MSC Cruises has today reconfirmed its 2021/22 winter sailing program in the Caribbean and Antilles, where MSC Seaview will be based throughout the season to operate 7 and 14 night cruises from Philipsburg, St. Maarten starting on December 5.
The authorities of Martinique and Guadeloupe have decided not to allow cruise ships to enter their islands due to the pandemic situation and their low vaccination rates. Therefore, to offer its winter program in this region under safe conditions, MSC Cruises has assessed the various available options and modified the original route, adding Philipsburg, St. Maarten, and Bridgetown, Barbados, as embarkation ports. The updated itinerary includes ports that our passengers can visit from December onwards, allowing them to enjoy a full day at each destination, in some cases up to 12 hours, enabling them to fully experience the islands.
MSC Seaview will operate two different 7-night itineraries from the island of St. Maarten, offering passengers the possibility of taking two consecutive cruises and enjoying a journey of discovery in the magical and tranquil turquoise waters of the southern Caribbean Sea and the Antilles.
The first itinerary will depart from the port of Philipsburg, the capital of St Maarten, with stops in Bridgetown, Barbados; Castries in St Lucia; St George, Grenada; Basseterre, St Kitts and Nevis, before returning to St Maarten.
The second will set sail from St Maarten and Bridgetown; and will stop in Roseau, Dominica; St John's in Antigua and Barbuda; Road Town in Tortola before ending in St Maarten.
Gianni Onorato, CEO of MSC Cruises, commented: “The Southern Caribbean and the Antilles are a highly popular area for cruise passengers from around the world, as well as for local travelers in this region. We have worked hard to confirm our regular winter season here, supported by our industry-leading health and hygiene protocol. We are delighted to be able to offer our passengers an amazing cruise vacation this winter, calling at some of the most beautiful islands in the Southern Caribbean aboard MSC Seaview, the perfect ship for sailing these waters.”.
All MSC Seaview passengers will need to be fully vaccinated or show a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to boarding.
In addition, passengers will be able to disembark independently at many ports, while at some destinations they will only be able to go ashore as part of a protected MSC Cruises excursion. Further details will soon be available on the MSC Cruises website, through travel agencies, or by calling the company.
MSC Seaview, with 2,066 passenger cabins, has one of the highest ratios of open space per passenger in the cruise industry and features an architectural concept that brings passengers closer to the sea thanks to special design elements that take full advantage of the warmer climate.
