MSC Cruises has stopped all SA ship operations.
Yesterday, the cruise line said it would continue with its local itineraries. However, today (March 17) it has released a statement saying: “In light of the extraordinary circumstances the world is currently facing in connection with the COVID-19 virus and in consultation with all relevant stakeholders and government, MSC Cruises has taken the decision to stop all its remaining South African cruise departures for the 2019/2020 cruise season ending April 2020. The last cruise departed on March 16 will return on March 20.”
Ross Volk, md of MSC Cruises South Africa, said: “This is not a decision we took lightly but, under the current circumstances, the health and safety of our guests, crew and the communities ashore – including our employees and their families – must come first. As a family company with over 300 years of maritime tradition, we felt that this was the right decision to make.”
Customers will receive a voucher for the value of their current 2019/2020 cruise package, which they can redeem in the upcoming local cruise season in 2020/2021. In addition, they will also receive shipboard credit of US$50 (R830) per cabin to be used on a cruise in the next season. For any other expenses incurred, such as flights, hotels and transport, customers would need to contact their travel insurance company or supplier directly, said MSC.
“Due to the above suspension in operations, guests booked on the remaining theme cruises as well as the Grand Voyage will receive separate communications to explain the changes relating to these events. Each passenger on the remaining cruises will receive communication in the coming days explaining the voucher.”
