MSC Cruises has announced its plans to restart cruises from US ports beginning in August. The announcement follows CDC approval of the Company’s Phase 2A port agreements at the Port of Miami and Port Canaveral, as well as provisional approval of its application to conduct a simulation cruise, which will take place aboard MSC Meraviglia from Miami on July 17, 2021.
The MSC Meraviglia will begin its itineraries on August 2, 2021, with 3- and 4-night cruises from Miami to the Bahamas, including MSC Cruises' newest exclusive destination: the private island of Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. Then, starting September 18, 2021, the MSC Meraviglia will add 7-night cruises from Miami to the Bahamas and the Caribbean, including Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve.
The MSC Divina will resume sailing from Orlando (Port Canaveral) on September 16, 2021, offering 3, 4 and 7 night cruise options from The Bahamas and the Caribbean, also including stops at MSC Cruises' private island.
“With our extensive experience sailing in Europe since August 2020, coupled with our industry-leading health and hygiene protocol, our US guests can book with confidence knowing we are well-prepared for a successful restart in that market,” said Gianni Onorato, CEO of MSC Cruises. “Furthermore, to ensure a safer experience for our guests, we previously announced a vaccination program for all crew members, and we expect that most of our guests booking a cruise this summer will plan to be vaccinated before sailing. The rapid rollout of vaccines in the US has been a positive step in helping our guests return to travel, and we encourage them to take advantage of this opportunity for added protection when they resume their travels this summer.”.
MSC Cruises will reveal more itinerary details for cruises aboard MSC Meraviglia and MSC Divina next week, as well as health and hygiene measures and guidelines for passengers. The cruises will welcome both vaccinated and unvaccinated passengers. Separately, MSC Cruises also confirmed today the cancellation of existing voyages with U.S. homeports. The decision will affect the schedules of three Florida-based ships: MSC Divina, departing from Port Canaveral, and MSC Meraviglia and MSC Armonia, departing from the Port of Miami, as follows:
- Cruises aboard MSC Divina from July 1, 2021 to September 15, 2021 inclusive
- Cruises on board MSC Meraviglia from July 1, 2021 to September 17, 2021 inclusive
- Cruises aboard MSC Armonia from July 1, 2021 to October 24, 2021 inclusive
