The CDC has officially approved Disney Cruise Line’s request to perform a 2-night simulated sailing from June 29th to July 1st on the Disney Dream departing from Port Canaveral. Volunteer passengers consist of Disney crew members that will test the cruise line’s newly developed health and safety protocols.
“We have reached an important next step toward our gradual and responsible resumption of service, and are grateful for the productive dialogue with state, local and federal officials, the CDC and others in our industry that has made this possible,” Disney Cruise Line stated. “We look forward to our amazing crew once again creating magic for our guests and to helping the many workers who support our industry get back to work.”
Disney is the second cruise line to get the green light for test cruises, which will enable them to operate their ships with non-vaccinated passengers. Last week, Royal Caribbean was the first to announce that they had been approved to perform a simulated sailing on Freedom of the Seas based out of Port Miami this month as well.
According to the CDC’s Conditional Sailing Order, cruise lines can either ensure that 98% of crew members and 95% of passengers are fully vaccinated or conduct test cruises. Implementing a vaccine mandate, however, would be difficult for cruise lines that attract families with younger kids as children under the age of 12 are not currently eligible to receive the Covid-19 vaccine. Therefore, cruise lines are performing simulated sailings to prove their safety protocols are effective in limiting the risk of transmitting the virus.These test cruises are one of the last steps required to return to sailing for an industry that has been on pause since March 2020.
Port Canaveral CEO John Murray said in a statement “Our continuous efforts in close consultation with our cruise partners at Disney has led to this important milestone. We’re very excited and ready to welcome back the iconic Disney ships to their home at Port Canaveral.”
Are you sailing with Disney Cruise Line from Port Canaveral? Once you’ve booked your cruise, don’t forget to reserve your hotel accommodations, airport transportation, and cruise transfers or parking through Go Port. We’ll take care of everything you need pre and post-cruise so you can make the most of your vacation.
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