In a significant milestone, the first major cruise ship to set sail in the Mediterranean since the pandemic departed from the city of on a seven-day voyage. MSC Grandiosa, operated by MSC Cruises, will stop at three Italian ports and in . Another cruise, MSC Magnifica, will set sail from Bari and Trieste on 29 August.
The two ships have implemented rigorous health and safety protocols. All passengers undergo COVID-19 testing prior to boarding, daily temperature checks, and complete a health questionnaire that is reviewed by medical professionals. Moreover, passengers must arrive at the cruise terminal during their scheduled time slots. The new health measures also include sanitation of luggage and providing guests with an MSC for Me wristband, which enables contactless onboard options, such as opening their cabin doors and making payments. This wristband further aids in proximity and contact tracing if necessary.
All crew members are subjected to extensive health screenings, which consist of three COVID-19 tests at different phases and a period of isolation before they start their duties. Furthermore, each crew member is regularly tested, and their health is closely monitored. MSC Grandiosa is currently accommodating approximately 2,500 passengers, roughly 70% of its standard capacity, and shore visits at each destination are exclusively allowed through MSC Cruises-organized excursions. The itinerary includes Genoa, Civitavecchia/, , , and Valletta. Meanwhile, MSC Magnifica will depart from Bari and Trieste, visiting the Greek ports of , Katakolon, and .
For the initial phase of operations, both ships are welcoming only guests who reside in Schengen countries. Their itineraries have been thoughtfully crafted to prioritize accessible ports, minimizing the necessity for guests to rely on public transportation or flights. Furthermore, the ships’ protocols have received approval from relevant national authorities in the countries they visit and are designed to ensure the safety of all passengers while ensuring that local communities are comfortable with their presence ashore.
Gianni Onorato, MSC Cruises’ CEO, stated, “Our primary objective during these past months has been to establish the necessary measures to protect the health and safety of our guests, crew, and the communities we visit. However, we are also committed to providing our guests with a cruise vacation they can enjoy, allowing them to experience all the elements they love, from onboard entertainment to protected excursions ashore.”
