MSC Cruises Returns to Cruising

MSC Cruises Returns to Cruising
By Mike Miller

Cruising returned this past weekend as MSC Cruises returned to the Mediterranean 5 months after suspending operations. MSC is now sailing the Grandiosa to the Western Med and starting on August 29th, 2020, they will sail the Magnifica to the Eastern Med. Although these cruises are only for citizens of certain countries excluding the US and mostly the European Union, it does give hope for the much anticipated return to cruising.

The itineraries were designed primarily based on accessibility to ports to assist with passengers arrival and departures. This had to limit transportation needs. Below are the itineraries ports of call for each ship.

The Grandiosa is sailing to the 7 Night Western Mediterranean visiting the Italian ports of Genoa, Rome, Naples, Palermo, and Valetta.

Starting on August 29th, the Magnifica will sail the Eastern Med visiting the Greek ports of Corfu, Katakolan and Piraeus.

“We are very pleased to be able to start welcoming back guests for full-experience cruise vacations this summer on board two of our most popular ships — including our flagship MSC Grandiosa — and in the Mediterranean, the very region where our Company’s roots are and we have long been market leaders.”said MSC CEO Gianni Onorato who is currently sailing on the Grandiosa.

Of course with this return to cruising health guidelines and protocols have been put in place for the safety of the guest and crew.

• Universal COVID-19 Testing for Guest and Crew
• Excursion only debarkation and ports of call
• Plus limited capacity on the ships and much more.

The protocols and safety measures put in place meet European Maritime Safety Agency Guidance. Of course once cruising starts here in the US again, there will be standards the cruise lines will need to meet in order to sail The cruise lines are working with CDC to develop those protocols to bring cruising back as soon as safely possible.
​
For updates on cruise cancellations please visit my travel update page.

Freedom to Roam Travel
Mike Miller
(904) 534-4318
mike@freedomtoroamtravel.com