MSC Grandiosa: restarts after a pause of five months

Tuesday, September 15, 2020

After a pause of five long months due to the pandemic, MSC Grandiosa initiated the first Mediterranean cruise launch. Under the new normal, the MSC Grandiosa is scheduled to stop at three Italian ports and the Maltese capital Valletta in a seven-day voyage. The operator MSC Cruises, stated that they have followed the health regulations and after checking the passengers and crew they have thought of sailing after all passengers and crew have been tested for coronavirus before boarding.

On the other hand authorities noted that virus cases are on a rise in Italy.  While the authorities thought of restarting cruise, amidst the new normal condition and threats from the second wave of virus infection, Italian authorities are apprehensive about the situation and hence have ordered closure of all dance halls and night clubs from Monday. They have also decided to maintain social distancing norm coupled with a mandatory face mask covering from 18:00 to 06:00 local time in public spaces where social distancing isn’t possible.

MSC Cruises however mentioned that it will also be operating the MSC Grandiosa at around 70% of its normal operations, with approximately 2,500 passengers onboard, and follow absolute safety protocols.

This launch of the facility is a step towards returning to positive life and rebooting an industry which suffered huge loss for past few months. This is one of the key areas that generate huge revenue as much as estimated $150bn (£114bn) for the world economy, according to the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA).

Since Italy was adversely affected by pandemic, Italian government took time in planning about resuming operations. MSC Cruises, that operates the MSC Grandiosa, planned launch of another cruise from the Italian port of Bari on 29 August, but they suspended plans until mid-October.

Due to the prolonged lockdown and health safety issues owing to the pandemic, the international cruise industry experienced huge financial loss. Sudden discontinuation of service affected the passengers at the initial months of pandemic as passengers left stranded in Asia and US as the services were suddenly stopped. Several suffered and many even died owing to the virus infection and lack of health care. Now, the company mentioned they have implemented new protocols and followed new normal regulations to offer perfect services ensuring heath safety while cruising.

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