MSC Cruises has announced that it has begun a fleet-wide COVID-19 vaccination program for all crew members. This is an additional core element of the company's industry-leading health and safety protocol, which has supported MSC Cruises' operations since its first ship returned to service in August of last year.
This launch took its first steps when Captain Giuseppe Maresma, in charge of MSC Bellissima, and his entire crew completed their vaccination.
In this initial phase, MSC Cruises will prioritize crew members aboard the 10 ships scheduled for the 2021 summer holidays in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe, those slated to resume operations in the Caribbean outside of US ports, and others preparing for their restart. The crew of the flagship MSC Virtuosa will be vaccinated before the ship's maiden voyage, departing from Southampton on May 20, around the UK.
The plan is to vaccinate all MSC Cruises crew members on board ships already in operation, as well as those on ships preparing to resume operations in regions where the company has traditionally served, against COVID-19. This plan has been developed and will be implemented with the support of various national government authorities, destinations, and private entities.
Gianni Onorato, CEO of MSC Cruises, said: “As our ships prepare to welcome more and more passengers over the coming weeks and months, we are pleased to announce the start of a comprehensive vaccination plan for all our crew. Our aim is to add an extra layer of protection for both them and the travelers they will welcome on their holidays, as we lead the way in restarting the industry this summer.”.
“Our health and safety protocol spearheaded a safe resumption of cruising in the global industry last year, and this extensive vaccination program for our crew further demonstrates our commitment to their well-being, our passengers, and the communities our fleet of ships will visit in the coming months,” adds Gianni Onorato.
The CEO of MSC Cruises explains: “Last year, we focused on and invested in a health and safety protocol and worked tirelessly to engage with and obtain approval from various authorities to safely and responsibly resume sailing. Similarly, we have adopted this approach to vaccinations for our crew: planning, preparing, and implementing.”.
MSC Cruises became the first cruise line in the industry to resume international voyages in August 2020 when the company's flagship, MSC Grandiosa, set sail from Genoa for a 7-night Mediterranean cruise. Since then, the company has welcomed approximately 65,000 passengers on board for safe and relaxing cruise holidays at sea.
The company's 10 ships that will operate in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe this summer have confirmed itineraries and ports of call in Italy, Malta, Greece, Croatia, Montenegro, Germany and the United Kingdom, with plans to include France, Spain and more, as countries open their borders and ease their travel restrictions, whether international or otherwise.
