Welcome in 
a Safe Bubble Cruise

Questions

• • Are there any travel restrictions under the new protocol, such as past medical history, current health status or age?

    In addition to the Health and Safety measures and travel requirements described on this page, 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.

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

    
    Before booking your cruise, please check HERE if you are allowed to embark according to your country of residence. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, there might be international travel restrictions depending on your cruise destination and your country of residence.
    
    In addition, travel requirements might be different according to your cruise destination. Please select your destination below:
    
     Mediterranean (add link to the destination pages)
    •Dubai, Abu Dhabi & Qatar
    •Red Sea & Saudi Arabia
    •Caribbean
    •Northern Europe
    •MSC Grand Voyages & MSC World Cruise

  • What is the MSC Covid-19 Protection Plan?

    To ensure your peace of mind as you look forward to your next holiday, MSC Cruises requires all guests to have an insurance policy that covers any COVID-19 related risks, including cancellation, repatriation and medical expenses. Before finalizing the reservation you can add to your cruise the MSC COVID-19 Protection Plan that will provide coverage for cancellation charges as well as medical and related transport expenses. Otherwise, you can liaise with any insurance company of your choice.
    
    Due to the COVID-19 pandemic that the world is still facing , MSC will extend the MSC Covid-19 Protection plan to the whole Summer 2021 & Winter 2021-22 seasons. 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, Emirates, Antilles, South America,Saudi Arabia, Red Sea and Grand Voyages cruises).

  • Are there any specific requirements for guests already vaccinated against COVID-19?

    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) 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.

• • Do guests need to provide any medical documents to show that they are COVID-19 negative at embarkation?

    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. All guests must undergo a contactless temperature check. All guests (as of 2 years old) will undertake a COVID-19 screening (antigen swab test) at the cruise terminal before boarding, to ensure they are healthy and fit to travel. Depending on the screening results, guests may participate in a secondary review with medical professionals or be denied boarding.​
    
    As of July 1st 2021 and 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 recovered 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 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.
    
    NEW PROTOCOL FOR NON-UK RESIDENT GUESTS FOR MSC VIRTUOSA GRAND VOYAGE
    
    For MSC Virtuosa Grand Voyage departing from Southampton on 14th September, all guests who are not UK residents over 12 years of age will be required to be fully vaccinated for at least 14 days from embarkation day. Moreover, a negative Covid test (molecular or antigen) taken within 72 hours before embarkation is requested.  Children between 2 and 11 years old will need a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours before embarkation to be allowed on board. It’s every guest’s responsibility to verify travel requirements before departure.
    
    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). ​
    
    The original test results, vaccination or recovery certificate must be presented at the terminal (paper or electronic format and must be in English, Italian, German, French or Spanish) in order to embark on the ship. The test certificate 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.

  • Is it possible to get tested during the cruise to comply with regulations for my travel back home?

    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.

  • 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.

  • What safety protocols will be implemented on transfers and shuttles?

    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

  • How are you cleaning and sanitising the guest cabins?

    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.

  • How often are you sanitising public areas?

    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.

  • What measures are you taking for the disembarkation process at the end of a cruise?​

    To ensure that all guests are disembarked safely and efficiently, we are providing detailed, step-by-step information, allocated time slots and a complimentary face mask for their journey home. ​ All luggage will be sanitised before departure and staff wearing appropriate protective equipment will direct guests to avoid congestions at the gangway.​ 
    
    Boarding for the next sailing will only commence once all guests have disembarked, avoiding any cross-over.​

  • 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 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.

• • 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.

  • Have you agreed with specific ports that they will welcome your ships that have positive cases on board for medical assistance ashore?

    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.

  • Do you have certified COVID-19 tests on board your ships?

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

  • How the health of everyone is monitored?

    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.

• • Will social distancing rules be applied onboard?

    We have redesigned activities, adapted our services and reduced venue capacity to ensure that our guests can easily adhere to current social distancing recommendations, both onboard and ashore. ​ 
    
    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.​

  • Will guests be required to wear a mask?

    MSC Cruises will organise activities to ensure that guests can practice responsible social distancing. Face masks will be required when in public areas, however masks do not need to be worn when seated in restaurants, bars, lounges, and when sitting on the sun deck.
    
    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.

• • How will the Main Dining experience change?​

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

  • Will the self-service buffet will be available?

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

  • Will Specialty Restaurants be open?

    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 your Speciality Restaurant.

  • Will there be any changes to the bars and lounges?

    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.

  • How I can pre-book my drinks or restaurants onboard?

    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.

  • How I can get the restaurant and drinks menu at bars and restaurants?

    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.

• • Will guests still be able to enjoy the theatre shows and other activities? ​

    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 ​

  • Will the Kids Club be open and what kind of kids’ activities will be available?

    Our Kids Club and family activities will welcome kids and parents in a healthy and safe environment fun and enjoyable experience.
    
    New measures include reduced capacity, a streamlined registration process, contactless temperature check and hand sanitizer provided upon entry. We're adding new exciting activities and family game shows that will be available for booking up to one day in advance. Toys and water will be provided by our staff, while we'll keep out personal belongings as an additional safety measure.
    
    Onboard services are subject to changes based on local regulations or other restrictions, in the context of the COVID-19 situation. Please note MSC Babycare (dedicated to babies and toddlers under 3 years old) won’t be temporarily available onboard our ships.

  • Will you still have Spa and Fitness services available to guests?

    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!
    
    *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.

  • Will guests be able to use the casino?

    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.

  • Will there be any restriction to visit some ports?

    Guests who are fully vaccinated will be able to go ashore independently and will need to follow the requirements of going ashore according to the countries they will visit.  To go ashore during the cruise, MSC Cruises highly recommends to participate in one of or MSC Shore Excursions to ensure the same high standards of health and safety ashore as on board. Not all destinations allow independent disembarkation and it may depend on the traveller’s vaccination status. Not fully vaccinated Guests will not be allowed to go ashore unless they purchase an MSC Excursion. Those Guests who are not fully vaccinated or who have unvaccinated children in their travelling party, will need to go ashore with an MSC Excursion to discover in a protected excursion. For example: A family of four, two adults and two children under 11 years old: All guests will be required to participate in an MSC Excursion for not fully vaccinated guests.
    
    For cruises in the Mediterranean it will be possible to go ashore only by participating in one of MSC Shore Excursions to ensure the same high standards of health and safety ashore as on board.
    
    MSC Cruises reserves the right not to admit on board any Guests who disembarked the ship on its own in breach of the above rules. When ashore, Guests are required to strictly adhere to the measures adopted by the tour guide and/or prescribed by the local Authorities.
    
    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 other excursions are open to those not in its possession, guaranteeing in both cases the highest health and safety standards. More information about the tours are available here. Please note that Guests holding the EU Digital COVID Certificate/Green pass or the equivalent COVID certificate (for extra Schengen countries Travelers), travelling with children over 12 years 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 the 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 EU 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.