MSC Cruises welcomed the announcement of the U.S. government that November 8 will be the date that international passengers from many parts of the world can enter the country provided they're fully vaccinated against COVID.
The 3rd largest cruise brand in the world described the news as a boost for European-based and other international travellers wanting to holiday in the Caribbean during the winter 2021-2022 cruise season.
MSC has 3 Florida-based boats for the entire season: MSC Seashore, MSC Meraviglia, MSC Divina. They will welcome non-USA residents starting November 8.
MSC’s flagship Seashore is to be based in PortMiami Florida from November 20, 2021, following her christening ceremony at Ocean Cay (MSC's Bahamas private island). From November 28, Meraviglia is scheduled to move to her new homeport of Port Canaveral/Orlando while Divina will move to PortMiami offering 3-, 7- and 11-night voyages.
The 3 liners will offer a range of Caribbean itineraries throughout the winter and all itineraries will include a visit to Ocean Cay.
MSC Cruises’ ‘Fly & Cruise’ packages feature a range of flights from key European cities and international air hubs around the globe to join the line’s 3 Florida-based vessels for winter cruises in the Caribbean.
The US government announced that from November 8 non-U.S. citizens who are fully vaccinated with a WHO-World Health Organization approved vaccine (Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson, AstraZeneca) will be allowed to enter the United States. To sail with MSC Cruises, passengers aged 12+ years need to have a complete set of vaccine shots received 14+ days before the start of their voyage and all guests from 2+ years will need to provide proof of a negative COVID test at embarkation.
MSC will also require non-U.S. residents to have a COVID insurance policy. The insurance has to cover COVID-related risks, such as holiday cancellation, repatriation expenses, interruption, quarantine, medical assistance/related expenses, as well as hospitalization. The policy also includes coverage in the case of being a close contact.