Geneva, Switzerland (December 23, 2020) -- MSC Cruises announced today theextension to the pause of operations for MSC Magnifica in connection with the additional lockdown measures that the Greek government have recently put in placeashore to manage the pandemic and that will now likely extend beyond the current holiday period. As part of these measures, currently through January 6 passenger ships are only able to make technical calls in Greek ports. 

 

Due to the uncertainty at this stage as to whether these ports will fully re-open on January 7 or if these measures will be extendedfurther, as is very likely to be the case, the Company has taken the decision to postpone the resumption of operations for MSC Magnifica until February 14, 2021, for the benefit of its guests.

 

MSC Cruises ships operate under the protection of the Company’s comprehensive health & safety protocol. For more details see: https://www.msccruisesusa.com/health-and-safety.

 

About MSC Cruises

 

MSC Cruises is the brand leader in Europe, South America, the Gulf region and Southern Africa with more market share in addition to deployed capacity than any other player. It is also the fastest growing global cruise brand with a strong presence also in the Caribbean, North America and the Far East markets. 

 

Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, MSC Cruises is part of MSC Group, the privately held Swiss-based leading shipping and logistics conglomerate with over 300 years of maritime heritage. MSC Cruises — the contemporary brand — has a modern fleet of 17 vessels combined with a sizeable future global investment portfolio of new vessels. The fleet is projected to grow to 23 cruise ships by 2024 with options for further vessel orders in place through 2027.

 

MSC Cruises offersits guests an enriching, immersive and safe cruise experience inspired by the Company’s European heritage, where they can enjoy international dining, world-class entertainment, award-winning family programs and the very latest user-friendly technology on board. To learn more about MSC Cruises’ itineraries and experience on board its ships please see here.

 

The Company’s number one priority has always been the health and safety of its guests and crew, as well as the communities at the destinations its ships serve.  In August 2020, MSC Cruises implemented a new comprehensive and robust health and safety protocol to become the first major line to return to sea. To learn more about MSC Cruises’ health & safety protocol please see here.

 

MSC Cruises has long been committed to environmental stewardship with a long-term goal to achieve zero emissions for its operations. The Company is also a significant investor in next-generation environmental marine technologies, with the objective to support their accelerated development and availability industry-wide. To learn more about the Company’s environmental commitment please see here.  

 

Finally, to learn more about the MSC Foundation, MSC Group’s own vehicle to lead, focus and advance its conservation, humanitarian and cultural commitments please see here.