Questions

• • Are there any travel restrictions or travel requirements for the current cruise programme?

    Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, there might be international travel restrictions depending on your cruise destination and your country of residence. Currently the passengers residents in Iran and China (except Hong Kong and Taiwan) are not allowed to cruise until 31tst December 2022.
    
    In addition, travel requirements might be different acording to your cruise destination. Please select your destination below: 
    
    - Mediterranean
    - Northern Europe
    - Dubai, Abu Dhabi & Qatar
    - Egypt, Red Sea & Saudi Arabia
    - Caribbean
    - Antilles
    - South America
    - South Africa
    - MSC Grand Voyages & MSC World Cruise

  • What is the MSC Covid-19 Protection Plan?

    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 strongly recommended – for all new reservations from 1 July 2022 onwards - 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. If you have no insurance in place, please note that you might be exposed to additional costs that could not be covered by the Company. 
    
    The insurance should be in place to cover you and your family, from the confirmation of your booking until the end of the cruise, your cruise and flight or your Stay & Cruise package.
    
    To fully protect you from the above risks, MSC offers a COVID Protection Plan - an insurance policy specifically designed for these COVID-19 risks - that can be added to the cruise whilst making the booking. The Covid Protection Plan is applicable to all departures on sales. Before finalizing the reservation, it will be possible to add to the cruise the MSC COVID-19 Protection plan at the price of 25€ per person for short haul destinations (Mediterranean and Northern Europe cruises), 29€ for Long Haul destinations (Caribbean & Antilles, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Red Sea, South America and Positioning cruises) and 45€ for World Cruise. 
    
    Alternatively, you may travel with another insurance policy covering the above risks.

    
    

    For cruises in South America all Guests must have in place an insurance policy that specifically covers them against COVID-19-related risks

  • What if I am not compliant with MSC Health and Safety Protocol Requirements?

    Booked Guests that found themselves not to meet any of the requirements of the MSC Health and Safety Protocol (e.g missing vaccination) and therefore that they are prevented from boarding, are asked to send written communication to MSC Cruises not later than 15 days before the scheduled departure of their cruise in order to request their voucher.

• • What will happen if embarkation is denied to a guest for health reasons?​

    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. 
    All guests who have purchased COVID-19 insurance will be fully protected.

  • How will the check-in take place?

    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 the required documentation. 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.

• • What happens if there is a suspected case of COVID-19 on board?

    The preventative health and safety steps in the protocol are designed to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 transmission on board. In the event that someone should fall sick, we have a fully equipped onboard 24/7 Medical Centre with highly qualified medical staff who are fully trained for COVID-19 treatment and who are supported by a 24/7 ashore medical team. ​ 
    
    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​. 
    
    As part of our comprehensive and enhanced heath and safety protocol, we have a contingency response plan in place with all the relevant authorities in the ports where the ships will call.

• • Which measures are required on board?

    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.​
    
    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. When ashore, guests must also follow any local regulations regarding face mask usage. These protocols are subject to change.

• • Are all areas and services available as usual?

    Yes, all the cruise facilities and services (buffet, restaurants, bars, pools, entertainment, kids clubs, Spa*, casino…) are available and fully operational. On board our ships you'll enjoy a unique holiday experience with total peace of mind. 
    
    On board services are subject to changes based on local regulations or other restrictions. 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. 
    
    *Thermal Area experiences are by appointment only.

• • Are there any restrictions to visit some ports?

    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. 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.