaccination: For sailings departing US and Canadian ports through September 1, 2022, Disney Cruise Line requires Guests ages 5 and older to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 at the time of sailing, as defined by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Beginning September 2, 2022, for sailings departing US and Canadian ports, Disney Cruise Line will require Guests ages 12 and older to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 at the time of sailing, as defined by the CDC. In consideration of CDC guidance, Disney Cruise Line highly recommends that Guests ages 11 and younger be fully vaccinated before sailing.

In consideration of guidance from the CDC and the World Health Organization, Disney Cruise Line accepts the following vaccine types for Guests ages 5 and older: Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson, AstraZeneca, Covishield, Novavax, Sinopharm BBIBP-CorV (VeroCell), Sinovac-CoronaVac and Covavaxin (Bharat Biotech).

For Guests ages 5 and older, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines fully vaccinated as 14 days after receiving one of the following:

• A single dose of an accepted 1-dose vaccine
• The second dose of an accepted 2-dose vaccine 
• The full series of an active (not placebo) COVID-19 vaccine in the US-based AstraZeneca or Novavax COVID-19 vaccine trials 
• The second dose of any “mix and match” combination of accepted COVID-19 vaccines (administered at least 17 days apart)”

Since it re-launched after a lengthy shutdown, Disney Cruise Line has closely followed the CDC’s recommendations. As information about the virus changes, so does their recommendations. This change is a step towards pre-pandemic normalcy, and one many cruisers have eagerly awaited. 

About Jill Bivins

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What Cruise Lines Allow Unvaccinated Guests to Sail?

Sarah Bretz, Contributor

• February 7, 2023

At long last, cruise lines are finally starting to drop their vaccine mandates and allow all passengers — inoculated or not — to sail on their ships.

The big question is, what cruise lines allow unvaccinated guests to sail?

In this article, we’ve compiled all cruise lines that allow unvaccinated guests to sail.

(Note: This information is accurate as of February 7, 2023. Check the cruise lines’ websites for the most up-to-date information.)

American Queen Voyages

Unvaccinated guests are welcome to sail on American Queen Voyages .

Vaccination for sailings in the U.S. is not required. Beginning March 11, 2023, proof of vaccination for sailings to or from Europe will no longer be required.

Carnival Cruise Line

Unvaccinated guests are welcome to sail on all voyages except those in Australia and people traveling 16 nights or longer. Check with Carnival for specific cruise requirements.

RELATED: Carnival Drops Pre-Cruise Testing & Vaccination Requirements

Celebrity Cruises

Unvaccinated passengers are welcome to sail on all cruises departing from Europe and the U.S. Vaccination continues to be required on voyages to or from Australia, New Zealand, and the Galapagos Islands.

Cunard Line

All guests 18 and older must be vaccinated to sail. On most sailings, kids and teens aged 17 and under do not have a vaccine requirement. Check with Cunard for information on your specific sailing.

Disney Cruise Line

Unvaccinated guests are welcome to sail on all voyages.

Holland America Line

Unvaccinated guests are welcome on most voyages. This doesn’t apply to select destinations where local regulations vary, including Australia.

MSC Cruises

Unvaccinated guests are permitted to sail on most MSC voyages.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Oceania cruises.

Unvaccinated guests are welcome to sail on all voyages except for itineraries sailing in destinations that require vaccinations.

Princess Cruises

Regent seven seas cruises.

Unvaccinated guests are welcome to sail on all voyages except for destinations that require vaccinations.

RELATED: NCLH Drops COVID-19 Vaccine Requirements, Welcomes Everyone to Sail

Royal Caribbean

Unvaccinated guests are welcome to sail on all voyages except those from Australia and on transatlantic and transpacific cruises.

Unvaccinated guests are welcome on most voyages, except those visiting destinations where local regulations vary, including Australia. Check with Seabourn for protocols on your specific sailing.

Silversea Cruises

Unvaccinated guests are welcome to sail on most voyages, except for itineraries that feature destinations with local regulations that may continue to require vaccination, including Australia.

All guests must be vaccinated to sail with Viking . Booster shots are not required.

Virgin Voyages

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Children 5 & Up Will Need To Be Fully Vaccinated To Set Sail On A Disney Cruise

Meanwhile, kids 4 years old and younger must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test result before departure.

Families looking to cruise the high seas with Disney in 2022 will want to make sure they’ve double-checked the company’s Covid-19 policies. On Wednesday, Disney Cruise Line announced plans to require passengers including children over the age of 5 be fully vaccinated against Covid-19. The policy update comes shortly after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) expanded the emergency use authorization granted to the Pfizer BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine to include kids between the ages of 5 and 11.

“Disney Cruise Line continues to require all vaccine-eligible Guests (based on U.S. eligibility requirements) to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 , as defined by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), at the time of sailing,” a statement on the Disney Cruise Line website read. “This will be a requirement for all Guests (U.S. and international) ages 5 and up for sailings beginning on or after January 13, 2022.”

Currently, only guests 12 years old and older must be fully vaccinated to board a Disney cruise ship . Unvaccinated children between the ages of 5 and 11 are required to provide proof of a negative Covid-19 test until the cruise liner’s new policy comes into effect next year.

According to the cruise liner, guests who are not of a vaccine-eligible age, meaning they are 4 years old or younger, will be required to provide proof of a negative Covid-19 test result. Tests must be paid for and completed by the guest no later than 24 hours before their cruise is set to depart and no earlier than three days before their sail date. Additionally, Disney Cruise Line has said it will not accept rapid antigen tests. Rather, guests must test for the virus using a NAAT test, rapid PCR test, or a lab-based PCR test.

Following guidance from the CDC, Disney Cruise Line has said it defines a fully vaccinated individual as anyone 14 days past receiving either a single dose of a vaccine such as the Johnson & Johnson or the second dose of an accepted two-dose vaccine like Moderna or Pfizer. The cruise liner will also accept the AstraZeneca, Covishield, Novavax, Sinopharm, and Sinovac vaccines.

But Disney Cruise Line isn’t the only cruise liner to mandate that children 5 years old and up be fully vaccinated before boarding. Norwegian Cruise Line also requires all guests and crew be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 at least two weeks prior to their ship’s departure date. Guests who considered by the FDA World Health Organization (WHO), or European Medicines Agency (EMA) to be too young to be vaccinated are not permitted to sail with the cruise liner, according to their website. Holland American Line also has a strict policy that requires all guests, regardless of age, to be fully vaccinated .

According to The New York Times , more cruise liners may soon follow suit. Royal Caribbean CEO Richard Fain recently said he expected his company would update its vaccine protocols for children soon. “I think we’re moving in the direction where every cruise will have 100 percent of the crew vaccinated and 95 or more percent of the guests,” the paper reported Fain said.

For now, families looking to book a cruise will want to be sure they carefully review the Covid-19 vaccine requirements well before their departure date.

Here Are the Updated COVID-19 Testing Requirements for Each Major Cruise Line

For many, testing and vaccination requirements have made cruising more confusing than ever, by sophia pargas • published august 8, 2022 • updated on august 15, 2022 at 10:07 am.

Ever since the start of the pandemic, new COVID-19 protocols have complicated many travelers' ideal summer getaway: cruising.

To many, the newfound hassle of determining cruise line regulations , gathering documents and finding a testing center has turned many away from sailing. In recent months, however, many cruise lines have altered requirements to become more lenient on pre-boarding testing regulations.

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Before taking to the seas on your next adventure, read this guide to review the updated testing mandates on all of your favorite cruise lines.

(All information is based on sailings out of the United States.)

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Carnival Cruise Lines

Testing Requirements for Vaccinated Passengers:

• Vaccinated guests must continue to provide evidence of their vaccination status, either through VeriFLY or at embarkation.
• Canada: a PCR test can be taken 3 days before sailing or an antigen test can be taken 2 days before sailing
• Bermuda: a PCR test can be taken 4 days before sailing or an antigen test can be taken 2 days before sailing
• Greece: a PCR or antigen test can be taken 2 days before sailing
• Australia: a PCR test 3 days before sailing or a self-administered antigen test 1 day before sailing

Testing Requirements for Unvaccinated Passengers:

• Unvaccinated guests are welcome to sail and are no longer required to apply for a vaccine exemption, except for cruises in Australia or on voyages 16 nights and longer. 
• Bermuda: a PCR test can be taken 4 days before sailing (antigen tests are not accepted)

For more information, please see here .

Celebrity Cruise Line

• Cruises 5 days or less: With the exception of sailings to Bermuda and Canada, no fully vaccinated passengers will be required to test before sailing.
• Cruises 6 days or more: All guests are required to take an official COVID-19 test before boarding. They can take a PCR test 72 hours prior to sailing, or an antigen test two days prior to sailing.

All unvaccinated guests ages 2 and older are required to receive a lab-administered PCR or antigen test up to 3 days before sailing.

Cunard Luxury Cruise Line

Testing Requirements:

All guests 5 and older are required to take an official negative COVID-19 test before embarking.

Disney Cruise Line

All vaccinated guests are required to show proof of a negative antigen, NAAT or PCR test within two days of sailing.

Unvaccinated guests (those 4 and under) must provide proof of a negative NAAT or PCR test within three days of sailing. Rapid antigen tests are not accepted.

Holland America Cruise Line

Regardless of vaccination status, all guests ages 2 and up are required to show proof of a negative antigen or NAAT COVID test.

MSC Cruises

• Cruises 5 days or less: Beginning August 29, no fully vaccinated passengers will be required to test before sailing.
• Cruises 6 days or more: All guests are required to take an official COVID-19 test before boarding.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Beginning September 4, no fully vaccinated passengers will be required to test before sailing.

Beginning September 4, all children under 11 years old will not be required to test before sailing. Children 12 and older who are unvaccinated must receive a PCR or antigen test up to 72 hours before sailing.

Princess Cruise Line

Testing Requirements: All guests 2 and older are required to submit a negative test regardless of vaccination status.

Royal Caribbean Cruises

Viking Ocean Cruises

Viking does not require a pre-departure COVID-19 test unless it is required by a sailing's destination.

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Disney Cruise Lines Will Require All Guests Over Age 5 to Be Fully Vaccinated Against COVID in 2022

Children ages 5 to 11 years old were previously exempt from the vaccination rule

Abigail Adams is a Human Interest Writer and Reporter for PEOPLE. She has been working in journalism for seven years.

Mickey and friends are heading back out onto the high seas — but with some new rules in place amid the pandemic.

Starting on Jan. 13, 2022, all Disney Cruise Line guests ages 5 and up must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, according to an update to the company website. Children ages 5 to 11 years old were previously exempt from the vaccination rule.

Individuals who are not vaccine-eligible due to age will be required to provide proof of a negative COVID test taken between 24 and 72 hours prior to the sailing date. And all guests will still be required to take a COVID test at the terminal before boarding their cruise.

Disney informed its future guests of the upcoming change in policy nearly two months before it goes into effect.

Anyone who is unvaccinated on a cruise lasting five days or longer must take a COVID-19 test the day before they disembark. Unvaccinated individuals taking part in back-to-back sails will only need one pre-trip test, per the website.

In line with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization, DCL accepts eight different vaccines: Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson, AstraZeneca, Covishield, Novavax, Sinopharm and Sinovac.

Currently, guests ages 12 and up must best fully vaccinated against the coronavirus. Those ages 5 to 11 years old must provide a negative COVID-19 test in lieu of vaccination for any trips prior to Jan. 13.

This change in policy will take effect shortly before the new Disney Wish ship is slated to set sail for the first time. The ship, which will include several features never before seen in the cruise line's fleet, is expected to make its debut in June 2022 out of Port Canaveral, Florida.

DCL cruises resumed sailings on Oct. 28 after shutting down temporarily in March 2020 due to the pandemic.

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE 's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

On Nov. 2, the CDC authorized the emergency use of Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine in children ages 5 to 11 years old. Clinical trials showed the vaccine was 90.7% effective.

In August, the CDC advised individuals "who are at increased risk for severe illness" to avoid cruise ship travel altogether, whether they're vaccinated or not. This included those over 65 and people with chronic conditions, cancer, heart and lung disease, a weakened immune system and other illnesses.

Additionally, the CDC recommends that passengers wear a face mask in shared spaces on ships in addition to social distancing, frequent washing hands and avoiding contact with those who is sick.

As information about the coronavirus pandemic rapidly changes, PEOPLE is committed to providing the most recent data in our coverage. Some of the information in this story may have changed after publication. For the latest on COVID-19, readers are encouraged to use online resources from the CDC , WHO and local public health departments . PEOPLE has partnered with GoFundMe to raise money for the COVID-19 Relief Fund, a GoFundMe.org fundraiser to support everything from frontline responders to families in need, as well as organizations helping communities. For more information or to donate, click here .

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Disney cruises to require COVID-19 vaccinations for children 5 and older

By Kate Gibson

November 18, 2021 / 3:05 PM EST / MoneyWatch

Disney Cruise Line in January will require that all passengers 5 years and older be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 , expanding the company's mandate to include younger children aboard its ships.

Disney, which operates four ships, is the first cruise line to update its policy with a requirement for children ages 5 to 11, who only recently became eligible for the vaccine . 

The updated policy takes effect on January 13, 2022, Disney said. Until that date, Parents of kids under 5 years of age must show proof of a negative test for a child between three days and 24 hours ahead of departure.   The requirements apply to sailings in the U.S. and abroad. 

The requirements align with Disney's policy stating all vaccine-eligible guests be immunized against COVID-19. 

Th Food and Drug Administration late last month approved kid-size doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for children as young as 5, as now recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

Disney and most other large cruise lines now require passengers 12 and older to be fully vaccinated. Some have allowed unvaccinated children onboard with a pre-departure coronavirus test, but the numbers are limited due to policies requiring at least 95% of passengers to be immunized . 

Norwegian Cruise Line requires all passengers and crew be fully vaccinated , including eligible children, and bars ineligible children from boarding its ships. 

Kate Gibson is a reporter for CBS MoneyWatch in New York, where she covers business and consumer finance.

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Every Cruise Line's Requirements for COVID Vaccines, Testing

A guide to every major cruise line's health requirements for safe sailing.

Cruise lines have shifted their requirements for passengers, making cruising accessible to practically everyone. Many popular cruise lines have eliminated the vaccine and pre-embarkation test as the industry is beginning to shift away from mandatory vaccines and testing.

The changes began shortly after the CDC ended a pandemic-era policy of publicly displaying COVID-19 cases onboard, different cruise lines to the public in July 2022. For those looking to check current COVID-19 trends onboard the CDC urges direct contact with the cruise line, and the organization will continue to monitor and offer guidelines to ships.

Below, we break down each line's list of regulations to sail as well as what travelers need to know to plan.

Avalon Waterways

Where they sail: These small-ship river cruises sail throughout Europe, Asia, South America, and down the Nile River in Egypt.

Who needs the vaccine: All international travelers from the U.S. must be fully vaccinated before boarding. Beginning March 2023 the vaccine is no longer required (but strongly encouraged).

What other safety measures are in place: All guests will undergo a health screening upon arrival and luggage will be disinfected. Avalon will provide COVID-19 testing for travelers who need to show proof of a negative test to return home at no extra cost. Depending on the location of the cruise a pre-departure COVID-19 test may or may not be required.

Find out more: Avalon Waterways

Where they sail : Azamara sails mid-size ships all over the world, to all seven continents.

Who needs the vaccine : All guests and crew 12 and older will be required to be fully vaccinated at least two weeks before boarding a ship. Beginning Dec. 1, 2022, the company plans to drop the vaccine requirement for departures from the U.S. and Europe.

What other safety measures are in place : Depending on the port of embarkation guests may or may not to pre-test to travel. For a full list of ports and whether they require a test guests can check online.

Azamara's ships have been upgraded with new HVAC filtration systems, and EPA-certified disinfectants are used to clean the ship.

Find out more : Azamara

Carnival Cruises

Where they sail: Carnival sails large ships around the world, including popular trips to the Caribbean. The company sailed its maiden voyage on the Mardi Gras out of Florida in July.

Who needs the vaccine: All guests are encouraged to be vaccinated but unvaccinated travelers, or vaccinated guests without proof of vaccination, will have to present the negative results of a PCR or antigen test taken no earlier than 3 days before sailing.

What other safety measures are in place: For cruises five days or less, there will no longer be pre-cruise testing for vaccinated passengers unless a specific port requires it. Itineraries including Bahamas, Bermuda, or Grand Cayman will still be required to test. All guests will also be required to fill out a health screening 72 hours before embarkation and undergo health screenings prior to boarding. Unvaccinated travelers on a cruise to Bermuda will be required to purchase travel insurance (children under 12 are exempt as long as they are traveling with vaccinated parents).

Both vaccinated and unvaccinated guests who have recovered from COVID-19 within three months of their sailing date, do not need the required pre-cruise COVID test before embarkation, only if they are at least 10 days past their COVID-19 infection, have no symptoms and present documentation of recovery from COVID-19 from their healthcare provider.

Find out more: Carnival Cruise Line

Celebrity Cruises

Where they sail: Celebrity Cruises sails all over the world.

Who needs the vaccine: The vaccine is no longer required to sail on cruises from the U.S. and Europe. A vaccine is required for sailings visiting Canada.

What other safety measures are in place: A pre-embarkation test is no longer required for vaccinated guests on sailings nine days or less. Unvaccinated passengers will still be required to test three days prior to sailing. Self-tests are acceptable from European and U.S. ports that don't stop in Bermuda or Canada.

Find out more : Celebrity Cruises

Where they sail: Cunard, which sails all over the world, is known for its transatlantic journeys aboard the Queen Mary 2.

Who needs the vaccine: All guests 18 and older must be fully vaccinated. Unvaccinated passengers under 18 will be required to undergo a PCR test within 72 hours of their departure.

What other safety measures are in place: Cunard has "enhanced" their onboard ventilation systems and implemented mandatory mask-wearing policies indoors. All guests aged 4 and older are required to have a negative COVID-19 test before boarding. Crew will be tested regularly while on board. Guests who have certain pre-existing medical conditions, including those who are on supplementary oxygen, will not be allowed to board.

Disney Cruise Line

Where they sail: Disney sails family-friendly journeys including to the Caribbean, Europe, and Alaska.

Who needs the vaccine: Vaccination is no longer required by highly suggested.

What other safety measures are in place: Unvaccinated guests must provide results of a COVID-19 test taken 1 to 2 days before sail date, at home tests are not accepted, this requirement will end Nov. 14. The Cruise line also has a full list of enhanced cleaning protocols.

Find out more: Disney Cruise Line

Grand Circle Cruise Line

Where they sail: Grand Circle Cruise Line sails small ships and river cruises all over the world, including an extensive list of European itineraries. The company plans to start sailing again in August, including to Greece, Turkey, and Italy.

Who needs the vaccine: All guests and crew are required to be fully vaccinated with the booster shot.

What other safety measures are in place: All ships have been equipped with High Efficiency Particular Air (HEPA) filters and buffets have been eliminated. The cruise line states some itineraries will require proof of a negative COVID-19 test prior to travel, and that instructors will be sent out 30 days prior to travel.

Find out mor e: Grand Circle Cruise Line

Holland America

Where they sail: Holland America sails large ships all over the world, including to the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Europe, and more.

Who needs the vaccine: Unvaccinated guests are welcome but will be required to self-test three days before cruising.

What other safety measures are in place: Vaccinated passengers traveling on ships for less than 16 days excluding itineraries with the Panama Canal, trans-ocean, and other selected itineraries will no longer be required to test.

Lindblad Expeditions

Where they sail: Lindblad Expeditions is known for its adventurous trips to hard-to-reach destinations like Antarctica and the Russian Far East, partnering with National Geographic to add to the experience.

Who needs the vaccine: All guests 12 and older need to be vaccinated before boarding. Boosters are recommended but not required.

What other safety measures are in place: Pre-departure testing will not be required unless for a specific destination.

Margaritaville at Sea

Where they sail: Margaritaville at Sea offers 3-day cruises to Grand Bahama Island departing from the port of Palm Beach. The cruise line also offers the opportunity to take the ship one way to the Bahamas to allow guests to stay at the Margaritaville resort, and then take the ship back to the Bahamas at a later date.

Who needs the vaccine: All guests are welcome regardless of vaccination status, according to the cruise line.

What other safety measures are in place: All crew members must be vaccinated for COVID-19 and the cruise line states there are vaccination requirements on board (but does not specify).

Find out more: Margaritaville at Sea

MSC Cruises

Where they sail: MSC Cruises sails large ocean cruises around the world, including throughout Europe, South America, the Persian Gulf, and the Caribbean. In August, the company started sailing to the Bahamas with a stop at its private island, Ocean Cay.

Who needs the vaccine: Vaccinations are recommended but no longer required.

What other safety measures are in place: Fully-vaccinated passengers are no longer required to show proof of a negative test unless it is required of the destination. Unvaccinated children must show proof of a negative PCR test.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Where they sail: Norwegian sails big ocean cruises all around the world, including popular itineraries all throughout the Caribbean and Greece.

Who needs the vaccine: All passengers may sail regardless of vaccination status.

What other safety measures are in place: Testing is no longer required for any passenger regardless of vaccination status with the exception of local government mandates.

Find out more : Norwegian Cruise Line

Oceania Cruises

Where they sail: Oceania Cruises sails all over the world, including offering several World Cruise itineraries.

Who needs the vaccine: All passengers regardless of vaccination status are allowed to sail.

What other safety measures are in place: Only unvaccinated guests will be required to show proof of a negative PCR or antigen test taken 72 hours prior to boarding. Unvaccinated children aged 12 years and younger are exempt.

P&O Cruises

Where they sail: The UK-based cruise line sails around Europe, including to the Canary Islands, as well as to the Caribbean from Southampton in the UK.

Who needs the vaccine: Although P&O Cruises' policy states that passengers over the age of 15 are required to be vaccinated, the latest update on its website says guests will be contacted directly in regards to vaccination protocol.

What other safety measures are in place: All guests are required to undergo a COVID-19 test at the terminal. Masks will be required on board indoors, and all shore excursions will be with vetted operators.

Princess Cruises

Where they sail: The global cruise line sails large ocean ships all around the world, from Australia to Alaska.

Who needs the vaccine: All guests are welcome on board, but unvaccinated passengers will be required to test and may need an additional medical exemption at some ports.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Where they sail: Regent Seven Seas offers all-inclusive luxury cruises around the globe, which include perks like free airfare, free excursions, and complimentary unlimited drinks on board.

Who needs the vaccine: All guests are now welcome. Unvaccinated passengers will be required to test 3-days before embarkation.

What other safety measures are in place: Pre-departure testing may not be necessary depending on the port. Currently cruises leaving from Bermuda, Canada, and Greece will require a test.

Royal Caribbean International

Where they sail: Royal Caribbean sails large ocean ships all over the world, including many popular itineraries throughout the Caribbean and Asia.

Who needs the vaccine: Everyone is welcome regardless of vaccination status, passengers traveling to Bermuda or Canada are required to be vaccinated.

W hat other safety measures are in place: On Royal Caribbean, unvaccinated travelers 12 and older leaving from a U.S. or Caribbean port still have to get tested within three days of embarkation,  according to the cruise line , vaccinated guests are exempt.

Royal Caribbean will accept a variety of tests as proof to board, including simply taking a photo of a self-administered home test.

Find out more : Royal Caribbean International

Where they sail: The British cruise line, exclusively for guests 50 and older, sails both ocean and river cruises around the globe.

Who needs the vaccine: All guests must be fully vaccinated, including a booster shot at least 14 days before boarding a ship. Saga was the first major cruise line to implement this vaccination policy.

What other safety measures are in place: Ocean Cruise guests will be required to get tested for COVID-19 in the terminal. Masks are required on bus transfers, in hotels, and on excursions.

Find out more : Saga

Where they sail: Seabourn's mid-size luxury cruises head all around the world, from Alaska to the Caribbean.

Who needs the vaccine: Vaccinations are not required on most cruise itineraries, unvaccinated guests will be required to present a negative test taken within three days of embarkation.

What other safety measures are in place: Masks are recommended onboard in most indoor venues and the casinos are frequently sanitized.

Where they sail: Silversea brings guests all around the world in luxury and style, including to the Galapagos and Antarctica.

Who needs the vaccine: All guests are welcome, however, unvaccinated guests may not be welcome on all sailings depending on local regulations.

What other safety measures are in place: Vaccinated guests do not need a pre-departure test unless local regulations such as cruises leaving from Australia, Bermuda, Canada, or Greece require it. Unvaccinated travelers will need a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of embarkation.

UnCruise Adventures

Where they sail: This small-ship company is known for its Alaska journeys as well as adventures in places like the Galapagos and island hopping in Hawaii.

Who needs the vaccine: As of April 7, all guests are welcome on board regardless of vaccination status.

What other safety measures are in place: Guests will no longer be required to present proof of vaccination or a COVID-19 test prior to, or during any point of sailing and the cruise line will no longer be running at limited capacity. These measures go into effect on April 7, until then guests 12 and older must provide proof of vaccination, and itineraries may sail at less then full capacity.

Masks are required in public spaces, according to the company "bandana" and "buff" face masks will not be accepted.

Victory Cruise Lines

Where they sail: Victory Cruise Lines is known for its Great Lakes cruises, providing all-inclusive sailings to see breathtaking sights from Niagara Falls to the iconic architecture of Chicago from Lake Michigan. Beyond the U.S., Victory Cruise Lines sails to Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula.

Who needs the vaccine: All guests and crew will be required to be vaccinated before boarding, and will be required to show physical proof prior to boarding.

What other safety measures are in place: Testing is no longer required on any river cruise.

Luggage is then disinfected before being brought onto the ship and staterooms cleaned with electrostatic fogging. Masks will be required during the embarkation process and while riding a shore excursion bus, but will not be required on board.

Viking Cruises

Where they sail: Viking sails ocean and river cruises all over the world, including throughout Europe. This summer, Viking will sail several voyages, including around England for UK residents, to Bermuda, and to Iceland in June.

Who needs the vaccine: All guests must be fully vaccinated to board a ship. Guests who are eligible must have a booster.

What other safety measures are in place: In addition to vaccines, all guests may be required to undergo a saliva PCR test at embarkation as well as "frequent" testing throughout the journey. All staterooms are equipped with independent air handling units.

Virgin Voyages

Where they sail: The brand-new cruise line is launching mini sailings from England for UK residents, and has cruises throughout the Caribbean, and transatlantic options.

Who needs the vaccine: All are welcome regardless of vaccination status, the cruise line removed all vaccine and testing requirements for all its ships in late October, according to the company.

What other safety measures are in place: Virgin Voyages was the first cruise line to eliminate pre-departure testing for vaccinated guests. The cruise line will continue to work with an advisory board to help ensure health and safety on board at all times, including the use of air filtration systems and sanitization of high touch surface areas.

Find out more : Virgin Voyages

Windstar Cruises

Where they sail: Windstar operates small-ship cruises and several sailing vessels all around the globe, including to places like Central America .

Who needs the vaccine: All guests will be required to be fully vaccinated at least 14 days before boarding one of Windstar's yachts. Boosters are highly encouraged and are recommended to be administered at least one week prior to travel.

What other safety measures are in place: Guests no longer need a pre-embarkation test unless a specific destination requires it.

Alison Fox is a contributing writer for Travel + Leisure. When she's not in New York City, she likes to spend her time at the beach or exploring new destinations and hopes to visit every country in the world. Follow her adventures on Instagram .

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