MSC Cruises announced a fleetwide COVID-19 vaccination program for all crew members.
The programme has already started on Friday, April 30, on the ship MSC Bellissima with Captain Giuseppe Maresca and all crew on the liner completing their vaccination. Next to follow is the crew onboard MSC Virtuosa, which is expected to be fully vaccinated ahead of the maiden voyage of the vessel on May 20, sailing around the United Kingdom out of Southampton (England UK).
In the initial phase, MSC will prioritize crew vaccination on its 10 ships set to sail in the summer months in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe, those scheduled to restart in the Caribbean, and others that are preparing for the restart.
Gianni Onorato, MSC's CEO, said:
“As our ships prepare to welcome more and more guests over the coming weeks and months, we are pleased to announce the start of a comprehensive plan of vaccinations for all of our crew. Our aim is of adding a further level of protection for both themselves and the guests they will welcome for their holidays as we lead the way in the industry’s restart this summer.
“Our health and safety protocol last year spearheaded a safe resumption of cruising in the global industry and our huge vaccination program for all of our crew further demonstrates our commitment to their wellbeing, of our guests and of the communities that our fleet of ships will visit in the months ahead.
“We focused and invested heavily in a health and safety protocol last year and worked relentlessly to engage and gain approval from a range of authorities to return to cruising safely and responsibly. Similarly, we have taken this approach to vaccinations for our crew – plan, prepare and perform.”