Geneva, Switzerland, 13 March 2020 – In light of the extraordinary circumstances the world is currently facing in connection with the COVID-19 virus, MSC Cruises has taken the difficult decision to temporary stop all its U.S.-based new cruises embarkations for 45 days until 30 April.

 

As the COVID-19 situation is now a global pandemic, governments across the globe are continuously reviewing ashore public health and safety measures to protect local populations and limit the further spread of the virus. MSC Cruises’ decision aims to mirror and further support the effectiveness of such efforts.

 

Pierfrancesco Vago, executive chairman of MSC Cruises, said: “This is not a decision we took lightly but under the current circumstances, the health and safety of our guests, crew and the communities ashore – including our employees and their families – must come first. As a family company with over 300 years of maritime tradition, we felt that this was the right decision to make.”

 

The Company has already also halted ship operations across all areas considered as high risk for the virus, in the Mediterranean, the Gulf and Asia. Ships still in operations in South America and South Africa will also end their operations at the end of their current itineraries.

 

In 2019, MSC Cruises hosted nearly 3 million guests on board its ships deployed across five continents, representing over 170 nationalities.

 

MSC Cruises is offering guests affected by today’s decision Future Cruise Credit for 100% of the original cruise fare paid, plus additional on board credit. The future cruise credit can be used on any sailing departing on or before December 31, 2021. MSC Cruises hopes guests will choose to reschedule their cruise for a future date, however guests who are unable to do so will receive a refund equal to the original amount paid.
Please note this applies to all cancelled cruises.

For additional details guests should contact their travel agent, or visit MSC Cruises’ local website at www.msccruises.co.uk