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Another major cruise line has announced the resumption of cruises in the U.S. this summer following the news that the CDC has granted more cruise lines permission to begin test cruises.
MSC, the third-largest cruise company by capacity, just announced plans to restart cruising from Florida on two of its most glamourous ships.
MSC Will Restart Cruises In Florida Starting In August
MSC has completed port agreements PortMiami and Port Canaveral, which is part of the CDC’s Phase 2A in the Conditional Sailing order. The company has also received provisional approval from the CDC to conduct a simulation cruise on the MSC Meraviglia from PortMiami on July 17, 2021.
If that proves successful, MSC will restart its first cruise on August 2nd with 3- and 4-night cruises from Miami to The Bahamas on the MSC Meraviglia. These cruises will include a stop in MSC Cruises’ exclusive new private island destination, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve.
Starting September 18, 2021, MSC Meraviglia will add a 7-night cruise from Miami to The Bahamas and Caribbean, including a stop at Ocean Cay.
The MSC Divina will resume voyages from Orlando (Port Canaveral) on September 16, offering 3-, 4- and 7-night cruises to The Bahamas and the Caribbean with stops at Ocean Cay.
These cruises will officially open for booking on Wednesday, June 16.
“After what has been a challenging period, we’re thrilled to say it’s finally time to cruise again. We are excited to be officially announcing our restart this summer from the U.S., and Florida in particular, as excitement is building for vacationers to get back to traveling and plan a much-deserved getaway,” said Gianni Onorato, CEO of MSC Cruises in a press release.
“We want to thank our guests and partners, as well as Governor Ron DeSantis and the State of Florida, Mayor Daniella Levine Cava and Miami Dade County, PortMiami and Port Canaveral port officials. and the CDC for their strong support in bringing cruising back to the U.S. so we can get back to doing what we do best, providing our guests incredible and enriching vacations at sea.”
MSC Is Welcoming Both Vaccinated And Unvaccinated Travelers
In the press release, MSC announced that the cruises will welcome both vaccinated and non-vaccinated passengers.
Those who are not vaccinated or unable to verify vaccination will be subject to requirements such as additional testing, as well as restrictions, which will be announced at a later date.
“With our vast experience cruising in Europe since August 2020 along with our industry-leading health and safety protocol, our guests can book with confidence knowing we are well prepared for a successful restart in the U.S.,” said Rubén Rodriguez, president of MSC Cruises USA.
“To ensure the safest experience for our guests, we previously announced a fleet-wide vaccination program for all crew — thanks to the support of The State of Florida, local government and port officials, and our partners,— and we expect that the majority of our guests booking a cruise this summer will plan to be vaccinated prior to sail. The rapid distribution of vaccines in the U.S. has been a positive step toward helping vacationers get back to traveling, and we encourage our guests to take advantage of this added layer of protection when resuming travel this summer.”
Details of MSC’s current health and safety protocol can be found here. The company led the cruise industry with a successful relaunch in Europe last summer.
Read More:
Covid-19 Travel Insurance – Everything You Need To Know
6 Royal Caribbean Cruise Ships Will Resume U.S. Operations From July
Royal Caribbean Announces Vaccines Optional For Texas and Florida Cruises
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