Coronavirus: CDC greenlights Disney ‘test cruise’ from Port Canaveral starting June 29

BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — After more than a year of canceled sailings prompted by the coronavirus pandemic, Disney Cruise Line was granted clearance Tuesday from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to run test cruises out of Port Canaveral.

The cruises are intended to test the company’s newly implemented health and safety protocols for its Disney Dream, WFTV reported.

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The simulated sailing is slated for June 29 to July 1, Walt Disney World News Today reported.

In addition, Disney Cruise Line cast members will volunteer as passengers for the two-night excursion, the outlet reported.

“Our continuous efforts in close consultation with our cruise partners at Disney has led to this important milestone,” Port Canaveral CEO Capt. John Murray said in a prepared statement. “We’re very excited and ready to welcome back the iconic Disney ships to their home at Port Canaveral,” he added.

Meanwhile, Cynthia Martinez, director of communications and public affairs for Disney Cruise Line, said in a prepared statement that the simulated sailing represents an “important next step toward our gradual and responsible resumption of service.”

“We look forward to our amazing crew once again creating magic for our guests and to helping the many workers who support our industry get back to work,” Martinez stated, thanking the CDC and cruise industry leaders, as well as state, local and federal officials for the “productive dialogue” that led to the resumption of service.

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