MSC Cruises

CRUISE GUIDE

Before Leaving


 
1 Clothing
2 Safe deposit
3 What to take with you
4 Documents required
5 Vaccinations
 
Q: Clothing
A: Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing is ideal in the daytime. Be sure to bring head covering too. For informal evenings, we recommend summery dresses for women and lightweight jackets for men. For those few formal evenings, cocktail dresses for the ladies and lightweight suits, or even dinner jackets for men are recommended.
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Q: Where can I keep my valuables safe?
A:

You are advised to use the complimentary safety deposit facilities on board for Travellers Cheques, jewellery and other valuables - and to ensure they are properly insured. We suggest that you use credit cards and travellers cheques wherever possible. MSC Cruises declines any responsibility for the loss of valuables.

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Q: What should I wear on a cruise?
A: Light, casual clothing for everyday wear. Make sure you dress comfortably. Take a swimming costume along, as all our ships have swimming pools. With regards to footwear, you should wear comfortable shoes for our land excursions and sandals or rubber-soled shoes for walking on deck. If you like keeping fit and taking part in sports activities, take the sportswear and gym shoes you might need. We recommend a hat or visor against the sun.
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Q:

What documents do I need?

A:
Every passenger must make sure he has the identity document, valid for travel, required for the selected cruise. The passenger will not be allowed to embark ship if he/she does not possess the correct documentation. In this case, a refund for the cruise ticket will not be authorised. 
British Citizens need a machine readable passport.
British subjects and other nationalities must check visa requirements with individual embassies.

Beginning January 12, 2009, all nationals and citizens of Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries will be required by law to obtain a travel authorization prior to initiating travel to the United States under the VWP. Please read 'Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) Advisory Statement' by clicking here.

Visas may be required when visiting certain East African ports. These may be purchased once onboard at a cost, determined by the local authorities.

To visit Libya you will need a visa. When possible, these visas are organised onboard the vessel. Please be advised that if you have an Israeli stamp in your passport you will not be permitted ashore in Libya. Also, please note all passports will be stamped by the Libyan authorities irrespective of whether you go ashore or not.
Visas will be required for all visits to Russia. However, group visas are available when booked on an organised shore excursion. Independent travellers must obtain a visa in advance. Please note this can take a while to organise.
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Q:

Do I need any specific vaccination?

A:

From September 2009 South African and Namibian Health Authorities require that all passengers arriving from previous African ports are compelled to show proof of Yellow Fever vaccination.

Therefore, concerning MSC Sinfonia Cruise departing on 24 October and all the other South Africa cruises, any failure to provide proof of vaccination will result in passengers being denied boarding.

Contact your local public health authorities to seek appropriate advice and guidance before travelling.
MSC Cruises declines any responsibility for passengers who do not follow instructions relating to the prevention of infectious diseases.
In any case, we recommend you discuss your fitness to travel with your GPO. Vaccinations are often recommended, and in certain cases compulsory. The World Health Organisation (http://www.who.int/vaccines-diseases) provides guidelines on what vaccinations are needed for every country. You can also see the Department of Health's leaflet 'Health advice for Travellers' available from the Post Office or by contacting 0800 555 777 or visit www.masta.org for up to date information.

Passengers travelling to Brazil may require a visa and/or vaccination against yellow fever. Please note that the following information may be subject to change, without prior notice, by the Brazilian authorities. Therefore we recommend you contact the Brazilian embassy or consulate to ensure the information you hold is correct.

The vaccination against yellow fever is compulsory for those who come from the following countries: Angola, Benin, Bolivia, Burkina Faso, Comoros, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Congo, Gabon, Gambia, Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Ecuador, French Guiana, Peru and Venezuela.There is a risk of Malaria transmission in Brazil, Costa Rica and South Africa. We recommend you seek advice from your GP or Travel Medicine Clinic.

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The cruises when sold with a flight are ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is 4316. ATOL Protection extends primarily to customers who book and pay in the United Kingdom
Prices quoted do not include the service charge payable on board at the end of the cruise. See the Terms & Conditions for details.