MSC Cruises has delayed the restart of cruises onboard MSC Magnifica until February 14.
The line said the decision had been taken after Greek authorities implemented additional measures to manage the Covid-19 pandemic which would “likely extend beyond the current holiday period”.
The ship was due to resume sailings on January 15 following the cancellation of three previous departures due to stricter measures imposed by the Italian government.
MSC said that the measures in Greece meant that passengers ships were able to make only ‘technical calls’ in Greek ports and added that it was likely that the restrictions would continue beyond the current cut-off date of January 6.
Passengers booked on Magnifica have the option of transferring their booking to MSC Grandiosa, which is due to resume sailing on January 10.
The line said: “Due to the uncertainty at this stage as to whether these ports will fully re-open on 7 January or if these measures will be further extended as it is very likely to be the case, the company has taken the decision to postpone for the benefit of its guests the resumption of operations for MSC Magnifica until 14 February 2021.
“Guests booked on MSC Magnifica before her new restart date will be able to transfer their booking to MSC Grandiosa as early as 10 January 2021, when the ship is due to restart her Western Mediterranean itinerary calling at ports only in Italy and Malta.”