All aboard!: Do you need to be vaccinated to experience an MSC Cruise?

In light of the recent evolution of the COVID-19 virus, MSC Cruises has made a few changes in their policy regarding the 2021/22 South African cruise season.

Do you need to be vaccinated to board an MSC cruise?

In a statement released on 1 December 2021, MSC Cruises announced that all guests for its 2021/22 local cruise season must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 in addition to the requirement to also take a PCR test before their scheduled embarkation date.

The cruise line had previously announced on 20 October that it planned to welcome guests on board who had been vaccinated against COVID-19 as well as those who were unvaccinated but that this could be subject to change dependent on possible new health measures made by the South African government, as well as the evolution of the pandemic.

They also stated that vaccination-only cruises are in place for all of MSC Cruises’ winter voyages in Europe, North America, South America, the Caribbean and the Middle East.

Ross Volk, the Managing Director of MSC Cruises South Africa, said,

“Our health and safety protocol has led the way in the industry not just because we were the first major cruise line to resume international operations in summer 2020 but also because of its flexibility to adapt to the evolution of the pandemic ashore. This approach has reassured our guests, our crew and the destinations we visit all around the world.”

He went on to add that:

“South Africa is currently seeing an increase in infection rates ashore and to ensure the wellbeing of those on board our ship and at the communities we call, our preventative measures again demonstrates that health and safety is our number one priority.”

MSC Cruises resumed its South African sailings yesterday, 6 December, with its new health and safety measures on the popular MSC Orchestra.