The current advice from the World Health Organization, EU Healthy Gateways and other authorities is that COVID-19 is often more severe in people who are older or who have health conditions like lung or heart disease, diabetes or conditions that affect their immune system. Older guests or those with such conditions are advised to consult with a doctor or their local health authorities for guidance before travelling to assess whether they should be travelling at this time. According to the EU Healthy Gateways advisory, anyone over 65 years of age is considered part of a higher risk group. 

For cruises until the end of September 2021, we will initially only welcome guests who are residents in the 26 European ‘Schengen’ countries (Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland) and also Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, USA, UK & Ireland.

For all sailings in the upcoming months, please note that all Guests will need to follow one of these requirements:

• Undergo a molecular or antigen test within 48 hours prior to the ship’s departure (not required for passengers under 2 years old)

• Be fully vaccinated* (i.e full set of vaccine shots received more than 14 days before the start of the cruise, vaccines accepted: Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson)

• Have recoverd from COVID-19 within the last 6 months
  
  *includes those that recovered from Covid and received only one shot of vaccine, if their green/health pass is complete (or if they have all the relevant medical certificates)

 

NEW PROTOCOL FOR GUESTS EMBARKING/DISEMBARKING IN LA VALLETTA (MALTA)

For Guests embarking (starting their cruise) from Valletta (Malta) the following travel requirements apply:

• All guests (over 12 years old) must be fully vaccinated (i.e full set of vaccine shots received more than 14 days before the start of the cruise, vaccines accepted: Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson)

• Children (5 – 11 years old) must undergo a negative molecular RT-PCR test (antigen test is not accepted) within 72 hours before reaching Malta.

• Children (0 – 4 years old) do not need any kind of certificate

 

For Guests disembarking (end of the cruise) in Valletta (Malta) the following travel requirements apply:

• All guests (over 12 years old) that are fully vaccinated (i.e full set of vaccine shots received more than 14 days before the start of the cruise, vaccines accepted: Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson) do not need to present any other certificate

• All guests that are not fully vaccinated can transit to Malta less than 12 hours but they would need to present a negative RT-PCR test done within 72 hours and evidence of flight ticket to leave Malta. The molecular test required to disembark can be done on board and is on payment according to the current pricelist

• All guests that are not fully vaccinated who intend to stay in Malta for more than 12 hours would need to quarantine.

 

A COVID-19 test or Passenger locator form (PLF) may still be necessary for national or international mobility requirement: it’s every guest’s responsibility to verify this requirement before departure. In addition, a Passenger Locator Form needs as well to be filled in before entering in Italy (more information here). To enter in Spain, passengers will also need to fill a Health Control Form before entering in the country (more information here).

 

 

The original test results, vaccination or recovery certificate must be presented at the terminal (paper or electronic format) in order to embark on the ship. The certificate must be in English, Italian, German, French or Spanish and must contain: guest’s personal data (verifiable with the other travel documents), date of the test, identification / contact details of the centre that performed the analysis, technique used and negative test result. 

As per our stringent MSC Health & Safety protocol, all guests both vaccinated and unvaccinated, will need to undergo some Health and COVID 19 screenings including a COVID-19 test, a health questionnaire and a contactless temperature check, at the terminal before boarding.

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 or your cruise and flight package.

MSC offers a COVID Protection Plan for all Summer 21 and Winter 21/22 cruises - an insurance policy specifically for these COVID-19 risks and this can be added to the cruise whilst making the booking.

The MSC COVID-19 Protection plan costs 25 euros per person for short haul destination (Mediterranean and Northern Europe cruises), and €29 for Long Haul destination (Caribbean, Emirates, Antilles, South America, Saudi Arabia, Red Sea and Grand Voyages cruises). 

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

With immediate effect, for all new reservations on Summer 21 and Winter 21/22 cruises sailing from 27 June 2021, passengers 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.

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 refer to our Contact Center or consult your Travel Agent.

The accelerated rollout of vaccines worldwide is a gamechanger for the health of our guests. Following the guidance from the World Health Organization, being vaccinated does not mean that you cannot put at risk other people. Therefore, the current health and safety protocols are absolutely critical for the wellbeing of our guests, crew and the communities that visit our ships. We are prepared for the hybrid situation of safely sailing with vaccinated and unvaccinated guests thanks to our stringent Health & safety measures such as COVID-19 test for all guests at the terminal before embarking, social distancing and wearing masks. Only the COVID-19 test before reaching the terminal is not required for fully-vaccinated guests (full set of vaccine shots received more than 14 days before the start of the cruise, vaccines accepted: Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZenica, Johnson & Johnson) but a proof of vaccination is necessary. However, the test may still be required for National or International mobility: it’s every guest’s responsibility to verify this requirement before departure.

We are continuously assessing developments in response to the COVID-19 and will adapt the health and safety measures as needed.

• Undergo a molecular or antigen test within 48 hours prior to the ship’s departure (not required for passengers under 2 years old.
• Be fully vaccinated* (i.e full set of vaccine shots received more than 14 days before the start of the cruise, vaccines accepted: Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson)
• Have recovered from COVID-19 within the last 6 months

• All guests (over 12 years old) must be fully vaccinated (i.e full set of vaccine shots received more than 14 days before the start of the cruise, vaccines accepted: Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson)
• Children (5 – 11 years old) must undergo a negative molecular RT-PCR test (antigen test is not accepted) within 72 hours before reaching Malta.
• Children (0 – 4 years old) do not need any kind of certificate

• All guests (over 12 years old) that are fully vaccinated (i.e full set of vaccine shots received more than 14 days before the start of the cruise, vaccines accepted: Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson) do not need to present any other certificate
• All guests that are not fully vaccinated can transit to Malta less than 12 hours but they would need to present a negative RT-PCR test done within 72 hours and evidence of flight ticket to leave Malta. The molecular test required to disembark can be done on board and is on payment according to the current pricelist
• All guests that are not fully vaccinated who intend to stay in Malta for more than 12 hours would need to quarantine.

For all sailings in the upcoming months, to ensure the highest standards of health and safety and allow a safe return home to our Guests in compliance with national regulations, MSC Cruises has organized the possibility for its guests to purchase and perform a molecular test (i.e. RT-PCR) or an antigen test during their cruise.

 

The molecular test will be charged 80 euros. The tests will be organized to comply with the 48h or 72h test validity to return to your country according to your national regulations. The antigenic test is always available for 25 euros. These tests do not substitute the complimentary covid tests performed on board to comply with our comprehensive health and safety protocol.

If a guest presents symptoms of illness such as temperature higher than 37.5°C / 99.5°F or there are concerns with their health questionnaire, they will undertake a secondary screening, including in-depth interview, a second temperature measurement, a medical examination and, if necessary, a laboratory examination.

If a guest is then not considered fit to travel, they will be assisted in their next steps of a return home or will be potentially being treated in a local medical facility to ensure maximum support and care.

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.

All public areas and public restrooms will be deep cleaned and sprayed with disinfectant each night, as well as regularly sanitised throughout the day.  For example, public toilets will be cleaned every 20 minutes, and all cleaning staff will wear appropriate PPE.

Before the cruise, the collection of contact details for each guest is mandatory in case of important updates. Proceeding to the web check-in allow guests to receive cruise tickets, travel documentation and mandatory health questionnaires. On the embarkation day, guests should arrive at the time indicated on the cruise ticket to facilitate responsible social distancing, with travel documentation and health questionnaires. All guests (as of 2 years old) will undertake a COVID-19 health screening and a swab test. A newly designed processes for embarkation has been implemented to manage the guest flow, to limit lines and contacts. Before the cruise, MSC Cruises invites all guests to download for free the MSC for Me app to start booking additional services, to secure space and to ensure a seamless onboard experience. 

Yes. As part of our comprehensive and enhanced health and safety protocol, we have a contingency response plan in place with all the relevant authorities in the ports where the ships will call. 

We have COVID-19 testing equipment on board for Real Time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and antigen swab testing.

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. 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.

For all sailings in the upcoming months, guests may need to undergo an additional swab test during the cruise whilst on board, on top of the existing pre-boarding COVID-19 testing. When required, the test is mandatory..   

 

Face masks will be available throughout the cruise. We also advise all guests to wear a face mask when travelling to and from the port and in the terminal, in compliance with local regulations.

 

 

 

Face masks do not need to be worn by our guests when seated in the restaurants, but only when entering the venue.

At the buffet the food will be plated and served by our crew.

Our bars will be open and ready to serve our guests with their favourite cocktail or aperitif. To ensure we comply with the current social distancing recommendations, our staff will deliver drinks at the table and we will limit the capacity of each venue. Face masks do not need to be worn by our guests when seated in bars and lounges, but only when entering the venue.

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. 

For a contactless experience, guests will access restaurant and bar menus from their personal mobile device by scanning a QR code whilst on board. Before the cruise, MSC Cruises invites all guests to download for free the MSC for Me app to browse all the onboard restaurants, bars and lounges and to ensure a seamless onboard experience like making restaurant reservations.

Guests will be required to wear a face mask when in the theatre. 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
- Guests will be required to wear a face mask when in the theatre

 

Book Now your Spa packages!

*Depending on ship-class, the following experiences will be closed until further notice: Steam Rooms, Heat Baths Whirlpools, Ice & Snow Experiences. Saunas, Salt Relax Room, Harmonic Relax Rooms, Experience Showers, Heated Loungers will remain open to our guests.

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. 

If you wish to go ashore during your cruise, you can only do so by participating in one of our MSC Shore Excursions to ensure the same high standards of health and safety ashore as on board.

 

 

For cruises in the upcoming months, MSC Cruises offers a large variety of shore excursions. Some excursions are available only to Guests holding the EU Digital Covid Certificate/Green pass, or from extra Schengen countries travelers, the equivalent COVID certificate, while others excursions are open to those not in its possession, guaranteeing in both cases the highest health and safety standards. Please note that Guests in possession of the EU Digital Covid Certificate/Green pass or the equivalent COVID certificate (for extra Schengen countries travelers), traveling with children over the age of 12 years old, who do not hold an EU Digital COVID Certificate/Green card or the equivalent COVID certificate (for extra Schengen countries travelers), will be considered as Guests not holding the EU Digital COVID Certificate/Green pass or the equivalent COVID certificate (for extra Schengen countries travelers), for excursions purposes: children will be requested to do the free covid test on board to participate to the excursion (or the booked excursion will need to be changed for another tour not requiring the green pass).

 

 

The EU Digital COVID Certificate / Green Pass is a digital certificate with a QR code issued by countries in Europe to show the following:

• The person has been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, taken at least 14 days beforehand, using a vaccine recognized by the European Medicines Agency (EMA)

• The person has recovered from COVID-19 within the last six months

• Someone who has a negative result for a molecular or antigen test performed in the last 48 hours

The copy of the EU Digital COVID Certificate / Green Pass or from extra Schengen countries travelers equivalent (COVID certificate, (digital or paper format) and a personal ID or passport, must be shown during the tour at all required entry checks. This is a regulation coming from the local authorities and MSC Cruises is not responsible if access is denied at one of the venues on the selected tour.

 

 

Every port of call offers also a variety of excursions that do not require the EU Digital COVID Certificate / Green Pass or the equivalent COVID certificate (for extra Schengen countries travellers). Guests not in possession of a valid certificate, can change excursion but availability is limited for some tours. Alternatively, Guests can contact the MSC Excursions office on board during the cruise: a free test will be arranged.