Stay up to date with the latest cruise news and travel updates! We took our first cruise vacation together 13 years ago and have been hooked ever since. MSC Cruises on Sept. 1 will no longer require U.S. residents to be vaccinated against Covid-19 on cruises departing from U.S. ports to the Caribbean and the Bahamas. What do you wish someone told you before your 1st cruise? From the British Isles to Scandinavia, via the Baltic States, this extraordinary MSC Cruises voyage proposes fascinating and unusual itineraries to explore some of the most remote areas of the planet. I just went back to the MSC health and safety and looked, this time for a Caribbean (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? For the rest of us including the older child who is vaccinated we scheduled our NAAT with results in 2 hours, We have a (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Shes been on 10 cruises and counting, and her favorite onboard activities include trying out the water slides, spending time in the spas thermal suite, eating lots of food, and attending the love & marriage show. You can keep up with her over on her Instagram at @IAmSarahJaneB. Discover the worldin comforton Viking ocean cruises to Scandinavia, Mediterranean, Asia, Australia, the Americas or around https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/MSC-Cruises-lifts-vax-requirement-US-passengers. The move will apply to all destinations except those that require proof of . The vessel was. Youll find expert advice for experienced and first-time cruisers, as well as port and destination guides. Before finalizing the reservation, it will be possible to add to the cruise the MSC COVID-19 Protection plan at the price of 25 per person. Published Dec 3, 2021 Written by Mercury Reporter Share DURBAN - MSC Cruises South Africa has announced that all guests for its 2021/22 local cruise season must be fully vaccinated against. A COVID-19 test or Passenger locator form (PLF) may still be necessary for national or international mobility requirement: its every guests responsibility to verify this requirement before departure. Pre-Cruise Covid-19 testing is . 07070 USA Telephone: (201) 902-2000, The MSC Seascape is due to enter service in December 2022, sailing Caribbean cruises from Miami. Guests under age 2 do not have any testing requirements. Thanks for coming back & explaining the situation further, good to put your Country in your profile it helps people give better answers LOL, Hope all goes well for the upcoming (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Discover the Future of Cruising with MSC Cruises. If NAAT is not acceptable then so should PCR. Details of the changes include: MSC Cruises current vaccination requirements will remain in place for sailings from U.S. port. On board services are subject to changes based on local regulations or other restrictions. I asked msc rep is the NAAT (rapid type of molecular test Walgreens does ) would be ok and the rep was not familiar with that test . This change applies to Canada and New England voyages, Bermuda cruises, and . - Wearing masks and social distancing onboard ships that depart from U.S. ports is optional. What's the best way to see the ports on my cruise? If the RAT returns a positive result, the guest will be denied boarding. It will still require. I am US based . How much are alcoholic drinks? If youre seeking an exclusive cruise experience, welcome to the luxurious MSC Yacht Club. Explore. Precruise testing is recommended but not required for travelers who are fully vaccinated. +Kids Sail Free. Sarah has been writing about the cruise industry since 2015. Explore. Please review our COVID-19 testing days and locations; . ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-114108331', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');cruise (basing on " Walgreens ") . Regardless of vaccination status, guests 2 years and older must provide proof of a negative Covid-19 viral test (NAAT or antigen) taken within three days of embarkation. A COVID-19 test or Passenger locator form (PLF) may still be necessary for national or international mobility requirement: its every guests responsibility to verify this requirement before departure. Your browser may be out of date or not compatible with our new site and may not be secure. Marella, a UK-based cruise line, has announced it will drop its Covid vaccination requirement from 1 May 2023. You mentioned baby. All policies are subject to local destination requirements. MSC still recommends those passengers be fully vaccinated and get tested for COVID-19 before their trip, the cruise line said in a news release. 1,,254,,068 Cargo TEUs $ 43 Billion Economic Impact. For the best ashore experience, we recommend all guests explore destinations with the comfort, convenience, and safety of an MSC Cruises Shore Excursion, bookable pre-cruise and on board. Princess was charging $150 per person if you needed a test at the port Reply Report inappropriate content Elizabeth B Warwick, Rhode. All the site says for vaccinated is antigen or RT-PCR. Do I have to follow them to get in the dining room? Related: Cruise ship contact . ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-114108474', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');cruise ships their customer service has gone down hill and the reps that I have talked to recently have been awful and misinformed. On the MSC website it says for vaccinated, either an antigen or a RT PCR . Are you happy to hear that MSC Cruises updates its testing requirements for sailings from U.S. ports? 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Please rotate your device to enjoy a better experience. (Photo courtesy of MSC Cruises) Other lines are taking a more scattershot approach to dropping testing requirements, mostly due to lingering testing rules in some of the countries where they operate. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-114109697', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');cruise AND this time for a US citizen or resident (yesterday I looked at international guest since I presume you were from Europe ). 2023 MSC Cruises S.A. All rights reserved. To verify all the required documents, passports and visas for your cruise, please click here. Follow along as we share our travel tips, cruise reviews, information on ports of call, and the latest cruise news to help you plan the ultimate cruise vacation. Hi, this may be of interest to you: MSC Cruises Updates Pre-Cruise Testing Requirements For U.S. Unvaccinated guests are required to show proof of a negative Covid-19 viral test (NAAT or antigen) taken within three days of embarkation. Jun 25, 2022, 3:31 PM Save We were on a princess cruise last December and did two different Covid tests before boardingjust to make sure we had results in time. For a better experience and to continue your booking with MSC, please update your browser by downloading the latest version below. Carnival announced Friday it will no longer require pre-cruise testing for those who have been vaccinated on its sailings of five days or less beginning Aug. 4. These Major Cruise Lines Just Dropped COVID-19 Testing Requirements for Shorter Sailings What to Know MSC Cruises Will Call NYC Home Next Year With Cruises to the Caribbean, Bermuda, Canada, More Cruise Reviews and Reports for cruise lines operating from Australia / New Zealand, Australia / South Pacific - things I wish I knew before I cruised including port info. Up to $200 Onboard Credit ; Check directly with your cruise line about their COVID-19 testing or vaccination protocols before travel. Instead of today, August 8, it will now drop the testing on August 29. 15 helpful votes. On the embarkation day, guests should arrive at the time indicated on the cruise ticket to facilitate responsible social distancing, with the required documentation. MSC Cruises scraps Covid-19 vaccination requirement. Cruisers 5 and older must have a full course of the COVID-19 vaccine in order to sail with Celebrity. What I can tell you from a scientific point of view is that a rapid NAAT at Walgreens is as good as a rapid PCR and may even be one and the same. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention over the weekend classified cruising as a Level 4 or very high risk of contracting COVID-19, recommending people avoid getting on ships. How many of your vaccinated crew members have had Covid afterwards and how many have adverse side effects? MSC Cruises recommends unvaccinated guests to test within 1 day of departure, when possible. Last week, Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, and Silversea all lifted pre-cruise testing on sailings five nights or shorter, except for in destinations that continue to require it. Please select your destination below: For fully vaccinated guests sailing 5 nights or less from U.S. ports, COVID-19 testing within 3 days of embarkation is recommended, but not required. - Guests sailing with MSC Cruises no longer need to be vaccinated or tested on most cruises sailing from the U.S. On those outside the U.S., only unvaccinated passengers need to test. 150 posts. For the best ashore experience, we recommend all guests explore destinations with the comfort, convenience, and safety of an MSC Cruises Shore Excursion, bookable pre-cruise and on board. MSC Cruises top priority remains to protect the health and safety of its guests, crew and the communities the Companys ships visit. beginning to research Niagara/new York & cruise package ?? 2023 MSC Cruises S.A. All rights reserved. Further complicating it for travelers. Your browser may be out of date or not compatible with our new site and may not be secure. The Covid Protection Plan is applicable to all departures on sales. Booked Guests that found themselves not to meet any of the requirements of the MSC Health and Safety Protocol (e.g missing vaccination) and therefore that they are prevented from boarding, are asked to send written communication to MSC Cruises not later than 15 days before the scheduled departure of their cruise in order to request their voucher. Required fields are marked *. Guests who are travelling with unvaccinated children are also able to go ashore independently. Up to $200 Onboard Credit As far as I know, the other forms of NAAT tests do not have readily available onsite testing. Your email address will not be published. All guests 12 years and older must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Sarah has been writing about the cruise industry since 2015. MSC Cruises health and safety measures are subject to change and will adapt according to the evolution of the pandemic. To cite a specific circumstance, my wife had to travel and went to Walgreens to get a Rapid NAAT test which turns out (when I saw the results) as Point of Care PCR test. MSC Cruises crew are fully vaccinated and regularly tested. Our new cruise ships are pushing the boundaries of whats possible at sea. The wearing of face masks is highly recommended. Heidi is a physical therapist by profession, cruise enthusiast at heart, and Princess all the time! Guests under the age of 2 are exempt from testing requirements. We prepared a list of Frequent Asked Quesions (FAQ) to quickly get answers to you for the most common questions, Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, there might be international travel restrictions depending on your cruise destination and your country of residence. It means reverse transcription PCR. midlothian city council place 6. virgin atlantic premium seats. All children 2 years and older must also submit. Required testing can be completed using any type of PCR or antigen COVID-19 test. Your short break in Northern Europe and in the Mediterranean. All Contents Copyright 2022 Cruise Radio, Inc. | Website Designed by Insider Perks, Inc. Get the real facts delivered straight to your inbox, with trustworthy cruise related news. Oh btw, RT in the word RT-PCR does NOT mean rapid test. Found a Facebook msc divina group in which people are saying the NAAT WALGREENS test is accepted 100% for the vaccinated people -customer service had told me NAAT not accepted for anyone (this is the easiest rapid test to get nowdays since most places have discontinued the rapid antigen test ), They said To get a regular PCR for the baby since shes unvaccinated just in case terminal may not accept an NAAT for her, Looks like a lot of people are posting the same issue , customer service not familiar w the NAAT test that Walgreens is doing. For non-U.S. residents, MSC requires full vaccination for guests 12 years and older. The state was in the spotlight recently when it hosted the annual Gala Riviera Nayarit & Puerto Vallarta. UPDATE, 8/8: MSC has walked back on the date it originally announced it would drop pre-cruise testing for voyages five nights or shorter. In the press release announcing the news, MSC said that it will continue to monitor pandemic conditions and port requirements outside of the U.S., with a goal to relax testing and vaccination protocols to open cruising to all guests.. Your browser may be out of date or not compatible with our new site and may not be secure. Reply. 301 Route 17 N, Suite 1150, Rutherford, NJ If you test positive for COVID-19 within 14 days prior to or during your cruise, you and your traveling party will receive a full or prorated refund and assistance if required, with onboard medical care and land-based quarantine. Copyright 2023 Northstar Travel Media, LLC. For a better experience and to continue your booking with MSC, please update your browser by downloading the latest version below. Level Contributor. Currently, MSC Cruises still requires that all guests 12 and older are vaccinated, so this unvaccinated protocol applies to kids two to 11 years old. Effective September 6, 2022, Windstar is dropping its pre-cruise testing . Carnival announced vaccinated guests on cruises five days or less will no longer have to receive a negative COVID-19 test before departure. Unvaccinated guests 2 years and older must show proof of a lab-administered negative COVID-19 viral test (NAAT or antigen) taken within 3 days of embarkation for all cruises from U.S. ports. - Dubai, Abu Dhabi & Qatar i scheduled her for a PCR at quest which has faster turnaround . *Thermal Area experiences are by appointment only. We are Don and Heidi, the husband and wife travel team behind EatSleepCruise.com. Vaccinated passengers on longer cruises will have to show proof of COVID-19 test taken within three days of embarkation. When we got to the port we were told we tested too early. MSC Cruises requires that all guests ages 12 and above must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit a negative test before boarding. Before finalizing the reservation, it will be possible to add to the cruise the MSC COVID-19 Protection plan at the price of 25 per person for short haul destinations (Mediterranean and Northern Europe cruises), 29 for Long Haul destinations (Caribbean & Antilles, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Red Sea, South America and Positioning cruises) and 45 for World Cruise. The cutting-edge design of MSC Seascape brings you closer to the sea than ever, with an abundance of open-deck space, a stunning waterfront boardwalk, and a coveted aft Infinity Pool. Passengers on MSC Cruises leaving from the U.S. are not required to be vaccinated, but unvaccinated guests must show proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of embarkation and . - Northern Europe 2023 MSC Cruises S.A. All rights reserved. A COVID-19 test or Passenger locator form (PLF) may still be necessary for national or international mobility requirement: it's every guest's . All guests ages 2 to 11 will need to provide proof of a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of their cruise departure. Cruise to the Caribbean, one of the most beautiful and fascinating destinations in the world. The wearing of face masks is highly recommended. On February 18, Crystal Cruises said it would require guests to receive both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days before a cruise. Meanwhile, MSC and Carnival cruise lines do not require vaccination until a child reaches age 12. So NAAT should be ok. Also, how old is your child? All guests who have purchased COVID-19 insurancewill be fully protected. What should you order for the best food on board? Enjoy private venues including an elegant lounge, stylish restaurant and exclusive pool deck, while the entire ship is also yours to explore. All Rights Reserved. For the best ashore experience, we recommend all guests explore destinations with the comfort, convenience, and safety of an MSC Cruises Shore Excursion, bookable pre-cruise and on board. Guests will be able to go ashore independently according to local requirements which are continually monitored and subject to change. From introducing cleaner fuels across our fleet, to sustainable excursions, to our state-of-the-art water treatment facilities, were putting sustainability at the heart of everything we do. Mon-Fri 9am - 7pm ESTSat-Sun 9am - 6pm EST, Enjoy Great Rates & More Starting from February 12, 2023 all Guests (of any age) are no longer required to provide a COVID-19 vaccination certificate or pre-boarding test. Photo Credit: MSC Cruises, Windstar Knows the Way to the Middle East: How to Sell the Red Sea & Persian Gulf. What is the MSC Covid-19 Protection Plan? MSC Cruises recommends that fully vaccinated guests receive booster doses when eligible to do so, per CDC recommendations. . From 1 October 2022, all fully vaccinated guests presenting a valid vaccination. As a bit of a trial, Holland America Line and P&O Cruises got rid of their pre-cruise testing requirement for select sailings to Norway this summer. In addition to operating vaccinated voyages and requiring pre-cruise COVID-19 testing of . READ NEXT: Disney Cruise Line Confirms Acquisition of Partially-Built Mega Ship. MSC World Europas iconic groundbreaking design features new standards in sustainability, unique culinary experiences, the longest dry slide at sea, and other innovative onboard amenities. Guests can book with confidence knowing that MSC Cruises will operate under its industry-leading health and safety protocols, enabling safe and enjoyable cruising. Mon - Fri 9.00 - 19.00 | Sat 9.00 - 17.30. We give you our exclusive bonus offers, plus all qualifying cruise line offers, plus all of the cruise line loyalty program benefits . Enjoy private venues including an elegant lounge, stylish restaurant and exclusive pool deck, while the entire ship is also yours to explore. MSC CRUISES OPENS SALES FOR 2025 WORLD CRUISE, MSC CRUISES REVEALS A SELECTION OF THE TOP DESTINATIONS TO DISCOVER THIS SUMMER 2023, Modern Slavery Act Transparency Statement. The other 7 in the group went to different people checking passengers in and were allowed on with no issues (we all tested on the same day). MSC Cruises will continue to monitor pandemic conditions and port requirements outside of the U.S., with a goal to relax testing and vaccination protocols to open cruising to all guests, while prioritizing the health and safety of its guests, crew and destinations. The MSC Cruises Health & Safety Protocol has been developed together with theBlue RibbonCovidExpert Group, comprised by highly qualified and internationally respected experts in the fields of health and safety. All Guests arriving or in transit from China (including Macao and Hong Kong), are requested to submit a negative Antigen/PCR test result performed within 48 hours before departure, in compliance with the regulation of landing country. Unvaccinated guests two and older must show proof of a negative COVID-19 NAAT or antigen test taken within three days of embarkation. First, tell us WHERE YOU LIVE if that info isn't in your profile! Match your status and get greater privileges! Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, there might be international travel restrictions depending on your cruise destination and your country of residence. While no longer required, MSC recommends that passengers are fully vaccinated. - Egypt, Red Sea & Saudi Arabia - Caribbean These protocols are subject to change. For vaccinated guests, this can be a RT-PCR test, negative NAAT, or. Crew members continue to have vaccine and testing requirements. For more information, it is recommended to check your countrys competent authorities official channels. So frustrating, The phone reps on any (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Fully vaccinated travelers must provide proof of full vaccination but do not need to satisfy any testing requirements, wherease unvaccinated travelers must provide a recent negative COVID-19 test prior to embarkation. They must test within three days of. For unvaccinated, as in your child, RT PCR. Customer service, and I believe, not just MSC, don't know fine details. Drift away to the sound of the waves and perhaps indulge in some shoppingand a spot of night life in trendy Miami or the mysterious Mexican Costa Maya. The two passengers . While no longer required, MSC recommends that passengers are fully vaccinated. Thank you for visiting our site and we look forward to seeing you on board soon! If a guest presents symptoms of illness such as temperature higher than 37.5C / 99.5F or there are concerns with their health questionnaire, they will undertake a secondary screening, including in-depth interview, a second temperature measurement, a medical examination and, if necessary, a laboratory examination. August 1, 2022MSC Cruises, the worlds third largest and fastest-growing cruise brand, is updating its health and safety protocols for sailings from U.S. ports in response to the CDCs lifting of requirements for the cruise industry. The below details are subject to change. Covid Expert Group BOOK AND CRUISE WITH CONFIDENCE Putting the safety of guests and crew first with MSC's leading Protocol MSC Cruises health and safety measures are subject to change and will adapt according to the evolution of the pandemic. It stands for Nucleic Acid Amplification Test of which PCR is just one of them, https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/lab/naats.html. . Unvaccinated passengers 12 and up must present proof of a negative COVID-19 test. From cleaner technologies to innovative restaurant concepts, our growing fleet is a statement of our commitment to the future of this planet. For cruises in South America all Guests must have in place an insurance policy that specifically covers them against COVID-19-related risks. 2023 MSC Cruises S.A. All rights reserved. Drift away to the sound of the waves and perhaps indulge in some shoppingand a spot of night life in trendy Miami or the mysterious Mexican Costa Maya. A Full Experience: Our protocols are designed to make your cruise experience enjoyable and as safe as possible. From introducing cleaner fuels across our fleet, to sustainable excursions, to our state-of-the-art water treatment facilities, were putting sustainability at the heart of everything we do. Some paperwork said you could test 4 days prior to boarding. Theoretically they should all be equal. The only exception is that no pre-embarkation or embarkation testing is required for guests under 2 years of age. These Major Cruise Lines Just Dropped COVID-19 Testing Requirements for Shorter Sailings What to Know. These protocols are subject to change. I think OP has a child young enough that vaccines are not approved for them and needs a PCR. Voyages that call in Cartagena, Colombia, are an exception, and will still require testing from guests five and older who are not vaccinated. We offer you a safe and stress-free holiday for you and your loved ones thanks to our MSC Cruises Health & Safety Protocol. Alternatively, you may travel with another insurance policy covering the above risks. Your email address will not be published. 2023 MSC Cruises S.A. All rights reserved. At the moment this section is accessible only on our desktop site. Before the cruise, MSC Cruises invites all guests to download for free the MSC for Me app to start booking additional services, to secure space and to ensure a seamless onboard experience. If he/she is less than 2 years old you don't need a test. " It was extremely stressful to say the least! - Mediterranean Mon - Fri 9.00 - 19.00 | Sat 9.00 - 17.30. In theory, a host agency is not liable to clients of a sub-IC for their acts or omissions. Reply to: Msc Covid test requirement help ! Msc site states little kids need PCR test within 3 days . It is probably an onsite PCR testing. Cruise Covid Requirements - Vaccine and Test Restrictions Eased. In certain circumstances this recommendation might be due to a mandatory requirement in accordance with applicable health authorities regulations of a country or port of call visited. Testing Requirements for Unvaccinated Passengers: All unvaccinated guests ages 2 and. Apply early for your passport, or make sure your current one will be valid at least six months beyond your travel dates and has two or more blank pages. What should I know about the cruise contract? All guests aged 4 and older are required to have a negative COVID-19 test before boarding. Since 2009, Cruise Radio has provided the latest cruise news and industry analysis through informative articles, videos, and weekly podcasts. To fully protect you from the above risks, MSC offers a COVID Protection Plan - an insurance policy specifically designed for these COVID-19 risks - that can be added to the cruise whilst making the booking. Alternatively, you may travel with another insurance policy covering the above risks. Passengers 12 and older who are not U.S. residents . MSC Cruises Will Call NYC Home Next Year With Cruises to the Caribbean, Bermuda . This cruise offers the opportunity to visit and learn about countries and people facing this sea and their, Please rotate your device to enjoy a better experience, SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER AND GET 5% OFF ON YOUR NEXT CRUISE, MSC CRUISES TO LAUNCH NEW ENVIRONMENTALLY ADVANCED FLAGSHIP, MSC EURIBIA, IN COPENHAGEN, DENMARK, SET SAIL ON THE JOURNEY OF A LIFETIME: . This have been a source of confusion for many. The state's lawmakers emphasized the need for transparency rather than criticizing the resort fees. Spend a full day, or even two, exploring the landscape, taking part in watersports, climbing the iconic lighthouse, relaxing in the shoreside spa, or simply taking in those ocean views. And easier to deal with since it is in widespread use. MSC World Europas iconic groundbreaking design features new standards in sustainability, unique culinary experiences, the longest dry slide at sea, and other innovative onboard amenities. Those who are residents of Iran and China (except Hong Kong and Taiwan) are currently not permitted to cruise with MSC at all. Home Cruise MSC Cruises MSC Cruises Updates Testing Requirements. Guests who have certain pre-existing medical conditions,. Same website says for unvaccinated, RT- PCR. . The cruise line does not require booster shots. True the port people are the ones deciding but they might be just as clueless as MSC reps. All they know is antigen and PCR. Welcome Aboard! So here NAAT= RT PCR. If the onboard medical team determines a suspected COVID-19 case, a comprehensive isolation procedure and response plan will be activated in close cooperation with the health authorities. If a guest is then not considered fit to travel, they will be assisted in their next steps of a return home or will be potentially being treated in a local medical facility to ensure maximum support and care. In case of flu-like symptoms, guests should notify immediately the Medical Centre and free treatment will be provided. North America Cruise a Good Way to See Lots in a Short Time?