Accessibility & Medical Requests

MSC Cruises and its staff have always been attentive to the needs of their guests, and constantly strive to offer the best possible service, meeting international accessibility standards.

For information on the assistance provided on board and at our port terminals, please consult the sections below.

 

You can also find information related to Accessibility and Medical Requests in the General Booking Conditions, the Conditions of Carriage and in the FAQ section.

 

 

Informing us on any mobility, medical and dietary requirements



Guests can inform MSC Cruises of any special requirements by filling in the relevant form Accessibility and Medical Requests Form. This information should preferably be provided at the time of booking, or, no fewer than 30 days before departure. This allows us time to provide the best possible service for our guests, which depends on the facilities and resources on board each ship. If we are notified after this deadline we will do everything in our power to provide the services requested, but this may not be possible at such short notice.

Guests will only be prevented from booking or embarking in exceptional circumstances, and only in the event of a serious or urgent threat to the safety of the guests or the crew.

All personal data provided by guests will be treated in a manner that fully conforms to our privacy policy. For further information on the services offered on board, on how to inform us of any accessibility and medical requests or other requirements not expressly mentioned in this section, please get in touch with your travel agent.

Pregnancy

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

The medical facilities and equipment on board may not be technically adequate to deal with a birth or pregnancy complications. Therefore, for safety reasons, we cannot admit women on board who will have reached or exceeded their twenty-third weeks and six days of pregnancy by the end of 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.

 

Cabin Facilities

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.

Reduced Mobility

For guests who primarily use a wheelchair or mobility scooter, we highly recommend reserving an accessible cabin . 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. We require our guests to complete the Accessibility and Medical Requests Form 30 days prior to sailing if an accessible cabin is required.


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 on board 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.


For detailed information on the ports of call and excursions suitable for passengers who experience mobility problems, read the relevant pages in this section, and once on board check the accuracy of the information provided.

Visual Impairments

Guests are required to submit a Accessibility and Medical Requests form at least 30 days prior to sailing. Guests with visual impairments will find braille signs available at the entrance of the cabin door. Moreover, majority of the onboard elevators' signs are in braille with the addition of the audio call signal on our newest ships. 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 information under "Service Dogs".

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

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.

Hearing Impairments

Guests are required to submit a Accessibility and Medical Requests form 30 days before sailing. Passengers with hearing disabilities can request the installation of a TDD System kit in their cabin. This kit, available in limited numbers on all ships, includes light and vibrating devices, a text phone and an analogue alarm clock.

Service Animals

MSC Cruises provides a relief area with mulch but the guest, undertakes to be personally responsible for the custody, nutrition and general care of the animal throughout the period spent on board 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.
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View Service Dog Documentation

It is 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. 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. 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 month Service Dogs must be 6 months of age and have a microchip.

A written explanation of what specific tasks the animal has been trained to perform must be provided.

Veterinarian certificate stating that the animal is healthy.

Department of Agriculture permits:
Documentation as required by each port of call. Please visit https://www.aphis.usda.gov/pet-travel for further information.

Documentation as required by the CDC:
This applies to any Service Dog that is on any vessel that has a port of call or disembarks in any U.S. port. Please visit Bringing a https://www.cdc.gov/importation/dogs/index.html for further information.s, 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. 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) 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.
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Service Dog Reference Websites

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

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

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

For itineraries in U.S. 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

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

For itineraries in Bahamian waters:
https://bahfsabahamas.com/ePermitting/PETS-Import-Permit-Step-by-Step-User-Manual-update.pdf?v9324

For 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-europeia-irlanda-do-norte-noruega-e-suica-cvi

Worldcruise guests are encouraged to also visit:
https://dab.hawaii.gov/

https://www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/cats-dogs/assistance-dogs

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

Dialysis

Guests are required to submit a Accessibility and Medical Requests form 30 days before sailing. Guests undergoing peritoneal dialysis treatment can travel as normal, bringing with them all medicines and equipment that may be required during the cruise. Equipment and machinery for haemodialysis treatment will only be carried on board by a specialized independent company on certain routes. For further information on this service, please contact www.viaggipiu.eu.

Allergy and Food Intolerances

MSC makes every effort to accommodate our guests' dietary requirements whenever possible. We keep special dietary needs in mind when planning our menus and serving our meals.

MSC is aware that some foods may cause an allergic reaction in certain guests due to intolerance of some ingredients such as the 14 major recognized allergens. Guests are requested to inform the Company of any such allergy at the time of booking but not later than 30 days before sailing (by duly filling out section 4.1 of the Accessibility and Medical Requests Form.) We further ask guests to report such allergies or intolerance to the 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 food requests and reduce the risk of cross-contamination. We strongly advise guests with allergies to consider having their meals in the main dining rooms, where our dining staff are best able to assist.

Despite our diligent efforts, we cannot exclude the possibility of cross contamination between foods.

In case of doubt, the guest is advised to ask the Maître d’Hotel, chef or bartender about ingredients.

We recommend our guests who have known allergies or intolerances to bring all emergency medications aboard to react in case of any allergic reaction. Guests with allergies and intolerances visiting our private islands (Ocean Cay) and private beaches (Pomene and Sir Bani Yas) are strongly advised to have their meals onboard the ship in the Dining Room where dietary requests can be better accommodated.

Children with Accessibility and Medical needs

Guests are required to submit a Accessibility and Medical Requests form to specialneeds@msccruisesusa.com 30 days before sailing.

 

Children with Accessibility and Medical needs have normal access to all on-board services and facilities. Although the entertainment staff do not offer a childcare service, they are trained to provide a wide range of entertainment aimed specifically at children.

 

All children, including those with Accessibility and Medical needs, are assigned to a certain entertainment area depending on their age. If necessary, children or young people with Accessibility and Medical needs  can be placed with a lower age group (with the agreement of their parents), or they can take part in specific activities, together with their parents if required.

Are vaccination and testing for COVID-19 required?

Thanks to the recent relaxation of travel restrictions worldwide, we are glad to welcome all guests back on board our ships without any testing requirements or concerns about their vaccination status.

Please remember that it is the responsibility of each guest to ensure they meet the requirements of any country they may be traveling through before, during, and after the cruise.

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

Yes, MSC Cruises and its staff are constantly striving to provide the best service possible for all guests, including those of reduced mobility or disabilities.

Can I bring medicines on board?

Yes. If possible, they should be carried in hand luggage. We also advise our guests to carry the list of medicines they intend to take on board with them, to allow on-board medical staff to provide assistance in the event of a medical emergency.

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

Guests can inform MSC Cruises of any special requirements by completing the Accessibility and Medical Requests Form.

What medical service is available on board?

All MSC cruise ships have a well-equipped Medical Centre, supervised by a ship’s doctor and other medical personnel. The Medical Centre is open at the times advertised in the ship’s Daily Programme. Emergency services are available round the clock by calling the Medical Emergency number. Excluding emergencies, medical services carry a fee and prices are available on board. Guests who incur medical expenses during their cruise can ask their insurance company for reimbursement once ashore.

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

All on board staff receive special in-house training that sensitizes them to the needs of passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility, and which prepares them to provide any necessary assistance.

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

The majority of excursions are fully accessible, however we would recommend that all our guests to read-through the programme of available tours at the Excursion Office on board.

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

Guests should inform MSC Cruises of special needs at the time of booking, or at the latest 30 days before departure. After this deadline, we may be unable to provide the level of assistance required.

Are there signs for passengers with visual disabilities?

All MSC cruise ships are fitted with Braille signage in public areas, in lifts and at the entrance to cabins. There is also a voice system in lifts on Fantasia and Musica class ships that announces the floor in English.

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

All requests are sent directly to MSC Cruises and reviewed internally. Some requests may require closer examination from a practical or medical point of view, which will be carried out by a specialized internal committee. In all cases, passenger details will be handled with absolute discretion, in accordance with our privacy policy.

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

If requests are received during working day, responses are sent out immediately. In some cases, however, closer examination may be necessary and replies may take several days.

Could MSC Cruises refuse my booking or deny me boarding?

Refusal of a booking or denial of entry would only happen in the interests of ensuring the safety of guests and the crew, which is of paramount importance.

Can a passenger with reduced mobility travel alone?

Yes, provided that they are fully independent.

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

All decks and public areas of our ships are accessible to guests with reduced mobility.

Does MSC offer Embarkation and Disembarkation Assistance?

YES, you can request assistance when you arrive at the port for wheelchair assistance to get to the ship.  The agent will not be able to bring you onto the ship  or to your cabin.  If assistance is needed to disembark please request at guest relations any time during the sailing but no later than the evening before you disembark.

Does MSC offer accessible transfers?

YES, 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 contact center.

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

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.

Can I bring my mobility scooter/wheelchair on board?

Yes, you can. Scooters must be stored and batteries recharged in your cabin which is fitted with 110V sockets (US type sockets) and 220V sockets (German type sockets) avoiding to connect when using the hairdryer. Keep in mind that the scooter minimizes the available space within your cabin.

 

Due to safety considerations, wheelchairs and scooters cannot be stored in the corridors. Your personal scooter should be able to fit in a standard cabin with a limited entry doorway (58 cm on MSC Divina and MSC Armonia, 68 cm on MSC Lirica, MSC Sinfonia and MSC Opera, 62 cm on the others). If your scooter is larger than the dimension reported for your chosen ship, you should book an H cabin or rent a smaller scooter. Segways and other similar vehicles cannot be operated on board. They shall be confiscated and can be taken off the ship to be used while in port. Also please note that the aluminium gangways used if the ramp cannot be operated are less than 80 cm wide

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View Mobility Equipment Guidelines

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. Due to safety considerations, wheelchairs and scooters cannot be stored in the corridors. Your personal scooter should be able to fit in a standard cabin with a limited entry doorway (58 cm on MSC Divina and MSC Armonia, 68 cm on MSC Lirica, MSC Sinfonia and MSC Opera, 62 cm on the others). If your scooter is larger than the dimension reported for your chosen ship, you should book an accessible cabin or rent a smaller scooter.  Segways and other similar vehicles cannot be operated on board. They shall be confiscated and can be taken off the ship to be used while in port. Please note that the aluminum gangways used when a ramp is not available are less than 80 cm wide.

Vaccinations

Guests are advised to consult their National Health Service prior to the cruise for information regarding recommended vaccinations. 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.

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

The Centres for Disease Control and Protection (CDC) has issued guidance advising against travel in zones affected by the Zika virus for women who are pregnant and their partners as well as for women who are trying to become pregnant. 

In connection with this, MSC Cruises offers pregnant guests and the people travelling with her in the same cabin the opportunity to cancel free of charge their cruise to countries affected by Zika or rebook using cruise credit to another destination of their liking among the worldwide destinations that MSC Cruises offers to be utilized within a 24 month period. Guests should provide a copy of a medical certificate confirming their existing pregnancy.

Guests who wish to find out additional information about the Zika virus should either contact their health care provider physician or visit the CDC Website: 

http://www.cdc.gov/zika/hc-providers/pregnant-woman.html
http://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2016/p0801-zika-travel-guidance.html