MSC Grandiosa has set sail on its first cruise back in the water after a pause in operations over Christmas.
The MSC Cruises flagship departed Genoa, Italy, on Sunday night on the first of a series of seven-night cruises in the Mediterranean.
It had been operating since the summer, since when more than 30,000 guests have cruised with the line, but restrictions put in place by the Italian government ahead of Christmas had led to a suspension over the festive season.
MSC said feedback has been “extremely positive” and claimed its health and safety protocols have “set the standard for the industry” in a post-pandemic world with an MSC cruise “one of the safest ways to take a holiday”.
Authorities in Italy, Greece and Malta have approved its protocols. Prior to embarkation, all guests pass through a series of health checks, with all guests and crew taking a Covid-19 test.
There is a response plan that can be activated in collaboration with the authorities if cases are found on board.
Mid-cruise testing was introduced in November and guests are encouraged to socially distance and wear masks in public areas.