MSC Magnifica sailed on October 19 from the Port of Genoa, making it the second MSC Cruises ship to resume operations since the Company returned to sail safely in mid-August. MSC Cruises has introduced a rigorous health protocol, which was done together with international experts, and with the collaboration of the Italian authorities.

MSC Magnifica will embark in the four Italian ports of Genoa, Livorno (for excursions to Florence and Pisa), Messina and Civitavecchia (Rome). Thanks to boarding from the Port of Civitavecchia, this 10-night cruise (a stopover in Piraeus for the visit to Athens, Katakolon for Olympia, Valletta in Malta) is easily accessible for guests residing in Schengen countries, only ones who can currently take part in the cruise in this first phase of resumption of operations.

MSC Cruises’ health and safety protocol includes universal health screening of all guests and crew, with Covid-19 tests to be carried out before boarding the ship; high hygiene, sanitation and cleaning measures throughout the boat; social distancing; mandatory wearing of masks in public areas and on-board contact tracing technology. In this initial phase, the ship’s capacity was also reduced to 70% to ensure social distancing on board.

By the end of the year, the ship is planning a total of six Mediterranean cruises, including a special 8-night Christmas trip that will depart Genoa on 18 December.