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MSC Cruises to accept international passengers on US-based ships

MSC Cruises is opening up its ex-US sailings to international passengers after Washington announced the relaxation of Covid border restrictions for vaccinated travellers from many parts of the world from November 8.

The line will accept non-US passengers from that date on its three ships sailing to the Caribbean from Florida this winter.

New flagship MSC Seashore, MSC Meraviglia and MSC Divina are being deployed from either Miami or Port Canaveral.

MSC Seashore will be based in Miami from November20 following its official naming ceremony at the Bahamas private island of Ocean Cay.

MSC Meraviglia will move to its new homeport of Port Canaveral on November 8, while MSC Divina will move to Miami offering 3-, 7- and 11-night cruises.

To sail with MSC Cruises, passengers aged 12 and above need to have a complete set of vaccine shots received more than 14 days before the start of their cruise.

All passengers from 2 years above will need to provide proof of a negative Covid-19 test at embarkation. 

MSC Cruises will also require non-US residents to have a Covid-19 insurance policy. 

Chief executive Gianni Onorato said: “We have eagerly awaited the US administration’s date to re-open the country for fully vaccinated travellers from many parts of the world that love to cruise.

“The Caribbean is a popular destination for our guests from across Europe and other regions of the world, particularly during the winter.

“Many more of them will now be able to fly to both Miami and Orlando to board our three ships that offer a range of different itineraries in the Caribbean, including Jamaica, Costa Rica, Mexico and our unique private island in The Bahamas, MSC Ocean Cay Marine Reserve.

“This news means that the many guests who are already booked to sail with us out of North America can now have their cruise holiday fully confirmed.”

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