MSC Cruises resumed sailings in the Mediterranean on MSC Grandiosa back on August 16, 2020. Since then, over 40,000 guests have safely sailed on the cruise ship.
Some guests have been so satisfied with their experience on the ship, that they have extended their stay for an extra week or two.
On 24 January, MSC Grandiosa resumed as planned regular week long cruises in the Mediterranean after a short pause of operations during the holiday period, as a result of the Italian decree that restricted movement within the country and the ship has been operating effectively for one month now.
As loyal cruise fans around the world eagerly await cruises to resume in their part of the world, here are some of the commonly asked questions answered about what it’s like on the ship.
Are masks required?
Guests are required to wear a face mask when moving around the ship and where social distancing cannot be maintained for example, in public areas as well as in the lifts. Masks do not need to be worn when seated in restaurants, bars and lounges or when sitting on the sun deck.
As with many of the cruise line’s health and safety measures, this is in line with those from ashore. Complimentary face masks are made available for guests throughout the cruise either in the cabin or at points around the ship.
Is the buffet open?
The popular buffet restaurant has been retained with carefully managed guest flows to ensure social distancing. Instead of self-service, MSC Cruises introduced a new service concept where the guests select what they want, and the food is plated and handed to them to take back to their table to ensure that the highest level of health and hygiene measures are followed.
Are swimming pools and the waterpark open?
Our public areas are open for all to enjoy, and this includes swimming pools, aquaparks and whirlpool baths. While the cruise line has limited how many guests may use them at a time, cruise ships with aquaparks and kids spray areas offer different areas to cool off.
Sunbeds are available for guests, socially distanced of course, and they are all routinely sanitized after use and deep cleaned at night.
You go you ashore during ports visits?
Guests can currently only go ashore as part of an organized MSC Cruises excursion so that they can create a safe bubble for the cruise. This protects the wellbeing of guests, crew and the communities being visited and means excursions are delivered with the same high standards of health and safety on board.
Is there entertainment on the ship?
Entertainment is a popular part of the cruise experience and MSC is offering plenty of live shows in the theatre and Carousel Lounge, activities and sports by the pool and smaller entertainment activities in the Promenade and the lounges.
The cruise line is currently not holding any large parties for the time being such as their popular White Party, but they do organize smaller-scale activities including themed events, games, kids and family activities, and dance shows.
Are the shops on the ship open?
The onboard shopping experience remains much the same, with a few small differences. Shops have a controlled flow of guests and retail staff wear face masks and request that guests sanitize their hands before entering the shop.
