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Wavering travel restrictions prompt MSC Cruises to charter aircraft in Europe

Charters from major airports across Italy, France, Germany, Spain and Switzerland will enable cruise passengers to join six of MSC Cruises’ vessels in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe.

Holly Payne, Editor Video Production and Deputy Editor

June 17, 2021

1 Min Read
Credit: Seatrade Cruise News

‘As more of our fleet continues to return to service this summer and our returning and new guests look to plan their holidays on one of our ships across Europe, we felt we had to respond to the impact that the pandemic has had on many airlines,’ explained Gianni Onorato, CEO, MSC Cruises. 

‘As many are still not yet operating with a normal flight timetable, we wanted to give our guests from across Europe the peace of mind that they can reach their embarkation port in a seamless and safe way.’   

The flights, offering more than 26,000 seats in total, will run between July and October with airlines including Iberia, Alitalia, Air France, Eurowings and Neos.

Applies to six vessels 

Of the eight MSC Cruises vessels operating in Europe this summer, six will comprise a fly and cruise programme: MSC Grandiosa and MSC Seaside in the Western Mediterranean, MSC Splendida, MSC Orchestra and MSC Magnifica in the Eastern Mediterranean and MSC Seaview in Northern Europe.

Ship 'bubble' extended to include its charter flights

MSC Cruises’ health and safety protocol will subsequentlly extend to air travel; private MSC Cruises transfers will bring passengers from airport to port.

‘We have utilised the experience gained since we returned to operations last August and will work with our aviation partners to apply our industry-leading health and safety protocol to the charter flights, so that we also extend to that portion of the guest journey, the social bubble of the ship,’ continued Onorato. 

MSC Cruises has worked with health insurance provider Europ Assistance to have COVID-19 protection plan in place. Priced at Euros €25 per person, it covers passengers before, during and after their cruise.

Read more about:

MSC Cruises

About the Author

Holly Payne

Editor Video Production and Deputy Editor

Holly is Deputy Editor, Seatrade Cruise Review & Seatrade Cruise News and has experience managing a range of highly successful international business and consumer titles. With a flair for video reporting and a history of overseas work documenting people and places of diverse cultures, Holly brings a variety of skills to the Seatrade Cruise portfolio.

Holly’s academic credentials include oral and written Arabic language skills (intermediate-advanced), an MA Multimedia Journalism with NCTJ accreditation, and a BA (Hons) Degree in Classical and Archaeological Studies with English and American Literature.

 

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