NEWS: Disney Cruise Line Announces Disney Wonder to Return to CA and Updates CDC Requirements for Sailing

After being shut down for over a year, the cruise industry has begun to sail again. In August, the Disney Dream returned to the sea with sailings out of Florida. Disney has announced the Disney Wonder will resume sailing out of California in October. Disney Cruise Line has also updated its CDC Requirements for guests. Learn more below.

Here are all the details from the Disney Cruise Line website:

Disney Wonder Will Resume Sailing from San Diego on October 1, 2021

The Disney Wonder is returning to delivering magical family vacations with 3- and 4-night itineraries beginning Oct. 1, 2021. Three-night sailings will feature a stop at Ensenada, Mexico and a day at sea, while 4-night sailings will feature 2 days at sea and a stop at Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

As we continue to resume sailings in a gradual, phased approach, it is necessary for Disney Cruise Line to modify some Disney Wonder itineraries, as well as cancel the September 24 and 26, 2021, Disney Wonder sailings. Guests who have paid their reservation in full will be offered the choice of a full refund or a cruise credit to be used for a future sailing. Guests who have not paid their reservations in full will automatically receive a refund of what they have paid so far. Alternatively, Guests may decline the cruise credit, move to one of the modified Disney Wonder itineraries and receive an onboard credit and a 25% discount on a future sailing taken before September 30, 2022. Affected Guests and travel agents will receive an email from Disney Cruise Line outlining details and next steps.

Guests currently booked on the 7-night Disney Wonder voyage that departs on October 1, and Guests on the 5-night Disney Wonder voyages that depart October 26 and October 31, 2021, will have their reservations automatically changed to 4-night itineraries, which will have the same departure dates. These Guests will be refunded the difference in cost of the voyage fare, taxes, fees, port expenses and Vacation Protection Plan, if applicable. Guests that remain on their original sail date will receive a non-refundable onboard credit per stateroom that can be used toward onboard purchases. These Guests will also receive a 25% discount that can be applied to most future sailings taken by September 30, 2022. This discount will be available once Guests return from their sailing. Guests may also choose to move or cancel their reservation and receive a full refund.

Impacted Guests and travel agents will receive an email from Disney Cruise Line outlining details and next steps. Guests who have booked their reservation through a travel agent should contact them directly with any questions. Those who have booked directly with Disney Cruise Line, and have questions after receiving their email, should call (866) 325-6685 or (407) 566-7797.

In order to sail, Guests 12 years of age and older must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, as defined by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Guests 11 years of age and younger are not required to be vaccinated, but must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test result (paid for by the Guest) taken between 3 days and 24 hours prior to the date you set sail. The test should be a rapid PCR test or lab-based PCR test. Rapid antigen tests are not accepted. All Guests, regardless of age and vaccination status, are also required to take a COVID-19 test administered by Inspire Diagnostics at the terminal before boarding.

Fully vaccinated Guests who wish to disembark the ship while in a port of call can do so without the need to purchase a Disney Cruise Line Port Adventure. Guests who are vaccinated and wish to disembark the ship with unvaccinated children will need to purchase a Disney Cruise Line Port Adventure. All Guests are required to adhere to local laws, regulations and protocols, including those related to health and safety, in place at the destination.

Learn more about what to expect on these sailings—including experience updates and details about our multi-layered approach to health and safety.

Disney Wonder 14-Night Sailing on November 5, 2021

On November 5, 2021, the Disney Wonder will depart San Diego on a 14-night sailing through the Panama Canal to Galveston. All Guests on this voyage, regardless of age, must be fully vaccinated in order to sail.

Learn more about what to expect on this sailing—including vaccination requirements and details about our multi-layered approach to health and safety.

Guests sailing with children 11 years of age and younger may modify their sail date or cancel their sailing for a full refund. Guests with children 11 years of age and younger who modify their travel date or cancel their 14-night Panama Canal sailing will also receive a 25% discount that can be applied to most future sailings taken by September 30, 2022.

Impacted Guests and travel agents will receive an email from Disney Cruise Line outlining details and next steps. Guests who have booked their reservation through a travel agent should contact them directly with any questions. Those who have booked directly with Disney Cruise Line, and have questions after receiving their email, should call (866) 325-6685 or (407) 566-7797.

Revised CDC Requirements for All Sailings

Disney Cruise Line has updated its CDC requirements for all sailings beginning Sept. 13, 2021 until further notice: 

Timing for Pre-Sail COVID-19 Testing:

• • • The window in which Guests 11 years of age and under must take and submit proof of a negative COIVD-19 test result has been reduced. Instead of between 5 days and 24 hours prior to the sail date, tests must be taken and submitted between 3 days and 24 hours prior to the sail date.
    • The test should be a rapid PCR test or lab-based PCR test. Rapid antigen tests are not accepted.

Embarkation COVID-19 testing:

• • • All Guests, regardless of age and vaccination status, are required to take a COVID-19 test administered by Inspire Diagnostics at the terminal before boarding.
    • Disney Cruise Line will cover the cost.

Additionally, beginning Sept. 3, 2021, all Guests 12 years of age and older, must be fully vaccinated to sail to any destination. Guests 11 years of age and younger are not required to be vaccinated but must provide proof of a negative pre-trip PCR COVID-19 test. The only exception is for Panama Canal sailings: all passengers must be vaccinated.