Disney Cruise Line Eases Pandemic Protocols, Celebrates Return to Normalcy
Over the last few days, the Walt Disney Company announced a flurry of exciting new changes that truly signaled a long-awaited return to pre-pandemic normalcy. Among those changes, Disney Cruise Line swiftly modified their protocols as well.
Visiting the Oceaneer’s Club Without Reservation
Among the biggest announcements, children hoping to visit the Oceaneer’s Club and Oceaneer’s Lab no longer need reservations for the popular children’s activity centers. Those visiting the fantastic spaces also no longer need to worry about older children being seperated from younger kids, as those ineligible for vaccination now stay with guests who are 5 and older.
Social Distancing and Masking Changes on Board
Social distancing protocols no longer exist at onboard theatres, including the Walt Disney Theatre. Efforts to manage capacity around the swimming pools also ended recently, which means that pool capacity no longer must be on a rotation. Now, guests are free to visit the pools anytime.
Another major change involves face coverings. Fully vaccinated guests no longer need to wear face masks on board. As a reminder, “Guests under 5 years of age who are currently ineligible to be vaccinated will be required to wear face coverings in Youth Activity spaces and in the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique … Face coverings are required on motorcoach transportation and in the Disney Cruise Line Terminal and may be required in ports of call based on local government requirements,” according to the Disney Cruise Line Know Before You Go page.
Popular Treats and Sip Options Return Cruises Too
In a welcome surprise to MickeyTravels agent Jennifer McCormack, who is currently onboard Disney Magic, a number of veteran Castaway Club members favorite food options onboard also returned recently to Disney Cruise Line. Among the delicious choices, refillable popcorn buckets are again available at theatres onboard.
As with all Disney popcorn, the bucket makes for a solid souvenir and excellent snack choice. At just $7.50, the thematic container comes filled with the freshly popped snack. The container refills make a stellar evening treat for just $1.50 per fill and available at theatres onboard.
Video Credit: Jennifer McCormack, MickeyTravels agent
Happy Hour treats also returned to the lounges onboard as well as self-service buffets. The abundance of delicious savory options as well as sweet sensations often places Disney Cruise Line in a league of their own when it comes to culinary options while cruising.
Buffet options also returned to Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island in the Bahamas. Guests can enjoy a family-friendly buffet in the main area of the island. For adults, a quieter lunch spot also features within the adult-only section of the oasis, Serenity Bay.
For those looking to relax, cruise-long passes to the RainForest room at Senses Spa provides an incredible way to truly chill each day. During the pandemic protocols, guests could not purchase cruise-long passes, so this is a special treat.
With the recent changes, the guest experience onboard Disney Cruise Line continues to move ever-closer to normalcy. Regardless though, the fleet of Disney ships forever offers some of the best options at sea in entertainment, all things culinary, and programming to delight the entire family.
Feature Image Credit: Jennifer McCormack, MickeyTravels agent