MSC Cruises, the world’s third largest and fastest-growing cruise brand, will update health and safety protocols for U.S. residents on cruises departing from U.S. ports to the Caribbean and the Bahamas. The cruise line will relax COVID-19 testing and vaccination requirements for U.S. residents on sailings beginning September 1, in line with public health guidelines in its home ports and destinations. While no longer required, MSC Cruises still recommends all U.S. residents be fully vaccinated and tested prior to sailing. Requirements for non-U.S. residents remain unchanged.
MSC Cruises Relaxes Protocols
Updated guidelines for MSC Cruises’ sailings departing from U.S. ports to the Caribbean and the Bahamas on or after September 1 include:
U.S. Residents:
- Vaccination is recommended but no longer required.
- Pre-cruise testing is recommended, but not required for travelers who are fully vaccinated. Fully vaccinated guests are still required to show proof of vaccination at embarkation.
- Unvaccinated guests are required to show proof of a negative COVID-19 viral test (NAAT or antigen) taken within 3 days of embarkation.
- Guests under the age of 2 are exempt from testing requirements.
Non-U.S. Residents:
- Full vaccination is required for guests 12 years and older.
- Regardless of vaccination status, guests 2 years and older must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 viral test (NAAT or antigen) taken within 3 days of embarkation.
- Guests under the age of 2 are exempt from testing requirements.
All policies are subject to local destination requirements. MSC Cruises will continue to monitor these requirements carefully and will advise guests and Travel Advisors of any changes.
MSC Cruises will continue to monitor pandemic conditions and port requirements and recommends fully vaccinated guests receive booster doses when eligible, per CDC recommendations. More than 95 percent of MSC Cruises’ crew are fully vaccinated, and all crew are regularly tested.
Guests can book with confidence with MSC Cruises for safe and enjoyable cruising. Guests should refer to the website for the latest health and safety requirements at: USA Health and Safety Measures. Booked guests should also monitor all pre-cruise email communications for the latest information.
