The United States Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has announced that it will begin allowing cruise ships to set sail once again with the lift of the cruise ban.
“The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), announces this framework for a phased resumption of cruise ship passenger operations. Considering the continued spread of COVID-19 worldwide and increased risk of COVID-19 on cruise ships, a careful approach is needed to safely resume cruise ship passenger operations. CDC is establishing requirements to mitigate the COVID-19 risk to passengers and crew, prevent the further spread of COVID-19 from cruise ships into U.S. communities, and protect public health and safety. After expiration of CDC’s No Sail Order (NSO) on October 31, 2020, CDC will take a phased approach to resuming cruise ship passenger operations in U.S. waters.”
The Conditional Sailing Order for Cruise Ships will encompass a few phases:
- Testing and additional safeguards for crew members
- Simulated voyages to test cruise line ability to mitigate virus spread onboard
- Phased return to cruise ship passenger voyages
These phases are subject to change based on public health considerations and cruise ship operator’s demonstrated ability to mitigate COVID-19 risk. In addition, the Conditional Sailing Order announced new requirements for initial phases relating to crew testing.
Disney Cruise Line has not yet announced any restart plans. At this time, Disney Cruise Line has suspended sailings on board the Disney Fantasy through December 6; the Disney Dream and Disney Wonder through December 11; and the Disney Magic through December 12. Currently, Disney is enacting their Book With Confidence policy to allow for flexible refunds, cancelations, and later payment dates for sailings through May 2021.
Stay tuned to My Mickey Vacation Travel for updates on when Disney Cruise Line is set to sail once again.
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