Disney Cruise Line Reveals Vaccine Requirements And Health Guidelines For 2021 ‘Disney Magic At Sea’ UK-Only Sailings

Last month, Disney Cruise Line revealed their “Disney Magic At Sea” UK-only sailings on the Disney Magic. While we don’t yet know when domestic sailing will begin again, we do now know what vaccine requirements and other health guidelines will be in place.

disney magic day at sea

Please let it be known that these guidelines could indeed change at any time, and very well could change by the time sailing begins again in the United States.

For the 2021 UK-only staycations, Disney Cruise Line has revealed what will be necessary to board the ship. Those who are residents of Scotland, England, Wales, or Northern Ireland will be available to book these sailings when they begin this week.

Anyone booking a sailing will need to abide by these health and safety guidelines.

As of today, In order to sail, guests 18 years of age and older must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as defined by the National Health Service. NHS currently defines fully vaccinated as 7 days after the final dose. Disney Cruise Line will contact Guests prior to sailing with instructions on how to show proof of vaccination status.

COVID-19 Vaccination and Testing

  • COVID-19 Vaccination: In order to sail, Guests 18 years of age and older must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, as defined by the National Health Service (NHS). The NHS currently defines “fully vaccinated” as 7 days after the final dose. Disney Cruise Line will contact Guests prior to sailing with instructions on how to show proof of this vaccination status.
  • Pre-Trip COVID-19 Testing: Guests under 18 years of age are not required to be vaccinated, but must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test result (paid for by the Guest) taken between 5 days and 24 hours prior to the date you set sail. Disney Cruise Line has secured a special discounted rate through a third-party vendor for PCR tests and will contact Guests prior to sailing with instructions on how to complete and submit their test results. Guests may obtain their PCR test from the third-party vendor or any qualified testing supplier.
  • Embarkation COVID-19 Testing: All Guests, including those who have been vaccinated, are required to undergo an antigen COVID-19 rapid test administered by a third party in the terminal prior to boarding. Anyone testing positive will undergo a second test to verify the results. All tests administered at the terminal will be at the expense of Disney Cruise Line. Guests with positive COVID-19 test results, as well as those in their travel party, will be denied boarding

Guests under 18 years old are NOT required to be vaccinated, but must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test result (paid for by the Guest) taken between 5 days and 24 hours prior to embarkation. Disney Cruise Line has secured a special discounted rate through a third-party vendor for PCR tests and will contact Guests prior to sailing with instructions on how to complete and submit their test results. Guests may obtain their PCR test from the third-party vendor or a qualified testing supplier of their choice. All guests, including those who have been vaccinated, are also required to undergo an antigen COVID-19 rapid test administered by a third party in the terminal prior to boarding, at Disney’s expense. Anyone testing positive at the terminal will undergo a second test to verify the results. Guests with positive COVID-19 test results and their party will be denied boarding. Daily temperature checks and health questionnaires will be required for all Guests prior to embarkation and during the cruise.

Face Coverings

Face coverings are required for all Guests (ages 11 and up) and Crew Members, including those who have received a COVID-19 vaccine. Please bring your own face coverings and wear them at all times, except when dining, swimming or in your stateroom. You may temporarily remove your face covering while actively eating, drinking or taking an outdoor photo, but you must be stationary and maintain appropriate physical distancing during this time. It is recommended that children ages 3 to 10 wear a face covering at all times except in designated locations. All face coverings should fully cover an individual’s nose and mouth and allow the Guest to remain hands-free; fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face; be secured with ties or ear loops; and be made of breathable material, either disposable or reusable. At this time based on guidance from health authorities, neck gaiters, open-chin triangle bandanas and face coverings containing valves, mesh material or holes of any kind are not acceptable face coverings.

Book with Confidence – 2021 UK Staycations

Disney Cruise Line is offering guests peace of mind with flexible modification and cancellation options for UK Disney Magic at Sea bookings and it is specific to the new UK summer 2021 sailings on Disney Magic.

Extended Final Payment

For UK Disney Magic at Sea sailings, the deadline for final payment is extended until 30 days prior to sailing (excluding bookings for Stateroom Categories with Restrictions).

Full Refund before Final Payment Deadline

For UK Disney Magic at Sea sailings, guests who cancel before the final payment deadline can receive a full refund without Disney-imposed cancellation fees, excluding select room categories. Cancellation fee schedule for UK Magic at Sea sailings:

Reservations for Inside, Outside and Verandah Categories with Restrictions remain nonrefundable and nontransferable.

For all categories except Suite, Concierge and Categories with Restrictions:

Days Prior to Departure DateFee Amount
30 days or moreFull refund with no fee
29 – 15 days75% of booking price per Guest
14 days or less100% of booking price per Guest

For Suite and Concierge Categories:

Days Prior to Departure DateFee Amount
30 days or moreDeposit per Guest
29 days or less100% of booking price per Guest

Cruise Date Flexibility

Guests can change their sail date without amendment fees up to 7 days prior to departure. Standard prevailing rates will apply. Guests who wish to change their sail date must move their sail date to one that commences prior to September 30, 2022. Standard prevailing rates will apply. Guests cannot change their reservation back to the original sail date after taking advantage of this offer. Should guest then cancel their new sail date, cancellation fees will be the greater of: a) cancellation fees that would have been applicable to the original sail date; or b) cancellation fees applicable to the new sail date.

Flexible Refund Policy

Within 14 days of the sailing, booked Guests with qualifying COVID-19-related concerns can receive a full refund without Disney-imposed cancellation fees or apply their cruise fare toward a future sail date. Standard prevailing rates will apply.

  • Within 14 days prior to departure, Guests who experience one or more of the qualifying scenarios may change their sail date, under the following terms:
  • Qualifying scenarios include Guests who: 
    • Have symptoms of COVID-19
    • Have a temperature of 38 C or greater
    • Have had known exposure to a person with COVID-19 within the previous 14 days
    • Have tested positive for COVID-19
    • Are unable to travel due to government-imposed travel restrictions
    • Guests age 18 and older have not been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as defined by the NHS prior to their sail date.
  • Guests who wish to change their sail date must move the sail date to a future sailing that commences prior to September 30, 2022.
  • Guests cannot change their reservation back to the original sail date after taking advantage of this policy.
  • Guests who do not wish to select a new sail date will be provided a full refund without Disney-imposed cancellation fees in their original form of payment.
  • Guests who experience one or more of the qualifying scenarios on the day of departure will not be able to sail and will receive a full refund without Disney-imposed cancellation fees.

Disney Cruise Line Navigator App

The Disney Cruise Line Navigator app will play a major role in the resumption of cruising and it is recommended that guests download the the latest version of before they leave for the terminal. There are number of new features to help maintain physical distancing:

  • Guest Services Live Chat: Communicate directly with a Guest Services Crew Member—in addition to our Dining teams—with our new live chat feature.  
  • Virtual Queue: Use our new virtual queue to easily reserve time at the Goofy’s Pool Deck Area and AquaLab Deck Area. 
  • Advance Reservations for Complimentary Experiences: In addition to booking premium offerings, you’ll need to reserve complimentary experiences, including showtimes for our West-End-style live shows, time in the kids clubs and visits to the gym, available in the app.
  • Digital Receipts: You can now review recent transactions and purchases directly via the app.
  • Details You Need: View digital menus, activity schedules, venue descriptions and locations, and much more.
  • Exploring Made Easy: Find what you’re looking for quickly with deck plans that show the restaurants, shops and more near you.

Make sure to get in touch with My Mickey Vacation Travel so they can give you even more details and take all the stress out of planning to create the magic for you.

They will make sure to connect all the dots and get everything in order for your next Disney Cruise Line, Walt Disney World, Disneyland, or any Disney Destination vacation while saving you time, stress, and money.

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