Will Disney cruising return during 2021?

[disneygeek401]

I really think people are in denial about hw quickly these cruises will resume. Just because a vaccine is approved does not men everything will return to normal. It will take 6 months to year beyond that to get everyone vaccinated. Disney is a lucrative enough company that it will be fine, but I do agree some lines will go under. I hope Im wrong but i thing a cruise in December of this year has absolutely no chance of sailing

I don't think any cruise will set sail for the rest of 2020, but the entire United States of America, or the entire world does not need to be vaccinated in order for cruises to resume ops-I would not be remotely shocked if DCL or other cruise lines required you to have the vaccine. (There is also a whole other thread about potentially requiring a vaccine)

With this covid stuff you can only mitigate the risk as best as you can, and I think the vaccine (once in play) and maybe even rapid tests can help with this.

Another thing is that no one knows how long these international and domestic travel bans/restrictions/quarantines will last. It's a very real possibility that DCL will have very few people onboard to start, and all or most of them being FL residents since they can get to the port easy.

JMO

 

[Uncleromulus]

The issue with that is - taking masks on and off can transfer germs quicker. And, how about the "I'm just stepping inside the store to see if XXX is in there" or "I'm not within 6 feet of anyone while inside" or "I'm outside, standing in line, I won't be anywhere close to others" mindset of people?

It would be more difficult to enforce "only when inside or where proper distance cannot be maintained" protocol than to just say "must always wear a mask".

And if always having to wear a mask, that will deter MANY folks (including me) from cruising. How much fun would that be????

 

[pumpkinqueen93]

Just an idea. What if for a while at first they just did cruises that just stops at Castaway Cay.

 

[disneygeek401]

Just an idea. What if for a while at first they just did cruises that just stops at Castaway Cay.

They could. And quite frankly, they probably will do just 3 or 4 day cruises that cruise to CC only.

However, the Bahamian Prime Minister or whatever also wants the ships to stop at Nassau too.

But the CC only route is the easiest way for DCL to get up and running again, and it is easy to regain trust as right now the cruise industry does not have a lot of trust.

 

[BartmanLA]

They could. And quite frankly, they probably will do just 3 or 4 day cruises that cruise to CC only.

However, the Bahamian Prime Minister or whatever also wants the ships to stop at Nassau too.

But the CC only route is the easiest way for DCL to get up and running again, and it is easy to regain trust as right now the cruise industry does not have a lot of trust.

They can't, first off CC is in the Bahamas, and currently the Country of the Bahamas is banning any outside cruise ships from carrying revenue passengers (even to Castaway Cay), also because of Maritime Laws I don't know if CC counts as a "distant foreign port" required of cruise ships that depart US ports to sail to before returning to the same US port.

 

[disneygeek401]

They can't, first off CC is in the Bahamas, and currently the Country of the Bahamas is banning any outside cruise ships from carrying revenue passengers (even to Castaway Cay), also because of Maritime Laws I don't know if CC counts as a "distant foreign port" required of cruise ships that depart US ports to sail to before returning to the same US port.

I'm pretty sure that I just saw something saying Bahamas changed their guidelines.

And yes CC would count as a foreign port. I thought they did that itinerary (3 day with just CC) before, but regardless they do cruises between Nassau/CC/PC so it would work

 

[PrincessShmoo]

They can't, first off CC is in the Bahamas, and currently the Country of the Bahamas is banning any outside cruise ships from carrying revenue passengers (even to Castaway Cay), also because of Maritime Laws I don't know if CC counts as a "distant foreign port" required of cruise ships that depart US ports to sail to before returning to the same US port.

A closed loop cruise only requires "A" foreign port. A distant foreign port is only required on those cruises that begin in one US port and end in a different US port.

 

[DMMarla07860]

I would be kinda shocked if cruises DON'T resume in 2021, none of these cruise lines will survive if this shutdown goes until 2022. At least I don't think so.

I think by early 2021 there will be a vaccine and by summer 2021 it will be at least somewhat widespread. And as others have mentioned, a vaccine is not the end all be all, however it is very helpful. Covid will be a thing forever and all we can do is do our best to mitigate the risk. I anticipate a vaccine will help and who knows maybe it will even be required.

just can't see it...BEST case we see a vaccine by January or Feb 2021...can't see cruises a month later

I like this best case for vaccine. I'm higher risk with Lupus(prefectly managing it right now), but I'd love to see cruises sailing again and one day sail again when a vaccine is out and I feel its safe. I'm hoping sometime in 2021

 

[T & R]

And yes CC would count as a foreign port. I thought they did that itinerary (3 day with just CC) before,

Yes, you are correct. There are bookable cruises right now on the DCL website that are CC only cruises. For example the 3 night Fantasy 06/17/21 cruise and the 3 night Dream cruises for 11/05/21, 12/03/21 and 12/24/21.

 

[DMMarla07860]

I think Spring 2021 will bring the beginnings of testing cruises, with Fall 2021 bringing a full return. Realistically, having a vaccine quickly is highly unlikely. What did they say, 4 years is the quickest one has ever been put together? The world can’t pause for that long. I’m sure there will be restrictions, waivers, and some form of testing required.

When this whole thing started, I was definitely of the “the value for money isn’t there” thinking with regard to to WDW/DCL with all the restrictions. And I still completely understand how the value might not be there for a while for some people. For me personally, I *started* with that line of thinking, and then soon came around to my current opinion which is this: yes, the parks and the ships will (hopefully) be there waiting once the “value” is back to normal. But I might not be. Some may see that as dramatic, but it’s a fact that while the world is trying to figure out this virus, all of us are losing time living, not doing the things that we love and that make life *worth* living. So as soon as there is a way to do those things again, whatever strings come with it, I will be there sailing. I can always make more money. I won’t ever get the time back. So I can spend it waiting for a better tomorrow or I can take today for what it is. Just my personal view for my own life right now.

Well said as someone from a autoimmune disease, I'm just waiting for gyms in NJ to open right now while staying as health as possible. I hope for a vaccine soon, but I know it could be a while. Living life like I may be here or may not and if I'm happy and alive I'm fine. Would love to cruise again and live through friends who will before and after me

 

[DMMarla07860]

I’m more ok with a land vacation, like WDW than a cruise, with all of the restrictions. So while I’ll cancel the cruise, I’ll have a wdw backup trip.

this is my plan when I travel again, wdw first and then cruise after I see how it goes. having a Lupus got to be smart

 

[Sarahraegraham]

When it comes to restrictions onboard (such as requiring masks), what recourse does DCL have if guests refuse to obey or repeatedly disobey? Can they legally kick them off at the next port? No idea how they could actually enforce it. And would the guest forfeit their entire cruise fare? Interesting to think about.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

When it comes to restrictions onboard (such as requiring masks), what recourse does DCL have if guests refuse to obey or repeatedly disobey? Can they legally kick them off at the next port? No idea how they could actually enforce it. And would the guest forfeit their entire cruise fare? Interesting to think about.

Yes, if a guest onboard a ship repeatedly disobeys a specified requirement, they can be "kicked" off the ship. A ship is absolutely a dictatorship and the captain can make the call that a passenger is a risk to the shipboard life. As can the doctor.

They enforce it by packing up their bags and escorting them off the ship. Yes, there would be no refunds.

This (clause 25)) is from the DCL cruise contract (which you agree to by booking a cruise):

 

[bbel]

Just my thoughts, but:
The longer they wait the less likely it will be cruising returns...or at least to the quality people are used to. The longer it is, the less crew will go back (I already know more who plan not to go back than plan on going back). Ships will have sat for so long theres likely to be issues there.

I'm not too bothered about the restrictions. I'll trade off masks for less people onboard.
We have to wear masks almost everywhere here, so might as well wear one and get away then sit at home wearing one lol.

I think their still sending out emails about making changes because of they do resume in 2021, it will probably be with less people, and they'll want people to chose to move/cancel their cruise rather than bump them off and get the bad press that comes with it.

I personally they'll push to restart in 2021, as soon as the CDC allows. They're a company that wants money and not a charity after all....

 

[bbel]

When it comes to restrictions onboard (such as requiring masks), what recourse does DCL have if guests refuse to obey or repeatedly disobey? Can they legally kick them off at the next port? No idea how they could actually enforce it. And would the guest forfeit their entire cruise fare? Interesting to think about.

They always have been allowed to, it's in the cruise contract. I've been onboard when they've escorted guests off and basically left them at the gangway to make their own way home.
I think they'll be even more strict going forward.
MSC have already kicked guests off their ship for not following the new rules.

 

[wombat_5606]

When it comes to restrictions onboard (such as requiring masks), what recourse does DCL have if guests refuse to obey or repeatedly disobey? Can they legally kick them off at the next port? No idea how they could actually enforce it. And would the guest forfeit their entire cruise fare? Interesting to think about.

I was on a cruise once where the cabin occupants next door to us were involved in a fight onboard. When we returned to our cabin that evening to change for dinner a member of the crew was sitting in front of their door. He explained that those people were under "house arrest" and would be disembarked the next morning at our first port stop. The people would be on their own as far as getting back to the US, both with any plans that needed to be made and the money it would cost.

It's not a rare occurrence.

 

[otten]

Just my thoughts, but:
The longer they wait the less likely it will be cruising returns...or at least to the quality people are used to. The longer it is, the less crew will go back (I already know more who plan not to go back than plan on going back). Ships will have sat for so long theres likely to be issues there.

I'm not too bothered about the restrictions. I'll trade off masks for less people onboard.
We have to wear masks almost everywhere here, so might as well wear one and get away then sit at home wearing one lol.

I think their still sending out emails about making changes because of they do resume in 2021, it will probably be with less people, and they'll want people to chose to move/cancel their cruise rather than bump them off and get the bad press that comes with it.

I personally they'll push to restart in 2021, as soon as the CDC allows. They're a company that wants money and not a charity after all....

One of the reasons I don't think cruising will return in 2021 is because I'm not sure they will be able to run cruises at a profit with the restrictions and policies needed under Covid. It's not just masks. I don't think they would be able to have deck parties, maybe even shows and if the parks are any indication, up close meet and greets are out too. Once you take that much away, what's the point? I suspect that enough people will feel that way that ships won't be full enough to turn a profit.

 

[mickey0624]

And if always having to wear a mask, that will deter MANY folks (including me) from cruising. How much fun would that be????

I agree..WDW with a mask is a stretch...on a cruise....thats a hard NO for me

 

[pumpkinqueen93]

Since joining DISboards I've been mainly reading the cruise related forums. There's lots of opinions on when people think cruising will resume and opinions on if it's worth it to cruise with restrictions. I do have a question. If DCL cancels my next cruise date. And they give out FCC again, should I take the FCC. Or get a full refund and just go WDW instead. It's something I've been starting to think of recently. I just don't know how I will emotionally handle having to push back another year if that were to happen. I'd like to very much have a nice little vacation after working so hard and be able to take my boyfriend somewhere Disney related. As the closest he has ever been to WDW was Disney Springs and The Boardwalk for a day.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Since joining DISboards I've been mainly reading the cruise related forums. There's lots of opinions on when people think cruising will resume and opinions on if it's worth it to cruise with restrictions. I do have a question. If DCL cancels my next cruise date. And they give out FCC again, should I take the FCC. Or get a full refund and just go WDW instead. It's something I've been starting to think of recently. I just don't know how I will emotionally handle having to push back another year if that were to happen. I'd like to very much have a nice little vacation after working so hard and be able to take my boyfriend somewhere Disney related. As the closest he has ever been to WDW was Disney Springs and The Boardwalk for a day.

Whether DCL offers FCC or not is always up for speculation. Currently they are. That could change. Or not. Whether you take FCC or the refund is totally up to you. Whatever makes you comfortable regarding who's holding onto your money.