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What To Know Before You Go

(For cruises departing from the U.S.)
Please carefully review our travel requirements, health and safety protocols and FAQs below. This will ensure you are fully prepared for your cruise, have a seamless embarkation experience and know what to expect on board.

 

MSC Cruises highly recommends guests are fully vaccinated in order to enjoy a superior experience while sailing with us.  Guests who are not fully vaccinated will be required to purchase our Travel Insurance & COVID-19 Protection Services and will be subject to more stringent protocols which will be in place by the time you cruise.  At the moment, these include but are not limited to the wearing of masks, the required purchase of MSC sponsored shore excursions in order to go ashore and required testing upon embarkation and while on board.  Additional details will follow.

 

Please note that any guest, independent of vaccination or recovery status, who has COVID-19 symptoms and is confirmed positive with onboard testing will be isolated on board and disembarked at the home port at the end of the cruise (unless significant medical care is required before the end of the cruise, thus requiring emergency medical evacuation from the ship before the end of the cruise).  These cases and close contact will be managed according to MSC Cruises Health & Safety Protocol. 

PRE-CRUISE REQUIREMENTS
All guests sailing must provide relevant documentation as per below and based on your individual case. Guests that do not present one of the following, will not be allowed boarding.  
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FULLY VACCINATED
5% + up to 15% cruise discount on Voyages Selection departures
5% + up to 15% cruise discount on Voyages Selection departures
MSC Voyagers Club e-newsletter
MSC Voyagers Club card
covid_non_vaccinated_small
Not Fully Vaccinated
Complimentary fresh fruit basket per cabin once per cruise
Embarking and disembarking guests will not cross the same walking paths
50€/$ onboard credit p.p. on Voyages Selection departures
You must complete web check-in at least 48 hrs. prior to your cruise
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COVID-19 RECOVERED WITHIN 90 DAYS OF CRUISE
Priority disembarkation in ports where a tender boat is required
Complimentary one-hour thermal area session once per cruise
Complimentary birthday cake
Complimentary birthday cake

MSC CRUISES COVID-19 REASSURANCE DETAILS FOR FULLY VACCINATED AND COVID-19 RECOVERED WITHIN 90 DAYS OF SAILING

For sailings on or before October 31, 2021, the following MSC Cruises COVID-19 Reassurance will be provided at no extra charge for fully vaccinated guests (with required proof of vaccination) as it relates to COVID-19 protection services:

• 100% cruise fare refund or future cruise credit for you, and your Travelling Party*, if any of you tests positive for COVID-19 within 14 days prior to the cruise or at the boarding terminal.
• Pro-rated cruise fare refund or future cruise credit for anyone who has their cruise cut short due to testing positive for COVID-19 or being suspected of having COVID-19 during the cruise.
• If you test positive for COVID-19 during the cruise, MSC Cruises will cover COVID-19 related costs as follows:  emergency medical transportation (up to $10,000), medical treatment (up to $10,000), any required land-based quarantine, including lodging and meals (up to $4,000), and transportation home for you and your Travelling Party (up to $1,000). View description coverage/policy here.


*Traveling Party is defined as all family members and one non-family member travel companion booked in the same cabin as the guest.    

 


COVID-19 RECOVERED WITHIN 90 DAYS OF CRUISE: 
* CDC requirements for COVID-19 recovered guests in the last 90 days:

1. Paper or electronic copies of your previous positive viral test result (dated no more than 90 days ago), AND
2. A signed letter, on official letterhead that contains the name, address, and phone number of a licensed healthcare provider or public health official, stating that you have been cleared to end isolation and therefore can travel. A letter that states that you have been cleared to end isolation to return to work or school is also acceptable.

TERMINAL & EMBARKATION REQUIREMENTS
Fully Vaccinated
5% + up to 15% cruise discount on Voyages Selection departures
5% + up to 15% cruise discount on Voyages Selection departures
5% + up to 15% cruise discount on Voyages Selection departures
covid_non_vaccinated_small
Not Fully Vaccinated
Milestone reward
covid_recovered
COVID-19 RECOVERED WITHIN 90 DAYS OF CRUISE
5% + up to 15% cruise discount on Voyages Selection departures
5% + up to 15% cruise discount on Voyages Selection departures
ONBOARD, ASHORE & DISEMBARKATION REQUIREMENTS
covid_fully_vaccinated
Fully Vaccinated
5% + up to 15% cruise discount on Voyages Selection departures
5% + up to 15% cruise discount on Voyages Selection departures
MSC Voyagers Club e-newsletter
covid_non_vaccinated
NOt fully VACCINATED
You must complete web check-in at least 48 hrs. prior to your cruise
Milestone reward
covid_recovered
COVID-19 RECOVERED WITHIN 90 DAYS OF CRUISE
You must complete web check-in at least 48 hrs. prior to your cruise
5% + up to 15% cruise discount on Voyages Selection departures
Milestone reward

Please note that because of the unpredictability of the current worldwide pandemic, changes in rules and regulations implemented by countries may affect your ability to disembark at a port of call or your ability to visit certain areas of a country.

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Bella Experience

Available with Balcony, Ocean View

with Partial View and Interior cabins.

  • Restaurants & Bars
    • To maintain health and safety standards, MSC Cruises has adapted processes for ordering, preparing, delivering, consuming and paying for food and beverage service
    • A new seating layout allows 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
    • You will be required to wear a mask throughout the cruise while indoors and in public areas. Mask use is not required outdoors but is recommended for not fully vaccinated guests. Where social distancing is not possible outdoors, mask use is recommended for all guests.
  • Entertainment & Activities
    • Newly designed onboard activities and entertainment for smaller group sizes have been created
    • A wide array of activities including shows, entertainment and the Kids Club will be available by reservation at no extra charge
    • The capacity of the theater will be reduced to ensure responsible social distancing and the entertainment schedule will be extended so you can still enjoy a great variety of award-winning shows
    • All recreational and sporting equipment, fitness machines, toys, games and Kids Club equipment will be disinfected after each use


  • Onboard Areas & Pools
    • All open decks will be accessible
    • Pools, whirlpools and the Aquapark will be available with reduced occupancy for social distancing
    • Sun beds will be separated in clusters
    • All outdoor furniture will be disinfected after every use and deeper disinfection will take place every night

     

  • Guest Services & Cutting-Edge Technologies
    • Download our app MSC For Me (or use our interactive touchscreens and in-stateroom smart TV onboard) to easily find information while avoiding queues*
    • 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 channels (mobile app, in-stateroom smart TV, interactive touchscreens) is available on MSC Meraviglia, MSC Bellissima, MSC Grandiosa, MSC Seaview, MSC Seaside, MSC Splendida, MSC Virtuosa and MSC Seashore and MSC Magnifica (limited version).
Experience, Bella | MSC Cruises

Aurea 2020

  • Elevated Standards of Cleanliness
    • New cleaning methods including the use of hospital-grade disinfectants, electrostatic sprayers, increased cleaning frequency and a focus on high-traffic, frequently-touched areas
    • Staterooms cleaned daily, with additional deep sanitation at the end of each cruise
    • 100% fresh, external air supplied to all staterooms and public spaces, with no re-circulation
    • Hand sanitizer dispensers available around the ship
  • Enhanced Medical Supplies & Services
    • Fully equipped Medical Center, including COVID-19 testing equipment, ventilators and increased number of highly trained staff on board
    • Comprehensive isolation and quarantine procedures and a response plan in place with local authorities that will be activated in case of suspected or confirmed COVID-19 situations

faq

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

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Can anyone residing outside of the U.S. embark on a Bahamas or Caribbean cruise?

Currently, only U.S. residents can cruise in The Bahamas and the Caribbean. Starting September 16, international guests will be welcomed on board Bahamas & Caribbean cruises.
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Is insurance required in order to travel?

MSC Cruises strongly recommends that  guests  have health insurance provided through their own insurance provider. You can purchase MSC Cruises Travel Insurance & COVID-19 Protection Services (view description of coverage/policy below) or purchase travel insurance through your Travel Advisor or other insurance provider.

 

Not fully vaccinated guests (ages 12 and above) are required to purchase MSC Cruises Travel Insurance & COVID-19 Protection Services. You may not purchase any coverage outside of MSC Cruises. If you do not purchase MSC Cruises Travel Insurance & COVID-19 Protection Services, you will be denied boarding. This must be purchased prior to making final payment on your cruise. If you’ve already booked your cruise and have not purchased travel insurance, you may call 877-665-4655 if you booked direct with MSC Cruises or contact your Travel to add this to your booking prior to final payment.


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What is MSC Cruises Travel Insurance & COVID-19 Protection Services?

Click here to find more information regarding our Travel Insurance & COVID-19 Protection Services.


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How will you confirm if I'm vaccinated, not fully vaccinated or COVID-19 recovered?

Fully vaccinated and COVID-19 recovered guests (within 90 days of cruise) will be required to upload their vaccination card or proof of COVID-19 recovery prior to the cruise. In addition please note that proof of vaccination or proof of COVID-19 recovery with doctor’s note* must also be presented  at the terminal during the check-in process

 

* CDC requirements for COVID-19 recovered guests in the last 90 days:

1. Paper or electronic copies of your previous positive viral test result (dated no more than 90 days prior to sailing), AND

2. A signed letter, on official letterhead that contains the name, address, and phone number of a licensed healthcare provider or public health official, stating that you have been cleared to end isolation and therefore can travel. A letter that states that you have been cleared to end isolation to return to work or school is also acceptable

ONBOARD MEDICAL SERVICES

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

The precautionary health and safety steps in the protocol are designed to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 transmission on board. If someone should fall sick, we have a fully equipped onboard 24/7 Medical Center 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 immediately notify the Medical Center and free treatment will be provided. If the onboard medical team determines a suspected COVID-19 case, a comprehensive isolation procedure and response plan, including contact tracing, will be activated in close cooperation with the health authorities.

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

Yes. We have FDA and CDC approved COVID-19 testing reagents and equipment on board.
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How is each guests health monitored onboard?

All MSC Cruises ships are equipped with state-of-the-art medical services and an increased number of qualified medical staff onboard, supported by a 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 Center and free treatment will be provided.

SOCIAL DISTANCING

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Will social distancing rules be applied onboard? 

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

You will be reminded of social distancing guidelines at the time of booking and during your cruise through signage, public announcements, in-stateroom TV and staff engagement.
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Will guests be required to wear a mask?

You will be required to wear a mask throughout the cruise while indoors and in public areas. Mask use is not required outdoors but is recommended for not fully vaccinated guests. Where social distancing is not possible outdoors, mask use is recommended for all guests.
Please note that during embarkation, disembarkation and at all times when in the terminal, all guests must wear a mask and practice social distancing.

DINE & DRINK

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How will the Main Dining experience change?

Our main dining 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 have enhanced the cleaning and disinfecting of all venues, providing appropriate protective equipment to all servers and increasing the number of hand sanitizer stations at all restaurants.

Guests are required to wear face masks when entering the venue but are not required when seated in the restaurants.

 

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Will the self-service at the buffet be available?

Food will be plated and served by our crew at the buffet.

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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 or by logging in after you've made your booking. Keep in mind, you can save up to 15% vs. onboard prices!
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Will there be any changes to the bars and lounges?

Our bars will be open and ready to serve our guests with their favorite 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 for vaccinated and COVID-19 recovered guests. Not fully vaccinated guests must wear face masks.

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

You can save time by personalizing your cruise before getting on board. Manage your booking online and easily add drink packages or dining experiences, book shore excursions with our special pre-cruise rates. 

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How can I get the restaurants 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 while on board. Before the cruise, MSC Cruises invites all guests to download the free MSC for Me app to browse all onboard restaurants, bars and lounges and to ensure a seamless onboard experience including making restaurant reservations.

ENTERTAINMENT, SERVICES & EXCURSIONS

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

Yes, guests will enjoy our onboard award-winning entertainment with a few modifications:

 

- Reduced theatre capacity to allow for empty seats between guests

- Extended entertainment program so tall guests can enjoy our award-winning shows

- Pre-booking of shows and activities to manage the number of participants


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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 while ensuring a fun and enjoyable experience.

New measures include reduced capacity, a streamlined registration process, contactless temperature check and hand sanitization 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 personal belongings are not permitted as an additional safety measure.

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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 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 disinfected 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.

 

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

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Will guests be able to use the casino?

The casino remains fully functional under the new protocol with added disinfection and social distancing measures in place, including frequent disinfecting of chips, replacing playing cards on a regular basis and a reduced number of seats at gaming tables.
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Will there be any restrictions to visit some ports?

Fully vaccinated or COVID-19 recovered guests in the last 90 days are free to go ashore in each port of call, including our exclusive private island, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, or enjoy one of our many offered shore excursions.

 

Not fully vaccinated guests will not be allowed to go ashore unless they purchase a shore excursion through MSC Cruises.   On Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, not fully vaccinated guests may spend the day as they wish or purchase one of our many offered shore excursions. .