MSC Cruises announces week-long UK getaways and cruises departing from May 20 for British tourists, and has confirmed that guests will not need vaccinations and that cruises will be open to children.
Departing from its new terminal in the port of Southampton, MSC Cruises' first sailings will begin with a series of short cruises and will be followed by seven-night departures calling at a selection of UK ports, offering additional embarkation options.
Antonio Paradiso, Managing Director of MSC Cruises UK and Ireland, said: “It’s time for UK tourists to get back on board and enjoy a well-deserved break, and we look forward to welcoming them and their families back on board.”.
All passengers will be tested before boarding, and those who have not been vaccinated must present a negative test result taken within 72 hours of boarding. In addition to the test required by protocol and a 14-day quarantine before boarding, the crew will also undergo weekly testing, along with other ongoing health and safety measures.
Paradiso said: “Since restarting cruise operations in August of last year, we have sailed with more than 50,000 passengers under the protection of our industry-leading health and safety protocol.” They added: “Our industry-leading protocol was developed with input from international health experts—including our own Blue Ribbon expert group—and in close collaboration with relevant health, transport, and security authorities. It was designed to respond to a fluctuating health situation on land. This has allowed us to support the continuity of cruise operations in the Mediterranean to this day, safely welcoming guests onboard throughout the different phases of the pandemic’s evolution in various countries.”.
“Our UK customers can rest assured that we will continue to adapt our protocol in line with relevant requirements and guidance, to deliver the same seamless experience they are accustomed to when cruising.” “We continue to collaborate with the UK government and all relevant authorities as we assess the ever-changing travel landscape and prepare for any potential obstacles that may arise as we journey along the roadmap to recovery,” he said.
“More details about our UK sailings will be announced shortly, but we want to assure guests that offering flexibility remains our top priority, so they can feel confident booking their summer holiday with MSC Cruises.”
