Ahoy there, Sarah - welcome to planDisney! We're always excited to see someone from across the Atlantic Ocean here in our local waters, and even more excited when they're planning a Disney Cruise Line vacation...er... "holiday!"
Now, it seems like you've already got an idea of when you'd like to sail - which is always a great first step! I always suggest every potential castaway ask three questions before looking at itineraries:
- Where do I want to sail?
- When do I want to sail?
- Do I want to maximize sea days, or does exploring Ports of Call sound more exciting?
Since you've already answered number 2, I'll bet you have the others answered as well, so let's dive into YOUR questions, shall we?
When it comes to how much deposit is required at the time of booking, for our UK Guests booking through
Walt Disney Travel Company, £150 per person is required at the time you make your booking, plus any additional flight costs (if applicable) for a European cruise. The final balance is then collected nearer to the time of your cruise: 90 days before your travel date for a Caribbean or Bahamas cruise; 130 days before your travel date for a European cruise.
I always like to say the deposit is the first installment for holding your place in the FUN that is to come! Oh, and here's a planDrew-approved tip: occasionally you can find some
special offers that can reduce the required deposit or offer a discounted rate for specific cruise fares. Now it looks like there isn't currently a reduced deposit offer, but be sure to
sign-up to be notified about special offers that may be available on the horizon!
Regarding unvaccinated children, the only exceptions to the vaccination requirement to sail on Disney Cruise Line are those who are ineligible due to age - meaning those under the age of 5-years-old for whom there isn't an approved vaccine yet. According to the latest "Know Before You Go pre-cruise checklist," these cruisers must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken between three days and 24 hours before your sail date, and the test must be a NAAT, rapid PCR, or lab-based PCR test. Additionally all Guests must take a test at the cruise terminal on embarkation day, and all Guests in your party must test negative in order for you to board.
Finally, unvaccinated children under 5-years-old will be required to wear masks in the Disney's Oceaneer Club and other youth activity spaces and Bibbity Bobbity Boutique. It's recommended that these young cruisers wear a mask while in other indoors spaces, but not required outside of the youth activities spaces!
Whew, well it's not every day I get to flex my knowledge for our UK guests, but if my fellow panelist Jane has taught me anything, it's that if you require assistance you can always call freephone at 0800 169 0742!
I hope that helps you as you continue planning your exciting Disney Cruise Line holiday, Sarah! Thank you so much for your question, and if you run into any issues, you can always send another message in a bottle my way here at planDisney!
Fair winds and following seas!
Andrew