Question 1

ACCESSIBILITY

Accepted Answer

Please review the details below regarding different accessibility needs. This will help you to determine whether the accommodation we are able to provide is right for you and your party to travel safely and comfortably. Any accessibility or medical request can be flagged by completing the Accessibility&Medical Request Form available HERE and at all accredited travel agencies. This information should be provided at time of booking but no later than 30 days prior to sailing.

If you are pregnant, the information should be provided at least 2 weeks before sailing date.

For service dogs this is required at least 60 days before the sailing date.

Note that due to the complexity of the Worldcruise itinerary, early deadlines apply.

This allows us time to provide the best possible service for our guests, which is determined by the facilities and resources on board each ship. If we do not receive timely notification, MSC Cruises cannot guarantee the requested accommodation. However, we will always strive to ensure every guest receives the accommodation they need to enjoy their time onboard. Due to the limited availability of accessible accommodation, guests are recommended to notify us as soon as possible as they will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

If you booked through our website, the documentation should be sent to the following email address: specialservicesuk@msccruises.co.uk. However, If you booked your cruise through a travel agency, the documentation should be sent directly to your travel agent.

1.1 REDUCED MOBILITY

For guests who primarily use a wheelchair or mobility scooter, we highly recommend reserving a cabin for guests with disabilities or reduced mobility. These cabins are specifically designed with enhanced accessible features, including handrails for support, ramps for easy balcony access, lower shelves for convenient storage, spacious wet-room-style bathrooms, and wider entrance doors for smoother navigation. These thoughtful features are incorporated to cater to the unique needs of individuals with reduced mobility, promoting a more comfortable and independent experience.

While standard cabins may be suitable for guests with minor mobility impairments or those who do not require a wheelchair to move around the cabin, they are not suitable for guests who rely on a wheelchair as their primary means of mobility. Since availability of reduced mobility cabins are limited, and requests will be accommodated on a first come, first served basis, it is important to request at time of booking. If an accessible cabin is booked by a guest who does not require it, they may at any time be moved to a non-accessible stateroom. If you choose to book a standard cabin, you are acknowledging that you can stand for a brief ime, take steps without a mobility device and can access the bathroom area without additional supports (a shower stool can be requested, if needed). If you use a wheelchair or scooter, it’s essential to verify that your wheelchair meets our size restrictions.

The wheelchair should not exceed 50cm (20 inches) in width, have a weight limit of 45kgs (99 pounds), and, when folded, should not exceed 50cm (20 inches). These limitations are in place to ensure safe maneuverability and storage within the cabin space. For safety and convenience, wheelchairs, mobility scooters, and other assistive mobility devices must be stored inside your cabin when not in use. They cannot be stored in the hallways. Please take this into consideration when booking a regular cabin.

This policy aligns with International Safety Regulations and helps maintain clear and safe passageways throughout the ship.

Given the strict International Safety Regulations governing cruise ships and the limited capacity for carrying assistive mobility devices, it is imperative that you declare any wheelchairs or scooters you intend to bring onboard at the time of booking or as soon as you become aware of the need to bring them. This advance notice enables us to assess space availability and make the necessary arrangements to accommodate your device. Failure to provide this information at the time of booking may, regrettably, result in your device being denied boarding, a situation we are committed to helping you avoid.

To further support guests with reduced mobility, MSC Cruises offers a range of services:

Mobility Aids: Guests are welcome to bring manual or electric wheelchairs or scooters, as well as other mobility aids such as canes, rollators, walkers, and crutches, which need to be stored inside the cabin. Please be reminded to communicate it during your cruise reservation through the Accessibility&Medical Request Form. If you plan to bring an electric wheelchair or scooter, please specify the type of battery it uses (gel, dry, or lithium). For safety reasons, wet batteries are not permitted on board MSC ships. Please confirm the dimensions of the specific vessel on which you will be sailing to ensure your mobility device comfortably navigates through the cabin door.

Wheelchairs are available on board our ships, for the use of guests during embarkation and disembarkation only, or in case of emergency. Guests that require constant use of a wheelchair or any other form of support must bring their own equipment with them. It is the responsibility of the guest to check with the relevant producers/suppliers that this equipment is safe to take onboard and use on a cruise ship, and to organize both its delivery to the departure terminal in good time for embarkation, and its collection at the end of the cruise.

Cabin Amenities: Upon request, we can provide a shower stool in standard cabins to enhance comfort and safety.

Shore Excursions: MSC Cruises offers "Easy & Accessible" tours specifically designed for guests with reduced mobility. We recommend inquiring about the availability of these tours at the time of booking, as they may vary depending on the destination.

Embarkation and Disembarkation Assistance: Please be informed that outside the cruise terminal assistance is not guaranteed. However, assistance is available from the ship to the pier and vice versa at ports of call, but once ashore MSC will no longer be able to provide assistance, and guests will need to be able to enjoy their visit autonomously.

Airport and Flight Assistance: If you have booked your flights through MSC Cruises, you are requested to notify us at the time of the booking about any accessibility needs.

Accessible transfers: Should you need to purchase a transfer from the airport to the cruise terminal and vice versa, please ensure you request an accessible transfer via your travel agents or our MSC Cruises Contact Centre.

Tender Service: In some ports, due to operational needs, the ship is anchored, therefore guests will disembark from the ship using a complementary tender service that runs from ship to shore for the entire duration of the ship’s stay in port.

If the cruise itinerary includes ports where tender boats are used for shore access, please be aware that guests must be sufficiently fit and mobile to embark and disembark from the tender without assistance. This means that guests must take into consideration the use of steps, the possibility of gaps, height difference between the platform and the tender, the potential sudden movement of the tender, the dimensions and weight of the mobility device. Please be informed that crew members are not permitted to carry wheelchairs or mobility scooters into the tender. In case of any doubt about the itinerary, please feel free to reach out to our MSC Contact Center.

To inform us of your reduced mobility need, please fill in the form at the following link Accessibility&Medical Request Form.

1.2 VISUAL IMPAIRMENTS

Guests with visual impairments will find braille signs available at the entrance of the cabin door and safety instructions available in braille (on top of an English audible version). Moreover, majority of the onboard elevators' signs are in braille with the addition of the audio call signal on ships of last generation.

For guests with partial visual impairment, the digital daily programs and menus can be available in large print versions, upon request.

Service dogs are welcomed onboard our ships. Please refer to the dedicated session in chapter 1.8.

While our onboard staff is committed to providing excellent service, it's important to note that they are not specifically trained to provide daily care or assistance with personal tasks such as eating, dressing, or personal hygiene, nor can they offer a 24/7 guiding service. Upon embarkation day, an orientation tour of the ship can be offered upon request together with a meeting with our staff to provide a general overview of the ship’s program and entertainment activities.

The more information is provided, the more we will be able to provide accommodation for your needs. For example, knowing the degree of visual impairment and the level of autonomy will help us to understand the level of assistance you may require and allow us to provide appropriate support.

To inform us of your visual impairment, please fill in the form at the following link Accessibility&Medical Request Form.

1.3 HEARING & SPEECH IMPAIRMENTS

In accordance with International Safety Regulations (SOLAS), guests with hearing disabilities will automatically have a TDD/TTY System kit installed in their cabin. This kit typically includes light and vibrating devices installed under the mattress of the bed, a text phone to communicate with Reception-Guest Service, and an analog alarm clock to ensure you can receive important alerts and communicate effectively. As these kits are available in limited numbers on each ship, they will be assigned on a first come, first served basis.

For minor hearing impairments, a sound amplifier is available at the main Reception-Guest Service to increase the quality of communication with our staff. Guests can also join a cruise with a sign language interpreter to further enhance communication access. A meeting with the onboard staff on embarkation day can be requested to have a general overview of the program of the ship and entertainments activities.

To inform us of your request for your visual impairment, please fill in the form at the following link Accessibility&Medical Request Form.

1.4 RESPIRATORY NEEDS

CPAP / BIPAP

If you use a CPAP or BIPAP machine, kindly ensure that your device is compatible with the ship's power supply, which is 120V/60Hz or 240V/60Hz. Outlets in guest cabins accommodate both U.S.-style and Northern European-style plugs. We recommend carrying your electrical devices onboard as hand luggage to prevent any damage during transit.

Complimentary distilled water and extension cords are available onboard; however, a charge will apply if the extension cord is not returned. For safety reasons, guests are not permitted to bring their own extension cords onboard. If you require any extension cords, please request them at the time of booking. To inform us of your respiratory need, please fill in the Accessibility and Medical Requests Form.

Oxygen

Please be aware that the onboard medical center has a limited oxygen supply, primarily intended for use by patients within the medical facility. Therefore, if you require long-term oxygen therapy, it is your responsibility to make arrangements for your regular oxygen needs while onboard.

If you require oxygen, please note the following:

Oxygen Concentrators: Like any other electrical device, oxygen concentrators must be compatible with the onboard power supply. Battery backup is recommended, and concentrators should be carried as hand luggage.

Compressed Gas Cylinders: Arrangements for oxygen cylinder supply must be made through a vendor. The maximum permitted size is E or M-24 size (680 L at 2,200 psi). For safety reasons, only one cylinder is allowed in the cabin at any time, although additional secure storage may be available upon request. Secure cylinder storage is limited and should be requested well in advance of your sailing date. You are responsible for ensuring that your supply has been delivered and safely stowed before sailing. Please be aware that oxygen cylinders may be restricted on flights, so it is your responsibility to consult with the airline prior to travel.

Liquid Gas Reservoir: Liquid oxygen reservoirs with a maximum weight of 55kg may be permitted if suitable safe storage is available onboard. This will be determined on a case-by-case basis by the Safety Department. Requests should be made at the time of booking or as soon as possible. You are responsible for filling portable cylinders, as the ship's crew is not trained to do this.

Mechanical ventilation

For guests who require mechanical ventilation, it is essential to provide detailed information at the time of booking or at least 30 days before sailing by completing the Accessibility and Medical Request Form. This information should include details about the ventilator type, spare battery capacity, and the caregivers who are able to operate the equipment. We do not recommend traveling on remote itineraries, including ocean crossings, specific regions such as Antarctica or Africa, itineraries with multiple consecutive sea days, or in remote locations where resources are limited in case of device failure.

To inform us of your respiratory need, please fill in the form at the following link Accessibility&Medical Request Form.

1.5 COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT

To better anticipate the needs of our guests with cognitive, behavioral or mental health conditions, we recommend consulting with your doctor before your cruise and consider traveling with a companion for support in case of need as our staff cannot provide daily personal assistance.

Our medical team handles emergencies, not daily care. Depending on local regulations, you might need a fitness-to-travel certificate.

Be aware that the cruise environment has noise, crowds, and bright lights. Please take this into consideration together with the size of the ship in terms of guest capacity when choosing your cruise.

Please be also advised that children with autism are welcome in our Mini Club provided they are toilet-trained and independent, as our youth staff who are fully trained in autism cannot assist with personal care.

To inform us of your cognitive condition, please fill in the form at the following link Accessibility&Medical Request Form.

1.6 SPECIAL DIET & FOOD ALLERGIES, MEALS WITH GLUTEN-FREE INGREDIENTS, KOSHER MEALS & HALAL MEAT, VEGETARIAN & VEGAN MEALS

MSC Cruises S.A. makes every effort to accommodate our guests' dietary requirements whenever possible.

We keep special needs in mind when planning our menus and serving our meals.

1.6.1 ALLERGENS

MSC Cruises S.A. is aware that some foods may cause an allergic reaction due to intolerance of some ingredients such as the 14 major recognized allergens listed in the Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 which are: gluten, soybean, peanuts, lupin, nuts or treenuts, sesame, crustaceans, fish, mollusc, dairy product, egg, mustard, celery sulphite & sulphur dioxide; therefore, guests are advised to inform the Company of any such allergy at the time of booking but not later than 30 days prior to sailing by the Accessibility and Medical Requests Form. We further ask guests to report the special diet needs to Reception - Guest Service and the Maître d’hôtel in the Main Dining Room upon first boarding the ship and prior to consuming any food or beverage onboard. Although there are several options at our various restaurants, our main dining rooms are best equipped to handle special dietary requests and reduce the unintentional risk of cross-contamination, we therefore strongly advise guests with allergies to have their meals in the main dining rooms, where our dining staff are best able to assist.

Although MSC has implemented robust preventive measures, the risk of accidental allergen cross-contamination cannot be completely ruled out due to the limited space on the ship.

We advise our guests who are knowledgeable about allergies or intolerances to always carry their prescribed emergency medications as directed by their physician, enabling them to respond effectively in the event of an allergic reaction.

When booking a tour with a meal included, please remember to always communicate your special dietary need to the staff.

Although MSC has implemented robust preventive measures, the risk of accidental allergen cross-contamination cannot be completely ruled out due to the limited space on the ship.

We advise our guests who are knowledgeable about allergies or intolerances to always carry their prescribed emergency medications as directed by their physician, enabling them to respond effectively in the event of an allergic reaction.

When booking a tour with a meal included, please remember to always communicate your special dietary need to the staff.

Please be advised that on private islands and private beaches, we have limited capacity to ensure full allergen control. Consequently, MSC recommends that guests with specific dietary requirements have their meals in the Main Dining restaurant on board.

1.6.2 MEALS WITH GLUTEN-FREE INGREDIENTS

MSC Cruises offers dedicated menus for meals with gluten-free ingredients (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) in the main restaurants on most of its ships. Guests sensitive to gluten should always reach out to the dining supervisor.

Please be advised that on MSC Armonia, MSC Sinfonia, MSC Opera and MSC Lirica guests are offered a limited selection of commercial, pre-packaged gluten-free snacks such as biscuits, croissants, sponge cakes and muffins.

Coeliac guests or guests with sensitivity to gluten should always reach out to the dining supervisor instead.

1.6.3 KOSHER MEALS

Kosher meals (pre-packaged breakfast, lunch, and dinner) may be available on board for an additional charge of €25/$30 pp/day. Kosher meals can be consumed in the main restaurants and must be booked at least 30 days before the ship’s departure. Considering the restricted selection of choices, please do not forget to always specify any allergy or intolerance.

1.6.4 HALAL MEAT

Halal products (beef, lamb and poultry) may be available on board following the former request of the guest at least 30 days before the ship’s departure. If we are notified outside this deadline, we will do everything in our power to provide the services requested, but this cannot be guaranteed at such short notice.

1.6.5 VEGETARIAN/ VEGAN MEALS

Vegetarian and Vegan-friendly dishes are incorporated into our buffet and dining room culinary offerings. Our menu in the dining room includes always vegetarian and vegan options.

1.6.6 OTHER DIETARY REQUEST

Guests who need to warm up baby formula or breast milk are referred to Room Service.

For medical reasons or for infants, guests can specifically request some food to be blended onboard.

Guests who for medical reasons wish to bring their own additives to the food served on board are directed to take care of mixing and dosing themselves for safety reasons.

Following written approval from the Company, Guests can also bring their special sealed food on board. Products to be taken onboard should respect EU food labelling / packaging regulations and should not have an imminent expiry date. Once open they should be consumed as per instruction on the label. Our onboard staff are not authorized to store, cook or heat food items brought by guests.

To inform us of your special dietary request, please fill in the form at the following link Accessibility&Medical Request Form.

1.7 IMPLANTED DEVICE

Guests with implanted medical devices (for example pacemakers/defibrillators) are requested to inform our security staff at the time of embarkation, so the staff can provide safe, alternative screening.

1.8 SERVICE DOG

1.8.1 WHEN A DOG IS A SERVICE ANIMAL

A service dog is a dog that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability. The task(s) performed by the dog must be directly related to the person's disability. MSC welcomes service dogs on board its cruise vessels, provided they are in good health and in possession of all documents necessary for entry to the foreign countries visited during the cruise. For cruises including UK waters, the dog must be a full member of either Assistance Dogs International (ADI) or International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF).

Service dogs who are still in training, emotional support and companion animals are not recognized as assistance dogs, hence not allowed on MSC vessels.

1.8.2 SERVICE DOG ONBOARD A CRUISE SHIP

MSC Cruises can provides a relief area with mulch but the guest, on his/her part, undertakes to be personally responsible for the custody, nutrition and general care of the animal throughout the period spent on board (with the help of a carer or fellow traveler if applicable) and for the possible damage caused by their service dog. If the service dog's behavior creates a fundamental alteration or a direct threat to safety, the dog may be denied boarding or removed from the ship along with the owner at the guest's expense. Service dogs are permitted to accompany the person with a disability in all public areas, including dining venues. While in public areas, dogs must be on a leash, harness, or other restraining device. Due to health regulations, service dogs are not permitted in recreational water facilities: pools, whirlpools, spray parks or Spa facilities.

If the guest chooses to disembark the ship at a port at which the service dog must remain onboard, the guest must make arrangements to ensure that the dog is cared for. Note that the ship's staff are not available nor trained to care for the dog, nor can the dog be left in the cabin unattended.

We do not offer the service of a vet on board and the ship's doctors are unable to assist. Due to the nature of some shore excursions, kindly note service animals may not be permitted.

1.8.3 SERVICE DOG'S DOCUMENTATION

It's the guest's responsibility to ensure that all documents related to the service dog are in compliance with all local regulations for each port of call of the itinerary and are submitted to the company at least 60 days prior to the start of the cruise. Please note that for the Worldcruise, documentation needs to be presented to the company at least 6 months prior to start the cruise as its special itinerary calls to more than 15 countries, and 50 ports, some of them very remote and with very strict bio-security requirements. Hard copies of the documents must be provided at embarkation and to Reception-Guest Service once onboard.

Please be advised that in some ports of call the service dog might not be allowed to get off, according to local immigration rules.

The documentation and immunization requirements are established by government authorities and not MSC Cruises. Please note requirements are subject to change without notice, and travel plans/certifications shall be shared with us to confirm compliance with all destinations Port Health Authorities, considering the departure/transit ports too. If any problem is experienced with the dog documentation upon entry in any port, all related costs for either the quarantine of or re-export of the dog will be the dog owner responsibility. Pet Passport and Third Country Certificates must be signed, dated and stamped by an Official Certified Veterinarian. Please be aware that obtaining those permits can take weeks or months, and some countries may not allow animals to enter at all. Copies of completed permits for each port of call must be sent to us as soon as available, prior to the sail date.

Documentation that is required includes but not limited to:

A brief, written explanation of what specific tasks the animal has been trained to perform must be provided. This can be added to the notes section of the Accessibility and Medical Request form. In accordance with some specific local regulations, a training certificate might be requested as well.

Veterinarian certificate stating that the animal is healthy.

Department of Agriculture permits

The animal’s compulsory identification document issued by the competent local health authority, stamped within the 24 hours preceding the journey by the veterinarian certifying the animal’s physical condition (for itineraries in European waters)

You might want to consult the following websites:

Itineraries in European waters https://food.ec.europa.eu/animals/movement-pets/travellers-points-entry_en

Itineraries in UK waters https://www.gov.uk/bring-pet-to-great-britain/guide-dogs

Itineraries in Norway waters https://www.mattilsynet.no/en/animals/guide-travelling-with-pets-to-norway

Itineraries in US waters and in the Caribbean:

https://www.aphis.usda.gov/pet-travel https://www.cdc.gov/importation/dogs/?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/importation/bringing-an-animal-into-the-united-states/dogs.html

Bermuda https://www.gov.bm/online-services/import-dog-or-cat

Bahamas https://bahfsabahamas.com/ePermitting/PETS-Import-Permit-Step-by-Step-User-Manual-update.pdf?v9324

Itineraries in Brazilian waters crossing to Europe: https://www.gov.br/pt-br/servicos/solicitar-certificado-veterinario-internacional-para-viajar-com-seu-cao-ou-gato-para-uniao-europea-irlanda-do-norte-noruega-e-suica-cvi

For the Worldcruise guests are encouraged to visit also:

Hawaii Department of Agriculture

Assistance dogs - DAFF

New Zealand Ministry of Primary Industries

https://www.mpi.govt.nz/bring-send-to-nz/pets-travelling-to-nz/bringing-cats-and-dogs-to-nz/assistance-and-guide-dogs/

Important note: You are responsible for obtaining the import permits from all countries that require those special documents and must always have those original documents available. Specific information may be obtained by contacting the United States Department of Agriculture, or the applicable United States consulate, or embassy of each country to determine such country’s policies and obtain the permits needed for each port of call on the sailing itinerary.

Question 2

HEALTH & MEDICAL

Accepted Answer

2.1 ON BOARD MEDICAL CENTRE

Our onboard medical centres are available 24/7 for emergencies. In addition, we offer twice daily clinics for routine medical needs.

Our onboard medical facilities meet or exceed the standards for cruise ship medical centres adopted by CLIA and include some diagnostic and treatment abilities; however, the ship’s medical centers do not have the same resources as a land-based hospital. They are staffed by full-time registered doctors and nurses, including paramedics on some ships. Their primary role is to provide emergency medical care and short-term treatment, rather than long-term nursing care. Guests unable to manage their daily personal care activities (feeding, bathing, dressing and toileting etc.) should travel with a caregiver who can assist with these tasks.

Please be advised that the non-medical staff on board are not specifically trained to give daily care and are not able to assist guests with personal tasks or personal hygiene needs (eating, dressing, bathroom or bathing).

2.2 PREGNANCY

For the health and safety of both mother and unborn child, MSC Cruises cannot accommodate guests who will be more than 23 weeks and 6 days pregnant at any time during the cruise. If you are pregnant but will be less than 23 weeks and 6 days at any point during the cruise. Regardless of the stage of pregnancy, a doctor's note is required with the following information:

Passenger's name
Passenger is fit to travel with no immediate access to specialist obstetric or neonatal care.
Expected date of delivery must be written: “Confirmed by ultrasound”.
Pregnancy is low risk.

Guests are required to submit a Accessibility and Medical Requests Form no later than 30 days before sailing.

To inform us of your pregnancy, please fill in the form at the following link Accessibility&Medical Request Form.

2.3 DIALYSIS

MSC Cruises does not provide individual haemodialysis.

However, guests who are stable and able to independently manage home peritoneal dialysis are welcome to sail.

Peritoneal Dialysis

Please be aware that there are risks associated with travelling on cruise ships while undergoing dialysis. Please review the Dialysis Risk form. It is crucial to discuss your risk with your nephrologist before choosing to cruise. Please notify MSC Cruises of your condition at the time of booking or at least 30 days before sailing. Guests on peritoneal dialysis are recommended not to travel on remote itineraries or those with multiple days at sea due to the lack of access to specialist care.

Guests who require peritoneal dialysis are responsible for supplying all equipment, medications and supplies necessary to self-perform dialysis. You are also responsible for ensuring these are safely on board on time prior to sailing.

To inform us of your special requirement for peritoneal dialysis, please fill in the form at the following link Accessibility&Medical Request Form.

2.4 ENTERAL AND PARENTAL NUTRITION

MSC Cruises does not provide enteral or parental nutrition, but guests who independently manage it are welcomed onboard. Guests are responsible for providing all the feed and equipment required for the cruise.

To inform us of your special requirement for special nutrition, please fill in the Accessibility and Medical Requests Form.

To inform us of your special requirement for special nutrition, please fill in the form at the following link Accessibility&Medical Request Form.

2.5 PHARMACEUTICAL

2.5.1 Personal Medication:

It is strongly recommended that you bring an ample supply of your personal medication, sufficient for the duration of the cruise and for a few days after the cruise ends. Please keep all your medication in its original labelled packaging. It's also advisable to carry a prescription record or a written list of your medications, including the drug name, dosage, and times taken. While the medical center can assist in replacing some medications, MSC Cruises cannot guarantee that the exact medication or an equivalent will be available onboard. Medications should be carried in your hand luggage.

Please note that cabin coolers are not refrigerators and are not suitable for storing refrigerated medications. If you need to refrigerate medication, we suggest bringing cool bags with ice packs or requesting cold storage medication in the medical center.

2.5.2 Controlled substances

Be aware that restrictions may apply to guests travelling with certain prescribed controlled drugs, and it is your responsibility to ensure you comply with the regulations of the countries you will be visiting.

It remains the responsibility of the guest to familiarize themselves with the above instructions and check the validity of their medication list with their treating physician or pharmacist.

2.5.3 Illegal substances

Guests are not permitted to bring substances or medications containing drugs of abuse or designated equivalents on board. This applies to all of the geographic areas we visit. This includes, but is not limited to:

Marijuana (including prescription / medical marijuana), or any derivatives of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol)

Illegal narcotics / drugs including synthetic designer drugs / New Psychoactive Substances (NPS).

2.6 OTHER MEDICAL NEEDS

To ensure the best possible care during your cruise, MSC Cruises Special Needs team will require full details of certain medical conditions or requests to assess whether your needs can be accommodated on board (please see some examples below). If there are any doubts, please contact the Special Needs team directly.

If you or your travelling companion:

Are undergoing chemotherapy or taking immunosuppressant medication.

Please note that chemotherapy cannot be administered on board. Due to potential travel-related health risks, MSC strongly advises guests on immunosuppressant medication to consult their specialist and obtain clearance to cruise prior to boarding.

Have other complex medical needs requiring advanced care (for example, quadriplegic patients, those with significant incapacitation/loss of function, or those requiring round-the-clock care).

Require specific medical interventions (such as laboratory tests, administration of injectable medication, wound dressings, etc.).

To inform us of your special medical requirement, please fill in the form at the following link Accessibility&Medical Request Form.

2.7 VACCINATIONS

Guests are advised to consult their medical provider or travel medicine clinic prior to the cruise for information regarding recommended/required vaccinations for the planned itinerary. MSC Cruises declines all responsibility for guests who do not adhere to the recommendations on the prevention of infectious diseases or do not have the appropriate vaccinations to enter a particular port during the cruise.

2.8 REQUESTING RECORDS OR INVOICES FROM THE ONBOARD MEDICAL CENTRE

If you visit the Medical Centre and need a copy of your medical records or an invoice for insurance purposes, please ask the medical staff during your visit.

If you have already disembarked the ship please follow the steps below:

Download the Medical Records Request Form available here.

Complete and sign the form ensuring all required fields are filled, including your email address.

Please note that the form must be completed and signed by the Guest who visited the medical center. If you are requesting records on behalf of a minor, please download and complete the dedicated form available here.

Send the completed and signed form to customerservice@msccruises.co.uk

Requests are handled as quickly as possible. However, please allow up to 5 working days for processing and delivery.

Question 3

MSC WORLD CRUISE

Accepted Answer

Due to the unique and varied ports of call on the World cruise itinerary, as well as the remote locations and limited availability of specialist medical support in some ports, all medical and accessibility requests must be communicated further in advance compared to regular cruises. This allows us to make the necessary checks and arrangements for your stay onboard. Regrettably we are unable to consider last-minute requests.

Service animal requests need to be communicated at least 6 months before sailing date to allow checking with all different local authorities.

Ports of call with a tender service may not be accessible for guests reliant on a wheelchair or scooter to travel or move around. Please feel free to request the list of ports with tender services before finalizing your booking.

Mechanical ventilation and Peritoneal Dialysis are not available during the World cruise.

Specific special diets including halal or kosher meals should be communicated at least 3 months before sailing.

Please be reminded that during the Worldcruise, MSC Cruises will not accept guests who will be more than 23 weeks plus 6 days pregnant at any time during the cruise.

Accessibility & Medical Requests

Informing Us on Any Mobility, Medical, and Dietary Requirements

How can I let MSC Cruises know about my special needs?

What is the deadline for notifying MSC Cruises of my special needs?

Who will handle my special needs request and how will it be treated?

How soon will I receive a reply to my special needs request?

Could MSC Cruises refuse my booking or deny me boarding?

Children with Accessibility and Medical needs

Accessibility

Reduced Mobility

Reduced Mobility

Cabin Facilities

Can a passenger with reduced mobility travel alone?

Does MSC Cruises offer assistance to passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility?

Do on board staff receive special training in providing assistance to passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility?

Which areas of the ship are accessible to passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility?

Are there excursions accessible to passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility?

Does MSC offer embarkation and disembarkation assistance?

Does MSC offer accessible transfers?

Does MSC use a Tender Service at any of their ports?

Can I bring my mobility scooter/wheelchair on board?

View Mobility Equipment Guidelines

Visual Impairments

Visual Impairments

Will the onboard staff offer assistance to a guest with visual impairments?

Are there signs for passengers with visual disabilities?

Hearing Impairments

Hearing Impairments

Cognitive Impairments

Cognitive Impairments

Respitory Needs

Can I bring my CPAP or BIPAP machine onboard?

Does MSC provide oxygen onboard?

Can I bring my oxygen concentrator?

How can I arrange for compressed gas cylinders to be onboard?

Can I bring a liquid gas reservoir onboard?

Mechanical Ventilation

Allergy and Food Intolerances

Allergy and Food Intolerances

Service Animals

Service Animals

View Service Dog Documentation

Service Dog Reference Websites

Health and Medical

Medical Services Available on Board

What medical service is available on board?

Pregnancy

Pregnancy

Dialysis

Dialysis

Peritoneal Dialysis

Enteral and Parenteral Feeding

Implanted Devices

Implanted Devices

Medications on Board

Can I bring medicines on board?

Personal Medications

Controlled Substances

Illegal Substances

Other Medical Needs

Vaccinations

Vaccinations

Are vaccination and testing for COVID-19 required?

What do you need to know about MSC Cruises’ policy for travel to regions that have been declared affected by the zika virus?

Records or Invoices

Requesting Records or Invoices From the Onboard Medical Center