MSC Cruises is updating its health and safety protocols for sailings from U.S. ports in response to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) lifting of requirements for the cruise industry.
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.
As part of the updated protocols, unvaccinated guests two years and older must show proof of a lab-administered negative COVID-19 viral test (NAAT or antigen) taken within three days of embarkation for all cruises from U.S. ports. MSC Cruises recommends unvaccinated guests to test within one day of departure, when possible.
Fully vaccinated guests sailing six nights or longer from U.S. ports must show proof of a lab-administered negative COVID-19 viral test (NAAT or antigen) taken within three days of embarkation. MSC Cruises recommends vaccinated guests to test within one day of embarkation, when possible.
For fully vaccinated guests sailing five nights or less from U.S. ports, COVID-19 testing within three 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.