This article has been updated. MSC SA has asked Travel News to point out that MSC's SA md Ross Volk has not previously said the cruising season was definitely going ahead, (line 1) and this has been modified. Travel News apologises for any inconvenience caused.
MSC is currently engaged in discussions with government relating to whether it will be able to commence operations as planned on November 20. This follows a statement released last week by the Minister of Transport, which indicated that cruise ships were prohibited from calling at South African ports.
The maritime regulations included in the Minister’s statement relating to alert level one regional and international travel regulations read as follows:
“Cruise ships are prohibited from calling at any of the South African sea ports except for the disembarkation of returning South African crew; South African citizens or holders of South African permanent residence permits. Passenger ships are allowed to call at any South African sea port only for the following purposes:
- Disembarking returning South African citizens and holders of South African permanent residence permits.
- Replenishing fuel, stores and provisions.
- Medical evacuation.
- Search and rescue.
Travel News contacted MSC to find out how the regulations would affect the upcoming cruise season. MSC md for South African, Ross Volk, had this to say: “We are engaged with the government to confirm our understanding that the regulations will allow us to operate our proposed forthcoming season. We have also presented our new comprehensive health protocol that was safely and effectively introduced in Europe in August and hope for its approval here in order for us to resume a programme of local cruise holidays for our South African guests.”
