As Disney Cruise Line Relaunches, COVID-19 Vaccines Required For Guests 5 And Older

FLORIDA — As Disney Cruise Line plans its phased relaunch, the company has updated its vaccine protocol for guests.

All guests who are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine at the time of sailing — both in the United States and internationally — must be fully vaccinated against the virus before they can board a ship, according to Disney’s website.

This includes the latest group approved to receive the vaccine — children ages 5 to 11 years old.

Earlier this month, federal health officials gave the go-ahead to COVID-19 vaccinations for Florida children ages 5 to 11, setting off a new, long-awaited phase in the battle against the pandemic.

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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention approved the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine for elementary school-aged children, paving the way for inoculations for some 28 million youths across the country.

“As we set sail again, the health and safety of our guests, cast members and crew members is a top priority. Our focus remains on operating our ships in a responsible way that continues to create magic for all on board,” Disney said.

Disney Cruise Line’s new vaccine policy is required for all cruises that start on or after Jan. 13.

Guests who aren’t eligible for the vaccine because of their age must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test result — paid for by the guest — taken between three days and 24 hours before their sail date.

The test should be a NAAT test, rapid PCR test or lab-based PCR test, Disney said. Rapid antigen tests are not accepted.

Before Jan. 13, guests 5 to 11 may opt for the COVID-19 test rather than being fully vaccinated.