Recently, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued new guidelines regarding face coverings. Previously, the agency relied on only case counts to determine COVID-19 transmission risk in a community, however now the updated metrics for COVID-19 risk take both case levels and hospitalizations in a community into account. As a result, less of the country is now at a high level.

Now, for much of the country, the CDC has stated that most people can forgo wearing a mask. For those with high-risk conditions, they recommend discussing options with the individual’s health care provider. However, the guidance says regions still in the highest-risk category should wear masks indoors, but not for long.

Based on these new recommendations, many states are dropping their mask mandates in most scenarios. Some are still requiring face coverings while on public transportation, health care facilities, nursing homes, and other areas. Additionally, companies and private businesses may still require individuals to continue to wear masks.

In an interview with CNN, Dr. Leana Wen, an emergency physician and professor of health policy and management at the George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health was asked, based on the new CDC guidelines, if they should stop wearing a mask.

“Not necessarily. Just because a mask mandate may be lifting in your area doesn’t mean that you should go maskless,” said Dr. Wen. “And just because the CDC has your area in green or yellow doesn’t mean that it’s suddenly safe. You could still become infected with Covid-19, and a high-quality mask (N95, KN95, or KF94) remains an important tool that can reduce your risk of infection.”

Today, the Disney Cruise Line announced starting on 11 March 2022, face coverings will be optional for most guests on domestic cruises. “For sailings originating from a U.S. port of departure beginning March 11, 2022, face coverings will be optional in most indoor locations throughout our ships,” reads the statement. “Guests ages 2 and up, including those who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, will still be required to wear face coverings in the Walt Disney Theatre. Guests under 5 years of age who are currently ineligible to be vaccinated will be required to wear face coverings in Youth Activity spaces and in the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique; and, while not required, we continue to strongly recommend these guests wear a face covering in all other indoor locations. Face coverings may be required in ports of call based on local government requirements.”

Disney is sending out emails to guests who are booked on the following cruises:

• Disney Wonder – March 11 to April 17, 2022
• Disney Magic – March 11 to May 8, 2022
• Disney Fantasy – March 11 to May 28, 2022
• Disney Dream – March 11 to May 30, 2022

Disney does state that face coverings may be required in ports of call based on local government requirements, including in some areas at Disney Castaway Cay. Masks should also be worn in the cruise terminal during the boarding and screening process, as well as during disembarkation.

Changes to Disney Magic European Itineraries

As Russia continues its unrelenting war on the Ukrainian people, companies around the world have looked for ways to distance themselves from Russia, as well as to eliminate any association with Russia. Recently, the Disney Cruise Line announced they were eliminating the St. Petersburg port of call from two Disney Magic sailings this summer.

Disney stated that the two affected cruises are the Saturday 30 July 2022 11-Night Northern Europe Cruise from Dover to Copenhagen. This cruise was to spend an overnight in St. Petersburg on August 4th and 5th. The second cruise is on Wednesday 10 August 2022 7-Night Northern Europe Cruise from Copenhagen with a stop in St. Petersburg on August 13th.

In an email to guests, Disney stated:

“We are writing with important information regarding your Northern European sailing aboard the Disney Magic on [July 30, 2022 or August 10, 2022].

We have made the decision to modify your sailing’s itinerary and plan to visit an alternate port instead of St. Petersburg, Russia. We are currently in discussions with ports in other countries and will be reaching out to you again later this month with an updated itinerary.

The health, safety and security of our guests and crew remains a top priority for Disney Cruise Line. Should you have questions about your sailing, please contact your travel agent.

We look forward to providing you with an enjoyable cruise experience later this year.”