MSC Magnifica has become the second MSC Cruises ship to set sail following a pause in operations earlier this year because of the COVID pandemic.
The ship departed Genoa on Monday (19 October) for a 10-night voyage to the West and East Mediterranean before returning to Genoa.
MSC Magnifica follows MSC Grandiosa as the second ship to implement MSC Cruises’ comprehensive health and safety protocol, which has been endorsed by external medical experts and formally approved by the relevant national and regional authorities.
The comprehensive safety-first measures designed to protect the wellbeing of guests, crew and communities visited were first implemented in August when MSC Grandiosa became the world’s first major cruise vessel to return to service.
The measures include protected “social bubble” ashore visits for guests to allow them to also enjoy destinations at each port of call.
While British guests are currently prevented from sailing with MSC, its UK managing director Antonio Paradiso said MSC Cruises was ready to welcome British and Irish residents when UK Foreign Office guidance changes.
“We are working closely with CLIA and the relevant authorities to enable British and Irish guests to be welcome back on board our ships when the time is right,” he added.