Here Is How The Coronavirus May Affect Your Disney Cruise Vacation
Should you keep your reservations for your Disney Cruise amid concerns about the coronavirus?
Y’all. Planning a Disney Cruise is a BIG deal. You spend MONTHS looking forward to — and often obsessing over — every detail of the trip.
From meeting characters, to enjoying the Disney cuisine, to fun in the sun, to cool on-board shows, and even thinking about your stateroom, it’s a planning process that’s part of the experience of the trip as a whole!
This dang coronavirus better not mess with me getting to experience Nassau and Castaway Cay aboard a Disney Cruise Ship!
The CDC issued this health alert on March 8th — and at face value — it made me nervous.
“The U.S. Department of State recommends against cruise ship travel. This is a dynamic situation and those traveling by ship may be impacted by travel restrictions affecting their itineraries or ability to disembark or may be subject to quarantine procedures implemented by the local authorities.”
CDC
But, you guys. This is Disney we are talking about. They aren’t going to just let you board a cruise ship if they don’t take precautions to protect you!
So, what is the Disney Cruise line doing to protect against the coronavirus?
Currently, any Guest or Crew Member who has traveled from, to or through China, including Hong Kong and Macau, South Korea, Italy, Iran or Japan, within 14 days of departure will not be able to board our ships.
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Any Guest or Crew Member who has been in contact with someone from these areas, including Guests with connecting flights in these locations, also will not be able to board, nor will anyone who has helped care for someone suspected of having or diagnosed with the coronavirus (COVID-19), or who is currently subject to health monitoring for possible exposure.
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As is always our practice, we screen all Guests and Crew Members before they board, and anyone who feels unwell with gastrointestinal or flu-like symptoms (fever over 100.4º F, chills, cough or difficulty breathing) will not be permitted to sail.
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In addition, all Guests and Crew Members will have their temperature checked by a nurse with a no touch thermometer prior to boarding, regardless if they are symptomatic or feel unwell. Additional medical screening will be required for anyone with a temperature of 100.4º F or greater, and they along with their travel party may be unable to sail.
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For cruises that include a stop in Nassau or Castaway Cay, please note that The Bahamas will not allow anyone to disembark in any Bahamian port if they have been to China, South Korea, Italy or Iran in the past 20 days prior to arrival. These Guests may be able to sail but will be unable to visit The Bahamas.
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For cruises that include a stop in Jamaica, please note that in addition to the locations noted above, officials there also will not allow Guests who have traveled from, to or through Singapore within 14 days of arrival to come ashore. These Guests will be unable to sail.
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If you still think you would be better off cancelling your cruise — first of all, I volunteer as tribute to take your place — here is the TEMPORARY cancellation policy of Disney Cruise Line.
All Guests scheduled to depart on the Disney Magic between now and May 8, 2020, and the Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy and Disney Wonder between now and May 31, 2020, can change their reservation up until the day before embarkation and receive a 100% cruise credit to be used for a future sailing within 12 months of their original sail date by calling us at 1-866-325-2112 or 407-566-3510 or contacting their travel agent. The credit is non-refundable and standard prevailing rates will apply.
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Whatever you decide to do, I know it will be the right choice for you and your loved ones!