MSC Cruises Updates Testing Requirements

MSC Cruises updates its testing requirements for sailings from U.S. ports that are 5 nights or less, which goes into effect as of August 8th.

MSC Cruises Updates Testing Requirements

MSC Cruises Updates Health & Safety Protocols for Sailings from U.S. Ports

Fort Lauderdale, Fl. – August 1, 2022  MSC Cruises, the world’s third largest and fastest-growing cruise brand, is updating its health and safety protocols for sailings from U.S. ports in response to the CDC’s lifting of requirements for the cruise industry. MSC Cruises’ top priority remains to protect the health and safety of its guests, crew and the communities the Company’s ships visit.

MSC Cruises Updates Testing Requirements

The updated policy will go into effect for cruises embarking from U.S. ports beginning August 8, 2022, pending destination requirements. 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. Details of the changes include:

  • 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. MSC Cruises recommends unvaccinated guests to test within 1 day of departure, when possible.
  • Fully vaccinated guests sailing 6 nights or longer from U.S. ports must show proof of a lab-administered negative COVID-19 viral test (NAAT or antigen) taken within 3 days of embarkation. MSC Cruises recommends vaccinated guests to test within 1 day of embarkation, when possible.
  • 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.

MSC Cruises’ current vaccination requirements will remain in place for sailings from U.S. port. All guests 12 years and older must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. MSC Cruises recommends that fully vaccinated guests receive booster doses when eligible to do so, per CDC recommendations. MSC Cruises crew are fully vaccinated and regularly tested.

Guests can book with confidence knowing that MSC Cruises will operate under its industry-leading health and safety protocols, enabling safe and enjoyable cruising. Guests should refer to the website for the latest health and safety requirements at: USA Health and Safety Measures. Booked guests should also monitor all pre-cruise email communications for the latest information.

SOURCE MSC Cruises

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Heidi is a physical therapist by profession, cruise enthusiast at heart, and Princess all the time! She is a self-confessed thrill seeker, obsessive planner, and over-packer. She is always looking for the latest and greatest adventures onboard and ashore, enjoys researching top things to do in ports of call, and loves dressing up for formal nights.
Heidi Bucolo
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2 comments on MSC Cruises Updates Testing Requirements

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  1. What is magic about the 5 night versus 6 night cruise that requires testing?
    How many of your vaccinated crew members have had Covid afterwards and how many have adverse side effects?