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Disney Cruise Line announced another extension of its cruise suspension on Wednesday, while working to meet government requirements to start transporting passengers again.
The cruise line canceled all trips until March, including planned Disney Magic, Disney Wonder, Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy trips.
Some trips over seven nights that had been planned for Disney Wonder and Disney Fantasy in June and July have also been canceled.
| Ticker | Safety | Last | change | Change % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DIS | WALT DISNEY COMPANY | 176.12 | +0.13 | + 0.07% |
DISNEY CRUISE LINE UNVEILS THE FIRST VIEW OF THE INTERIOR FOR THE NEW DISNEY WISH SHIP
“Our team at Disney Cruise Line remains focused on the health and well-being of our guests and staff members,” said the company in its announcement. “We are carefully preparing for a return to service, following the guidelines issued by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.”
Guests who have already paid the full amount of canceled cruises will be able to choose a full refund or credit for a future trip. Guests who have booked on canceled cruises but have not paid in full will be refunded automatically. Disney said it would send emails to affected guests.
Disney Cruise canceled all trips until March, including planned Disney Magic, Disney Wonder, Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy trips. (David Roark / Disney)
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Disney added new options for travelers to change their travel dates or receive refunds due to the pandemic COVID-19, which stopped all cruises across the United States for months last year. The company has reduced cancellation fees for cruises until July, and guests can change the departure date up to 15 days before departure for trips booked through January 31. All passengers with coronavirus-related health problems can also receive a full refund without any fees.
The CDC issued a conditional navigation order last fall that allows cruise ships to resume service in U.S. waters, but cruise lines must first demonstrate that they can operate with existing health safety protocols that will protect passengers and the COVID-19 crew.
Some trips over seven nights that had been planned for Disney Wonder and Disney Fantasy in June and July have also been canceled. (iStock)
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Still, the CDC classifies cruise ship travel as having a “very high COVID-19 level” risk. The health agency is recommending that people avoid it, and anyone traveling on a cruise ship should take the COVID-19 test between three and five days after the trip and isolate themselves at home for a week after the trip, even if the test is negative.
Of course, Disney is not the only cruise company to extend cancellations. Carnival also canceled US cruises until the end of March, and Royal Caribbean extended its suspension this week until April.
Disney said that improved security measures will be in place when its ships return to service.