According to a press release, MSC Cruises has confirmed its plans to restart sailings from US ports starting in August of this year on two ships.
Cruises will welcome both vaccinated and unvaccinated guests.
The announcement follows CDC approval of the company’s Phase 2A Port Agreements for Port Miami and Port Canaveral, as well as preliminary approval of its request to operate a simulation cruise to take place on the MSC Meraviglia from Port Miami on July 17, 2021 years.
“After what has been a challenging period, we are very pleased to announce that it is finally time to go cruising again. We are pleased to officially announce our relaunch this summer from the United States and Florida in particular, as vacationers become increasingly excited to get back on the road and plan a well-deserved vacation,” said Gianni Onorato, CEO of MSC Cruises.
“We want to thank our guests and partners, as well as Governor Ron DeSantis of the State of Florida, Mayor Danielle Levine Cava and officials of Miami Dade County, Port Miami and Port Canaveral. and the CDC for their strong support in bringing cruising back to the United States so we can get back to doing what we do best, providing our guests with incredible and enriching seaside experiences.”
New MSC Cruises itineraries from the USA on board MSC Meraviglia and MSC Divina will officially open for bookings on Wednesday, June 16, 2021
MSC Meraviglia will relaunch MSC Cruises beginning August 2, 2021, with 3 and 4 night cruises from Miami to the Bahamas and featuring MSC’s Ocean Cay Marine Sanctuary.
Beginning September 18, 2021, MSC Meraviglia will add 7-night cruises from Miami to the Bahamas and Caribbean Islands, including MSC’s Ocean Cay Marine Sanctuary.
MSC Divina will resume cruising from Orlando (Port Canaveral) on September 16, 2021, offering 3, 4 and 7-night cruises to the Bahamas and Caribbean Islands, as well as stops at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve.
“With our extensive experience cruising Europe since August 2020, as well as our industry-leading health and safety protocol, our guests can book with confidence knowing we are well prepared for a successful relaunch in USA,” said Ruben Rodriguez, President of MSC Cruises. USA. “To ensure maximum safety for our guests, we previously announced a fleet-wide vaccination program for all crew – thanks to the support of the State of Florida, local and port officials, and our partners – and we expect that the majority of our guests who have booked a cruise will this summer, they plan to get vaccinated before sailing. The rapid distribution of vaccines in the United States has been a positive step toward helping vacationers return to travel, and we encourage our guests to take advantage of this additional layer of protection as they resume travel this summer.”
MSC Cruises will provide further information on the cruise itinerary on board MSC Meraviglia and MSC Divina in the coming week, as well as health and safety measures and instructions for guests.
Those who are not vaccinated or cannot prove vaccination will be subject to requirements such as additional testing and restrictions to be announced at a later date.
