MSC Cruises is in the final stages of resuming operations in the Mediterranean, with its MSC Magnifica & MSC Grandiosa ready to operate seven-night voyages in the region as soon as guidelines have been approved. Itineraries will feature Greece and Malta, where ports have already been reopened to cruising amid...
MSC Cruises is in the final stages of resuming operations in the Mediterranean, with its MSC Magnifica & MSC Grandiosa ready to operate seven-night voyages in the region as soon as guidelines have been approved.
Itineraries will feature Greece and Malta, where ports have already been reopened to cruising amid approval of MSC’s health and safety protocols.
Chief Executive Officer Gianni Onorato said the initial phase of recommencement will only allow guests who are residents of the Schengen Area, which comprises most of mainland Europe, with ports of call designed to simplify access without needing to make use of public transport or flights.
Onorato said MSC would only resume cruising in the United States once all relevant local and national authorities have approved a return to service, including the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention.
Health and safety protocols have been developed for MSC by its “Blue Ribbon Expert Group” (CW 08 Jul), and the line is offering a COVID-19 Protection Plan for Schengen-originating guests which covers them in the event they become infected with the disease prior to their departure, during the cruise for medical expenses, and after the cruise if they later fall sick as a result of the voyage.
Onboard the ships, the “MSC for Me” application will help facilitate the new health and safety measures, and will be used to manage daily activities.
On MSC Grandiosa guests will also receive a special wristband which facilitates contactless transactions across the ship, and provides contact and proximity tracing.
