MSC Relaxes COVID Protocols for Americans Only for Sailings Departing From U.S. Ports

MSC Cruises is updating its health and safety protocols for U.S. residents on cruises departing from U.S. ports to the Caribbean and the Bahamas.

For sailings beginning 10SEP, the cruise line will relax COVID-19 testing and vaccination requirements for U.S. residents, in line with public health guidelines in its home ports and destinations. While no longer required, MSC Cruises still recommends all U.S. residents be fully vaccinated and tested prior to sailing. Requirements for non-U.S. residents remain unchanged.

Updated guidelines for MSC Cruises’ sailings departing from U.S. ports to the Caribbean and the Bahamas on or after 01SEP include:

U.S. Residents:

• Vaccination is recommended but no longer required.
• Pre-cruise testing is recommended, but not required for travellers who are fully vaccinated. Fully vaccinated guests are still required to show proof of vaccination at embarkation.
• Unvaccinated guests are required to show proof of a negative COVID-19 viral test (NAAT or antigen) taken within 3 days of embarkation.
• Guests under the age of 2 are exempt from testing requirements.

Non-U.S. Residents:

• Full vaccination is required for guests 12 years and older.
• Regardless of vaccination status, guests 2 years and older must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 viral test (NAAT or antigen) taken within 3 days of embarkation.
• Guests under the age of 2 are exempt from testing requirements.

All policies are subject to local destination requirements. MSC says it will continue to monitor these requirements and will advise guests and travel advisors of any changes.

MSC adds it will continue to monitor pandemic conditions and port requirements and recommends fully vaccinated guests receive booster doses when eligible, per CDC recommendations. More than 95 percent of MSC Cruises’ crew are fully vaccinated, and all crew are regularly tested.

For more information, visit MSC Cruises' web site.