Italy will give the green light to cruise ships imminently, according to the website specializing in the naval industry, TheMediTelegraph.
The scientific and technical committee reportedly made this decision after several meetings, approving the protocol created for the restart of cruises by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, the companies and the Port Authority.
The issue will be discussed today at the State Conference of Regions, and the ministerial decree will then establish the restart date, which will likely be immediate. If everything goes according to plan on Friday or earlier, the ships could set sail immediately, but obviously, the companies will need time to prepare everything before the first cruises take place. MSC Cruises and Costa have prepared their own protocols and are ready.
MSC Cruises is set to begin its cruises with the MSC Grandiosa departing from Genoa and calling at Italian ports and Malta, while the MSC Magnifica would depart from Bari and call at ports in Greece, including Trieste. Both Malta and Greece are open to receiving cruise ships. The cruise line's protocol is very strict, including three tests and isolation for crew members before they begin service (two PCR tests and one serological test), as well as testing for passengers (rapid tests at the terminal). Spanish passengers, given that Spain is classified as a High Risk area by the ECDC, would have to present a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of boarding. Furthermore, to ensure complete health control of passengers, they will only be allowed to disembark at port calls if they book excursions with the cruise line, which will offer three for €100. The company will also offer COVID-19 insurance for €18, covering any eventuality related to the virus.
