DCL-Disney Cruise Line is due to resume service from the United States on August 9 with Disney Dream's departure from Port Canaveral (Orlando, Florida) with new COVID-related protocols in place.
The 3- and 4-day sailings to the company's private Bahamian island Castaway Cay, will not feature character meet-and-greets. Guests over the age of 2 have to wear masks indoors, regardless of their vaccination status, except in cabins/while eating/drinking. Face coverings aren't required for passengers outdoors while on the cruise ship and in Castaway Cay.
Disney characters will interact with passengers "from a distance in new and entertaining ways." Close-up encounters and autographs have been paused.
DCL also added passengers would have to practice physical distancing.
Like CCL-Carnival, RCI-Royal Caribbean and Celebrity, Disney encourages all eligible passengers to be fully COVID-vaccinated before sailing and will make the unvaccinated purchase travel insurance and pay to be tested both before embarkation and on the departure day. Passengers 11 and under do not have to pay for pre-cruise testing.
DCL canceled sailings on its Disney Fantasy through August 28; Disney Wonder through September 19; and Disney Magic through November 4. Disney Magic is sailing in the UK this summer on short voyages exclusive to UK residents.