Disney Cruise Line has officially cancelled all sailings through July 27, 2020. In an announcement made on the Disney Cruise Line website, Disney cites guest and cast member safety as well as the guidelines from the CDC as their reason behind the cancellations.
As with earlier Disney Cruise Line cancellations, guests impacted by the changes are able to select from a full refund or for a credit towards a future cruise that’s within 15 months of the original sail date.
Previously, the CDC had extended a “No Sail Order” that was supposed to extend 100 days from April 15, 2020. That date comes to July 24, 2020, but the CDC notes that they have the flexibility to extend that order if necessary. Disney Cruise Line’s latest batch of cancellations now covers that order in its entirety barring an extension. It’s also worth noting that some ports, such as Grand Cayman, have announced they won’t allow any cruise ships to dock through at least September 1.
While we don’t know exactly when Disney Cruise Line will resume sailing, they have announced several changes that will be made to enhance guest and cast member safety. The following procedures will be added or enhanced in the wake of COVID-19.
- Training for all of our Crew Members on how best to prevent the spread of illness on board.
- A health screening completed by all Guests and Crew Members to check for illness before they board the ship.
- Extensive cleaning and sanitation of high-traffic areas (e.g., handrails, doorknobs and elevator buttons) and children’s facilities.
- Cleaning of all staterooms twice a day and additional disinfection when necessary.
- Discontinuing self-service at buffet locations.
- Regular communication with Guests and Crew Members regarding how to prevent illness.
- Hand-washing stations and sanitizing wipes conveniently located throughout our ships.
- Medical clinics on our ships staffed with experienced doctors and nurses and stocked with supplies and medications to treat a variety of illnesses.
Specific details about masks and social distancing haven’t been announced at this time.
Guests with reservations for August or September should keep a close eye on these announcements in the event cancellations are extended or guidelines are adjusted this summer.
