When It Reopens Will It Be Safe
Whether or not you decide to continue on with your previously planned Disney Cruise vacation or reschedule it for another time is ultimately going to be up to you and your family. Keeping your family safe should be your highest priority and you are the one that is going to have to make that decision in the end.
What we can say is that from our own experience, Disney has the highest reputation in the cruise industry for its ship cleanliness and hygiene methods. When the cruises start sailing once again we believe that Disney will be doing everything possible to make guests feel safe and prevent contamination.
Some of the steps Disney has already taken before the closure included:
- Training crew to follow CDC illness prevention methods.
- Frequent cleaning of high touch areas .
- Extra sanitation measures for childrens facilities, restrooms, kitchens, etc.
- Cleaning of all staterooms twice a day.
- New hand sanitizing stations and sanitizing wipes located in many places onboard.
- Each ship has medical clinics which are staffed with many experienced doctors and nurses.
Disney is one of the most well-respected companies in the cruise industry, and if they open itineraries again, you should be able to proceed knowing they are making the environment as safe as possible.
Weve always felt safe on Disney vacations either at the resorts or on cruises, just like with our experience during Hurricane Irma in Disney World. They always put guest-safety first.
Future Impact On Disney And Cruise Industry
Besides the immediate impact that is happening to current cruise itineraries, its also creating a bigger problem for the future of the Disney Cruise Line and the cruise industry in general.
Even more so than the parks, things are very scary for the cruise market right now. Earlier in February, more than 690 passengers on Carnival Cruise Lines Diamond Princess in Japan were quarantined for two weeks after some guests testing positive for the virus. 4 of those passengers died.
Numerous ships have been denied entry at ports in these months and because of these events, all U.S. cruise lines like Royal Caribbean and Carnival have had to cancel their trip itineraries for the next 30 days. This has left thousands of guests to cancel upcoming cruises beyond that window due to fear of being infected or being trapped on a ship for weeks.
Because of the cruise closures and fears surrounding the current set of circumstances right now, Disney is losing millions of dollars on lower cruise bookings. Of course, Disney is one of the biggest companies in the world and can handle some losses, but this could escalate out of hand if the virus doesnt slow down in the near future.
Disney Stock has fallen to $97 per share , much of which is due to a fear of continued lower attendance at the theme parks and fewer Disney Cruise Line bookings. From talking with Disney Travel Agents recently, cruise line bookings have come to a screeching halt, and many are afraid they wont pick up anytime soon.
News: Disney Cruise Line Extends Cancellation Policy Again
There have been quite a few Disney Cruise Line updates recently!
Currently, select sailings through August 10th, 2021 are suspended, though Disney did announce today that the Disney Magic would set sail in the UK this summer exclusively for UK residents. But, if you were planning for a cruise that has been canceled, Disney has released an update regarding final payments and cruise cancellations.
Now, for guests who have a cruise booked through September 2021, the final payment deadline has been extended until up to 60 days prior to setting sail. Do note that this extension applies only to those who are booked in the unrestricted stateroom categories.
Disney has also updated the cancellation fee schedule for sailings through September 2021, temporarily relaxing the policy. Now, guests who are booked in non-Suite and non-Concierge categories will have the cancellation flexibility beginning 59 days prior to the sailing date. In addition, Disneys website states that cancellation fees in excess of the deposit amount will temporarily begin at 59 days prior to sailing for those who are staying in Suite and Concierge categories. Reservations for Inside, Outside, and Verandah Categories will not be refundable or transferable.
We will continue to keep track of the updates coming from the Disney Cruise Lines to stay tuned to AllEars for the latest!
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Getting A Refund For Disney Cruise
Even though all these cruise sailings are being canceled, the good thing is that Disney is giving guests a 125% full credit of the value of their cruise vacation to be used toward a future Disney Cruise Line itinerary or a full refund.
Any guests with reservations during the closure period are eligible for this credit.
- One option is a Full Refund. If you choose to get a refund, Disney will give you back the full amount for your cruise that youve already paid.
- Future Credits are 125% of the price of your cruise and are valid for sailings with departures through July 27, 2020. This credit must be used by March 31, 2022.
While getting credit for a future cruise is nice, with the economic problems that millions of people are now going through, its also nice to have the option of getting a full refund. This will be a big help for people in light of the current situation. Disney World and Disneyland are also offering a full refund during the affected dates.
If Disney updates the dates with more itineraries affected, we will let you know ASAP!
Disney Cruise Vacation Protection Plan
Disney has Disney cruise insurance coverages that you can purchase through Disney that are underwritten by Transamerica Casualty Insurance Company. When Can You Buy Disney Cruise Vacation Protection Plan?You can purchase online, over the phone through DCL, or via your travel agent any time before your final payment is made. How Much Does Disney Cruise Vacation Protection Cost?8% of the per person sailing fare. Minimum per person cost is $29 maximum per person cost is $399.
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Official Statement From Disney
Here is what Disney had to say in their official statement:
With the well-being of our Guests and team members our top priority, and in line with direction from health experts and government officials, including the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Disney Cruise Line has suspended:
- Disney Magic sailings through October 2, 2020
- Disney Wonder sailings through September 14, 2020
- Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy sailings through July 27, 2020
Guests booked on affected sailings will be offered the choice of a cruise credit to be used for a future sailing or a full refund. These Guests and travel agents will receive an email from Disney Cruise Line outlining details and next steps.
Guests who booked their reservation through a travel agent should contact them directly with any questions. Those who booked directly with Disney Cruise Line and have questions after receiving their email should call us at 325-6685 or 566-7797.
Kelly Craighead, President and CEO of CLIA said: This is an unprecedented situation. Our industry has taken responsibility for protecting public health for more than 50 years, working under the guidance of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and prides itself on its ability to deliver exceptional vacation experiences for guests, as well as meaningful employment opportunities for crew. This has been a challenging time, but we hope that this decision will enable us to focus on the future and return to normal as soon as possible.
Disney Cruise Travel Insurance
There really is no reason whatsoever that any sensible traveler would buy Disney Cruise Travel Insurance. Disney offers cover levels that will leave many travelers at severe financial risk in the event of a serious illness or accident.
Disney’s work cancellation protection is weak. Disney’s vacation cancellation protection is non-existent.
Disney’s Cancel for Any Reason protection is reasonable. But, better policies will offer far more flexibility and return cash rather than credit.
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Disney Cruise Line Has Updated Its Flexible Refund Policy
In addition to this mornings release of new health and safety protocols that will go into effect with DCLs first sailing from the U.S. on August 9th, Disney Cruise Line has updated its Flexible Refund Policy.
- Guests who experience one or more of the qualifying scenarios on the day of embarkation will be denied boarding. Guests who are denied boarding will receive a Denied Boarding Voucher for the full amount of their sailing or a full refund without Disney-imposed cancellation fees.
- Once onboard, guests who are subject to a mandatory quarantine or who test positive for COVID-19 will receive a pro-rated voucher for a future cruise or a pro-rated refund.
Additionally, Disney Dream guests sailing through March 28, 2022, may modify their sail date or cancel their sailing and receive a full refund back to the original form of payment.
Standard cancellation policies and terms and conditions apply for any cancellation requests received on or after August 7, 2021.
Should you require any assistance with booking or rescheduling your cruise, please dont hesitate to reach out to us at Dreams Unlimited Travel.
What Travel Insurance Should I Choose
So, are you leaning toward getting Disney Cruise travel insurance for your upcoming sailing?
Next step is to select an insurance provider.
I know, I know. Seems overwhelming, right?
Don’t Stress! I’ll Give You a Place to Start
Yes, there are a lot of options out there. A LOT.I definitely recommend you do comparison on your own.However…I’ve done a lot of research on this. I’ve got you.
There are two basic types of Disney Cruise travel insurance policy:
-
Individual
Individualized policies tend to cover specific worries you might have. If you want just one type of coverage in particular call your insurance company and ask for that.
-
Comprehensive
Comprehensive insurance policies cover basically everything I mentioned earlier all in one package.
Here…let me make it simple
To keep things simple, I have narrowed my comparison to two comprehensive options commonly selected by Disney Cruisers:
- Disney Cruise Line’s Vacation Protection Plan
- Allianz Global Assistance
These two options will cover most travelers.
Letâs take a look at each…
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Cancel For Any Reason Travel Protection
The most flexible type of cancellation protection allows a traveler to cancel without any reason at all, and still receive compensation. It is a very clever piece of cover, in that if you are not able to get protection from Basic Cancellation or Work Cancellation benefits, then you use your Cancel for Any Reason cover.
The only major drawback with this particular piece of cover is that it typically only pays out at 75%, rather than 100% for the other cancellation protections. However, given that no reason is necessary to claim, we think that the payout levels are quite generous.
Here, Disney Cruise Travel Insurance offers an unusual twist. It will provide a 75% credit towards future cruise purchases with Disney.
Here are the Disney Policy benefits.
Restrictions for the Disney Cruise Cancel For Any Reason Feature
Disney Cruise Line Cancellation Fees
Disneys previous policy allowed you to cancel up to 14 days before any cruise and receive at least a partial refund and allowed you to cancel anytime up to final payment date for a full refund including your deposit . This is no longer the case.
If youre changing your cruise from one sailing to another date and youre within the cancellation fee window, Disney considers this a cancellation and rebooking. You can move your concierge deposit to another cruise if youre more than 90 days from sailing , but even if you change categories from concierge to regular, your deposit is still non-refundable.
Here are the cancellation fees:
- All concierge category bookings regardless of cruise length or ports:
- 29 to 0 days from sailing: lose 100% of the cost of your cruise
- 55 to 30 days from sailing: lose 75% of the cost of your cruise
- 89 to 56 days from sailing: lose 50% of the cost of your cruise
- 90+ days from sailing: lose your deposit
- 1 to 5 night non-holiday cruises that embark or debark from a U.S. port
- 14 to 0 days from sailing: lose 100% of the cost of your cruise
- 29 to 15 days from sailing: lose 75% of the cost of your cruise
- 44 to 30 days from sailing: lose 50% of the cost of your cruise
- 45 to 74 days from sailing: lose your deposit
- 75+ days from sailing: full refund including deposit
Big thanks to Tammy Whiting of Storybook Destinations and Sue Pisaturo of Small World Vacations who both mailed us this change and HUGE thanks to Tammy for proofreading.
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Guests With Disabilities/cruises Embarking In European Union Ports
Where necessary in order to comply with applicable safety requirements, Disney Cruise Line may require a Disabled Person or Person with Reduced Mobility to be accompanied by another person who is fit and able to assist them in day-to-day activities. This requirement may vary from ship to ship and itinerary to itinerary. Guests who may fall into this category may include those who require assistance with personal care including feeding. All personal care or supervision must be arranged by you at your expense. Disney Cruise Line is unable to provide respite care, one-to-one personal care or supervision or any other form of specialized care for Guests.
Disney Cruise Line Closure
As shocking as it is to even write this, the Dinsey Cruise Line has temporarily suspended all future sailings and itineraries. We never thought wed see a time where all the parks are closed and no cruise ships are sailing, but sadly were here.
Because things are spreading so quickly, Disney has been forced to temporarily stop the operation of the Disney Cruise ships. From Saturday, March 14, all new Disney Cruise itineraries are suspended until at least July 27, and some suspended until October.
Disney went to great lengths to train its crew and guests about the proper sanitary health but in the end, things were out of their hands. The U.S. State Department and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are advising American travelers to not go on a cruise at this time and Disney is cooperating with these guidelines as well as other cruise companies.
Everyone is shocked by what is going on right now and will need some time to digest it all, and what it means for you.
We know you are concerned about your upcoming Disney Cruise and what all this means for you and your family. Disney is extremely overwhelmed with guest calls right now, so if you arent able to get through on the phone or online, dont be surprised. They will get back to guests as fast as they can.
We will keep updating you as more information is bound to come out in the coming days and weeks. Right now try to just relax, be patient and take care of your family in this difficult time.
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Alternative Cancel For Any Reason Options
Cancel for Any Reason is not something that we typically see in cheap travel insurance policies. So, if this is a useful benefit , then the iTI Lite Plan will not be sufficient. Again, lets compare the market, and see what we can find when we look for Travel Insurance with Cancel for Any Reason benefits.
Travel Insured International’s Worldwide Trip Protector Plus policy and iTI Travel LX both incorporate true Cancel for Any Reason protection. By true protection, we mean that there is a cash payment back to the insured, rather than a credit for future purchases. We always prefer cash to credit.
Note that both policies are similarly priced to the Disney Cruise Travel Insurance. But, this is the only similarity between these policies and what Disney offers.
TIIs Worldwide Trip Protector Plus has policy benefits that are truly massive when compared with Disney.
Simple Alternative To Disney Cruise Travel Insurance
AARDY is the worlds leading Travel Insurance Marketplace. We work with some of the leading travel insurance carriers in the USA. All of our insurers are rated at least A by A.M. Best.
We take your trip details, then pass them anonymously to our insurers. They return quotes for travel insurance for you to be able to compare and contrast. The rates offered are the best possible in the market you cannot find the same policy at a lower price. US Anti-Discrimination law forbids marking up the price of published insurance rates, hence our price guarantee.
Remember that Disney Cruise Travel Insurance was quoted at $146 for our trip.
So, here is what we found when we ran the exact same quote through our panel of leading US travel insurance carriers.
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Take To The Seas With Disney Cruise Line For A Magical Adventure
Venture forth with Disney Cruise Line to faraway lands. Visit the sunny Caribbean, home to the famous Jack Sparrow, or head off to the fairy tale lands of Europe to visit Elsa and Anna. Disney effortlessly blends family friendly with elegance for an extraordinary experience. Let the kids take full advantage of Disneys Oceaneer Club while the adults enjoy the tranquil spa. Try to see if you can spot all the hidden Mickeys onboard, and dont be surprised if some of your favorite characters show up to help. Plus receive a Costco Shop Card, courtesy of Costco Travel, with every sailing.
Limited Time Disney Dream Special Cancelation Policy
As the new safety protocols for the Disney Dreams restart were revealed, Disney Cruise Line is offering guests booked on the Disney Dream for sailings through March 28, 2022 the ability to modify their sail date or cancel their sailing and receive a full refund back to the original form of payment by Augusts 6, 2021. On August 7th, the special limited policy will revert back to the standard cancellation policy.
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