The Mediterranean Cruise Company (MSC) has announced its return to South African shores following government approval, according to IOL. MSC Cruises will resume with homeports in both Durban and Cape Town on 6 December 2021.
The MSC Orchestra – a popular choice for South African travellers – will offer two, three, four, and seven-night cruises from South Africa to Mozambique. However, due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, MSC has put in numerous extra preventative measures to ensure both a safe and enjoyable journey. In a statement, the Managing Director of MSC Ross Volk said the following: ‘We have worked co-operatively since last year with all of the relevant authorities, ports and destinations to demonstrate that our new health and safety protocol can ensure the wellbeing of guests, our crew and the communities that MSC Orchestra will visit during the season. We now look forward to receiving details of the health and safety guidelines that will allow us to finalise our protocol for the start of our sailing programme.’
Whilst it is not yet mandated for passengers to be fully vaccinated prior to a cruise journey, MSC encourages all guests to be fully vaccinated for their own safety, as well as the safety of others. Irrespective of vaccination status, all passengers will be subjected to a rapid PCR Covid test no later than 72 hours before departure. Proof of negative results is a necessary condition to board the MSC Orchestra.
Guests over 18 who are unvaccinated will be subject to further testing which includes an antigen test at the embarkation port, priced R300. All guests are required to have an insurance policy instated to cover things such as, but not limited to, cancellation and medical assistance.
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