As during a cruise, you may be exposed to specific COVID-19 risks that may not be usually covered by existing insurance policies, to ensure your peace of mind is mandatory for all guests to have in place an insurance policy that specifically covers them against COVID-19 related risks, such as cancellation, interruption, repatriation expenses, quarantine, medical assistance and related expenses, as well as hospitalization. This should be in place to cover you from the confirmation of your booking until the end of the cruise.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic that the world is still facing, MSC offers a COVID-19 Protection Plan- an insurance policy specifically for these COVID-19 risks and this can be added to the cruise whilst making the booking. The Covid Protection Plan will be extended to the whole Summer 22 season. Guests will be required to provide evidence of their insurance policy and this should include the details of the insurer, the insured amounts and full details of the COVID-19 coverage such as cancellation, interruption, repatriation expenses, quarantine, medical assistance and expenses, and hospitalization.

INTERNATIONAL DEPARTURES: Effective immediately, before finalizing the reservation, it will be possible to add to the cruise the MSC COVID-19 Protection plan at the price of 25 euros per person for short haul destination (Mediterranean and Northern Europe cruises), and €29 for Long Haul destination (Caribbean & Antille, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Qatar, Saudi Arabia & Red Sea, South America and Positioning cruises).

Alternatively, you may purchase another insurance coverage of your choice provided that the above risks are covered.

The proof of the insurance policy (e.g. certificate, schedule, policy summary) which must be in English, Italian, German, French or Spanish - clearly showing the COVID-19 coverage - must be presented at embarkation. Passengers failing to provide this documentation will be denied boarding.

For any additional information please click Here or refer to our Contact Center or consult your Travel Agent.

Before boarding, all guests must complete a health questionnaire and report any symptoms of illness or potential exposure to a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19 in the 14 days prior to embarkation.

Please note that all guests (ages 6 years and above) embarking on MSC Orchestra South African departures, will need to take an RT-PCR swab test within 48 hours prior to the ship’s departure. The test results certificate must be printed in two copies and presented at the terminal in order to embark on the ship.

*Includes anyone who has travelled to, from, or through the Schengen countries, Romania, Bulgaria and Croatia in the past 14 days prior to the ship's departure.

We are extending our enhanced health and hygiene measures to all MSC transfers, including:

- Cleaning and sanitisation of all vehicles before any new group of guests

- Availability of hand sanitisation stations and disinfectant mats for footwear

- Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for all drivers

- Reduced number of guests with selected seats empty to ensure social distancing

According to our enhanced cleaning and sanitation protocols, every guest cabin will be thoroughly cleaned on a daily basis, with special attention to 40 frequently-touched areas, such as door handles, power switches, control panels, remote controls, desks and bathroom surfaces.

Every cabin will be deep cleaned at the end of each cruise before the next guests arrive for their holiday.

In case of flu-like symptoms, guests should notify immediately the Medical Centre and free treatment will be provided. If the onboard medical team determines a suspected COVID-19 case, a comprehensive isolation procedure and response plan will be activated in close cooperation with the health authorities.

All guests will be fully protected by the required Covid-19 Protection insurance.

Guests will be reminded of social distancing guidelines at the time of booking and during their cruise through signage, public announcements, in-cabin TV and staff engagement.

Our main restaurants will continue to serve our guests with a wide array of inspiring dishes and high-quality cuisine. We are modifying the seating layout to enable safe physical distancing, and guests will have the same table and waiter throughout their cruise for extra peace of mind.

We are elevating our strict food safety protocols by enhancing the cleaning and sanitising of all venues, providing appropriate protective equipment to all servers and increasing the number of hand sanitisation stations at all restaurants.

You can save time by personalising your cruise even before getting onboard. Through your Personal Area  (link to Personal Area) you can easily add drink packages or dining experiences to your cruise and take advantage of our pre-boarding rates. 

Yes, our sought-after Specialty Restaurants will be open while operating at a reduced capacity to comply with the precautionary health and safety measures. Reservations are available at the time of booking to help guests secure spaces and save money compared to onboard prices. Book now  (link to Personal Area) your Speciality Restaurant.

Our bars will be open and ready to serve our guests with their favourite cocktail or aperitif

You can save time by personalising your cruise even before getting onboard. Through your Personal Area.you can easily add drink packages or dining experiences to your cruise and take advantage of our pre-boarding rates. 

Guests will enjoy our onboard award-winning entertainment but with a few changes:

-We are reducing the capacity of the theatre to allow for empty seats between guests

-The entertainment programme will be extended so that all guests can enjoy our award-winning shows

-Shows and activities will be pre-booked to manage the number of participants The wearing of face masks is highly recommended.

In certain circumstances this recommendation might be due to a mandatory requirement in accordance with applicable health authorities regulations of a country or port of call visited.

MSC Aurea Spa and Fitness facilities and services will be available* with enhanced health and sanitation measures, extended opening hours and reduced capacity in public spaces. Onboard services are subject to changes based on local regulations or other restrictions, in the context of the COVID-19 situation.

For their health and comfort, guests will pre-book spa treatments, fitness sessions and thermal area visits by phone.  Fitness machines and equipment, spa areas and treatment rooms will be thoroughly sanitised after each use as well as deep-cleaned and disinfected every night.  All Spa staff have been trained on rigorous health and sanitation measures and will wear appropriate protective equipment. Book Now your Spa packages!

*Due to the increased Health & Safety measures in order to grant a safe cruise for all our guests Thermal Area experiences are by appointment only. 

The casino remains fully functional under the new protocol with added sanitation and social distancing measures in place, including frequent sanitising of chips, replacing playing cards on a regular basis and a reduced number of seats at gaming tables.

Guests will be able to go ashore independently according to local requirements which are continually monitored and subject to change. Guests who are travelling with unvaccinated children are also able to go ashore independently (from April 1, 2022). For the best ashore experience, we recommend all guests explore destinations with the comfort, convenience, and safety of an MSC Cruises Shore Excursion, bookable pre-cruise and on board.