A family who diverted from a strictly-organised short excursion as part of MSC Cruises’ first sailing since lockdown were barred from returning to the ship
The line confirmed that the group was were unable to re-embark the MSC Grandiosa after “breaking the” rules in Naples.
The flagship of the fleet became the first major vessel to set sail in the Mediterranean in almost five months.
The ship left the Italian port of Genoa on Sunday on a seven-night itinerary, operating at 70% capacity with about 2,500 passengers on board.
All passengers and crew undertook Covid-19 testing before departure, with the ship calling at Civitavecchia for Rome, Naples, Palermo and Malta.
The company said: “In line with our health and safety protocol, developed to ensure the health and wellbeing of our guests, crew and the communities we visit, we had to deny re-embarkation to a family who broke from their shore excursion while visiting Naples, Italy.
“By departing from the organised shore excursion, this family broke from the ‘social bubble’ created for them and all other guests, and therefore could not be permitted to re-board the ship.
These organised shore excursions allow MSC Cruises to uphold the same high standard of health and safety as on board, for instance ensuring that transfers are properly sanitised and that there is adequate space for social distancing, and tour guides and drivers also undergo health screening and wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).”