DCL-Disney Cruise Line announced on Monday, August 15, that it was dropping its vaccination requirement for kids younger than 12 years of age.
Starting on September 2, a requirement to be fully COVID vaccinated will no longer apply to passengers ages 5 to 11 for voyages leaving ports in Canada and the United States.
DCL's previous rule, which is still extending to voyages departing through September 1, required passengers 5+ to be fully vaccinated against COVID.
While the US Food and Drug Administration authorized COVID vaccines for kids as young as 6 months, the line had not extended the requirement to the youngest kids.
With the change, a COVID vaccination requirement will still apply for all passengers 12+. The cruise company notes that vaccinations are recommended for younger guests.
DCL's website reads that in consideration of CDC guidance, the company highly recommends that passengers ages 11/younger be fully vaccinated before travel.
COVID testing is required for all passengers, with different requirements for vaccinated/unvaccinated guests.
Fully vaccinated passengers who provide a negative COVID test result taken 1 to 2 days before setting sail are exempt from testing at the terminal. Fully vaccinated passengers who do not provide the required negative test results have to take a test at the terminal and will be charged for the tests.
Passengers who are not fully vaccinated must provide a negative COVID test result before travel and take a 2nd test at the terminal prior to embarkation that is paid for by the line.