After several postponements, MSC Cruises has given up on the idea of offering itineraries this summer. The company had to cancel the entire 2020/2021 cruise season, which still had trips planned on the MSC Preziosa and MSC Seaview ships from January 16th. According to the shipowner, the reason for the suspension is the delay for Brazilian authorities to approve the operation of sea cruises, even with the presentation of Covid-19 prevention protocols.
In November, due to the closure of neighboring borders, the shipowner had already canceled the season of two of its ships, those that had routes passing through Argentina and Uruguay.
According to the company, periodic meetings have been held with authorities since July to clarify its operating proposal and health and safety protocol. However, there was no authorization for navigation.
According to MSC Cruises, considering the postponement and the minimum time needed for the company to prepare its entire operation, the company would not be able to start operations until mid-February at the earliest, with the season expected to end in March.
According to MSC, guests will receive a letter of credit for a future cruise for the full amount of the reservation originally paid. The letter of credit can be used until December 31, 2021, on any future cruise with MSC Cruises until April 30, 2022. The letter of credit does not apply to groups, events and charters.
The good news is that trips scheduled from the end of this year are confirmed and are now on sale. The 2021/2022 MSC Cruises season in South America will have four ships sailing from ports in Brazil and a fifth ship sailing from Argentina.
MSC Seaside will make its debut in Brazil with itineraries lasting six to eight nights, departing from Santos and heading to the Northeast. MSC Preziosa will offer three- and four-night mini-cruises from Santos to the South and Southeast, five- to eight-night itineraries from Rio de Janeiro to the Northeast or towards the Rio do Prata Basin.
MSC Splendida will offer seven-night cruises from Santos to Argentina and Uruguay for the first time, visiting Punta del Este, Montevideo and Buenos Aires. MSC Sinfonia will offer six, seven and nine night itineraries from Itajaí to Uruguay and Argentina. And the MSC Orchestra will complete the comprehensive program in South America departing from Buenos Aires towards the Brazilian coast.
