| MSC eyes Japanese restart in Apr

MSC Cruises is now on track for an Apr 2021 restart in Japan, after it became the first international cruise line to receive a certificate of compliance from Japanese ship classification society Nippon Kaiji Kyokai for its health and safety protocol earlier in the week.

The certification now paves the way for MSC to open sales for cruises homeporting in Japan to locals, as well as start work with ports in the country to prepare for the season.

Health and safety operating protocols of MSC and port authorities in Japan will also follow guidelines established by the Japan Oceangoing Passenger Ship Association.

MSC Bellissima (pictured) will be deployed to Japan, homeporting in Yokohama to sail six- to nine-night cruises from Apr to Jun.

Bellissima is also scheduled to operate in the country during Oct and Nov 2021.

“To be the first international cruise line in Japan to be awarded this key certification of compliance is a further testament to our robust and rigorous health and safety protocol which led the way for the entire global industry when in Aug we became the first major line to resume cruise operation in the Mediterranean,” said Chief Exec Gianni Onorato.

MSC said its protocol is also currently being reviewed by relevant authorities in other regions to support phased and local restarts.