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Cruise Is Back: MSC Cruises Heralds Next Phase Of UK Travel Industry Restart

Flagship MSC Virtuosa is the first cruise ship to depart from the UK in 14 months, marking the #ArrivalRevival of the British cruise industry.

Flagship MSC Virtuosa is the first cruise ship to depart from the UK in 14 months, marking the #ArrivalRevival of the British cruise industry.

Vaccinated Britons can pack their resort wear for a summer of sailing now cruising from the UK has resumed after a 14-month hiatus.

MSC Virtuosa departed from the port of Southampton for a four-night sailing that marks the start of her maiden season at sea on 20 May 2021 (local time).

The MSC Cruises’ flagship will be the first ocean liner to sail in British waters since the global cruise industry came to a voluntary halt in March 2020 as a result of the global pandemic ashore.

MSC Virtuosa won’t be sailing alone either, with some 12 cruise lines departing 20 May on domestic cruises carrying UK residents.

Cruising returns

MSC VIRTUOSA
MSC Virtuosa

MSC Cruises was the first major cruise line to resume sailing in international waters in August 2020 when MSC Grandiosa began weekly cruises in the Mediterranean following approval by a range of European authorities for an advanced health and safety protocol that has since effectively set a new standard for the industry.

Gianni Onorato, CEO, MSC Cruises, said: “We are very proud that MSC Virtuosa’s first-ever sailing marks the resumption of cruising from British ports after an enforced break of more than a year and effectively heralds the next phase of restart for our industry.

The brand new environmentally advanced 181,000 GT MSC Virtuosa will be available during the summer for British residents only and for guests of all ages who are either waiting for a COVID-19 vaccine or who have already been vaccinated.

All guests are tested before they embark the ship and non-vaccinated guests are required to also show proof of a negative test conducted up to 72 hours prior to embarkation.

International travel is back (for Brits)

Portugal_Small_touring_Co

From Monday 17 May, Britons are able to travel internationally thanks to the launch of its travel traffic light system.

There are currently 12 countries on the green list, which means people who travel to these countries will be required to take one test up to 72 hours before returning to the UK, followed by one PCR test on or before day two of arrival home.

Back in Australia we’re still patiently waiting for an announcement for the resumption of cruising and a clear roadmap for the opening of international borders.