Disney Cruise Line will require all passengers aged five and above to be fully jabbed against Covid-19 at the time of sailing from January 13 onwards.
The line’s vaccination policy has been extended to cover ages of children who are now eligible for inoculation in the US. US and international passengers are included in the policy.
The US approved the Pfizer vaccine for children aged between five and 11 earlier this month.
In the UK, the NHS is offering the first dose of the vaccine to children aged 12 years and above, meaning children vaccinated in the UK will not meet the requirements to board a Disney cruise. The UK government says the timing of a second dose “will be confirmed later”.
Disney passengers who are not eligible to take the vaccine must provide proof of a negative PCR Covid-19 test result between three days and 24 hours before departure, the line said.
Guests who are under four must follow the line’s testing requirements, the line added. Rapid antigen tests are not accepted.
Outlining the health and safety protocols, Disney said: “As we set sail again, the health and safety of our guests, cast members and crew members is a top priority.
“Our focus remains on operating our ships in a responsible way that continues to create magic for all on board.
“We are resuming sailing in a gradual, phased approach that emphasises multiple layers of health and safety measures, considering guidance from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other medical experts.”