Following the outbreak of Covid-19, the cruise industry has been hit hard and we’ve all been waiting for the news that cruises are back out sailing again.
On the 16th August 2020, MSC Cruises resumed sailings onboard MSC Grandiosa running 7-night cruises around the Mediterranean where guests are embarking Genoa, Civitavecchia, Naples and Palermo and porting in Valletta, Malta.
With new health and safety protocols introduced on all ships, MSC guests have been experiencing a new type of cruise holiday than they did before and one guest has talked to MSC about her experience onboard;
New health and safety protocols include regular temperature check (at embarkation and every day whilst onboard), completing an antigen swab test, health questionnaires and staggered boarding times. Not only that but guests are also being given a wristband that traces contact around the ship plus all luggage is being disinfected as it arrives and the ship is also being constantly sanitised with enhanced cleaning methods.
Despite all of these new procedures, there are many normal aspects of a cruise that guests can still enjoy such as whirlpools and aqua parks plus activities and kids clubs onboard in smaller groups.
First-time cruisers may be hesitant to go on a cruise at the moment but Fabrizio went onboard and seemed to enjoy his first cruise despite the new rules “We are not expert cruisers. This is our first experience on a cruise ship, and we are enjoying it a lot.”
One guest, Giuseppe has said: “I felt so safe that I brought my children on board with me. All operations are very well organised from embarkation to the onboard experience including dining and shows.”
Another cruiser Pasquale Davide said: “In my opinion, a cruise is safer than any type of holiday. Entertainment, relaxation, everything one would expect from a cruise holiday has been fulfilled.”
Currently, MSC is still waiting to welcome guests from the UK onboard and will as soon as they are advised by the FCO that it is safe to do so.
So what do you think about MSC setting sail again? Will you be booking a cruise with them when UK guests can? Let us know in the comments below.
