Disney Cruise Line Dream port

Disney Cruise Line Suspending Operations due to Coronavirus

Disney announced yesterday afternoon that Disneyland will close due to concerns of the Coronavirus. Disney announced that the Walt Disney World parks will close as well.  With that, all Disney Parks worldwide are closed through the end of March 2020.

One of the biggest concerns right now is traveling on cruise ships though.  Those too are closing down due to the virus.

Disney Cruise Line Suspending Operations

While Disney Cruise Line has not had any on-board infections, they have made the call to suspend any new cruises through March 31st. The closure will start Saturday, March 14th and continue through the end of the month at least. They say that Cast Members living and working on the ships and at Castaway Cay will continue to be paid during this time.

This closure affects a total of 15 cruises, which amounts to four on the Disney Magic, three on the Disney Wonder, five on the Disney Dream, and three on the Disney Fantasy.

Disney Cruise Line is suspending operations beginning Saturday, March 14th through March 31st.
Disney Cruise Line is suspending operations beginning Saturday, March 14th through March 31st.

Current Cruises

Interestingly, the Disney Dream will depart on a three-night cruise from Port Canaveral as scheduled today, Friday, March 13th. The Disney Fantasy and Disney Magic ships are currently on a cruise and will return to Port on Saturday, March 14th. The Disney Wonder is currently sailing on a Panama Canal Cruise and will continue as scheduled returning to San Diego on March 20th.

Cancellations

Guests affected by this decision will be given a future cruise credit or a full refund. Disney Cruise Line says they will communicate directly with those affected. Just as Cast Members are being paid during the closure, travel agents will still earn their commissions for cruises that were booked and paid in full.

Disney Cruise Line is canceling sailings: a good idea?