MSC Cruises has detailed how the U.S. Cuba travel ban is impacting its operations and how guests are being compensated.
MSC Cruises Cuba Ban Details
The U.S. travel ban to Cuba is impacting the cruise industry and cruise lines are scrambling to later itineraries including MSC Cruises.
Only the MSC Armonia is being impacted by the ban which went into effect on June 5, 2019. The cruise line will replace upcoming sailings which included a call in Havana with either Key West, Florida; Costa Maya, Mexico; George Town, Cayman Islands; or Cozumel, Mexico. No other ports for the ship are set to be altered.
The MSC Armonia’s current 7-day cruise which departed PortMiami on June 3 is being adjusted too. The vessel was originally scheduled to visit the Caribbean country with an overnight arriving on June 8.
The following compensation is being offered for those currently on MSC Armonia:
- $400 USD per stateroom as onboard credit. If this credit is not fully used during the cruise, MSC Cruises will refund the difference upon check-out from the ship. Any shore excursions in Havana that were pre-purchased before the cruise, or which are included in the ticket, will be automatically refunded to the Guest’s onboard account.
Here’s what MSC is offering for all those on upcoming sailings to Cuba:
- $400 USD per stateroom as onboard credit if they choose to remain on their currently booked sailing. If this credit is not fully used during the cruise, MSC Cruises will refund the difference upon check-out from the ship. Any shore excursions in Havana that were pre-purchased before the cruise, or which are included in the ticket, will be automatically refunded to the Guest’s onboard account.
- The possibility to change ship and itinerary. MSC Cruises will waive cancellation fees and transfer already paid funds to the new booking.
The Lirica class vessel is 65,500 gross tons with a guest capacity of over 1,900 at double occupancy. The cruise line has already informed travel agents and booked guest of the changes.
U.S. Cuba Travel Ban Coverage:
- Virgin Voyages to Announce Cuba Replacement Next Week
- Carnival Cruise Line Cancels Calls To Cuba Due to Travel Ban
- Royal Caribbean is First Cruise Line to Cancel Visits to Cuba
- Cruise Lines React to U.S. Cuba Travel Ban
All the major cruise lines have been affected by the new ban as soon as it went into action on June 5. Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line and Virgin Voyages have all been scrambling to make itinerary changes as quickly as possible.
