MSC Cruises has announced that the MSC Seaside will start sailing in the Mediterranean from 1 May, joining MSC Grandiosa in the region. This is a major milestone in the company’s gradual return to operations following the pandemic.
It will be the first time MSC Seaside has sailed in the Mediterranean since her launch in 2017, and European passengers will have the chance to experience this amazing ship closer to home. The ship will visit two new ports: Taranto in Puglia and Siracusa in Sicily, two new destinations for MSC in the Mediterranean.
The itinerary also includes popular ports of call Genoa and Civitavecchia in Italy and Valletta in Malta. Passengers will have the chance to visit these historic cities and their beautiful coastlines.
Meanwhile MSC Grandiosa will continue to sail in the Mediterranean until 27 April 2021, visiting Genoa, Naples, Civitavecchia, Palermo and Valletta. Since restarting on 24 January 2021, Grandiosa has carried over 40,000 guests with minimal incidents, proving the effectiveness of MSC’s health and safety measures.
Both MSC Grandiosa and MSC Seaside itineraries are currently only available to Schengen country residents, in line with current travel regulations.
Due to the pandemic:
Western Mediterranean cruises for April and May are cancelled, most will resume in June.
Eastern Mediterranean cruises are cancelled for April, will return in May.
Northern European cruises are cancelled until end of April.
South African 2020/2021 season is cancelled.
Caribbean cruises are suspended until 1 June.
These changes are part of MSC Cruises gradual and safe return to operations, following health guidelines. The company is flexible and prioritises the well being of guests and crew.
For those looking to get back to sea, the addition of MSC Seaside to the Mediterranean and the success of MSC Grandiosa are good news for summer cruising. But stay informed about any changes to itineraries or health protocols as the situation evolves.
MSC Cruises gradual return to operations in the Mediterranean shows the industry is robust and flexible in these times. As more ships come back into service, it’s a sign of a slow but hopeful recovery for the industry in 2021 and beyond.