Ahoy there Donna! Welcome to planDisney! We're super excited that you're going to be embarking on a Disney Cruise Line vacation to "America's Last Frontier" this July! Alaskan itineraries are a highlight of the sailing schedule each year, and everyone I've ever known to set sail on one says the same thing: it's absolutely incredible - and how could it not be when they're always on my favorite ship in the fleet, the
Disney Wonder! I definitely understand the stress the testing guidelines can cause, especially since Alaska itineraries leave from Vancouver! It's a beautiful city and one where the sail-away scenery is in my top three of all time, but the international travel did pose a few extra hurdles.
Wait, did you hear that? Did I slip into past tense?
Why yes, yes I did.
I have some great news, Donna! As of June 12, 2022, the CDC has removed the testing requirement for travelers returning to the US by air! Officially, the announcement states, "As of 12:01AM ET on June 12, 2022, CDC will no longer require air passengers traveling from a foreign country to the United States to show a negative COVID-19 viral test or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 before they board their flight." You can read all the details surrounding the decision to do so on the CDC's website!
Practically speaking, that means that your pre-cruise checklist got one potentially stressful item shorter, and now you'll be able to concentrate on how sad you'll feel about leaving the ship on your final day instead...
Just kidding, though Debarkation day is a bit sad since you'll be leaving what I hope will be an absolutely incredible sailing! I think that this calls for a celebratory beverage from the
French Quarter Lounge - easily one of my favorite spots on the Disney Wonder - and just a few steps away from
Tiana's Place. Nothing like having the Alaskan wilderness just outside your porthole, and letting "les bon temps roulez" while partying with Tiana, Louis, and the gang back aboard. Your sailing truly is the best of not two worlds but the best of MANY!
I hope that helps you get your course dialed in and makes you even more excited to join Capatin Mickey, Captain Minnie, and all their friends in just a few weeks! Thank you so much for your question, Donna, and if any others surface between now and the minute you sail away, please drop me another line here at planDisney!
Fair winds and following seas!
Andrew