accessibility & medical requests
MSC Cruises and its staff have always been attentive to the needs of their guests, and constantly strive to offer the best possible service, meeting international accessibility standards.
For information on the assistance provided on board and at our port terminals, please consult the sections below.
You can also find information related to Accessibility and Medical Requests in the General Booking Conditions, the Conditions of Carriage and in the FAQ section.
Please review the details below regarding different accessibility needs. This will help you to determine whether the accommodation we are able to provide is right for you and your party to travel safely and comfortably. Any accessibility or medical request can be flagged by completing the Accessibility & Medical Request Form available HERE and at all accredited travel agencies. This information should be provided at time of booking but no later than 30 days prior to sailing.
If you are pregnant, the information should be provided at least 30 days before sailing date.
For service dogs this is required at least 60 days before the sailing date.
Note that due to the complexity of the World cruise itinerary, early deadlines apply.
This allows us time to provide the best possible service for our guests, which is determined by the facilities and resources on board each ship. If we do not receive timely notification,
MSC Cruises cannot guarantee the requested accommodation. However, we will always strive to ensure every guest receives the accommodation they need to enjoy their time onboard. Due to the limited availability of accessible accommodation, guests are recommended to notify us as soon as possible as they will be allocated on a first come, first
served basis.
informing us on any mobility, medical and dietary requirements
Guests can inform MSC Cruises of any special requirements by filling in the relevant form Accessibility and Medical Requests Form. This information should preferably be provided at the time of booking, or, no fewer than 30 days before departure. This allows us time to provide the best possible service for our guests, which depends on the facilities and resources on board each ship. If we are notified after this deadline we will do everything in our power to provide the services requested, but this may not be possible at such short notice.
Guests will only be prevented from booking or embarking in exceptional circumstances, and only in the event of a serious or urgent threat to the safety of the guests or the crew.
All personal data provided by guests will be treated in a manner that fully conforms to our privacy policy. For further information on the services offered on board, on how to inform us of any accessibility and medical requests or other requirements not expressly mentioned in this section, please get in touch with your travel agent.
How can I let MSC Cruises know about my special needs?
Guests can inform MSC Cruises of any special requirements by completing the Accessibility and Medical Requests Form.
What is the deadline for notifying MSC Cruises of my special needs?
Guests should inform MSC Cruises of special needs at the time of booking, or at the latest 30 days before departure. After this deadline, we may be unable to provide the level of assistance required.
Who will handle my special needs request and how will it be treated?
All requests are sent directly to MSC Cruises and reviewed internally. Some requests may require closer examination from a practical or medical point of view, which will be carried out by a specialized internal committee. In all cases, passenger details will be handled with absolute discretion, in accordance with our privacy policy.
How soon will I receive a reply to my special needs request?
Could MSC Cruises refuse my booking or deny me boarding?
Children with Accessibility and Medical needs
Guests are required to submit a Accessibility and Medical Requests form 30 days before sailing.
Children with Accessibility and Medical needs have normal access to all on-board services and facilities. Although the entertainment staff do not offer a childcare service, they are trained to provide a wide range of entertainment aimed specifically at children.
All children, including those with Accessibility and Medical needs, are assigned to a certain entertainment area depending on their age. If necessary, children or young people with Accessibility and Medical needs can be placed with a lower age group (with the agreement of their parents), or they can take part in specific activities, together with their parents if required.
accessibility
Reduced Mobility
For guests who primarily use a wheelchair or mobility scooter, we highly recommend reserving an accessible cabin . These cabins are specifically designed with enhanced accessible features, including handrails for support, ramps for easy balcony access, lower shelves for convenient storage, spacious wet-room-style bathrooms, and wider entrance doors for smoother navigation. These thoughtful features are incorporated to cater to the unique needs of individuals with reduced mobility, promoting a more comfortable and independent experience. We require our guests to complete the Accessibility and Medical Requests Form 30 days prior to sailing if an accessible cabin is required.
Wheelchairs are available on board our ships, for the use of guests during embarkation and disembarkation only, or in case of emergency. Guests that require constant use of a wheelchair or any other form of support must bring their own equipment with them. It is the responsibility of the guest to check with the relevant producers/suppliers that this equipment is safe to take on board and use on a cruise ship, and to organize both its delivery to the departure terminal in good time for embarkation, and its collection at the end of the cruise.
For detailed information on the ports of call and excursions suitable for passengers who experience mobility problems, read the relevant pages in this section, and once on board check the accuracy of the information provided.
Cabin Facilities
Can a passenger with reduced mobility travel alone?
Does MSC Cruises offer assistance to passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility?
Do on board staff receive special training in providing assistance to passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility?
Which areas of the ship are accessible to passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility?
Are there excursions accessible to passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility?
Does MSC offer embarkation and disembarkation assistance?
Does MSC offer accessible transfers?
Does MSC use a Tender Service at any of their ports?
Can I bring my mobility scooter/wheelchair on board?
Please confirm the dimensions of the specific vessel on which you will be sailing to ensure your mobility device comfortably navigates through the cabin door.
View Mobility Equipment Guidelines
Visual Impairments
Will the onboard staff offer assistance to a guest with visual impairments?
Hearing Impairments
For minor hearing impairments, a sound amplifier is available at the main Reception-Guest Service to increase the quality of communication with our staff.
Guests can also join a cruise with a sign language interpreter to further enhance communication access. To request this service you must complete the Accessibility and Medical request form at least 30 days prior to sailing.
Cognitive Impairments
Our medical team handles emergencies, not daily care. Depending on local regulations, you might need a fitness-to-travel certificate.
Be aware that the cruise environment has noise, crowds, and bright lights. Please consider this, as well as the size of ship and passenger and crew capacities, when planning your cruise.
Please be also advised that children with autism are welcome in our Mini Club provided they are toilet-trained and independent, as our youth staff who are fully trained in autism cannot assist with personal care.
To inform us of your cognitive condition, please fill in the Accessibility & Medical Request Form.
Respiratory Needs
Can I bring my CPAP or BIPAP machine onboard?
Complimentary distilled water and extension cords are available onboard; however, a charge will apply if the extension cord is not returned. For safety reasons, guests are not permitted to bring their own extension cords onboard. If you require any extension cords, please request them at the time of booking. To inform us of your respiratory need, please fill in the form at the following link
Does MSC provide oxygen onboard?
Can I bring my oxygen concentrator?
How can I arrange for compressed gas cylinders to be onboard?
Can I bring a liquid gas reservoir onboard?
Mechanical Ventilation
Allergy and Food Intolerances
Although MSC has implemented robust preventive measures, the risk of accidental allergen cross-contamination cannot be completely ruled out due to the limited space on the ship.
We advise our guests who are knowledgeable about allergies or intolerances to always carry their prescribed emergency medications as directed by their physician, enabling them to respond effectively in the event of an allergic reaction.
When booking a tour with a meal included, please remember to always communicate your special dietary need to the staff.
Will I be able to have my meals on the private island even though I have an allergy?
Does MSC have meals that are gluten free?
Please be advised that on MSC Armonia, MSC Sinfonia, MSC Opera and MSC Lirica guests are offered a limited selection of commercial, pre-packaged gluten-free snacks such as biscuits, croissants, sponge cakes and muffins.
Does MSC offer Kosher Meals?
Does MSC offer Halal Meat?
Service Animals
View Service Dog Documentation
A written explanation of what specific tasks the animal has been trained to perform must be provided.
Veterinarian certificate stating that the animal is healthy.
Department of Agriculture permits:
Documentation as required by each port of call. Please visit https://www.aphis.usda.gov/pet-travel for further information.
Documentation as required by the CDC:
This applies to any Service Dog that is on any vessel that has a port of call or disembarks in any U.S. port. Please visit Bringing a https://www.cdc.gov/importation/dogs/index.html for further information, and some countries may not allow animals to enter at all. Copies of completed permits for each port of call must be sent to us as soon as available, prior to the sail date. The animal’s compulsory identification document issued by the competent local health authority, stamped within the 24 hours preceding the journey by the veterinarian certifying the animal’s physical condition (for itineraries in European waters) Important note: You are responsible for obtaining the import permits from all countries that require those special documents and must always have those original documents available. Specific information may be obtained by contacting the United States Department of Agriculture , or the applicable United States consulate, or embassy of each country to determine such country’s policies and obtain the permits needed for each port of call on the sailing itinerary.
Service Dog Reference Websites
https://food.ec.europa.eu/animals/movement-pets/travellers-points-entry_en
For itineraries in UK waters:
https://www.gov.uk/bring-pet-to-great-britain/guide-dogs
For itineraries in Norway waters:
https://www.mattilsynet.no/en/animals/guide-travelling-with-pets-to-norway
For itineraries in U.S. waters and in the Caribbean:
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/pet-travel
https://www.cdc.gov/importation/dogs/?CDC_AAref_Val
For itineraries to Bermuda:
https://www.gov.bm/online-services/import-dog-or-cat
For itineraries in Bahamian waters:
https://bahfsabahamas.com/ePermitting/PETS-Import-Permit-Step-by-Step-User-Manual-update.pdf?v9324
For itineraries in Brazilian waters crossing to Europe:
https://www.gov.br/pt-br/servicos/solicitar-certificado-veterinario-internacional-para-viajar-com-seu-cao-ou-gato-para-uniao-europeia-irlanda-do-norte-noruega-e-suica-cvi
Worldcruise guests are encouraged to also visit:
https://dab.hawaii.gov/
https://www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/cats-dogs/assistance-dogs
https://www.mpi.govt.nz/bring-send-to-nz/pets-travelling-to-nz/bringing-cats-and-dogs-to-nz/assistance-and-guide-dogs/
Health and Medical
What medical service is available on board?
Pregnancy
For the health and safety of both mother and unborn child, MSC Cruises cannot accommodate guests who will be more than 23 weeks and 6 days pregnant at any time during the cruise. If you are pregnant but will be less than 23 weeks and 6 days at any point during the cruise. Regardless of the stage of pregnancy, a doctor's note is required with the following information:
- Passenger's name
- Passenger is fit to travel with no immediate access to specialist obstetric or neonatal care.
- Expected date of delivery must be written: “Confirmed by ultrasound”.
- Pregnancy is low risk.
Guests are required to submit a Accessibility and Medical Requests form no later than 30 days before sailing.
Dialysis
However, guests who are stable and able to independently manage home peritoneal dialysis are welcome to sail.
Peritoneal Dialysis
Guests who require peritoneal dialysis are responsible for supplying all equipment, medications and supplies necessary to self-perform dialysis. You are also responsible for ensuring these are safely on board on time prior to sailing. To inform us of your special requirement for peritoneal dialysis, please fill in the form at the following link.
Enteral and Parenteral Feeding
To inform us of your special requirement for special nutrition, please fill in the form at the following link.
Implanted Device
Can I bring medicines on board?
Personal Medication
Please note that cabin coolers are not refrigerators and are not suitable for storing refrigerated medications. If you need to refrigerate medication, we suggest bringing cool bags with ice packs or requesting cold storage medication in the medical center.
Controlled Substances
It remains the responsibility of the guest to familiarize themselves with the above instructions and check the validity of their medication list with their treating physician or pharmacist.
Illegal Substances
- Marijuana (including prescription / medical marijuana), or any derivatives of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol)
- Illegal narcotics / drugs including synthetic designer drugs / New Psychoactive Substances (NPS).
Other Medical Needs
If you or your travelling companion:
- Are undergoing chemotherapy or taking immunosuppressant medication, Please note that chemotherapy cannot be administered on board. Due to potential travel-related health risks, MSC strongly advises guests on immunosuppressant medication to consult their specialist and obtain clearance to cruise prior to boarding.
- Have other complex medical needs requiring advanced care (for example, quadriplegic patients, those with significant incapacitation/loss of function, or those requiring round-the-clock care).
- Require specific medical interventions (such as laboratory tests, administration of injectable medication, wound dressings, etc.).
To inform us of your special requirement for special nutrition, please fill in the form at the following link.
Vaccinations
Are vaccination and testing for COVID-19 required?
Please remember that it is the responsibility of each guest to ensure they meet the requirements of any country they may be traveling through before, during, and after the cruise.
What do you need to know about MSC Cruises’ policy for travel to regions that have been declared affected by the zika virus?
The Centres for Disease Control and Protection (CDC) has issued guidance advising against travel in zones affected by the Zika virus for women who are pregnant and their partners as well as for women who are trying to become pregnant.
In connection with this, MSC Cruises offers pregnant guests and the people travelling with her in the same cabin the opportunity to cancel free of charge their cruise to countries affected by Zika or rebook using cruise credit to another destination of their liking among the worldwide destinations that MSC Cruises offers to be utilized within a 24 month period. Guests should provide a copy of a medical certificate confirming their existing pregnancy.
Guests who wish to find out additional information about the Zika virus should either contact their health care provider physician or visit the CDC Website:
http://www.cdc.gov/zika/hc-providers/pregnant-woman.html
http://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2016/p0801-zika-travel-guidance.html
Requesting records or invoices from the onboard medical centre
If you have already disembarked the ship please complete and sign the form here ensuring all required fields are filled, including your email address.
Please note that the form must be completed and signed by the Guest who visited the medical center. If you are requesting records on behalf of a minor, please download and complete the dedicated form available here.