MSC Cruises is updating its health and safety protocols for sailings from U.S. ports in response to the CDC’s lifting of requirements for the cruise industry. MSC Cruises’ top priority remains to protect the health and safety of its guests, crew and the communities the Company’s ships visit.
MSC Cruises Updates Health & Safety Protocols
The updated policy will go into effect for cruises embarking from U.S. ports beginning August 8, 2022, pending destination requirements. MSC Cruises will continue to monitor pandemic conditions and port requirements outside of the U.S., with a goal to relax testing and vaccination protocols to open cruising to all guests, while prioritizing the health and safety of its guests, crew and destinations. Details of the changes include:
- Unvaccinated guests 2 years and older must show proof of a lab-administered negative COVID-19 viral test (NAAT or antigen) taken within 3 days of embarkation for all cruises from U.S. ports. MSC Cruises recommends unvaccinated guests to test within 1 day of departure, when possible.
- Fully vaccinated guests sailing 6 nights or longer from U.S. ports must show proof of a lab-administered negative COVID-19 viral test (NAAT or antigen) taken within 3 days of embarkation. MSC Cruises recommends vaccinated guests to test within 1 day of embarkation, when possible.
- For fully vaccinated guests sailing 5 nights or less from U.S. ports, COVID-19 testing within 3 days of embarkation is recommended, but not required.
MSC Cruises’ current vaccination requirements will remain in place for sailings from U.S. port. All guests 12 years and older must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. MSC Cruises recommends that fully vaccinated guests receive booster doses when eligible to do so, per CDC recommendations. MSC Cruises crew are fully vaccinated and regularly tested.
Guests can book with confidence knowing that MSC Cruises will operate under its industry-leading health and safety protocols, enabling 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.
