| MSC joins British cruise frenzy

MSC Cruises is the latest line to announce domestic operations in the United Kingdom, with a series of “short breaks and week-long cruises round the British Isles”.

The season follows government approval of cruising in British waters by foreign ships under strict protocols, and is set to kick off on 20 May, with MSC joining Cunard Line, P&O Cruises, Viking and others (CW 17 Mar) in offering cruise holidays for British passengers.

MSC will sail from the new Southampton terminal, with the firm’s Managing Director UK & Ireland Antonio Paradiso saying “it’s time for UK holidaymakers to get back onboard and enjoy a well deserved break from what has been a very challenging 12 months for everyone”.

“Our hope is to offer every type of holidaymaker the chance to escape this summer – from grandparents to teens and even the smallest of passengers.”

Unlike P&O, MSC will carry both vaccinated and unvaccinated passengers, with all guests tested prior to embarkation.

Non-vaccinated guests will also be required to show proof of a negative test done within 72 hours prior of travel, and crews will undergo weekly testing following 14 days of quarantine prior to joining the vessel.

Paradiso noted MSC had already carried over 50,000 guests since restarting operations in Aug last year, with the cruise line’s protocols led by international health experts including its own Blue-Ribbon expert group.

Details of shore excursions have not been released at this stage, with Paradiso saying any programs will be “subject to prevailing circumstances and local guidance at the time of sailing”.