MSC Cruises announced the easing of boarding requirements from October 1, 2022, part of the company's health & safety protocols.
For tourists embarking from ports in Northern Europe, Mediterranean, Caribbean and Red Sea, the obligation of COVID vaccination will not be needed, even if it remains strongly recommended. Citizens in the same geographic regions who are fully vaccinated (2 doses of the vaccine/1 dose of Johnson & Johnson) are no longer required to submit a negative swab result, but it is recommended.
The obligation to submit a certificate with a negative antigen/molecular test result, performed within 48 hours of boarding, remains for guests who are not fully vaccinated, who have recovered from COVID without any vaccine dose, or who have a vaccine exemption. because of medical conditions with a QR code.
For all passengers going on a cruise, however, to the UAE-United Arab Emirates/Qatar, a full COVID vaccination from the age of 16 remains mandatory. Also for these sailings, the obligation to take a swab is no longer required within 48 hours of boarding (except for guests boarding from Doha), which is still recommended, while it's only mandatory for kids under 16 who do not have a full COVID vaccination certificate.
Finally, for guests embarking on one of MSC World Cruises/Grand Voyages, the mandatory nature of the 12-year-old COVID vaccine and an antigen/molecular test to be performed within 48 hours before embarkation remains in effect (from age 5+).