ITINERARIES
We constantly monitor the global health situation and stand ready to modify our itineraries when needed. We will call only in ports which local authorities and health organizations have cleared as safe and fully re-opened. Compliance with all local port and health authorities’ regulations is always strictly adhered to.

 

TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS

Denied boarding criteria for guests (and fellow passengers):  

 

- Signs of illness such as fever or flu-like symptoms, including chills, cough or difficulty of breathing in the 14 days prior to embarkation 

- Possible exposure to a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19

- Temporary travel restrictions based on local circumstances. For example, certain countries may deny visas or prohibit entry based on travel history or nationality

 

 

We continue to work with authorities to update the above criteria. Please consult the list of latest restrictions released by your national Health authorities.

 

FROM BOOKING ONWARDS

- We are updating our booking process with transparent terms and conditions, practical information and clear travel requirements  

- All guests are required to provide their contact details to receive all necessary information to plan their holidays and travel safely to the port

- Booking onboard packages prior to the cruise is highly recommended for a seamless experience so guests can start enjoying your cruise from the moment you step onboard

 

HEALTH SCREENINGS

To ensure a safe and healthy environment, all guests and crew will undergo a comprehensive health screening:

 

- Contactless temperature check before embarkation
- Health questionnaire (provided in e-ticket) for the screening of COVID-19 symptoms and potential exposure

 

Depending on the screening results, guests may participate in a secondary review, or be denied boarding and directed to our Customer Care Service.

 

NEWLY DESIGNED EMBARKATION PROCESS

-  We’ve redesigned our embarkation process for a smooth and seamless experience, with assigned arrival times indicated in the e-ticket to minimise contact and enable responsible social distancing
- The terminal and gangway areas will be thoroughly cleaned and sanitised according to the same high standards as onboard

- No cross-over between disembarking and embarking guests

 

•  ELEVATED STANDARDS OF SANITATION AND CLEANLINESS
We’ve taken our cleanliness and sanitation measures to the next level by implementing the highest standards of health and hygiene across our fleet:
- We have increased cleaning and disinfection frequency, introducing new cleaning methods and the use of hospital-grade disinfectant products
- Key venues and public spaces are sanitised frequently, with a focus on high-traffic areas and deep disinfection every night through electrostatic spray technology
- Cabins are meticulously cleaned on a daily basis, with careful attention to high-touch surfaces and additional deep cleaning at the end of each cruise
- All recreational and sporting equipment, fitness machines, sunbeds, outdoor furniture, toys, games and Kids Club equipment are sanitised after each use
- One of the best ways to stay healthy is to keep your hands clean. We recommend that you wash your hands regularly and use hand sanitiser before any activity and before entering venues. For your convenience, we have increased the availability of hand sanitiser dispensers around the ship.
 
•  ONLY FRESH AIR SUPPLY
100% external fresh air is supplied to all cabins and public areas, with no recirculation between cabins or within the ship.
 
•  ENHANCED MEDICAL SERVICES WITH HIGHLY QUALIFIED STAFF
All MSC Cruises’ ships are equipped with state-of-the-art medical services and an increased number of qualified medical staff onboard, supported by dedicated 24/7 ashore Medical Team.

- Our ships have a fully equipped Medical Centre including COVID-19 testing equipment and ventilators
- We continuously monitor the health of our guests and crew with contactless temperature checks during the cruise; in case of flu-like symptoms, guests should immediately notify the Medical Centre and free treatment will be provided
- Our medical staff is trained to deal with COVID-19 with a response plan in place in cooperation with local authorities
- We have established a comprehensive medical protocol to deal with suspected cases and dedicated isolation zones with separate air supply.


•  RESPONSIBLE SOCIAL DISTANCING
We have redesigned activities, adapted our services and reduced venue capacity so our guests and crew can easily adhere to current social distancing guidelines. Face masks will be required whenever social distancing cannot be met in public areas such as the lifts and the theatre, or when moving around the ship. Masks do not need to be worn when seated in restaurants, bars and lounges, and when sitting on the sun deck.
 
•  WELL-TRAINED, WELL-EQUIPPED AND HEALTHY CREW
For the health of all our guests and crew, MSC Cruises ensures that all crew members are fully trained and follow strict health and safety preventive measures:
- Crew members undergo extensive screening and medical checks including COVID-19 testing prior to embarking in addition to daily health monitoring and temperature checks
- Crew members follow proper handwashing practices and wear protective equipment such as face masks and gloves.
 
•  ONBOARD EXPERIENCE
We are committed to preserving the uniqueness of the onboard experience whilst ensuring that your health and safety are protected. You will continue to enjoy unique experiences including award-winning shows, world-class dining, excursions, family activities, boutique shopping, beauty and fitness services, engaging events and much more.
Onboard services may be subject to changes, based on local regulations or other restrictions adopted or referred to the COVID-19 situation.
Restaurants and Bars
We have adapted our service and seating layouts to allow for social distancing, and all meals and drinks will be served at your table. Self-service at the buffet restaurant will be temporarily unavailable, and the food will be plated and served by our crew. For a contactless experience, you can access restaurant and bar menus from your personal mobile device by conveniently scanning a QR code. Face masks do not need to be worn when seated in restaurants, bars and lounges, only when entering the venue.

Shore Excursions
If you wish to go ashore during your cruise, we highly encourage you to participate in one of our MSC Shore Excursions. On all our carefully selected and curated MSC shore experience, you can rest assured that every aspect of your time ashore meets the highest standards of health, hygiene and comfort. For summer 2020 sailings, different conditions will apply. For more details, please download the dedicated factsheet for MSC Grandiosa and MSC Magnifica.

Entertainment and Activities
We are introducing newly designed onboard activities and entertainment for smaller group sizes. A wide array of activities including shows, entertainment and the Kids Club will be available by reservation at no extra charge.
As the capacity of the theatre will be reduced to ensure responsible social distancing, the entertainment schedule will be extended so you can still enjoy a great variety of award-winning shows.

Outdoor areas and pools
All open decks will be accessible and pools, whirlpools and the Aquapark will be available with a reduced occupancy for social distancing. Sunbeds will be separated in clusters, sanitised after every use and deeper sanitation will take place every night.

Guests services
To easily find information while avoiding queues, we encourage you to utilise our new Information Centre available by phone and digital services such as MSC for Me* (mobile app, interactive touchscreens, in-cabin Smart TV). Remote desks will be available on embarkation day for in-person questions. You should always call before going to any desk for information. Cashless payments will be highly recommended.

*MSC for Me digital programme is available on MSC Meraviglia, MSC Bellissima, MSC Grandiosa, MSC Seaside, MSC Seaview, MSC Splendida and MSC Magnifica.