Cruise news

Cruising’s comeback from the pandemic global shutdown is taking another step in the right direction this week with MSC’s latest restart voyage.

Magnifica departed Genoa on Monday for a

10-night Mediterranean itinerary with the same rigorous Covid health and safety protocols that have been successfully in place on nineweek-long trips on sister ship Grandiosa since August.

Key measures include testing for passengers and crew prior to boarding, protected “social bubble” shore excursions, elevated sanitation and cleaning, social distancing and 30% reduced capacity, face masks in public areas and track and trace on board.

Government advice currently says UK travellers should not go on ocean cruises but an MSC spokesman said they would be welcomed back ‘’when the time is right’’. msccruises.co.uk

Greek Islands and Eastern Med specialist Celestyal Cruises is offering free comprehensive Covid travel insurance for passengers on its sailings from March to June. celestyalcruises.uk

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co.uk