Disney test cruise delayed after ‘inconsistent’ COVID-19 test results

Disney Cruise Line said on Monday that it would delay its first test cruise since the COVID-19 pandemic shuttered the industry after a number of participants had inconsistent test results for the coronavirus.

The Associated Press reported that the Disney Dream had been scheduled to sail on Tuesday with 300 employees who had volunteered to take part in a “simulation” cruise, but it was postponed until next month.

This decision was made after a small number of employees had inconsistent COVID-19 test results, “which is considered positive by the CDC [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention],” according to Disney Cruise Lines.

The two-night test cruise had been approved by the CDC, the AP noted.

Earlier in June, the CDC relaxed its guidance for cruises while still recommending that only fully vaccinated people travel on the ships.

“In addition to testing, passengers who are not fully vaccinated should self-quarantine for 7 days after cruise travel, even if they test negative. If they do not get tested, they should self-quarantine for 10 days after cruise travel,” the CDC’s updated guidance advised.

A federal judge in Florida also ruled in June that the CDC could not regulate cruises, saying the agency’s orders on the industry were an overreach of power.

Judge Steven Merryday for the Middle District of Florida wrote in his ruling that the “CDC’s conditional sailing order and the implementing orders exceed the authority delegated to CDC.”