WHO approved vaccines not accepted by MSC, but accepted by other cruise lines for Europe cruises

[drsel]

I dont understand why MSC refuses to accept passengers FULLY VACCINATED (+booster) with WHO approved vaccines,  when all other cruise lines in Europe are accepting them alongwith a 48 hour negative antigen test.

MSC insists on a EMA approved vaccine ONLY. (Pfizer, Moderna, Janssen, Novavax, Vaxzevria)

 

If you have taken 2 doses + booster of a WHO approved (non EMA) vaccine, you need a EMA vaccine as booster within 6 months of your last shot of the WHO approved (non EMA) vaccine, or else you will be denied boarding even if you have a negative antigen or RTPCR test

 

Also MSC insists that Covid insurance must be purchased from MSC prior to final payment, while other cruise lines say that Covid  insurance is optional for Europe cruises

Edited May 9, 2022 by drsel

[RudiRatlos]

2 hours ago, drsel said:

Also MSC insists that Covid insurance must be purchased from MSC prior to final payment, 

 

You can choose any other insurance if the same risks are covered:

https://www.msccruises.co.uk/manage-booking/before-you-go/covid-travel-insurance

COVID-19 TRAVEL INSURANCE

It is mandatory for all guests to have in place an insurance policy that specifically covers them against COVID-19 related risks, such as cancellation, interruption, repatriation expenses, quarantine, medical assistance and related expenses, as well as hospitalization. This should be in place to cover you from the confirmation of your booking until the end of the cruise or your cruise and flight package. Should you need COVID-19 insurance cover, our travel insurance partner may be able to help you. You can see the policy benefits available here to see if they are of interest and benefit for you.

Alternatively, you may purchase another insurance coverage of your choice provided that the above risks are covered. With immediate effect, for all new reservations on Winter 21/22 and Summer 2022 cruises. Guests will be required to provide evidence of their insurance policy and this should include the details of the insurer, the insured amounts and full details of the COVID-19 coverage such as cancellation, interruption, repatriation expenses, quarantine, medical assistance and expenses, and hospitalization.

The proof of the insurance policy (e.g. certificate, schedule, policy summary) which must be in English, Italian, German, French or Spanish - clearly showing the COVID-19  coverage must be presented at embarkation. Passengers failing to provide this documentation will be denied boarding. 

 

[drsel]

Yes, but I was more concerned about WHO approved vaccines not being accepted by MSC (only), unlike the other Cruise lines in Europe, which accept all WHO approved vaccines.

 

one cannot change the vaccine one has been administered.

Edited May 10, 2022 by drsel

[8420PR]

Could it be that MSC are following Italy entry requirements?  As far as I can see Italy only accepts EMA approved vaccines for entry, and maybe MSC don't want to have to manage that passengers have a negative antigen test result each day they want to disembark. 

 

RCCL group companies have the same rules as MSC (EMA approved vaccines only) for cruises starting in Italy:  https://www.royalcaribbean.com/deu/de/faq/questions/what-vaccines-are-accepted

[perakcruiser]

8 hours ago, drsel said:

Yes, but I was more concerned about WHO approved vaccines not being accepted by MSC (only), unlike the other Cruise lines in Europe, which accept all WHO approved vaccines.

 

one cannot change the vaccine one has been administered.

The WHO approvel is not really important when it comes to national requirements. That is why I only accepted Biontech/Pfizer as it is by far the most accepted vaccine. 

[drsel]

9 hours ago, 8420PR said:

Could it be that MSC are following Italy entry requirements?  As far as I can see Italy only accepts EMA approved vaccines for entry, and maybe MSC don't want to have to manage that passengers have a negative antigen test result each day they want to disembark. 

 

RCCL group companies have the same rules as MSC (EMA approved vaccines only) for cruises starting in Italy:  https://www.royalcaribbean.com/deu/de/faq/questions/what-vaccines-are-accepted

No. the royal Caribbean website clearly states *or WHO approved vaccines* for Cruises from Europe excluding Italy.

https://www.royalcaribbean.com/deu/de/faq/questions/what-vaccines-are-accepted#europe

 

Also Italy accepts some WHO approved, non EMA vaccines. See this

https://visaguide.world/news/vaccine-checker-proof-of-immunity-for-travel/

Edited May 11, 2022 by drsel

[8420PR]

The only vaccines Italy accepts are EMA approved ones (here is actual Italy Government website: 😞 https://www.salute.gov.it/portale/nuovocoronavirus/dettaglioContenutiNuovoCoronavirus.jsp?lingua=english&id=5412&area=nuovoCoronavirus&menu=vuoto&tab=1

 

3 hours ago, drsel said:

No. the royal Caribbean website clearly states *or WHO approved vaccines* for Cruises from Europe excluding Italy.

https://www.royalcaribbean.com/deu/de/faq/questions/what-vaccines-are-accepted#europe

 

Yes, that is my point.  For both RCCL and MSC cruises from Italy only EMA approved vaccines are accepted.  There is no difference between the two companies - it must be driven by Italian regulations.

 

3 hours ago, drsel said:

No. the royal Caribbean website clearly states *or WHO approved vaccines* for Cruises from Europe excluding Italy.

https://www.royalcaribbean.com/deu/de/faq/questions/what-vaccines-are-accepted#europe

 

Also Italy accepts some WHO approved, non EMA vaccines. See this

https://visaguide.world/news/vaccine-checker-proof-of-immunity-for-travel/

Italy only accepts EMA approved vaccines.  This does include the local brandnames (Covishield, Fiocruz, R-Covi) of the AstraZenica vaccine.

 

Link to Italian Government website:   https://www.salute.gov.it/portale/nuovocoronavirus/dettaglioContenutiNuovoCoronavirus.jsp?lingua=english&id=5412&area=nuovoCoronavirus&menu=vuoto&tab=1

[drsel]

10 minutes ago, 8420PR said:

Link to Italian Government website:   https://www.salute.gov.it/portale/nuovocoronavirus/dettaglioContenutiNuovoCoronavirus.jsp?lingua=english&id=5412&area=nuovoCoronavirus&menu=vuoto&tab=1

I am boarding in Barcelona. I found my answer, thanks

Edited May 11, 2022 by drsel

[drsel]

On 5/11/2022 at 10:26 PM, 8420PR said:

Italy only accepts EMA approved vaccines.  This does include the local brandnames (Covishield, Fiocruz, R-Covi) of the AstraZenica vaccine.

But even today MSC does not accept (Covishield, Fiocruz, R-Covi) for boarding Med cruises at Barcelona,.