There are a great number of people who are immuno-compromised to various degrees. In fact, according to statistics, between 20 and 30 percent of the population in the United States has been exposed to some kind of vaccination. This percentage is growing all the time, and the fact of the matter is that it’s hard to find clear-cut rules regarding immuno-compromised guests who are traveling to the United States.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommend that all immunized travelers receive two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, and that those under age 12 receive one dose. The remaining doses are recommended for those aged 12-18. Vaccinated individuals should not allow their unvaccinated travel companions, or their unvaccinated children, to come within 12 feet of them for two hours after they have received two doses of MMR.
On October 31, 2017, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a Travel Notice for MSC Cruises stating that “MSC may not provide services to passengers who have not been vaccinated against measles, mumps, rubella, polio, tetanus, varicella, or the varicella vaccine.” The notice references a new Federal regulation requiring all U.S. ports of entry to share the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s updated list of locally recommended vaccines.
MSC cruises depart from Miami and Port Canaveral, and while vaccinations are not mandatory, non-vaccinated people will face stricter protocols on board.
Unvaccinated guests must have insurance
(Photo courtesy of MSC Cruises)
Among the protocols that apply to unvaccinated passengers (or passengers who, for whatever reason, cannot provide proof of vaccination) is the requirement to purchase Covid 19 cruise line travel insurance and a protective services policy.
If you wish to disembark during your visit to the port, this will only be possible on excursions booked and organised by MSC Cruises.
None of these restrictions apply to vaccinated passengers. However, all guests must be tested upon boarding.
Physical distance rules apply during the ride and, in accordance with current Centers for Disease Control recommendations, masks must be worn on the property.
Which ships go where
MSC Meraviglia and Divina will offer three-, four- and seven-night cruises from Miami and Port Canaveral starting this summer.
It’s cruise time again and we are incredibly excited to open bookings for our summer 2023 US cruises and take another step in bringing guests aboard our US ships again this summer, said Ruben Rodriguez, president of MSC Cruises USA.
As for the future, our guests have much to look forward to. Choose from a short trip or a week-long vacation from Miami or our new homeport of Port Canaveral, with a visit to our new private island, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve.
MSC Meraviglia (Photo courtesy of MSC Cruises)
MSC Meraviglia new departure
MSC Meraviglia will set sail again on August 2, 2023 with three- and four-night cruises. From the age of 18. In September, the ship will alternate seven-day voyages in the Eastern and Western Caribbean.
- 2. August: The four-day voyage, the first since MSC Cruises ceased operations outside the U.S., includes visits to Nassau and the MSC Ocean Cay marine sanctuary.
- 18. September: Meraviglia’s first seven-day cruise will depart from Miami after the ship closes and visit Ocean Key, Nassau and Ocho Rios before making a second visit to Ocean Key.
- 25. September: This seven-night cruise from Miami visits Ocean Key, Costa Maya and Cozumel for the second time.
READ MORE: CDC revises cruise ship warning to target unvaccinated passengers.
MSC Divina Restart Details
MSC Divina will once again offer cruises, with a series of three-, four- and seven-night cruises to the Bahamas and Caribbean from Port Canaveral in Central Florida.
- 16. September: Guests can embrace the Divina on a three-night sailing trip that includes a visit to Nassau and Ocean Cay.
- 3. October: This seven-night cruise visits Ocean Bay, Cozumel and Costa Maya.
All MSC Cruises in the United States visit the company’s private island in the Bahamas, the MSC Ocean Cay Marine Reserve.
MSC Divina at Ocean Cay (Photo courtesy of MSC Cruises)
Surrounded by a 64 square mile marine reserve, Ocean Cay offers a unique opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty of the island and experience local marine life.
Ships moor here from early morning to late at night and in some cases all night. Visitors can spend the day exploring two kilometers of white sandy beaches and enjoy various activities such as paddle boarding, kayaking, jet skiing, etc.
READ MORE: Litigation in Florida continues, but may speed up return of cruisesMSC Cruises is a cruise line that doesn’t require all its passengers to have up-to-date vaccinations for yellow fever, or get their children vaccinated for polio. There is no proof that they are “protecting” their guests from these, but rather are paying for the vaccines themselves. This is because the US requires everyone it lets into the country to have vaccines for yellow fever, even if they’re not planning on visiting certain countries.. Read more about msc cruise vaccine requirements and let us know what you think.
