MSC Cruises South Africa calls on the trade for their continued support amidst the risk posed to MSC Orchestra guests. This is after it was confirmed by the Durban Director of Port Health that a passenger on the ship had tested positive for COVID-19.
MSC Cruises SA was informed on Friday, March 27, and, in line with accepted medical protocols and with the knowledge of South African health authorities, immediately communicated this to all passengers who had been on the same cruise.
In a statement, the company highlighted that the passenger on the three-day cruise – from March 13-16 – had not shown or reported any symptoms when going through the medical and travel history screening process required for all passengers and crew prior to embarkation.
MSC Cruises SA md, Ross Volk, told eTNW: “In these difficult and unprecedented times, we need to band together and support each other by making sure that we move as many passengers and bookings to a future cruise date.”
By doing this, Ross believes that the trade can protect both the commission and revenue in cash flow, but it requires the support of everyone.
“My final message is for everyone to stay safe and we look forward to a much more positive outlook at the end of the lockdown, and into the middle of 2020,” he added.
Globally, MSC Cruises extended its fleet-wide halting of operations through to May 29 (from April 30) in a press statement released on March 30. The South African cruise season runs from November to April each year so the local operations are not directly impacted by this as MSC South Africa does not cruise in May.
For now, information regarding compensation packages can be found here and MSC invites guests and travel partners to contact it via email for information about cruise moves at info@msccruises.co.za.
