MSC Cruises announced restart plans for sailing from U.S. ports beginning in August 2021.
The announcement follows the CDC approval of the line’s Phase 2A Port Agreements for PortMiami and Port Canaveral Florida as well as the provisional approval of the request to conduct a "simulated voyage", to be held on MSC Meraviglia ship from PortMiami FL on July 17.
Meraviglia is expected to kick off MSC Cruises’ restart on August 2 with 3- and 4-night sailings from Miami Florida to The Bahamas, featuring MSC Cruises’ new private island destination, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve.
Starting September 18, Meraviglia is due to add 7-night voyages from Miami Florida to The Bahamas and Caribbean, featuring Ocean Cay Bahamas.
MSC Divina is scheduled to resume cruising from Port Canaveral Florida on September 16, offering 3-, 4- and 7-night sailings to The Bahamas and Caribbean, also including Ocean Cay.
Both vaccinated and non-vaccinated passengers are welcome onboard. Those who are not vaccinated or unable to verify vaccination are subject to requirements like additional testing, as well as restrictions, to be announced at a later date.
MSC Cruises also confirmed the cancellation of existing US-based voyages. The decision affects the schedules of 3 ships based in Florida: Divina due to sail from Port Canaveral, Meraviglia and Armonia, both due to sail from PortMiami:
- MSC Divina cruises from July 1 through to and including September 15
- MSC Meraviglia cruises from July 1 through to and including September 17
- MSC Armonia cruises from July 1 through to and including October 24, 2021.
The new itineraries from the United States on MSC Divina and MSC Meraviglia open for US bookings on June 16, 2021.