MSC Grandiosa | MSC Cruises Play

HealtH & Safety 

The MSC Cruises family of guests and crew is at the center of everything we do, and your health and safety are of utmost importance to us.

From the moment you start planning your cruise to when you return home, we are thoroughly assessing every step of the way to provide a safe, healthy and comfortable experience on your next cruise with us.

We are working together with leading international experts in the fields of Medicine, Public Health and related scientific disciplines to develop and validate our health and safety measures. Read more about our blue-ribbon panel by clicking here.

Our new operating procedures are designed to meet and exceed guidelines provided by national and international health authorities and we continue to monitor the situation in order to adapt them if required. We will continue to update the website as our protocols change.

 

 

 

Click here to download our current Health & Safety factsheet for more details

 
 
 
 
Pre-Cruise
Pre-Cruise
  • CAREFULLY SELECTED ITINERARIES
    We constantly monitor the global health situation and stand prepared to modify our itineraries when needed. We will call only in ports that local authorities and health organisations have cleared as safe and in full compliance with all local port and health authorities’ regulations.

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  • FROM BOOKING ONWARDS

    •  

    - We are updating our booking process with new terms and conditions, step-by-step guidance and clear travel requirements.
    - Guests will be required to provide their contact details to receive all the necessary information and any important updates
    - Booking prepaid onboard packages is highly recommended in order to avoid queues, secure space and save money compared to onboard prices. By booking in advance, you can enjoy your holiday from the moment you step on board
    - You will need to complete an effortless web check-in to receive your cruise tickets, including travel documentation and a mandatory pre-cruise health questionnaire
    - When booking, you should indicate any friends or family members you will be travelling with (if outside of your reservation) so we can make seating dining arrangements once onboard.

     

  • TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS 

    • We will deny boarding in case of:

    - Symptoms such as: fever (≥37.5°C / 99.5°F), cough, shortness of breath, chills, muscle/body aches, fatigue, headache, sore throat and loss of taste/smell in the 14 days prior to embarkation
    - Potential exposure to a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19 in the 14 days prior to embarkation
    - Temporary travel restrictions based on local circumstances. For example, certain countries may deny visas or prohibit entry based on travel history or nationality.

    We continue to work with relevant authorities to keep the above requirements up to date.

     

    Embarkation
    Embarkation
  • HEALTH SCREENING

    • To ensure a safe and healthy environment on board, all guests will undergo comprehensive health and COVID-19 screenings before embarkation:

    - Health questionnaire (provided with your cruise ticket)

    - Touchless temperature check

    - COVID-19 compatible signs or symptoms

     

    Depending on the screening results, guests may participate in a secondary review (including in-depth interview, a second temperature measurement, a medical examination and if necessary, a laboratory examination) or be denied boarding.

     
  • TERMINAL AND PEOPLE MANAGEMENT

    • - We’ve redesigned our embarkation process with assigned arrival times indicated in the cruise ticket to minimise contact and enable responsible social distancing
    - The terminal and gangway areas will be thoroughly cleaned and sanitised according to the same high standards as onboard
    - You will be asked to wear a face mask during embarkation and while in the terminal in compliance with local regulations
    - Your hold and hand luggage will be sanitised
    - Embarking and disembarking guests will not cross the same walking paths.



     
    Onboard
    Onboard
  • ELEVATED STANDARDS OF SANITATION AND CLEANLINESS

    • We’ve taken our cleanliness and sanitation measures to the next level by implementing the highest standards of health and hygiene across our fleet:

    - We have increased cleaning and disinfection frequency, introducing new cleaning methods and the use of hospital-grade disinfectant products
    - Key venues and public spaces are sanitised frequently, with a focus on high-traffic areas and deep disinfection every night through electrostatic spray technology
    - Cabins are meticulously cleaned on a daily basis, with careful attention to high-touch surfaces and additional deep cleaning at the end of each cruise
    - All recreational and sporting equipment, fitness machines, sunbeds, outdoor furniture, toys, games and Kids Club equipment are sanitised after each use

    One of the best ways to stay healthy is to keep your hands clean. We recommend that you wash your hands regularly and use hand sanitiser before any activity and before entering venues. For your convenience, we have increased the availability of hand sanitiser dispensers around the ship.
  • ONLY FRESH AIR SUPPLY

    • 100% external fresh air is supplied to all cabins and public areas, with no recirculation between cabins or within the ship.

     

  • ENHANCED MEDICAL SERVICES WITH HIGHLY QUALIFIED STAFF

    • All MSC Cruises’ ships are equipped with state-of-the-art medical services and an increased number of qualified medical staff onboard, supported by dedicated 24/7 ashore Medical Team.
    Our ships have a fully equipped Medical Centre including COVID-19 testing equipment and ventilators
    We continuously monitor the health of our guests and crew with contactless temperature checks during the cruise; in case of flu-like symptoms, guests should immediately notify the Medical Centre and free treatment will be provided
    Our medical staff is trained to deal with COVID-19 with a response plan in place in cooperation with local authorities
    We have established a comprehensive medical protocol to deal with suspected cases and dedicated isolation zones with separate air supply.


  • RESPONSIBLE SOCIAL DISTANCING


    • We have redesigned activities, adapted our services and reduced venue capacity so our guests and crew can easily adhere to current social distancing guidelines. Face masks will be required whenever social distancing cannot be met in public places such as in the lifts and the theatres, or when moving around the ship. Masks do not need to be worn when seated in restaurants, bars and lounges, and when sitting on the sun deck. 

     

  • WELL-TRAINED, WELL-EQUIPPED AND HEALTHY CREW


    • For the health of all our guests and crew, MSC Cruises ensures that all crew members are fully trained and follow strict health and safety preventive measures:

    - Crew members undergo extensive screening and medical checks including COVID-19 testing prior to embarking in addition to daily health monitoring and temperature checks
    - Crew members follow proper handwashing practices and wear protective equipment such as face masks and gloves.

     

  • ONBOARD EXPERIENCE

    • We are committed to preserving the uniqueness of the onboard experience whilst ensuring that your health and safety are protected. You will continue to enjoy unique experiences including award-winning shows, world-class dining, excursions, family activities, boutique shopping, beauty and fitness services, engaging events and much more.

     

    Restaurants and Bars 

    We have adapted our service and seating layouts to allow for social distancing, and all meals and drinks will be served at your table. Self-service at the buffet restaurant will be temporarily unavailable, and the food will be plated and served by our crew. For a contactless experience, you can access restaurant and bar menus from your personal mobile device by conveniently scanning a QR code. Face masks do not need to be worn when seated in restaurants, bars and lounges, only when entering the venue. 

    Shore Excursions
    If you wish to go ashore during your cruise, we highly encourage you to participate in one of our MSC Shore Excursions. On all our carefully selected and curated MSC shore experience, you can rest assured that every aspect of your time ashore meets the highest standards of health, hygiene and comfort. For summer 2020 sailings, different conditions will apply. For more details, please download the dedicated factsheet for MSC Grandiosa and MSC Splendida.

    Entertainment and Activities
    We are introducing newly designed onboard activities and entertainment for smaller group sizes. A wide array of activities including shows, entertainment and the Kids Club will be available by reservation at no extra charge.
    As the capacity of the theatre will be reduced to ensure responsible social distancing, the entertainment schedule will be extended so you can still enjoy a great variety of award-winning shows.

    Outdoor areas and pools
    All open decks will be accessible and pools, whirlpools and the Aquapark will be available with a reduced occupancy for social distancing. Sunbeds will be separated in clusters, sanitised after every use and deeper sanitation will take place every night.

    Guests services
    To easily find information while avoiding queues, we encourage you to utilise our new Information Centre available by phone and digital services such as MSC for Me* (mobile app, in-cabin TV, interactive screens). Remote desks will be available on embarkation day for in-person questions. You should always call before going to any desk for information. Cashless payments will be highly recommended.

    *MSC for Me digital programme is available on MSC Meraviglia, MSC Bellissima, MSC Grandiosa, MSC Seaside, MSC Seaview and MSC Splendida.
     

    As you travel or cruise with us, we invite you to follow
    the World Health Organization recommendations:

    meet our group of experts

    The enhanced health and safety protocol has been developed with external health experts including Aspen Medical, a leading global healthcare provider and international university professors and doctors in the field of epidemiology and virology alongside our MSC Cruises Medical Department.

    We have established a blue-ribbon COVID Expert Group in the fields of Medicine, Public Health, and/or related scientific disciplines, and we are collaborating with them to inform and review our health and safety measures as they relate to COVID-19 to help ensure that the actions taken are appropriate, effective, and informed by the best available science and health practices.

    To find out more about our group of experts, click here.

     
     
     

    faq

    TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

    - Are there any travel restrictions under the new protocol, such as past medical history, current health status, age or nationality?

    All guests must be healthy and physically fit for travel. Health of our Guests is our number one priority.
    Please note we will deny boarding in case of symptoms such as fever (>37,5 C C / 99.5 F), cough, shortness of breath, chills, muscle/body aches, fatigue, headache, sore throat and loss of taste/smell in the 14 days prior to embarkation or potential exposure to a suspected or confirmed case of COVID 19 in the 14 days prior to embarkation.
    For all sailings in the upcoming months, please note that all Guests will need to take a molecular or antigen test prior to the ship’s departure: 

     • For departures from Italy: within 96 hours for Italian residents and within 48 hours for guests entering into Italian territory from abroad*. Starting from 24 May 2021, the Italian health authorities’ decree introduces the compulsory completion of a digital Passenger Locator Form (dPLF) for all travellers arriving in Italy by any means of transport. Guests are required to complete the dedicated digital Passenger Locator Form (dPLF) before entering Italy. Once the form has been submitted, guests will receive a dPLF in PDF format and a QR Code at the email address entered during registration.

     • For departures from Germany and Spain: within 48 hours

     • For departures from France and other European countries: within 72 hours (subject to change, latest information posted on the website/on this page)

     

     

    The above COVID-19 test requirements are not required for passengers under 2 years old or for fully-vaccinated guests (full set of vaccine shots received more than 14 days before the start of the cruise). A proof of vaccination will be required. The test may still be necessary for National or International mobility requirement: it’s every guest’s responsibility to verify this requirement before departure.

     

    The original test results certificate or vaccination certificate must be presented at the terminal (paper or electronic format) in order to embark on the ship. The certificate must be in English, Italian, German, French or Spanish and must contain: guest’s personal data (verifiable with the other travel documents), date of the test, identification / contact details of the centre that performed the analysis, technique used and negative test result. 

    *Includes anyone who has travelled to, from, or through the Schengen countries, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus and Romania in the past 14 days prior to the ship's departure. 

     

     
    However, as per our stringent MSC Health & Safety protocol, all guests both vaccinated and unvaccinated, will need to undergo some Health and COVID 19 screenings including a COVID-19 test, a health questionnaire and a contactless temperature check, at the terminal before boarding.

     

    The current advice from the World Health Organization, EU Healthy Gateways and other authorities is that COVID-19 is often more severe in people who are older or who have health conditions like lung or heart disease, diabetes or conditions that affect their immune system. Older guests or those with such conditions are advised to consult with a doctor or their local health authorities for guidance before travelling to assess whether they should be travelling at this time. According to the EU Healthy Gateways advisory, anyone over 65 years of age is considered part of a higher risk group.

    - Are there any travel restrictions for certain nationalities or countries of residence that may prevent guests from being allowed on sailings in the upcoming months?

    For cruises until July 15, 2021, we will initially only welcome guests who are residents in the 26 European ‘Schengen’ countries (Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland) and also Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus and Romania.
     
     
     

    - Are there any specific requirements for guests already vaccinated against COVID-19?

    The accelerated rollout of vaccines worldwide is a gamechanger for the health of our guests. Following the guidance from the World Health Organization, being vaccinated does not mean that you cannot put at risk other people. Therefore, the current health and safety protocols are absolutely critical for the wellbeing of our guests, crew and the communities that visit our ships. We are prepared for the hybrid situation of safely sailing with vaccinated and unvaccinated guests thanks to our stringent Health & safety measures such as COVID-19 test for all guests at the terminal before embarking, social distancing and wearing masks. Only the COVID-19 test before reaching the terminal is not required for fully-vaccinated guests (full set of vaccine shots received more than 14 days before the start of the cruise) but a proof of vaccination is necessary. However, the test may still be required for National or International mobility: it’s every guest’s responsibility to verify this requirement before departure.

     

    We are continuously assessing developments in response to the COVID-19 and will adapt the health and safety measures as needed.

     
     

    - TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

    EMBARKATION / DISEMBARKATION

    - Do guests need to provide any medical documents to show that they are COVID-19 negative at embarkation/disembarkation?

    Before boarding, all guests must complete a health questionnaire and report any symptoms of illness or potential exposure to a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19 in the 14 days prior to embarkation. All guests must undergo a contactless temperature check. All guests (as of 2 years old) will undertake a COVID-19 screening (antigen swab test) at the cruise terminal before boarding, to ensure they are healthy and fit to travel. Depending on the screening results, guests may participate in a secondary review with medical professionals or be denied boarding.

     

     

    For all sailings in the upcoming months, please note that all Guests will need to take a molecular or antigen test prior to the ship’s departure: 

     • For departures from Italy: within 96 hours for Italian residents and within 48 hours for guests entering into Italian territory from abroad*. Starting from 24 May 2021, the Italian health authorities’ decree introduces the compulsory completion of a digital Passenger Locator Form (dPLF) for all travellers arriving in Italy by any means of transport. Guests are required to complete the dedicated digital Passenger Locator Form (dPLF) before entering Italy. Once the form has been submitted, guests will receive a dPLF in PDF format and a QR Code at the email address entered during registration.

     • For departures from Germany and Spain: within 48 hours

     • For departures from France and other European countries: within 72 hours (subject to change, latest information posted on the website/on this page)

     

     

    The above COVID-19 test requirements are not required for passengers under 2 years old or for fully-vaccinated guests (full set of vaccine shots received more than 14 days before the start of the cruise). A proof of vaccination will be required. The test may still be necessary for National or International mobility requirement: it’s every guest’s responsibility to verify this requirement before departure.

     

    The original test results certificate or vaccination certificate must be presented at the terminal (paper or electronic format) in order to embark on the ship. The certificate must be in English, Italian, German, French or Spanish and must contain: guest’s personal data (verifiable with the other travel documents), date of the test, identification / contact details of the centre that performed the analysis, technique used and negative test result. 

    *Includes anyone who has travelled to, from, or through the Schengen countries, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus and Romania in the past 14 days prior to the ship's departure. 

     

     
    However, as per our stringent MSC Health & Safety protocol, all guests both vaccinated and unvaccinated, will need to undergo some Health and COVID 19 screenings including a COVID-19 test, a health questionnaire and a contactless temperature check, at the terminal before boarding.

     

    - Is it possible to get tested during the cruise to comply with regulations from my travel back home?

    For all sailings in the upcoming months, to ensure the highest standards of health and safety and allow a safe return home to our Guests in compliance with national regulations, MSC Cruises has organized the possibility for its guests to purchase and perform a molecular test (i.e. RT-PCR) or an antigen test during their cruise.

     

    The molecular test will be charged 80 euros. The tests will be organized to comply with the 48h or 72h test validity to return to your country according to your national regulations. The antigenic test is always available for 25 euros. These tests do not substitute the complimentary covid tests performed on board to comply with our comprehensive health and safety protocol.

     

    - Do guests need to provide any medical documents to show that they are COVID-19 negative at embarkation?

    All guests must complete a health questionnaire and report any symptoms of illness or potential exposure to a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19 in the 14 days prior to embarkation.

    - What will happen if embarkation is denied to a guest for health reasons?

    If a guest presents symptoms of illness such as temperature higher than 37.5°C / 99.5°F or there are concerns with their health questionnaire, they will undertake a secondary screening, including in-depth interview, a second temperature measurement, a medical examination and, if necessary, a laboratory examination.
    If a guest is then not considered fit to travel, they will be assisted in their next steps of a return home or will be potentially being treated in a local medical facility to ensure maximum support and care.

    - What safety protocols will be implemented on transfers and shuttles?

    We are extending our enhanced health and hygiene measures to all MSC transfers, including:


    - Cleaning and sanitisation of all vehicles before any new group of guests

    - Availability of hand sanitisation stations and disinfectant mats for footwear

    - Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for all drivers

    - Reduced number of guests with selected seats empty to ensure social distancing

     

    - How are you cleaning and sanitizing the guest staterooms?

    According to our enhanced cleaning and sanitation protocols, every guest cabin will be thoroughly cleaned on a daily basis, with special attention to 40 frequently-touched areas, such as door handles, power switches, control panels, remote controls, desks and bathroom surfaces.

    Every stateroom will be deep cleaned at the end of each cruise before the next guests arrive for their cruise vacation.

    - How often are you sanitising public areas?

    All public areas and public restrooms will be deep cleaned and sprayed with disinfectant each night, as well as regularly sanitised throughout the day.  For example, public toilets will be cleaned every 20 minutes, and all cleaning staff will wear appropriate PPE.

    - How will the check-in take place?

    Before the cruise, the collection of contact details for each guest is mandatory in case of important updates. Proceeding to the web check-in allow guests to receive cruise tickets, travel documentation and mandatory health questionnaires. On the embarkation day, guests should arrive at the time indicated on the cruise ticket to facilitate responsible social distancing, with travel documentation and health questionnaires. All guests (as of 2 years old) will undertake a COVID-19 health screening and a swab test. A newly designed processes for embarkation has been implemented to manage the guest flow, to limit lines and contacts. Before the cruise, MSC Cruises invites all guests to download for free the MSC for Me app to start booking additional services, to secure space and to ensure a seamless onboard experience.  

    - What measures are you taking for the disembarkation process at the end of a cruise?

    To ensure that all guests are disembarked safely and efficiently, we are providing detailed, step-by-step information, allocated time slots and a complimentary face mask for their journey home. 
    All luggage will be sanitised before departure and staff wearing appropriate protective equipment will direct guests to avoid congestions at the gangway.
    Boarding for the next sailing will only commence once all guests have disembarked, avoiding any cross-over.

    ONBOARD MEDICAL SERVICES

    - What happens if there is a suspected case of COVID-19 on board?

    The preventative health and safety steps in the protocol are designed to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 transmission on board. In the event that someone should fall sick, we have a fully equipped onboard 24/7 Medical Centre with highly qualified medical staff who are fully trained for COVID-19 treatment and who are supported by a 24/7 ashore medical team. 
    In case of flu-like symptoms, guests should notify immediately the Medical Centre and free treatment will be provided. If the onboard medical team determines a suspected COVID-19 case, a comprehensive isolation procedure and response plan will be activated in close cooperation with the health authorities.

    - Have you agreed with specific ports that they will welcome your ships that have positive cases on board for medical assistance ashore?

    Yes. As part of our comprehensive and enhanced health and safety protocol, we have a contingency response plan in place with all the relevant authorities in the ports where the ships will call. 

    - Do you have certified COVID-19 tests on board your ships?

    We have COVID-19 testing equipment on board for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) swab testing and serological rapid testing for antibodies.

    - How the health of anyone on board is monitored?

    All MSC Cruises’ ships are equipped with state-of-the-art medical services and an increased number of qualified medical staff onboard, supported by dedicated 24/7 ashore Medical Team. We continuously monitor the health of our guests and crew with contactless temperature checks during the cruise; in case of flu-like symptoms, guests should immediately notify the Medical Centre and free treatment will be provided.

    For all sailings in the upcoming months, all guests will undergo an additional swab test during the cruise whilst on board, on top of the existing pre-boarding COVID-19 testing. The test is mandatory.   
     

    SOCIAL DISTANCING

    - Will social distancing rules be applied onboard? 

    We have redesigned activities, adapted our services and reduced venue capacity to ensure that our guests can easily adhere to current social distancing recommendations, both onboard and ashore. 
    Guests will be reminded of social distancing guidelines at the time of booking and during their cruise through signage, public announcements, in-cabin TV and staff engagement.

    - Will guests be required to wear a face mask?

    Whenever social distancing cannot be met in public places such as in the lifts, guests will be asked to wear a face mask.  
    Face masks will be available throughout the cruise. We also advise all guests to wear a face mask when travelling to and from the port and in the terminal, in compliance with local regulations.

    DINE & DRINK

    - How will the Main Dining experience change?

    Our main restaurants will continue to serve our guests with a wide array of inspiring dishes and high-quality cuisine. We are modifying the seating layout to enable safe physical distancing, and guests will have the same table and waiter throughout their cruise for extra peace of mind. 
    We are elevating our strict food safety protocols by enhancing the cleaning and sanitising of all venues, providing appropriate protective equipment to all servers and increasing the number of hand sanitisation stations at all restaurants. Face masks do not need to be worn by our guests when seated in the restaurants, but only when entering the venue. 

    - Will the self-service at buffet be available?

    At the buffet the food will be plated and served by our crew.
     

    - Will Specialty Restaurants be open?

    Yes, our sought-after Specialty Restaurants will be open while operating at a reduced capacity to comply with the precautionary health and safety measures. Reservations are available at the time of booking to help guests secure spaces and save money compared to onboard prices.

    - Will there be any changes to the bars and lounges?

    Our bars will be open and ready to serve our guests with their favourite cocktail or aperitif. To ensure we comply with the current social distancing recommendations, our staff will deliver drinks at the table and we will limit the capacity of each venue. Face masks do not need to be worn by our guests when seated in bars and lounges, but only when entering the venue. 
     

    - How I can prebook my drinks or restaurants onboard?

    You can save time by personalizing your cruise even before getting onboard. Login on our website and you can easily add drink packages or dining experiences to your cruise and take advantage of our pre-booking discounts!  

    - How I can get the restaurants and drinks menu at bars and restaurants?

    For a contactless experience, guests will access restaurant and bar menus from their personal mobile device by scanning a QR code whilst on board. Before the cruise, MSC Cruises invites all guests to download for free the MSC for Me app to browse all the onboard restaurants, bars and lounges and to ensure a seamless onboard experience like making restaurant reservations.
     

    ENTERTAINMENT & SERVICES

    - Will guests still be able to enjoy the theatre shows and other activities? 

    Guests will enjoy our onboard award-winning entertainment but with a few changes:

    - We are reducing the capacity of the theatre to allow for empty seats between guests
    - The entertainment program will be extended so that all guests can enjoy our award-winning shows
    - Shows and activities will be pre-booked to manage the number of participants
    - Guests will be encouraged to wear a face mask when in the theatre

    - Will the Kids Club be open and what kind of kids’ activities will be available?

    Our Kids Club and family activities will welcome kids and parents in a healthy and safe environment while ensuring a fun and enjoyable experience.
    New measures include reduced capacity, a streamlined registration process, contactless temperature check and hand sanitiser provided upon entry. We're adding new exciting activities and family game shows that will be available for booking up to one day in advance. Toys and water will be provided by our staff, while we'll keep out personal belongings as an additional safety measure.

    - Will you still have Spa and Fitness services available to guests? 

    MSC Aurea Spa and Fitness facilities and services will be available* with enhanced health and sanitation measures, extended opening hours and reduced capacity in public spaces. Onboard services are subject to changes based on local regulations or other restrictions, in the context of the COVID-19 situation. 

    For their health and comfort, guests will pre-book spa treatments, fitness sessions and thermal area visits by phone. 

    Fitness machines and equipment, spa areas and treatment rooms will be thoroughly sanitized after each use as well as deep-cleaned and disinfected every night. 

    All Spa staff have been trained on rigorous health and sanitation measures and will wear appropriate protective equipment.
     

    Book now your Spa Packages!

     

    *Depending on ship-class, the following experiences will be closed until further notice: Saunas, Steam Rooms, Heat Baths Whirlpools, Ice & Snow Experiences. Salt Relax Room, Harmonic Relax Rooms, Experience Showers, Heated Loungers will remain open to our guests.  

    - Will guests be able to use the casino?

    The casino remains fully functional under the new protocol with added sanitation and social distancing measures in place, including frequent sanitising of chips, replacing playing cards on a regular basis and a reduced number of seats at gaming tables. 

    - Will there be any restrictions to visit some ports?

    If you wish to go ashore during your cruise, you can only do so by participating in one of our MSC Shore Excursions to ensure the same high standards of health and safety ashore as on board.