The cruising industry has been hard hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, with many cruising companies having to repeatedly extend their suspension of services.
Aboard the MSC Grandiosa.
MSC Cruises is now planning to restart in time for the Mediterranean summer, and is preparing the MS Grandiosa and MS Magnifica to welcome visitors.
‘Please note that at the present time we are in the very final stages of review by the relevant authorities of our new health and safety operating protocol which will be deployed to our ships to support their return to operations, initially in the Mediterranean and as currently planned, from 16 August onwards,’ MSC said in a statement.
‘As a reminder, our new health and safety operating protocol has been designed on regional and national guidelines set forth amongst other by the EU Healthy Gateways, the European Union-funded Joint Action, and will also align with those issued by the European Maritime Safety Agency, EMSA. At the present time, we are waiting for final approval from the national authorities from the countries that our ships plan to visit along their East and West Mediterranean itineraries from the second half of August onwards,’ MSC added.
The itineraries for the Mediterranean programme include Greece and Malta. The cruises will initially only welcome visitors from Schengen countries, according to Cruise Industry News.
Passengers will have to undergo a strict health screening, including a temperature check, a health questionnaire and a COVID-19 swab test. Other safety measures have been implemented, including operating on a 70% capacity, enhanced medical facilities and free treatment for patients onboard.
South Africans could expect to be sailing again from October this year, but MSC South Africa will continue to monitor the situation closely.
Image credit: Twitter/MSC Cruises UK
