Disney cruises to require COVID-19 vaccinations for children 5 and older

Disney Cruise Line in January will require that all passengers 5 years and older be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, expanding the company's mandate to include younger children aboard its ships.

Disney, which operates four ships, is the first cruise line to update its policy with a requirement for children ages 5 to 11, who only recently became eligible for the vaccine. 

The updated policy takes effect on January 13, 2022, Disney said. Until that date, Parents of kids under 5 years of age must show proof of a negative test for a child between three days and 24 hours ahead of departure. The requirements apply to sailings in the U.S. and abroad.