MSC Cruises has confirmed that the MSC Grandiosa will visit Barcelona for Saturday port calls and passenger embarkation as part of its Western Mediterranean itinerary, beginning June 26. All operations will be conducted in accordance with relevant government requirements and will include the implementation of MSC Cruises' industry-leading health and hygiene protocol. These voyages will be available to both Spanish and other travelers, regardless of vaccination status. Sales for these itineraries will open this coming Monday, June 7, 2021.
Fernando Pacheco, Managing Director of MSC Cruises Spain, emphasizes: “Following the Spanish government’s announcement this past weekend, I am personally very proud to be able to bring one of our newest ships, MSC Grandiosa, to Barcelona so that our valued Spanish passengers can comfortably embark on Saturdays and experience their Mediterranean itinerary. This is a journey that tens of thousands of passengers from other countries have safely enjoyed since August of last year, when it became the first ship to resume operations in the Mediterranean under the protection of our pioneering health and hygiene protocol. MSC Grandiosa is one of the most innovative and environmentally advanced ships in the MSC Cruises fleet, and we couldn’t be more delighted to offer Spanish tourists and their families the opportunity to discover its world-class facilities, which have set a benchmark for cruising in the new normal.”.
Departing from Barcelona on a seven-night itinerary, the ship will visit Mediterranean gems beloved by Spanish travelers, whether visiting for the first time or revisiting them, following the route Genoa, Civitavecchia/Rome, Naples, Palermo, Valletta (Malta), and back to Barcelona. Furthermore, starting July 30, the MSC Grandiosa will also add Valencia to the itinerary, with embarkation on Fridays. Thus, the seven-night itinerary will offer new features from July 31, as the route includes stops in Barcelona, Genoa, La Spezia (to visit Florence and Pisa), Civitavecchia/Rome, and back to Valencia.
The MSC Grandiosa is one of the company's newest ships; launched in November 2019, it features an iconic Mediterranean-style promenade covered by a stunning 93-meter LED screen dome that displays different designs throughout the day and night. The MSC Grandiosa boasts state-of-the-art facilities and is truly a destination in itself. With an unparalleled array of dining, leisure, and entertainment options, passengers can relax in one of the five swimming pools, spend the afternoon browsing the shops in the Galleria Grandiosa, indulge in a massage at the spa, enjoy a cocktail at one of the many bars, dine at a different restaurant each evening, and end the day with a large-scale theatrical production or live music in the Carousel Lounge. The MSC Grandiosa promises an unforgettable summer vacation for everyone.
With five specialty restaurants, five main dining rooms, a buffet and a new service concept and a total of 21 bars and lounges, the dining experience on board the MSC Grandiosa is second to none.
For total relaxation while on board, passengers can visit the prestigious MSC Aurea Spa to disconnect and free their minds, with a variety of treatments including Balinese massages, facials, or perhaps simply a poolside manicure and pedicure.
With 700 square meters of space, including seven rooms designed for children and teenagers aged 2 to 17 and exclusive partnerships with LEGO and Chicco, the Kid's Club on Deck 18 offers adventure and discovery and is truly the ideal place for younger travelers. Meanwhile, the expansive entertainment area also offers a wealth of fun games for all ages, from driving an F1 simulator or shooting zombies in the XD cinema, to bowling and arcade games.
For guests seeking a more premium and exclusive experience, the MSC Yacht Club on MSC Grandiosa is currently one of the largest in the MSC Cruises fleet. With 103 spacious and exclusive suites, including two MSC Yacht Club Royal Suites with private whirlpool tubs on large balconies and eight MSC Yacht Club duplex cabins, comfort and elegance define the stay, making every passenger feel like a VIP. Offering an all-inclusive experience, the MSC Yacht Club provides all the amenities of a private club while also granting access to the countless recreational and entertainment options available throughout the ship.
MSC Grandiosa is one of the most environmentally advanced ships in the MSC Cruises fleet, featuring state-of-the-art selective catalytic reduction (SCR) and advanced wastewater treatment (AWT) systems. MSC Grandiosa also received the Biosafe Ship Additional Class certification from the RINA classification society, a voluntary, goal-based notation that certifies the ship is equipped with systems, components, and has a design and operating procedures that reduce the risk of infection.
MSC Cruises' health and hygiene protocol, which has been designed in conjunction with experts external to the company, consists of nine fundamental pillars:
- Test all passengers at least twice on their cruise (before boarding and during the cruise)
- Test all crew members at least three times before boarding and once weekly while on board
- Possibility of going ashore only on protected excursions within a “social bubble”
- Ventilation with clean air by HVAC system
- A contingency plan that, in the event of any positive cases, would not overload local healthcare infrastructure
- Isolation space on board and close contact tracing using wristbands
- Masks are mandatory in public areas
- Physical distancing, achieved through reduced capacity on the ship
- And constant monitoring of COVID-19
