MSC Cruises – Cruises Only

MSC Cruises is requiring passengers to test negative for COVID-19 in advance of boarding.

Enhanced Screening Protocols

A mandatory health questionnaire (sent before the cruise).
Newly designed processes for embarkation with assigned arrival times at the port to minimize contact, enable responsible social distancing and enforce enhanced sanitation measures that follow the same high standards as on board

Temperature Screening

Contactless temperature checks for a comprehensive health screening before embarkation
Boarding will be denied to any guest showing signs of illness such as fever (≥5 F°) or flu-like symptoms, including chills, cough or difficulty breathing, or to any guest that has been exposed to a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19 in the 14 days prior to embarkation

Online check-in and staggered embarkation

Booking process will be updated with additional information. Collection of all guests’ contact details will become mandatory in case of updates linked to the COVID-19 situation.
Web check-in will be highly recommended for a smooth and contactless experience on the embarkation day.
Booking onboard packages prior to the cruise will be highly encouraged to reduce interactions, minimize long lines and secure space.

Increased Sanitation Measures

New sanitation methods including electrostatic sprayers and the use of hospital-grade disinfectant products to kill bacteria and viruses.
Increased frequency of cleaning throughout the whole ship by well-trained housekeeping staff with a focus on high-traffic and frequently touched areas; public spaces sprayed with disinfectant each night
Staterooms cleaned twice daily with careful attention to regularly touched surfaces and additional deep cleaning at the end of the cruise

Facility Upgrades

100% external fresh air supplied to all staterooms and public areas, additionally sanitized through UV-C light technology that kills 99.97% of all microbes and no re-circulation of air between staterooms or within the ship
Dedicated isolation zones with separate air supply for suspected cases
Technology such as MSC for Me* (mobile app, in-stateroom TV, interactive screens) will help guests plan and book their favorite activities.
Installed on MSC Seashore a new innovative technology sanitation system called ‘Safe Air’ to further improve the quality and cleanliness of the onboard air for its guests and crew.
- What is ‘Safe Air’? Based on the technology of UV-C lamps, air flow is radiated at source with a short wavelength light that hits organic particles and prevents the circulation of air pollutants such as viruses, bacteria and mold.

Food Service

Service will be adapted to respect social distancing.
All meals and drinks will be served to guests at their table.
Self-service buffet will be temporarily unavailable but there will be options for some take-away food throughout the day.
To minimize risks, MSC Cruises has adapted the processes for ordering, preparing, delivering, consuming and paying for food and beverage services.

Temperature Screening

Crew Screening

Extensive screening and medical checks, including testing prior to embarkation, in addition to ongoing health monitoring and temperature checks

Responsible Social Distancing

A new Remote Guest Service Center will be available by telephone and remote desks will be set up on embarkation day to manage in-person questions in order to avoid lines at the Guest Services desk.
Newly designed activities with smaller group sizes will be introduced with themed events, fun games, kids and family activities, talent shows, fitness, dance, sports and more.
Theater shows, entertainment, kids club and activities will be available through pre-booking.
To ensure proper social distancing among guests, the capacity of the theater will be reduced, more performances of the shows will be offered, as well as live streamed around the ship.
All open decks will be accessible and pools, whirlpool baths and the aqua park will be
available with a reduced occupancy to ensure social distancing.
Sunbeds will be separated to respect social distancing and sanitized after every use, with a deeper sanitation nightly.

Enhanced Medical Resources

Increased number of qualified medical staff onboard, supported by dedicated Medical Team ashore, all trained to deal with COVID-19 with a response plan that will be activated with local authorities
Fully equipped Medical Center, including COVID-19 testing equipment and ventilators
Free treatment is available in the Medical Center to any guest with flu-like symptoms
Comprehensive isolation procedures for suspected cases

Enhanced Health & Safety Trainings and Continued Education for Crew Members

All crew will wear protective equipment where appropriate, such as face masks and gloves
Comprehensive training for all crew on the new enhanced protocol

Extended Ship to Shore Safety

It is recommended that guests go ashore with an MSC Cruises Shore Excursion, as they will follow the same high standards of health and safety as on board.