Voyages on board MSC Magnifica, which were supposed to start sailing on January 7, 2021, to Greece and the Greek islands, have been postponed once more. The vessel will now operate starting February 14, 2021.
Greek Government’s Local Lockdown Measures
Already on December 7, 2020, Greece announced it would be going into a full lockdown to curtail the effects of the second wave of infections. While Schengen country nationals are still able to enter the country, cruise ships are only allowed to make technical calls at this time.
As it is not sure when the lockdown measures will be lifted, and MSC Cruises expects or thinks it is possible that the lockdown is to be extended, the cruise line has decided to postpone any voyages in Greece until February 14 at least.
MSC Cruises has stated on their website that any guests booked on-board MSC Magnifica can rebook their voyage to MSC Grandiosa. MSC Grandiosa is set to resume her voyages from Genoa, Italy, on January 10, where she will be sailing on a Western Mediterranean itinerary.
Cruises Extremely Restricted
Europe is becoming extremely restricted when it comes to cruising. While we had a positive notion ongoing in Europe earlier in the year, currently, the mood has certainly changed.
Germany has already banned cruises departing from all of its ports, as has The Netherlands and the UK as well. Italy will only be allowing cruises to depart again after the new year. MSC cruises have already postponed voyages onboard MSC Grandiosa.
Not only are the countries from which cruises depart restrictive. MSC has now announced it will only allow passengers from certain countries onboard their ships.
At this time, and until further notice, MSC ships sailings will only welcome guests from the following Schengen countries: Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Greece, Spain, France, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Hungary, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Slovakia, Finland, Sweden, and Switzerland.
Cruises To Nowhere Not An Option
Cruises to nowhere are not an option for either the Greek government or the Italian government. Therefore, the first voyage back in operation for MSC Grandiosa will be a 7-night cruise departing January 10, from Genoa, Italy.
This cruise will call on several fan favorites like Civitavecchia, from which you can visit Rome, as well as Naples and Palermo, or the ancient port city of Valetta in Malta.
The first voyage back in operation for MSC Magnifica will be a fascinating voyage from Genoa in Northern Italy on February 14.
The itinerary will include Genoa, Italy; Livorno, Italy; At Sea; Messina, Italy; Valletta, Malta, At Sea; Piraeus, Greece; Katakolon, Greece; At Sea; Civitavecchia, Italy; Genoa, Italy.
Again, those people booked on any voyages onboard MSC Magnifica prior to February 14, 2021, may rebook their voyage onboard MSC Grandiosa. We do recommend contacting your travel agent, or cruise line for any further information.
Also Read: 10 Must-Know Things About the MSC Seaside Cruise Ship
About MSC Magnifica
MSC Magnica was built in Saint Nazare, at the STX Europe shipyards in 2009, and entered service in 2010. She was the 4th vessel from the Musica Class of ships to be delivered, the build of the vessel cost MSC Cruises $547 million.
The vessel is 293.8 meters long and weighs in at 93.330 GT. At full capacity, she can carry 3,605 passengers and 1027 crew members. MSC Magnifica features 13 passenger decks, which include a 1,250-seat Art Deco-style theatre, casino, cinema, bowling alley, and a large number of dining areas and bars
