Disney Dream had to operate a test cruise because the CDC gave cruise lines two choices before resuming revenue voyages: sail with at least 95 percent of passengers and 98 percent of crew fully vaccinated, or do a test cruise with volunteer passengers so that the onboard health and safety protocol could be observed and approved.
Since Disney Cruise Line carries so many families with young kids that cannot receive the vaccine, it opted to go the test cruise route.
The ship’s current four-night Disney Dream voyage will include a highly sought-after double-dip (two days) at Disney Cruise Line’s private island in the Bahamas, Castaway Cay.In pre-pandemic times, Disney’s “double-dip” cruises were rare and usually sold out quickly due to how popular Castaway Cay is among loyal Disney Cruise Line passengers.
Now, spending as much port time as possible at Castaway Cay is a logical choice for the line. This is because it allows them to not only keep their passengers in a “bubble” while still being able to spend some time ashore in a foreign port, but it also means that any revenue generated there will be solely Disney’s.
The Pelican Plunge water play area at Castaway Cay (Photo courtesy of Disney Cruise Line)
Onboard protocol for Disney’s current voyages include masks indoors for everyone over 2 years old, reduced capacity, and social distancing.
Vaccinated passengers who provide proof will be exempt from pre-cruise testing and testing at embarkation, as well as a requirement to buy travel insurance with specific types of coverage. Unvaccinated passengers will need to do/have all three of these things.
Currently, one other Disney Cruise Line ship is also operating passenger cruises: Disney Magic is in the midst of her “UK Staycation” series, operating voyages around the UK for UK residents only with no port stops.
