Online Booking Terms & Conditions for Shore Excursions

Please read these terms and conditions carefully before booking a place on an excursion. Please note that if English is not your main language then it is your obligation to ensure that you have clearly understood these terms and conditions for online booking of shore excursions before ticking the appropriate box confirming that you have read and understood them. As used herein “MSC”, “us” or “we” means MSC Cruises S.A., and its or their affiliates, subsidiaries, parents and/or vessels. Shore excursions are owned, operated, organized and provided by third independent contractors. MSC does not own, operate or organize the shore excursions offered on this website or onboard. MSC merely sells tickets for these shore excursions as a convenience to passengers. Therefore, you accept that by purchasing or booking shore excursions through this web site or onboard any MSC vessel, you will be entering into a contract with the owner and operators of the shore excursion. MSC shall not be responsible in any way for the services provided by such independent contractors. MSC does not guarantee the performance or safety of the shore excursions offered nor does MSC guarantee the accuracy of shore excursion descriptions or information for sale through this website, and MSC disclaims liability for any inaccuracies relating to the shore excursions offered on this website. MSC undertakes no responsibility for and shall not be liable for the misrepresentations, breaches of contract, breaches of statutory duty, negligence or intentional or accidental conduct of any of the shore excursion owners or operators. MSC has no control over the way the owners or operators of the shore excursions provide their services. Owners or operators of shore excursions available for purchase on this website or onboard any MSC vessel have represented to MSC that they carry out their duties in accordance with accepted standards of behavior. MSC undertakes to make no independent assessment of the safety or security of any shore excursion nor of the owners or operators of such excursions. MSC shall not be responsible or liable for any loss, delay, injury, death or damage of any nature whatsoever sustained by you or any member of your party booked on an excursion. All reasonable care has been taken to ensure that the prices, offers, which are published in relation to any goods and services advertised, are correct at the time of printing. However, if there is an error we reserve the right to correct it as soon as we become aware of it. If any corrective change is not acceptable to you after you have booked, then you will be entitled to a full refund of what you paid for the goods and/or services booked and in such circumstances neither MSC or the owner or operator of the subject shore excursion shall have any further liability of any kind or nature whatsoever. MSC will not be responsible for possible variations to the program due to local holidays and/or closing of the sites to be visited and/or any other event (strikes, demonstrations, mechanical breakdowns, etc.), which could prevent from performing the tour in a complete or partial way. The routing and timing of each tour will be reconfirmed onboard. Every shore excursion/tour requires a minimum number of participants and may have a maximum limit of participants. If the minimum number of passengers required is not achieved the excursion may be cancelled. If the minimum number of passengers is booked for an excursion, the tour may be lead by a bilingual guide. You understand that MSC has made no representations about the suitability of these excursions offered for sale on this website or onboard any MSC vessel. You and all members of your party, by booking a place on any excursion where there is a degree of physical exertion involved, confirm that you and all those others who have booked are in good physical and mental condition, with no history or condition such as seizures, dizziness, fainting, heart condition, respiratory problems or back/neck problems, or any other medical condition of body or mind which could make physical exertion or lack of access to immediate medical care hazardous (these examples are not exclusive) or any other illness, infirmity or condition that would preclude you from participating in any excursions that you have selected. You should also make sure that no one in your party who has booked such an excursion is taking medicine that carries a warning about impairment of physical or mental abilities. If you are pregnant, certain excursions may not be suitable for you. When booking any excursions, it is your responsibility, including any member of your party that has booked an excursion, to make sure that you are fit and well enough to take part in any excursion booked and to take care of yourself whilst on it. If you participate in an excursion involving water, you should take care in avoiding alcohol and eating a full meal. Where buoyancy aids are provided for an activity they must be worn at all times. Be aware that the sea is unpredictable. Life guards are not always present and there may not be a flag or other system to indicate whether or not it is safe to go in the water. In addition, beach activities may not be supervised or accompanied so take care to satisfy yourself as to the safety of the beach and/or the sea at the time of your excursion. Children must always be supervised by you at all times whist on an excursion, especially near water. All such activities are undertaken by you and any member of your party that has booked at your/ their own risk and MSC cannot be held liable for any injury, loss, death or damage whatsoever resulting as a consequence. Before booking any activity excursion it is very important, and your responsibility, that you and any member of your party that has booked an excursion to check that your travel insurance covers the specific type of excursion booked. You or any member of your booking may be prevented from participating in an excursion (whether pre-booked or not), if it is determined that you or any member of your booking is unsuited to undertake the excursion, or if you or they appear to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol. In the event that you are prevented from undertaking the excursion for any of these reasons then you may not be entitled to any refund of the cost of the excursion booked. The owner or operator of shore excursions may require participants to sign a liability release and/or assumption of risk form before participating in the excursion. Such releases are particularly common in the case of snorkeling or scuba diving excursions. If you book the shore excursion before cruise commences, the full payment will be debited on your board account at the time of embarkation. The shore excursions can be booked, modified or cancelled without penalties either up to 4 days before cruise departure, provided that MSC Cruises is notified through MSC Cruises web site either on board. On board the excursions can be modified up to 48 hours prior to the commencement of the booked shore excursion. If you want to cancel the shore excursion onboard, no cancellation fees would be applied, provided that the cancellation is made 48 hours prior to the commencement of the booked shore excursion. Any refund will automatically be posted to your onboard account. Tours involving flights, trains, special events, overland stays, hotel stay and private arrangements are excluded. Other restrictions may apply. These Terms and Conditions are subject to the Law and Jurisdiction applicable to your cruise Booking Conditions with MSC. You may also further be subject to any specific Law and Jurisdiction in relation to any third party providers’ services or goods that you have purchased and in respect of which that contract is subject to. Once we have received and confirmed your booking, you the ‘Lead Passenger’ will become contractually liable for the goods and services booked. Before booking your Shore Excursion please confirm and tick the box below indicating that you have read and understood these terms and conditions. We will confirm your booking by issuing a confirmation receipt by e-mail. We will communicate with you using the email address you have provided. We will assume that your email address is correct and that you understand the risks associated with using this form of communication.

Terms and Conditions

Download a copy of the Terms and Conditions, here.

Standard Booking Terms and Conditions
Applicable to all Cruise Packages booked in the USA and/or booked through
MSC Cruises (USA) LLC

THESE ARE THE BOOKING TERMS AND CONDITIONS WHICH APPLY TO YOUR CRUISE AND CRUISE PACKAGE. PLEASE READ THEM CAREFULLY AS YOU WILL BE BOUND BY THEM ALONG WITH ALL TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE CONTRACT OF CARRIAGE. PASSENGER’S ATTENTION IS PARTICULARLY DRAWN TO SECTIONS 4, 7, 8, 10, 11, 16, 26 AND 27 OF THESE BOOKING TERMS AND CONDITIONS WHICH LIMIT THE COMPANY AND CARRIER’S LEGAL LIABILITY AND EFFECT OR LIMIT YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS. SOME PROVISIONS MAY VARY BY ITINERARY.

All Cruise Packages featured in the Company’s brochure and/or in the Official Website are offered for sale by the Carrier MSC Cruises S.A., hereinafter referred as the “Company”. The ticketing agency for Carrier in the USA is MSC Cruises (USA) LLC.

In these Booking Terms and Conditions the following expressions shall have the meanings defined hereunder:

“Booking” means the steps taken by the Passenger or their agent to enter into a Contract with the Company.

“Booking Terms and Conditions” means these terms and conditions and the information contained in the relevant Company’s brochure, the Official Website and/or other information which will form the express terms of your Contract with the Company. Your Cruise Package is also subject to the Conditions of Carriage for your voyage. In the case of any conflict between these Booking Terms and Conditions and the Conditions of Carriage, the terms of the Conditions of Carriage shall prevail. In the event of a direct conflict between a provision of these Booking Terms and Conditions and a provision of the Cruise Industry Passenger Bill of Rights (PBOR) in effect at the time of booking, the PBOR controls.

“Carrier” means the entity who has undertaken the obligation to carry the Passenger from one place to the other as indicated in the Cruise ticket, airline ticket or other ticket issued for any other applicable transport and is thereby indicated on such documents as “carrier”. For the cruise portion of your Cruise Package, the Carrier is MSC Cruises, S.A.

“Combined Tour” means the combination of two or more Cruises prearranged by the Company and offered for sale as a single Holiday Package. For any relevant purposes, the Combined Tour shall always be considered as a single and indivisible Holiday Package. All terms and references to a Cruise and or Holiday Package shall include and be equally applicable to a Combined Tour unless otherwise stated. References to price are references to the total price paid for the Combined Tour.

“Company” means MSC Cruises S.A. whose registered address is 40, Eugene Pittard, CH-1206 Geneva, Switzerland who organizes Cruise Packages and sells or offers them for sale, whether directly or through a Sales Agent. All benefits, rights, and privileges of the Company provided herein or in the Conditions of Carriage shall apply also to all subsidiaries, parent companies, sales agents and affiliates of the Company, to all concessionaires operating onboard, and to the Company’s vessels, and their officers, staff and crew.

“Conditions of Carriage” means the terms and conditions under which the Carrier provides transport either by air, road or sea. The Conditions of Carriage may refer to the provisions of the law of the country of the Carrier and/or international conventions which may limit or exclude the liability of the Carrier. The Conditions of Carriage are available to Passengers upon request and at https://www.msccruisesusa.com/conditions-of-carriage.

“Contract” means the contract concluded between the Company and the Passenger relating to the relevant Cruise Package which is evidenced by the issue of the confirmation invoice sent by the Company or its Sales Agent to the Passenger.

“Cruise” means the transport by sea and the stay onboard a MSC Cruises vessel (as described in the relevant Company’s brochure, the Official Website or other documentation produced for or on behalf of the Company), which – if not purchased with pre- or post-Cruise services – can be considered by itself as a Cruise Package.

“Cruise Package” means the Cruise, any onboard amenity packages purchased or included, and whether or not in combination with flight(s) and/or any pre- and/or post-Cruise arrangement for accommodation. It does not include Shore Excursions or shuttle services, which do not form part of the inclusive Cruise Package price.

"Force Majeure” means any unforeseeable and unpredictable event out of the Carrier’s or the Company’s control including Acts of God (such as, flood, earthquake, storm, hurricane or other natural disasters), war, invasion, act of foreign enemies, hostilities (regardless of whether war is declared), civil war, rebellion, revolution, insurrection, military or usurped power or confiscation, terrorist activities, riots, civil disturbances, industrial disputes, natural and nuclear disasters, fire, epidemics, pandemics, health risks, nationalization, government sanction, blockage, embargo, labor dispute, strike, lockout or interruption or failure of electricity or telephone service and/or any unforeseen technical problems with transport including changes due to rescheduling or cancellation or alteration of flights, closed or congested airports or ports.

“Minor” means any person under the age of 21 (on voyages that include a port in the USA) or 18 (on cruises that do not include a port in the USA).

“Nonperformance of Transportation” means cancelling or delaying a Cruise by three (3) or more calendar days, if the Passenger elects not to embark on the delayed Cruise or a substitute Cruise offered by the Company.

“Official Website” means the set of related web pages, documents and hypertext links served from the web domain www.msccruisesusa.com.

“Passenger” means each and every person, including minors, named either on the Booking confirmation or on the invoice or on a ticket issued by the Company.

“Passenger Travel Agent” means any travel agent or non-Company owned website used by the Passenger in booking their Cruise Package. Passenger Travel Agent acts as agent of the Passenger with authority to bind the Passenger to these Booking Terms and Conditions, to the Conditions of Carriage, and in making the arrangements for the Passenger’s Cruise Package including any related travel, lodging and shore excursions and tours. Carrier and Company are not responsible for any representation or conduct made by the Passenger Travel Agent, including but not limited to, any failure to remit Passenger’s deposit or other monies to Company or Carrier, for which Passenger shall at all times remain liable, or any failure to remit a refund from Carrier or Company to Passenger.

Passenger acknowledges that their Passenger Travel Agent acts solely as the Passenger’s agent, and not as agent for Company or Carrier. Receipt by Passenger’s Travel Agent of these Booking Terms and Conditions, the Conditions of Carriage, or of any other communications, notices or information from Company or Carrier shall constitute receipt of such materials by the Passenger. Carrier is not responsible for the financial condition or integrity of any Passenger Travel Agent. In the event that the Passenger Travel Agent fails to remit Passenger’s monies to the Company or Carrier, the Passenger in all such circumstances remains liable for the monies due.

“Passengers with Disabilities or Reduced Mobility” means any Passenger whose mobility is reduced as a result of any physical disability (sensory or locomotor, permanent or temporary) or as a result of age, or any Passenger who has any intellectual or psycho-social disability or impairment, or any other cause of disability or impairment, and who needs appropriate attention and adaptation of the services made available to all Passengers to suit his/her particular needs.

“Refund” means a return of all or part of the cruise fare and is applicable only on the conditions described herein. A Refund may, at Carrier’s sole option, be issued in the form of a cruise credit certificate redeemable for a future cruise and valid for a period of at least one year from the date of issuance and which shall have no cash value. In the event of a Refund of government taxes or fees, such amount may, at Carrier’s sole option, be issued in the form of a credit certificate for future government taxes or fees on a future booking, however if the certificate is not used within the time period specified on the certificate, Passenger shall be entitled to a cash refund of government fees and taxes actually paid.

“Sales Agent” means the person or travel agency that sells or offers for sale the Cruise Package put together by the Company, on its own or on behalf of the Company. For Cruise Packages sold in the USA, the Company’s Sales Agent is MSC Cruises (USA) LLC, which acts as sales agent only and is not the Carrier.

“Section” means all paragraphs and sub-paragraphs which appear under any heading in these Booking Terms and Conditions.

“Shore Excursion” means any excursion, trip or activity ashore that is not included as part of the all-inclusive price of the Cruise Package and is offered for sale by the Company or onboard its vessels. Shore Excursions are operated by independent third parties and are not under the operational control of the Company.

“World Cruise” means the tour of the world prearranged by the Company and offered for sale as a single Cruise Package. For any relevant purposes, the World Cruise shall always be considered as a single and indivisible Cruise Package. All terms and references to a Cruise and or Cruise Package shall include and be equally applicable to a World Cruise unless otherwise stated. References to price are references to the total price paid for the World Cruise.

1. BOOKING PROCEDURE AND DEPOSIT

In order to proceed with a Booking, the Passenger must contact the Company or one of the Company’s authorized Sales Agents or representatives.

By booking a Cruise Package, the person making the Booking confirms, agrees and accepts that all persons named in the Booking request and on the invoice have agreed to be bound by these Booking Terms and Conditions and Conditions of Carriage, and that he/she has authority to accept these Booking Terms and Conditions and Conditions of Carriage on behalf of all the persons named on the Booking request and invoice.

For all cruises (excluding Yacht Club and World Cruise), a deposit equal to: cruises 4 nights or less - $99 per adult; cruises 5-14 nights - $199 per adult; cruises 15 nights or more - $300 per adult, is due and payable by the Passenger at time of Booking.

For Yacht Club, a non-refundable deposit equal to: cruises 4 nights or less - $99 per adult; cruises 5-14 nights - $199 per adult; cruises 15 nights or more - $300 per adult, is due and payable by the Passenger at time of Booking.

For World Cruise, a non-refundable deposit equal to 15% of the price of the Cruise Package is due and payable by the Passenger within the first week starting from the date of the Booking confirmation.

Children 17 and under sailing as the 3rd or 4th Passenger in a stateroom do not require an additional deposit.

A Booking will be completed and the Contract will be effective only when the Company accepts the Booking by sending a confirmation invoice to the Passenger or to the Passenger Travel Agent.

2. CONTRACT AND FINAL PAYMENT

Every Cruise Package is subject to availability at the time of Booking. No Contract shall be made until the deposit or the full amount (according to the present Booking Terms and Conditions) is paid and the confirmation invoice provided to the Passenger or the Passenger Travel Agent.

For all cruises (excluding World Cruise) full payment is required no later than 75 days prior to departure for cruises with 4 nights or less, no later than 90 days prior to departure for cruises with 5-14 nights, and no later than 110 days prior to departure for cruises with 15 nights or more.

For World Cruise, full payment is required no later than 120 days prior to departure.

If the Booking application is made within 75 days (or 90, 110, or 120 days, as applicable) prior to departure, then full payment must be sent at the time of Booking.

If any Passenger fails to pay the balance by the option date given at time of Booking (option dates can vary from one to seven days from Booking date depending on sailing demand) or by the applicable 75, 90, 110 or 120 day deadline, the Company has the right to cancel the Booking without notice and levy cancellation charges in accordance with Section 13 entitled “Cancellation and Changes by the Passenger” below, whether the Cruise Package is resold or not.

The cruise prices do not include: government taxes and fees, gratuities, transportation to or from the ship, shore excursions, sightseeing or meals ashore, meals outside the main dining rooms and buffet areas, laundry, wine, beer, liquors, cocktails, soda, mineral water, medical expenses, spa, beauty salon, gaming, onboard shopping, service charges or any other items of a personal nature.

3. PRICES AND PRICE GUARANTEE

No change to the Cruise Package price will be made within the 20-day period before departure or once full payment has been received by the Company, whichever comes first.

Prior to 20 days before departure or receipt of full payment, the Company reserves the right to modify the Contract price to allow for variations of: (a) air transportation costs; (b) fuel costs for the propulsion of the vessel; (c) dues, taxes or fees chargeable for services such as embarkation or disembarkation fees at ports or airports; and (d) the exchange rates relevant to the Cruise Package. Variations may be upwards or downwards. For air transportation costs, any variation of the Cruise Package price will be equal to the extra amount charged by the airline. For fuel costs, any variation of the Cruise Package price will be equal to 0.33% of the price of the Cruise for every dollar of increase of the fuel per barrel (NYMEX Index). For dues, taxes or fees, any variation of the Cruise Package price will be equal to the full amount of the fees.

4. PUBLIC HEALTH AND COVID-19 HEALTH AND SAFETY MEASURES; KNOWING ACCEPTANCE OF RISKS
PASSENGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO DISCUSS THE ADVISABILITY OF TRAVEL WITH THEIR PHYSICIAN AND TO REVIEW THE WEBSITE FOR THE U.S. CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL & PREVENTION (“CDC”) FOR UPDATED INFORMATION. THE CDC HAS IDENTIFIED INDIVIDUALS WITH UNDERLYING MEDICAL CONDITIONS, REGARDLESS OF AGE, WHO ARE, OR MAY BE, AT INCREASED RISK OF SEVERE ILLNESS OR DEATH FROM THE VIRUS THAT CAUSES COVID-19. AMONG ADULTS, THE RISK FOR SEVERE ILLNESS OR DEATH FROM COVID-19 INCREASES WITH ADVANCING AGE. PASSENGER ACKNOWLEDGES, UNDERSTANDS, AND ACCEPTS THAT WHILE ABOARD THE VESSEL, IN TERMINALS AND BOARDING AREAS, OR DURING ACTIVITIES ASHORE AND/OR WHILE TRAVELING TO OR FROM THE VESSEL, PASSENGER OR OTHER PASSENGERS MAY BE EXPOSED TO COMMUNICABLE ILLNESSES INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, COVID-19 AND ITS VARIANTS, INFLUENZA, COLDS, NOROVIRUS, AND POTENTIALLY NEWER DISEASES NOT YET KNOWN. PASSENGER FURTHER UNDERSTANDS AND ACCEPTS THAT THE RISK OF EXPOSURES TO THESE COMMUNICABLE ILLNESSES AND OTHERS IS INHERENT IN CONGREGATE SETTINGS INCLUDING CRUISE SHIPS AND IN MOST ACTIVITIES WHERE PEOPLE INTERACT OR SHARE COMMON FACILITIES, IS BEYOND THE CARRIER’S CONTROL, AND CANNOT BE ELIMINATED UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES. PASSENGER KNOWINGLY AND VOLUNTARILY ACCEPTS THESE RISKS AS PART OF THIS CONTRACT, INCLUDING THE RISK OF SERIOUS ILLNESS OR DEATH ARISING FROM SUCH EXPOSURES, AND/OR ALL RELATED DAMAGES, LOSS, COSTS AND EXPENSES OF ANY NATURE WHATSOEVER.

The Carrier has adopted specific COVID-19 Health and Safety Measures which include specific requirements, restrictions and protocols developed with input from medical, science and public health experts and guidance from international, national, and regional health authorities, including CDC and local health agencies when the Vessel is within that agency’s jurisdiction. Passenger acknowledges that these directives may change from time-to-time and that the Carrier’s COVID-19 Health and Safety Measures may therefore change, and that the Carrier’s COVID-19 Health and Safety Measures on the Official Website at the time of Passenger’s sailing date controls. Carrier’s COVID-19 Health and Safety Measures are available to Passengers upon request and on the Official Website at <a href="https://www.msccruisesusa.com/health-and-safety-measures" target="blank">https://www.msccruisesusa.com/health-and-safety-measures</a>.

PASSENGER EXPRESSLY AGREES TO COMPLY NOT ONLY WITH THE COVID-19 HEALTH AND SAFETY MEASURES AS THEY ARE DESCRIBED HEREIN, BUT ALSO AS THEY ARE SET FORTH IN MATERIALS DISTRIBUTED BY CARRIER AND/OR ON THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE, AT ALL TIMES INCLUDING PRE-EMBARKATION, WHILE ONBOARD, DURING PORT CALLS AND SHORE EXCURSIONS, AND/OR DURING FINAL DISEMBARKATION.

In case of any conflict between the COVID-19 Health and Safety Measures described herein or on the Official Website, the Official Website controls and Passenger’s agreement to abide by said website constitutes an integral part of these Booking Terms and Conditions.

Passenger acknowledges that the Carrier’s COVID-19 Health and Safety Measures may change from time to time and may include some or all of the following: (1) Passenger’s completion of an accurate, truthful and complete health questionnaire in a form and containing any health or travel-related questions as determined by the Carrier in its sole discretion based on advice from cognizant government or health authorities or medical experts for each Passenger prior to boarding; (2) pre-embarkation and/or periodic COVID-19 testing; (3) pre-embarkation and/or periodic temperature checks; (4) Passenger’s confinement to his/her cabin or elsewhere pending receipt of COVID-19 test results, in the event he/she contracts COVID-19 or has had close contact with a person suspected or confirmed as having COVID-19, and/or in the event Carrier or any public health authority instructs Passenger to be confined to his/her cabin or elsewhere in the interests of public health; (5) technology-enabled contact tracing via wearable device technology; (6) modified capacity rules for certain activities or amenities either on or off the Vessel (including, but not limited to, restaurants, gyms, and entertainment events onboard and for shore excursions) which may limit or eliminate the ability of Passenger to participate in particular activities; (7) mandatory use by each Passenger (except for children under the age of 2 years) of face masks in most locations outside of the Passenger’s cabin while onboard, during embarkation, disembarkation and shore excursions; (8) mandatory physical distancing of Passengers at any/all times while onboard and during embarkation, disembarkation, and shore excursions; (9) restrictions, conditions or prohibitions on going ashore and additional restrictions during shore excursions depending on local conditions including, but not limited to, denial of disembarkation at destination(s) unless participating in only shore excursions sold through the Carrier and denial of re-boarding vessel for any noncompliance by Passenger or members of Passenger’s traveling party with the COVID-19 Health and Safety Measures; (10) mandatory hand-sanitizing by Passenger upon entry or exit of any public areas; (11) quarantine onboard or ashore; (12) emergency disembarkation of Passenger if, in the Carrier’s sole discretion, such steps are necessary to prevent or slow the spread of COVID-19; (13) the required completion by Passenger in a timely manner of any written authorizations or consent forms required for the Carrier to carry out its COVID-19 Health and Safety Measures (including but not limited to medical information, medical privacy, or personal data privacy consent forms); (14) vaccination of Passengers with documentary proof satisfactory to Carrier and/or relevant government agencies or officials; (15) refusal to allow embarkation of or requiring disembarkation of any individual who has travelled to, from or through any region which in Carrier’s sole discretion and/or in public health authorities recommendation is believed to pose an unreasonable risk of COVID-19 exposure, any individual who himself/herself or a close contact has been exposed to someone with or under suspicion of having COVID-19 in the past 14 days, and/or any individual who tests positive for COVID-19 or fails Company’s embarkation screening protocol and/or has a fever, or fails any other screening protocol intended to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 onboard; and/or (16) any other policies and procedures deemed by the Carrier in its sole discretion or recommended or required by any public health agency or authority to be necessary to reduce the risk of spread of COVID-19. Carrier is not obligated to implement any or all of the above COVID-19 mitigation actions and Passenger acknowledges that his/her cruise may include some, all, or none of the above COVID-19 mitigation actions. For cruises departing from the State of Florida, COVID-19 restrictions and policies may not apply while the vessel is in Florida waters if such restriction, requirement or policy would violate any Florida statute or Executive Order. If Passenger elects to voluntarily provide information or documentation of their COVID-19 vaccination status, Passenger agrees that such information or documentation is voluntarily given by Passenger to Company, that Company may share such information with relevant government health agencies or other government officials, and Passenger waives and releases any claim against Company arising from or related to Company’s possession, use, retention or disclosure of such documentation or information.

Notwithstanding any other provision contained herein or in the Carrier’s cancellation and refund policy, any noncompliance by Passenger or members of Passenger’s traveling party with Carrier’s COVID-19 Health and Safety Measures, or these Booking Terms and Conditions, shall be grounds for refusal to board, refusal to re-board after going ashore, quarantine onboard the Vessel, disembarkation, reporting to governmental or health authorities, or other steps deemed necessary in the Carrier’s sole discretion under the circumstances to protect the health and well-being of others. Under these circumstances, Passenger shall not be entitled to a refund or compensation of any kind. Passenger will be responsible for all related costs and fines, including without limitation travel expenses and for proper travel documentation for any port, or for departure from or arrival to the United States or the Passenger’s country of residence. Under no circumstances shall the Carrier be liable for any costs, damages or expenses whatsoever incurred by any Passenger as a result of such denial of boarding, refusal to re-board, quarantine, disembarkation, or other steps taken by the Carrier or government health authorities.

Passenger agrees that if at any time within fourteen (14) days prior to embarkation, Passenger tests positive for COVID-19, exhibit signs or symptoms of COVID-19, has had close contact with a person confirmed or suspected as having COVID-19, or the Carrier otherwise determines, in its sole discretion, that Passenger is unfit to board because of any communicable illness, the Carrier will deny boarding to such Passenger as well as members of Passenger’s traveling party. Under these circumstances, unless the Carrier determines that the Passenger has failed to comply with the Carrier’s COVID-19 Health and Safety Measures or these Booking Terms and Conditions, any Passenger denied boarding will be entitled to a refund or future cruise credit equal in value to the amount Passenger paid to the Carrier, subject to Passenger providing verification satisfactory to the Carrier of results of tests administered by providers other than those retained by the Carrier. Under no circumstances shall the Carrier have any other liability for any compensation or other damages whatsoever including, but not limited to, compensation for lodging or travel.

Passenger understands and agrees that if, after boarding, and even if Passenger has fully complied with all Carrier’s COVID-19 Health and Safety Measures, Passenger tests positive for COVID-19 or exhibits signs or symptoms of COVID-19, the Carrier may disembark, refuse re-boarding after a shore excursion, or quarantine Passenger as well as members of his/her travelling party, or take other steps which the Carrier determines, in its sole discretion, or as recommended or required by government health officials, are necessary under the circumstances to protect the health and well-being of others. Under these circumstances, any such Passenger who is disembarked, refused re-boarding, or quarantined shall be entitled to a prorated refund or future cruise credit for the unused portion of the Cruise Fare. Each such Passenger is responsible for all other related costs and fines including, without limitation, travel and lodging expense. Under no circumstances shall the Carrier be liable to any such Passenger for any costs, damages or expenses whatsoever incurred by any Passenger.

5. INSURANCE

The Company strongly recommends that every Passenger should have an adequate travel insurance policy which covers them sufficiently for Cruise Package cancellation, medical assistance and expenses, loss and/or damage of the luggage, from the time the Contract has been confirmed as Booked to the end of the Cruise Package. Passengers are advised to check their available coverage as many domestic health insurance plans do not cover medical expenses or medical evacuation charges outside of the Passenger’s home country. Insurance related to COVID-19 may be required for certain Passengers as part of Carrier’s COVID-19 Health and Safety Measures, which are available at https://www.msccruisesusa.com/health-and-safety-measures.

6. PASSPORT AND VISAS

Passengers must hold fully valid passports for the whole duration of the Cruise Package with a passport expiration date at least 6 months after the return date. Certain countries, including the USA and Russia, require machine-readable and digital photo passports.

It is the sole responsibility of the Passenger to determine what visas, health certificates or other travel documents may be required for their specific itinerary, to obtain such required travel documents prior to commencing travel, and to present them upon embarkation onboard Carrier’s vessel. Passengers lacking required travel documents may be denied boarding and shall be entitled to no refund or compensation of any kind as a result of such denied boarding. Passenger agrees to indemnify and reimburse Carrier for any fine or other costs incurred by Carrier as a result of Passenger’s failure to have all required travel documentation or noncompliance with applicable regulations and Passenger authorizes Carrier to charge such amounts to Passenger’s stateroom account and/or credit card. Passengers are strongly advised to check all legal requirements for traveling abroad and at the various ports including the requirements relating to visas, immigration, customs and health.

Passengers under the age of 21 (on voyages that include a port in the USA) or 18 (on voyages that do not include a port in the USA) must travel accompanied by their parents or a legal guardian. If one of the traveling minor’s parents is not cruising, then a signed authorization letter made in accordance with the laws of the country where the minor resides from the absent parent authorizing the minor to travel must be provided at the time of booking. If the minor is traveling with Passengers that are not his/her parents or legal guardians, then a document signed by the parents or legal guardian authorizing the minor to travel with a chaperone or other designated individual must be provided at the time of booking, in accordance with Company policies.

7. FITNESS TO TRAVEL

Safety is of paramount importance to the Company. Travel by sea involves certain inherent risks including vessel movement due to weather and sea conditions beyond the Carrier’s control and the inherent delay or impossibility of obtaining specialized medical care while at sea. All Passengers warrant that they are fit to travel on their intended itinerary and Cruise Package; that their conduct or condition will not impair the safety or convenience of the vessel, aircraft, and other Passengers; and that they can be carried safely in accordance with applicable safety requirements and guidelines.

Any Passenger with a condition that may affect their fitness to travel, taking into account the vessel’s itinerary, must inform the Company at the time of Booking.

The Company and/or the Carriers have the right to request the Passenger produce a medical certificate supporting the Passenger’s fitness to travel, however such certificate does not guarantee that Passenger will be able to embark or will not be disembarked as may otherwise be provided in this Section.

Company’s vessels do not have medical facilities for pre-natal care nor facilities or equipment for childbirth. Pregnant women are encouraged to seek medical advice before travelling and at any stage of their pregnancy must obtain a medical certificate from a doctor which (a) confirms their fitness to travel on board the vessel taking into account the specific itinerary, and (b) confirms that the Passenger will be not be 24 or more weeks pregnant by the end of the Cruise. The Company cannot accept a Booking and the Carrier cannot carry any Passenger who will be 24 or more weeks pregnant by the end of the Cruise.

The Company and the Carrier expressly reserve the right to refuse boarding rights to any Passenger who appears to be in any advanced state of pregnancy or who does not provide the required medical certificate as provided in this Section. Neither the Company nor Carrier shall have any liability or owe any refund to any Passenger who is denied boarding as a result of being 24 or more weeks pregnant or for failing to have the required medical certificate.

Passengers who become pregnant or discover they are pregnant after Booking, must notify the Company in writing within seven (7) days of discovery of their condition. Provided notice is timely given in compliance with this Section, and provided the Passenger did not know and could not reasonably have known of their pregnancy at the time of Booking, then the Company will offer the Passenger the choice of Booking another Cruise of equivalent cost from the Company’s brochure and/or from the Official Website, which Cruise would be compliant with the above mentioned terms, if available; or cancelling and receiving a full refund of the full price paid by that Passenger. This refund does not include insurance premiums paid, which are in all cases non-refundable.

If it appears to the Carrier, the Master or the ship’s doctor that a Passenger is for any reason unfit to travel, likely to endanger the health or safety of themselves or others, likely to be refused permission to disembark at any port, or likely to render the Carrier liable for maintenance, support or repatriation, then the Master shall have the right to refuse to embark the Passenger at any port or disembark the Passenger at any port or transfer the Passenger to another berth or cabin. The doctor onboard shall have the right to administer first aid and any drug, therapy or other medical treatment and/or to admit and/or confine the Passenger to the ship’s medical center or other similar facility, or to their cabin, if such measure is considered necessary by the ship’s doctor and is supported by the Master’s authority. Refusal by the Passenger to cooperate with regard to such treatment or confinement may result in the Passenger being disembarked at any port, if necessary through the intervention of local police officers or other competent authorities, and neither the Company nor the Carrier shall have any liability nor be liable for any loss, expense, refund or compensation to the Passenger in the event of such confinement or disembarkation pursuant to the provisions of this Section.

8. PASSENGERS WITH DISABILITIES OR REDUCED MOBILITY, MEDICAL CONDITIONS AND/OR SPECIAL NEEDS.

The Company supports the rights of individuals with disabilities to travel on its Cruise Packages and to make their own decisions regarding the suitability of their proposed travel in consideration of their individual disabilities and special needs. Passengers with Disabilities or Reduced Mobility are encouraged to contact the Company or Carrier in advance of Booking to determine the specifications of passenger cabins and other facilities of the vessel, port facilities, and expected modes of embarkation and disembarkation at each port.

Passengers with Disabilities or Reduced Mobility, or any Passenger who may require special accommodation or medical treatment during the Cruise Package, must provide full details of their condition and any anticipated special needs to the Company in writing at the time of Booking, including if the Passenger (a) requires an accessible cabin; (b) has any special restaurant seating requirements, special dietary requirements or food allergies; (c) intends or needs to bring any wheelchair, mobility scooter, or medical equipment on board; (d) intends to bring an assistance dog on board the vessel (please note that assistance dogs are subject to national regulations, may not be allowed ashore in all ports, and can be subject to quarantine by local officials in ports of call if carried onboard the vessel). If such condition arises after the time of Booking, then the Passenger must notify the Company in writing as soon as practical after the condition is discovered.

By booking passage, Passenger acknowledges and understands that both sea conditions and certain international, foreign or local safety regulations, requirements, or standards regarding construction or operation of the vessel, tenders, port facilities, anchorages or other facilities on or off the vessel may restrict access to certain facilities for Passengers with Disabilities or Reduced Mobility. Passengers requiring the use of a wheelchair or mobility scooter must furnish their own standard size collapsible wheelchair or mobility scooter during the whole Cruise Package. Mobility scooters are subject to size and weight limits and may not be parked in vessel hallways. Passenger’s personal scooter should be able to fit in a standard stateroom with a limited entry doorway (as narrow as 26 inches, depending on the ship). If a Passenger’s scooter is larger than this, the Company recommends the Passenger book a handicap (H) stateroom or rent a smaller scooter.

Aside from available medical services in the ship’s medical center, for which customary charges apply, Carrier is unable to provide specialized one-to-one personal care or supervision.

The Company shall not be liable for any injury, loss or damage arising from Passenger’s failure to provide timely written notice of any condition or special need pursuant to this Section.

The Company, Carrier and Master reserve the right to refuse to carry any Passenger who in the opinion of the Company or Carrier is unfit for travel or whose condition may constitute a danger to themselves or others on the Cruise.

In some ports, it is necessary to anchor offshore and use tenders to take Passengers ashore. In order to access tenders, Passengers may be required to ascend and descend steps, traverse a moving gap between the platform and the tender (which can be approximately 1.5ft) and which may have a moving height differential, and walk to a seat inside the tender, which can experience significant sea movement. Passengers should carefully consider their ability to embark and use the tenders safely before making their way down to the tender platform, taking into consideration all of the above conditions. Mobility scooters or wheelchairs or other devices may not be carried by the crew into the tender. Carriage by tender may be refused by the Master or any of his officers in the interest of safety.

Passengers should remain seated at all times once onboard the tender and upon docking of the tender should stand only when instructed by the tender’s crew. There will be crew members there to guide and steady Passengers as they embark and disembark, but such crew members cannot support, lift or carry Passengers.

9. PUBLIC HEALTH QUESTIONNAIRE

The Company and/or the Carrier and/or the health authorities in any port shall be entitled to administer a public health questionnaire. The Passenger shall supply accurate information regarding symptoms of any illness including but not limited to gastrointestinal illness and H1N1. The Carrier may deny boarding to any Passenger that it considers in its sole discretion to have symptoms of any illness including viral or bacterial illness including but not limited to Norovirus and H1N1. Refusal by a Passenger to complete the questionnaire may result in denied boarding.

In the interests of public health and safety, the ship’s doctor and Master may confine any Passenger to their cabin or to the medical center. Company and Carrier shall have no liability and shall owe no refund or compensation to any Passenger who is denied boarding or confined to the medical center or their cabin pursuant to this Section.

10. FOOD ALLERGIES

Passengers are reminded that some foods may cause an allergic reaction in certain people due to intolerance of some ingredients. If the Passenger has any known allergies, or is intolerant to any food, he/she is required to inform the Company at the time of Booking (by duly filling out a specific form) and further to report such allergy or intolerance to the Maître d’hôtel as soon as possible after boarding the ship and prior to consuming any food or beverage onboard. Due to the nature of restaurants onboard and the possibility of cross contamination between foods both onboard and prior to delivery to the Vessel, the Company and Carrier cannot guarantee a 100% allergy free zone and is not liable in the event of Passenger’s exposure to any food or beverage item.

While the Company will take reasonable care to accommodate Passenger’s specific food or ingredient allergy or sensitivity if notified in writing and again onboard as required under this Section, the Passenger is ultimately responsible to ensure they do not consume food or beverage items containing any ingredient to which they have an allergy or sensitivity. If in any doubt, Passenger is advised to request an ingredient list for any food or drink item before consumption, and/or request to confer with the bartender, chef or Maître d’. The Company and Carrier are not responsible for any illness, death, loss or injury arising from exposure to such items if notice is not given pursuant to this Section.

11. MEDICAL ASSISTANCE

Passengers are strongly recommended to have comprehensive travel health insurance covering medical treatment and repatriation costs and expenses.

There is a qualified doctor onboard and a medical center equipped to provide first aid and treatment of minor conditions onboard. The Passenger hereby acknowledges and accepts that the medical center is not equipped as a land-based hospital and the doctor is not a specialist. Due to the inherent limitations of shipboard medical care, Passengers who obtain medical care onboard are advised to promptly follow up with an applicable medical specialist ashore. Due to the nature of travel by sea, evacuation from the vessel may be delayed or impossible and is not feasible from all regions where the vessel sails. Neither the Company, nor the Carrier, nor the doctor shall be liable to the Passenger as a result of any inability to treat any medical condition nor for any delay or unavailability of evacuation.

Neither the Company nor the Carrier supervise the medical treatment provided to Passengers. Neither the Company nor the Carrier shall be liable as a result of any loss, injury or death arising from or related to medical care, treatment, diagnosis, or medications provided to Passengers either onboard the vessel or ashore. All health, medical or other personal services in connection with the Cruise Package are provided solely for the convenience of Passengers, who may be charged for such services.

Passengers accept and use medicine and medical treatment at their sole risk and expense without liability or responsibility of the Company or Carrier. Passenger agrees to indemnify the Company and Carrier for all medical or evacuation costs or expenses incurred. Doctors, nurses, and other medical or service personnel onboard the vessel are Independent Contractors and work directly for the Passenger. Doctors, nurses, and other medical or service personnel shall not be considered to be acting under the control or supervision of the Company or Carrier, and shall not be considered employees, actual or apparent agents, servants, or joint ventures of Company or Carrier. Neither the Company nor Carrier supervise the medical treatment of Passengers provided onboard and will not be liable for the consequences of any examination, advice, diagnosis, medication, or treatment. Due to the limited medical facilities and equipment onboard, Passengers are advised to always follow up with their doctor ashore for any condition originally treated onboard.

The Passenger acknowledges that while there is a qualified doctor onboard the vessel, it is the Passenger’s obligation and responsibility to seek medical assistance if necessary during the Cruise and the Passenger will be responsible for paying for onboard medical services.

In the event of illness or accident, Passengers may have to be landed ashore by the Carrier and/or the Master for medical treatment. Neither the Carrier nor the Company make any representation or accept any responsibility regarding the quality of the available medical facilities or treatments at any port of call or at the place at which the Passenger is landed. Medical facilities and standards vary from port to port. Neither the Company nor the Carrier makes any representations or warranties in relation to the standard of medical treatment ashore.

The doctor’s professional opinion as to the fitness of the Passenger to board the vessel or to continue the Cruise is final and binding on the Passenger.

It is recommended that medical advice is sought before Booking for children who will be under one year of age at the time of the Cruise Package. The provisions of Section 7 of these Booking Terms and Conditions and the requirement of fitness to travel are applicable to all Passengers including infants.

12. MEDICAL EQUIPMENT

It is important that Passengers contact the manufacturer or supplier to ensure that any medical equipment they intend to bring on board is safe to use and is compatible with the electrical system onboard the vessel. It is the responsibility of the Passengers to arrange delivery to the docks prior to departure of all medical equipment and to notify the Company prior to Booking if they need to have medical equipment on board so that the Company and the Carrier can ensure that the medical equipment can be carried safely.

It is the Passenger’s responsibility to ensure that all medical equipment is in good working order and to arrange for enough equipment and supplies to last the entire voyage. The ship does not carry any replacement equipment or supplies, and access to shore-side care and equipment may be difficult, impossible or expensive. Passengers must be able to operate all equipment independently.

13. CANCELLATION AND CHANGES BY THE PASSENGER

Cancellation of the Booking must be requested in writing (registered letter, email or fax) from the Passenger or Passenger’s Travel Agent and received by the Company. All tickets issued and the confirmation invoice must be returned together with the notice of cancellation. To cover the estimated loss incurred by cancellation, the Company will levy cancellation charges in accordance with the following scale:

Cruises 4 Nights or Less***