MSC Cruises Health and Safety Protocol

MSC Cruises, together with leading epidemiologists, virologists and engineers, has developed and implemented a special protocol for the protection of the health and safety of passengers and crew members, which strictly regulates all aspects of your journey: booking a cruise, boarding the ship, life on board, exits at ports and return home . The measures below apply to all cruises in the 2022/2023 season and are subject to change as the situation evolves. General requirements On all cruises in the coming months, all guests will be required to strictly adhere to boarding requirements. Cruises in the Mediterranean 2022/23 In addition to the MSC Cruises protocol requirements below, please review the entry and exit regulations for the country where the cruise is departing. Requirements for citizens of Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Moldova, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Israel and the EU (including residence permit holders). Boarding will be permitted if:

Negative result of a PCR test or antigen test taken no earlier than 48 hours before departure of the cruise. The rule applies to all passengers aged 5 years and older.
The original test (in paper format) must be presented at the cruise terminal prior to boarding. The certificate must be in English, Italian, German, French or Spanish and contain: the guest’s personal details (checked along with other travel documents), the date of the test, identification/contact details of the center that carried out the test, the methodology used and the negative test result.

Proof of full vaccinationapproved vaccine for a given region*, namely at least two doses of a two-component vaccine (there are no additional requirements for the timing of vaccination).
A vaccination certificate (in paper format) must be presented at the cruise terminal prior to boarding. The certificate must be in English, Italian, German, French or Spanish.

* Vaccines approved for this navigation region:

All two-component COVID-19 vaccines registered in the world by local health authorities (no WHO or EMA recognition required, including Sputnik V, Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Moderna, Novavax, Sinopharm, Sinovac, Covishield, etc.
Single-component vaccine Johnson & Johnson (COVID-19 Vaccine Janssen). One dose is enough for a cruise.

Note:
We strongly recommend that even vaccinated passengers have a negative PCR test result if they have doubts about the correct form or parameters of their vaccination certificate. For cruises on MSC LIRICA (Greece, Turkey, Cyprus, Israel) from 04/11/2022 to 10/21/2022 a detailed protocol is published separately. General requirements To visit Tunisia (MSC Opera), unvaccinated passengers over 18 years of age who are on a cruise due to a previous illness will need a negative antigen test (can be done at the port of Tunisia free of charge). Mediterranean Cruises on MSC LIRICA (Greece, Turkey, Cyprus, Israel from 05/23/2022 to 10/21/2022)In addition to the MSC Cruises protocol requirements below, please review the rules for entry and exit from the country where the cruise is departing. Requirements for citizens of Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Moldova, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Israel and the EU (including residence permit holders). Boarding will be permitted if:

Negative PCR or antigen test result taken within 48 hours of cruise departure. The rule applies to all passengers aged 5 years and older.
The original test (in paper format) must be presented at the cruise terminal prior to boarding. The certificate must be in English, Italian, German, French or Spanish and contain: the guest’s personal details (checked along with other travel documents), the date of the test, identification/contact details of the center that carried out the test, the methodology used and the negative test result.

Proof of full vaccination with an approved vaccine for the region*, namely at least two doses of a two-component vaccine (there are no additional requirements for the timing of vaccination).
A vaccination certificate (in paper format) must be presented at the cruise terminal prior to boarding. The certificate must be in English, Italian, German, French or Spanish.

* Vaccines approved for this navigation region:

All two-component COVID-19 vaccines registered in the world by local health authorities (no WHO or EMA recognition required, including Sputnik V, Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Moderna, Novavax, Sinopharm, Sinovac, Covishield, etc.)
Single-component vaccine Johnson & Johnson (COVID-19 Vaccine Janssen). One dose is enough for a cruise.

Note:
We strongly recommend that even vaccinated passengers have a negative PCR test result if they have doubts about the correct form or parameters of their vaccination certificate. Visiting Israel All passengers are required to complete the Israel Entry Declaration form corona.health.gov.il/en/flights within 48 hours prior to arrival at an Israeli port. At the start of the cruise in Israel (Haifa) To enter Israel, passengers must complete the Israel Entry Declaration corona.health.gov.il/en/flights within 48 hours before departure. Passengers are also required to complete a health declaration within 48 hours before boarding corona.health.gov.il/en/flights (the declaration must be completed as an Exit statement). Boarding time Tuesday (Kusadasi): 11:00 to 14:00 (counters close at 14:30)
Thursday (Haifa): 12:00 to 16:00 (counters close at 16:30)
Friday (Limassol): from 10:00 to 13:00 (counters close at 13:30)
Monday (Piraeus): 10:00 to 17:00 (counters close at 17:00) Northern Europe 2022/23 In addition to the MSC Cruises protocol requirements below, please review the entry and exit regulations for the country where the cruise is departing. Requirements for citizens of Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Moldova, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Israel and the EU (including residence permit holders). Boarding will be permitted if:

Negative PCR or antigen test result taken no earlier than 48 hours before cruise departure. The rule applies to all passengers aged 5 years and older.
The original test (in paper format) must be presented at the cruise terminal prior to boarding. The certificate must be in English, Italian, German, French or Spanish and contain: the guest’s personal details (checked along with other travel documents), the date of the test, identification/contact details of the center that carried out the test, the methodology used and the negative test result.

Proof of full vaccinationapproved vaccine for a given region*, namely at least two doses of a two-component vaccine (there are no additional requirements for the timing of vaccination).
A vaccination certificate (in paper format) must be presented at the cruise terminal prior to boarding. The certificate must be in English, Italian, German, French or Spanish.

* Vaccines approved for this navigation region:

All two-component COVID-19 vaccines registered in the world by local health authorities (no WHO or EMA recognition required, including Sputnik V, Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Moderna, Novavax, Sinopharm, Sinovac, Covishield, etc.)
Single-component vaccine Johnson & Johnson (COVID-19 Vaccine Janssen). One dose is enough for a cruise.

Note:
We strongly recommend that even vaccinated passengers have a negative PCR test result if they have doubts about the correct form or parameters of their vaccination certificate. UAE and Persian Gulf 2022/23 In addition to the MSC Cruises protocol requirements below, please familiarize yourself with the rules for entry and exit from the country where the cruise begins. Requirements for citizens of Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Moldova, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan and the EU (including residence permit holders). Boarding will be permitted if you have the following documents:

Confirmation of full vaccinationapproved vaccine for a given region* (there are no additional requirements for the timing of vaccination). The rule applies to all passengers 16 years of age and older.
The original certificate (in paper format) must be presented at the cruise terminal prior to boarding. The certificate must be in English, Italian, German, French or Spanish.
Negative result of a PCR test or antigen test taken no earlier than 48 hours before boarding the aircraft. The rule applies to all passengers from 5 years to 15 years old. Children 0-4 years old do not need to take the test. The original test (in paper format) must be presented at the cruise terminal prior to boarding. The certificate must contain a QR code. The certificate must be in English, Italian, German, French or Spanish and contain: the guest’s personal details (checked along with other travel documents), the date of the test, identification/contact details of the center that carried out the test, the methodology used and the negative test result.

*Vaccines approved for this navigation region, approved by WHO or UAE:

SPUTNIK V, two-component vaccine
Pfizer/BioNTech, two-component vaccine
AstraZeneca (COVID-19 Vaccine Vaxzevria), two-component vaccine
Moderna (COVID-19 Vaccine Spikevax), two-component vaccine
Johnson & Johnson (COVID-19 Vaccine Janssen), single-component vaccine
Sinopharm, two-component vaccine
Sinovac-CoronaVac, two-component vaccine
Covishield, a two-part vaccine
Covaxin, a two-part vaccine

Please note that “Sputnik Lite”, as an independent vaccine, is not included in the list of approved vaccines. But, if “Sputnik Lite” is delivered as a booster after two doses of the vaccine “SPUTNIK V”, then the passenger in this case is considered vaccinated. To enter countries included in the route, there may be requirements for mandatory completion of the PLF form (Passenger locator form), the passenger must independently monitor and comply with these requirements. At the start/end of the cruise in Qatar (Doha-Doha)To enter Qatar, both before and after the cruise, all passengers over 0 years of age will require a negative result of a PCR test taken no earlier than 48 hours before arrival in Qatar, or an antigen test taken no earlier than 24 hours before arrival in Qatar, paid for independently. Boarding time for MSC WORLD EUROPA

at the port of Dubai (Port Rashid)
Friday: from 13:00 to 18:30 (counters close at 19:00)
Saturday: from 09:00 to 19:30 (counters close at 20:00)

at the port of Abu Dhabi
Sunday: from 12:00 to 17:30 (counters close at 18:00)

in the port of Doha
Thursday: from 10:00 to 13:30 (counters close at 14:00)

Boarding time at MSC OPERA

at the port of Dubai (Port Rashid)
Sunday: from 09:00 to 17:30 (counters close at 18:00)

at the port of Abu Dhabi
Monday: from 12:00 to 17:30 (counters close at 18:00)

Red Sea 2022/23 In addition to the MSC Cruises protocol requirements below, please review the rules for entry and exit from the country where the cruise is departing. Requirements for citizens of Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Moldova, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Turkmenistan and the EU (including residence permit holders). Boarding will be permitted if:

Negative PCR or antigen test result taken no earlier than 48 hours before cruise departure. The rule applies to all passengers aged 5 years and older.
The original test (in paper format) must be presented at the cruise terminal prior to boarding. The certificate must be in English, Italian, German, French or Spanish and contain: the guest’s personal details (checked along with other travel documents), the date of the test, identification/contact details of the center that carried out the test, the methodology used and the negative test result.

Proof of full vaccination with an approved vaccine for the region*, namely at least two doses of a two-component vaccine (there are no additional requirements for the timing of vaccination).
A vaccination certificate (in paper format) must be presented at the cruise terminal prior to boarding. The certificate must be in English, Italian, German, French or Spanish.

* Vaccines approved for this navigation region:

All two-component COVID-19 vaccines registered in the world by local health authorities (no WHO or EMA recognition required, including Sputnik V, Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Moderna, Novavax, Sinopharm, Sinovac, Covishield, etc.)
Single-component vaccine Johnson & Johnson (COVID-19 Vaccine Janssen). One dose is enough for a cruise.

at Sokhna port
Saturday: from 10:00 to 15:30 (counters close at 16:00)

in the port of Safaga
Sunday: from 12:00 to 17:30 (counters close at 18:00)

in the port of Jeddah
Wednesday: from 12:00 to 16:30 (counters close at 17:00)

Caribbean from US ports 2022/23 In addition to the MSC Cruises protocol requirements below, please review the rules for entry and exit from the country where the cruise is departing. Please note that vaccination is still required for all travelers 18 years of age or older to enter the United States. Requirements for citizens of Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Moldova, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Israel and the EU (including residence permit holders). Boarding will be permitted if:

Negative PCR or antigen test result, made no earlier than 3 days before the departure of the cruise. The rule applies to all passengers 5 years and older. The original test (in paper format) must be presented at the cruise terminal prior to boarding. The certificate must be in English, Italian, German, French or Spanish and contain: the guest’s personal details (checked along with other travel documents), the date of the test, identification/contact details of the center that carried out the test, the methodology used and the negative test result.

Proof of full vaccination approved vaccine for a given region*, namely at least two doses of a two-component vaccine (there are no additional requirements for the timing of vaccination).
A vaccination certificate (in paper format) must be presented at the cruise terminal prior to boarding. The certificate must be in English, Italian, German, French or Spanish.

* Vaccines approved for this navigation region:

Pfizer/BioNTech, two-component vaccine
AstraZeneca (COVID-19 Vaccine Vaxzevria), two-component vaccine
Moderna (COVID-19 Vaccine Spikevax), two-part vaccine
Johnson & Johnson (COVID-19 Vaccine Janssen), single-component vaccine
Sinopharm, two-component vaccine
Sinovac/Coronavac, two-component vaccine
Covishield, a two-part vaccine
Novavax/Covovax, two-component vaccine

Note:
We strongly recommend that even vaccinated passengers have a negative PCR test result if they have doubts about the correct form or parameters of their vaccination certificate. Caribbean (Antilles, MSC Seaside) 2022/2023 In addition to the MSC Cruises protocol requirements below, please review the rules for entry and exit from the country where the cruise is departing. Requirements for citizens of Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Moldova, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Turkmenistan, as well as for EU citizens (including residence permit holders) Boarding will be permitted if:

Negative result of a PCR test or antigen test, taken no earlier than 48 hoursbefore the cruise departs. The rule applies to all passengers 5 years and older.
The original test (in paper format) must be presented at the cruise terminal prior to boarding. The certificate must be in English, Italian, German, French or Spanish and contain: the guest’s personal details (checked along with other travel documents), the date of the test, identification/contact details of the center that carried out the test, the methodology used and the negative test result.

Proof of full vaccination with an approved vaccine for the region*, namely at least two doses of a two-component vaccine (there are no additional requirements for the timing of vaccination).
A vaccination certificate (in paper format) must be presented at the cruise terminal prior to boarding. The certificate must be in English, Italian, German, French or Spanish.

* Vaccines approved for this navigation region:

All two-component COVID-19 vaccines registered in the world by local health authorities (no WHO or EMA recognition required, including Sputnik V, Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Moderna, Novavax, Sinopharm, Sinovac, Covishield, etc.)
Single-component vaccine Johnson & Johnson (COVID-19 Vaccine Janssen). One dose is enough for a cruise.

Note:
We strongly recommend that even vaccinated passengers have a negative PCR test result if they have doubts about the correct form or parameters of their vaccination certificate. At the start/end of the cruise in Saint Martin To enter Saint Martin, you must provide a negative result of a PCR test done 48 hours before arrival, or an antigen test done 24 hours before arrival. And also register in the Electronic Health Authorization System (EHAS) – https://stmaartenehas.com/application-form/. Check-in must be completed prior to departure to St. Maarten and confirmation may take 12 hours. This registration is also required for boarding. Visit Barbados, Saint Martin, Saint Vincent and the GrenadinesAll unvaccinated passengers over 5 years of age visiting these ports will be required to undergo PCR tests 24/48 hours prior to entry. Tests can be done on board (an additional charge of 25 euros per test). South America 2022/23 Requirements for citizens of Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Moldova, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Israel and the EU (including residence permit holders). Boarding will be permitted if:

Negative PCR or antigen test result taken no earlier than 24 hours before cruise departure. The rule applies to all passengers 3 years and older.
The original test (in paper format) must be presented at the cruise terminal prior to boarding. The certificate must be in English, Italian, German, French or Spanish and contain: the guest’s personal details (checked along with other travel documents), the date of the test, identification/contact details of the center that carried out the test, the methodology used and the negative test result.

Health insurance with full coverage of expenses related to Covid treatment.

Full vaccination with two doses of vaccine* is desirable, but optional. *Vaccines approved for this navigation region:

All two-component COVID-19 vaccines registered in the world by local health authorities (no WHO or EMA recognition required, including Sputnik V, Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Moderna, Novavax, Sinopharm, Sinovac, Covishield, etc.)
Single-component vaccine Johnson & Johnson (COVID-19 Vaccine Janssen). One dose is enough for a cruise.

Note:
To visit Uruguay, all passengers over 6 years of age will also need a negative PCR or antigen test result taken no earlier than 72 hours before arriving in Uruguay. An antigen test can be done on board for $25 per person (additional charge on board). South Africa 2022/23 Requirements for citizens of Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Moldova, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Israel and the EU (including residence permit holders). Boarding will be permitted if:

Negative result of a PCR test or antigen test, taken no earlier than 48 hoursbefore the cruise departs. The rule applies to all passengers 5 years and older.
The original test (in paper format) must be presented at the cruise terminal prior to boarding. The certificate must be in English, Italian, German, French or Spanish and contain: the guest’s personal details (checked along with other travel documents), the date of the test, identification/contact details of the center that carried out the test, the methodology used and the negative test result.

OR

Proof of full vaccination with an approved vaccine for the region*, namely at least two doses of a two-component vaccine (there are no additional requirements for the timing of vaccination).
A vaccination certificate (in paper format) must be presented at the cruise terminal prior to boarding. The certificate must be in English, Italian, German, French or Spanish.

* Vaccines approved for this navigation region:

All two-component COVID-19 vaccines registered in the world by local health authorities (no WHO or EMA recognition required, including Sputnik V, Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Moderna, Novavax, Sinopharm, Sinovac, Covishield, etc.)

Single-component vaccine Johnson & Johnson (COVID-19 Vaccine Janssen). One dose is enough for a cruise.

Note:
We strongly recommend that even vaccinated passengers have a negative PCR test result if they have doubts about the correct form or parameters of their vaccination certificate. Medical examination Medical examination of guests before boarding includes three stages:

temperature check,

filling out a health questionnaire

taking a PCR test for COVID-19.

Depending on the results of the screening and in accordance with the guest’s medical or travel history, a repeat medical examination or testing will be performed. Any guest who tests positive, exhibits symptoms or has a fever will be denied boarding. All crew members will be screened for COVID-19 prior to boarding and will also be screened regularly throughout the cruise. Following guidance from the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control, guests traveling from countries classified as high risk will be required to undergo a molecular PCR test, which must be carried out within 48 hours of arrival on the ship. Sanitary and hygienic measures Enhanced hygiene measures are supported by the introduction of new cleaning methods, the use of medical-grade disinfectants and on-board air purification using ultraviolet lighting technology that kills 99.97% of germs. Expansion of medical premisesExpanded medical facilities and medical services, well-trained, highly qualified staff, equipment to test, assess and treat suspected COVID-19 patients, and free treatment at the on-board medical center for any symptomatic guest. Special cabins are also available to allow passengers to be isolated if they are suspected of having the virus. Health monitoringContinuous health monitoring is performed throughout the cruise. Guests and crew members have their temperatures checked daily upon returning from shore. As an additional measure of protection and to avoid any risk to the health of guests, passengers may only go ashore on organized MSC Cruises excursions. In this way, MSC Cruises can guarantee the same high standards of health and safety for passengers ashore as they do on board. MSC Cruises ensures that transfer vehicles are disinfected and social distancing is properly ensured. Guides and drivers undergo medical examinations and wear the necessary personal protective equipment. Upon identification of a suspected case a contingency plan will be activated in close collaboration with local health authorities. The suspected case and their close contacts will be isolated and may be disembarked in accordance with local regulations. Guests are supported every step of the way with clear and concise information, clear booking conditions and technology support to make their journey enjoyable and hassle-free. Digital registration procedureUpon boarding, a new digital check-in procedure has been introduced to make the process faster and contactless. To optimize passenger flow, time intervals for arrival at the port have been established. Health and safety measures at the cruise terminal are maintained to the same high standards as those observed on board the ship. Guests will have their temperature taken and a health questionnaire completed by the passenger will be checked to confirm that the guest is healthy and fit to go on the cruise. If further checks are necessary, these will be carried out by medical staff and a COVID-19 test will be taken if necessary. On shore, guests will be able to enjoy a variety of attractions along the cruise itinerary, but only on MSC Cruises organized excursions, which will be conducted to the same high health and safety standards as on board. Customer-centric technology at the heart of health and safety measures Application MSC for Me, which can be used to book services before and during a cruise, as well as manage daily onboard activities and as a source of information, helps guests comply with health and safety measures. It must be downloaded and used from the moment you book your trip. In addition, on board MSC Cruises’ latest generation ships, every guest and crew member is provided with a complimentary MSC for Me wristband, which facilitates contactless onboard transactions and helps track passenger contacts and safe distances. Amazing experience on board Guests will continue to enjoy the unique cruise experiences that have always characterized MSC Cruises, including award-winning shows, world-class cuisine, family-friendly activities, boutique shopping, live entertainment and more. However, slight changes have been made to each process to ensure the health and safety of passengers is protected. In-flight entertainmentOnboard entertainment has been modified to accommodate smaller group sizes and must be booked in advance. A rich entertainment program is available throughout the cruise, including themed activities, fun games, talent shows, fitness, dancing and much more. Award-winning children’s activities and family game shows are offered daily. There are additional areas on board for children and teenagers, as all youth areas are operating at limited capacity. When going on an excursion, parents can still leave their children under the supervision of staff by reserving the service the day before the excursion. Supervised lunches and dinners will still be available for children, as will popular activities. MSC Cruises will continue to offer a wide range of live entertainment on board. Because theater capacity will be reduced, the entertainment schedule has been adjusted to ensure all guests can still enjoy a wide variety of world-famous shows. Restaurants, bars and lounge areas Restaurants, bars and lounges ensure social distancing between guests and food and beverages are served to guests at their table. In buffet restaurants, instead of self-service, guests will be able to choose their dishes and staff will arrange and plate the food while maintaining the highest standards of hygiene. For contactless service, guests can access the restaurant and bar menu from their personal mobile device by scanning a QR code. Restaurants, bars and lounges ensure social distancing between guests and food and beverages are served to guests at their table. In buffet restaurants, instead of self-service, guests will be able to choose their dishes and staff will arrange and plate the food while maintaining the highest standards of hygiene. For contactless service, guests can access the restaurant and bar menu from their personal mobile device by scanning a QR code.

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