Last month, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued new guidelines for cruise ships that are looking to return to operation in U.S. waters. Disney Cruise Line has already cancelled cruises through December of 2020.
The CDC has just issued a new “Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19” category for cruising and recommends that people avoid any travel on any cruise ships worldwide because the risk of COVID-19 on cruise ships is very high. It is especially important that people with an increased risk of severe illness avoid travel on cruise ships, including river cruises.
For the majority of passengers, cruise ship travel is voluntary and should be rescheduled.
Cruise passengers are at increased risk of person-to-person spread of infectious diseases, including COVID-19, and outbreaks of COVID-19 have been reported on cruise ships.
It is recommended that passengers who decide to go on a cruise get tested 3-5 days after their trip and stay home for 7 days after travel. Even if they test negative, it is strongly advised to stay home for the full 7 days. Those who do not get tested should stay home for 14 days.
Disney Cruise Line has not announced when cruising might return, but we do know that the Disney Fantasy and the Disney Wonder are both heading toward Port Canaveral now.