Arrecife de Lanzarote,Puerto del Rosario,Casablanca,Barcelona,Civitavecchia

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.

Dialysis

Guests undergoing peritoneal dialysis treatment can travel as normal, bringing with them all medicines and equipment that may be required during the cruise. The relevant medical treatment is available through the on-board medical facilities.

Equipment and machinery for haemodialysis treatment will only be carried on board by specialised independent companies on certain routes. For further information on this service, please contact your travel agent.

Pregnancy

MSC Cruises SA does not permit guests who be more than 23 weeks pregnant at any time during the cruise to sail onboard. This is for maternal and fetal safety, as specialist obstetric and neonatal care is not available on board.

Pregnant guests who will be 23 or less than 23 weeks gestation at any time during the cruise will need to submit a letter from their obstetrician/gynecologist confirming the following:

Ultrasound confirmed expected date of delivery (EDD)

That the pregnancy is low risk

That the guest is fit to sail on board a ship with no immediate access to specialist obstetric or neonatal care

Letters should be sent by email to Special Needs at the moment of the booking and at least 2 weeks before sailing date. A copy must be presented at check-in on the day of embarkation.

ACCESSIBILITY

Please review the details below regarding different accessibility needs. This will help you to determine whether the accommodation we are able to provide is right for you and your party to travel safely and comfortably. Any accessibility or medical request can be flagged by completing the Accessibility&Medical Request Form available HERE and at all accredited travel agencies. This information should be provided at time of booking but no later than 30 days prior to sailing

• If you are pregnant, the information should be provided at least 2 weeks before sailing date
• For service dogs this is required at least 60 days before the sailing date.
• Note that due to the complexity of the Worldcruise itinerary, early deadlines apply.

This allows us time to provide the best possible service for our guests, which is determined by the facilities and resources on board each ship. If we do not receive timely notification, MSC Cruises cannot guarantee the requested accommodation. However, we will always strive to ensure every guest receives the accommodation they need to enjoy their time onboard. Due to the limited availability of accessible accommodation, guests are recommended to notify us as soon as possible as they will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

if you booked through our website, the documentation should be sent to the following email address: specialservicesuk@msccruises.co.uk. However, If you booked your cruise through a travel agency, the documentation should be sent directly to your travel agent.

REDUCED MOBILITY

For guests who primarily use a wheelchair or mobility scooter, we highly recommend reserving a cabin for guests with disabilities or reduced mobility. 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.

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 cabin is limited, and requests will be accommodated in a first come, first served basis, it is important to request it as soon as possible and consider also the possibility of considering eventually a different sailing date. If you choose to book a standard cabin, you are acknowledging that you can stand for brief moments and take a step 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.

The wheelchair should not exceed 50cm (20 inches) in width, have a weight limit of 45kgs (99 pounds), and, when folded, should not exceed 50cm (20 inches). These limitations are in place to ensure safe manoeuvrability and storage within the cabin space. For safety and convenience, wheelchairs, mobility scooters, and other assistive mobility devices must be stored inside your cabin when not in use. They cannot be stored in the hallways. Please take this into consideration when booking a regular cabin.

This policy aligns with International Safety Regulations and helps maintain clear and safe passageways throughout the ship.

Given the strict International Safety Regulations governing cruise ships and the limited capacity for carrying assistive mobility devices, it is imperative that you declare any wheelchairs or scooters you intend to bring onboard at the time of booking or as soon as you become aware of the need to bring them. This advance notice enables us to assess space availability and make the necessary arrangements to accommodate your device. Failure to provide this information at the time of booking may, regrettably, result in your device being denied boarding, a situation we are committed to helping you avoid.

To further support guests with reduced mobility, MSC Cruises offers a range of services:

Mobility Aids: Guests are welcome to bring manual or electric wheelchairs or scooters, as well as other mobility aids such as canes, rollators, walkers, and crutches, which need to be stored inside the cabin. Please be reminded to communicate it during your cruise reservation through the Accessibility&Medical Request Form. 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.

Please confirm the dimensions of the specific vessel on which you will be sailing to ensure your mobility device comfortably navigates through the cabin door.

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 onboard and use on a cruise ship, and to organise both its delivery to the departure terminal in good time for embarkation, and its collection at the end of the cruise.

• Cabin Amenities: Upon request, we can provide a shower stool in standard cabins to enhance comfort and safety.
• Shore Excursions: MSC Cruises offers “Easy & Accessible” tours specifically designed for guests with reduced mobility. We recommend inquiring about the availability of these tours at the time of booking, as they may vary depending on the destination.
• Embarkation and Disembarkation Assistance: Please be informed that outside the cruise terminal assistance is not guaranteed. However, assistance is available from the ship to the pier and vice versa at ports of call, but once ashore MSC will no longer be able to provide assistance, and guests will need to be able to enjoy their visit autonomously.
• Airport and Flight Assistance: If you have booked your flights through MSC Cruises, you are requested to notify us at the time of the booking about any accessibility needs.
• Accessible transfers: 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 Cruises Contact Centre.

Tender Service: 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.

To inform us of your reduced mobility need, please fill in the form at the following link Accessibility&Medical Request Form

VISUAL IMPAIRMENTS

Guests with visual impairments will find braille signs available at the entrance of the cabin door and safety instructions available in braille (on top of an English audible version). Moreover, majority of the onboard elevators’ signs are in braille with the addition of the audio call signal on ships of last generation.

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 session in chapter 1.8.

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 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.

The more information is provided, the more we will be able to provide accommodation for your needs. For example, knowing the degree of visual impairment and the level of autonomy will help us to understand the level of assistance you may require and allow us to provide appropriate support.

To inform us of your visual impairment, please fill in the form at the following link

Accessibility&Medical Request Form

HEARING & SPEECH IMPAIRMENTS

In accordance with International Safety Regulations (SOLAS), guests with hearing disabilities will automatically have a TDD/TTY System kit installed in their cabin. This kit typically includes light and vibrating devices installed under the mattress of the bed, a text phone to communicate with Reception-Guest Service, and an analog alarm clock to ensure you can receive important alerts and communicate effectively. As these kits are available in limited numbers on each ship, they will be assigned on a first come, first served basis.

For minor hearing impairments, a sound amplifier is available at the main Reception-Guest Service to increase the quality of communication with our staff.

Guests can also join a cruise with a sign language interpreter to further enhance communication access. A meeting with the onboard staff on embarkation day can be requested to have a general overview of the program of the ship and entertainments activities.

To inform us of your request for your visual impairment, please fill in the form at the following link Accessibility&Medical Request Form

RESPIRATORY NEEDS

CPAP / BIPAP – If you use a CPAP or BIPAP machine, kindly ensure that your device is compatible with the ship’s power supply, which is 120V/60Hz or 240V/60Hz. Outlets in guest cabins accommodate both U.S.-style and Northern European-style plugs. We recommend carrying your electrical devices onboard as hand luggage to prevent any damage during transit. Complimentary distilled water and extension cords are available onboard; however, a charge will apply if the extension cord is not returned. For safety reasons, guests are not permitted to bring their own extension cords onboard. If you require any extension cords, please request them at the time of booking.

Oxygen – Please be aware that the onboard medical centre has a limited oxygen supply, primarily intended for use by patients within the medical facility. Therefore, if you require long-term oxygen therapy, it is your responsibility to make arrangements for your regular oxygen needs while onboard.

If you require oxygen, please note the following:

Oxygen Concentrators: Like any other electrical device, oxygen concentrators must be compatible with the onboard power supply. Battery backup is recommended, and concentrators should be carried as hand luggage.

Compressed Gas Cylinders: Arrangements for oxygen cylinder supply must be made through a vendor. The maximum permitted size is E or M-24 size (680 L at 2,200 psi). For safety reasons, only one cylinder is allowed in the cabin at any time, although additional secure storage may be available upon request. Secure cylinder storage is limited and should be requested well in advance of your sailing date. You are responsible for ensuring that your supply has been delivered and safely stowed before sailing. Please be aware that oxygen cylinders may be restricted on flights, so it is your responsibility to consult with the airline prior to travel.

Liquid Gas Reservoir: Liquid oxygen reservoirs with a maximum weight of 55kg may be permitted if suitable safe storage is available onboard. This will be determined on a case-by-case basis by the Safety Department. Requests should be made at the time of booking or as soon as possible. You are responsible for filling portable cylinders, as the ship’s crew is not trained to do this.

Mechanical ventilation

For guests who require mechanical ventilation, it is essential to provide detailed information at the time of booking or at least 30 days before sailing. This information should include details about the ventilator type, spare battery capacity, and the caregivers who are able to operate the equipment. We do not recommend traveling on remote itineraries, including ocean crossings, specific regions such as Antarctica or Africa, itineraries with multiple consecutive sea days, or in remote locations where resources are limited in case of device failure.

To inform us of your respiratory need, please fill in the form at the following link Accessibility&Medical Request Form

COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT

To better anticipate the needs of our guests with cognitive, behavioural or mental health conditions, we recommend consulting with your doctor before your cruise and consider traveling with a companion for support in case of need as our staff cannot provide daily personal assistance.

• Our medical team handles emergencies, not daily care. Depending on local regulations, you might need a fitness-to-travel certificate.
• Be aware that the cruise environment has noise, crowds, and bright lights. Please take this into consideration together with the size of the ship in terms of guest capacity when choosing your cruise.

Please be also advised that children with autism are welcome in our Mini Club provided they are toilet-trained and independent, as our youth staff who are fully trained in autism cannot assist with personal care.

To inform us of your cognitive condition, please fill in the form at the following link Accessibility&Medical Request Form

MSC Cruises has obtained a certification from Bureau Veritas to provide gluten-free menus worldwide (food code: 20 ppm) on all ships. Please check availability when booking. On MSC Armonia, MSC Sinfonia, MSC Opera and MSC Lirica guests can find only a limited selection of pre-packaged gluten-free snacks such as, biscuits, croissants, sponge cakes and muffins. Guests with food intolerances and/or allergies must inform MSC Cruises of their needs via the Special Needs Form and, once on board, confirm their requirements at Reception-Guest Service and/or with the Maître d’hôtel.

Kosher meals (pre-packaged breakfast, lunch and dinner) may be available on board for an additional charge starting from €25 pp/day. Kosher meals can be consumed in the main restaurants and must be booked at least 3 weeks before ship’s departure.

Halal products (beef, lamb and poultry) may be available on board following former request of the guest at least two months before departure.

For the safety, comfort and well-being of our guests, our ships are designated as non-smoking, except for certain designated smoking areas. Any and all forms of smoking are strictly prohibited at any time in staterooms, on stateroom balconies and anywhere else on board not specifically designated as a smoking area. Marijuana possession or use, including medical marijuana, is strictly prohibited on board, on shore excursions and at private destinations. Violation of non-smoking rules will result in a €/US$250 deep cleaning fee in addition to the consequences described below. We also remind guests that throwing cigarette butts or anything else overboard at sea is strictly prohibited by international maritime laws and can create a fire hazard. Guests must be at least 18 years of age to purchase, possess or use tobacco on board.

When at sea, it is not possible to access the internet using a high-speed broadband connection as you would on land. Instead, internet connectivity on board is provided by links between the ship and communications satellites in orbit far above the Earth.

Satellite Internet Access is available in all public areas of the ship and in most cabins, including all MSC Yacht Club suites. All you need is one of our Satellite Internet Access packages and a mobile internet device (smartphone, tablet, laptop, etc.).

With the Browse & Stream package it is possible to use video calls, stream music and videos. Those cannot be used with the Browse package.

Congestion can make internet access slower, just as it would on land.

It is therefore best to avoid these periods if possible.

Packages are available either per day or for the duration of your cruise. The “per cruise” rate is based on the length of the cruise. To see prices for a specific cruise, go to the “Wifi” section of the website or consult the ship’s network while on board.

You will be able to upgrade your package on board through the MSC Captive Portal (the website used to activate the pre-paid package). You can upgrade to a Browse package with additional devices or to the Browse & Stream package. You will only pay the difference between the full costs packages (to preserve the 20% discount advantage).

Providing internet access on board via the ship’s satellite connectivity involves significant investment in cutting-edge technology. The fees charged to those using the Satellite Internet Access service help cover the considerable costs of providing the service.

On ships offering a premium service called Satellite Internet Plus, the rate is higher. Ships with this service include MSC Seaside, MSC Seaview, and MSC Splendida. Guests will experience faster speed and a better connection on these ships.

When a user is logged on, updates and apps running in the background can increase traffic even when he/she is not actively using the internet. In order to reduce congestion and speed up internet access for active users, the system will automatically disconnect each user after XX minutes.

To avoid being disconnected, you can return to this page before the XX minutes have elapsed and RESET the countdown.

If you are automatically logged out by the system, you can reactivate your connection by simply clicking START.

Suitably trained and certified guide dogs are allowed on board all ships, assuming that they are in a good state of health and possess all necessary documents for entering the foreign countries visited during the cruise.

The guest will be informed in advance about the accommodation made for the animal, the facilities available (if required) and the embarking and disembarking procedure.

The guest is personally responsible (with the aid of the carer if applicable) for the custody, feeding and general care of the animal during the whole stay on board.

The company uses six main languages for its communications: English, Italian, German, French, Spanish and Brazilian Portuguese. The order in which these languages appear is determined exclusively by the number of guests in each language group as a proportion of our total guests. The cabin information booklet and other printed material used on board are available in different versions for each of the six languages listed above. The order of the languages used in our menus changes depending on the area of the world in which each ship is located.

For us sustainability means protecting the environment, supporting the people who work with us and choose to travel with us, as well as the communities and places that we visit and do business with.

Our sustainability programme is organised around four key pillars: Planet, People, Place and Procurement. This translates into a drive to continuously improve our fleet’s environmental performance; caring for all employees and promoting diversity and inclusion; working to ensure that our impact on the coastal communities that we reach remains positive; and responsibly sourcing the products and services that we purchase.

Sustainability it also means putting the safety of our crew and guests at the center of everything. In 2020, due to the extraordinary circumstances caused by the Covid-19 pandemic we had to halt all our operations and repatriate thousands of guests and crew home in a matter of days. Furthermore we had to secure our business, adapt our operations and prepare for a safe return of guests thanks to an industry-leading Health & Safety protocol.

Everyone loves the feel of freshly-laundered clothes and the convenience of a same-day laundry service. Extend the relaxation after a wonderful long holiday by returning home with your shirts and trousers washed, dried and ready to put away. That’s why we offer several Laundry Service Packages to choose from.

Enjoy hassle-free laundry services – For a modest single charge, you and every traveller in your cabin can use the service whenever you like for up to 40 items per cabin per cruise. Your items will be collected before 12:00pm and returned within 48 hours. Laundry service is not available the last day of the cruise. 

We want to make sure you are always prepared when cruising with MSC. Below are some suggestions to make sure you pack appropriate clothing for the various activities you will undertake during your cruise.

Daytime Attire

Casual wear is recommended for daytime attire. Shorts and T-shirts are permitted.

Evening Wear

A more polished look is recommended for evening wear when dining in the main dining rooms, speciality restaurants and while enjoying the entertainment in the theatre, bars, and lounges. Collared shirts, tailored trousers or shorts, skirts, and dresses are suggested. It is advisable to layer clothing and bring a light jacket or jumper for cooler nights and the ship’s air-conditioned public areas.

Gala Night

On Gala Night, dress to impress! Whether that means a tuxedo, suit and tie, an evening gown or cocktail dress, or perhaps it’s your very best jeans and polo shirt, your attire should fit your own level of elegance. The only thing required is your smile.

Theme parties

We organise various daytime and evening theme parties on board. You may wish to bring bright, fun clothes for the Sunshine Party and something white for the White Party.

Sports lovers

For sports lovers, gym shoes and tracksuits are must-haves when using our cutting-edge gym and attending yoga and dance courses, where available.

Northern Europe cruises

For cruises sailing towards the Svalbard Islands and Polar areas, please ensure you have adequate polar clothing.

Shore Excursions

For shore excursions, which may include visits to religious sites, we advise that appropriate clothing should be worn (covered knees and shoulders).

Dress Restrictions

Specific restrictions may be enforced by onboard staff members, including restaurant hostesses and management. At no point is swimwear allowed in any formal dining venue for any meal, including breakfast and lunch. Shorts, flip-flops, and tank tops are not allowed for evening wear or Gala Night in the main dining rooms, speciality restaurants, or MSC Yacht Club. T-shirts are not allowed to be worn on Gala Night. Dress code rules that are posted outside the buffet should be followed.

The Minors Policy protects the safety and well-being of all passengers on board. ‘Minor’ refers to any person under the age of 18 (on cruises that do not include a port in the USA) or 21 (on voyages that do include a port in the USA). We have recently updated our Minors Policy, effective May 15th, 2025.

Infants under Two years old

Starting from 15 May 2025, infants under 2 years old are admitted on board, except on cruises starting from 11 nights onwards, for which it is required that the minor is at least 2 years old at the moment of embarkation.

What if I have booked two seven-night cruises? Does the age requirement for infants under two apply? The age requirement does not apply in case the 11 nights (or longer) cruise is the combination of two or more cruises, where the ship returns to its Home Port during the cruise

Children under 18 – 21 YEARS OLD

Are guests under 18 permitted to travel without adult supervision? MSC Cruises does not permit minors to occupy a cabin without the presence of at least one adult. For sailings within the US, guests aged 18-20 can be accommodated in a cabin alone, provided they are traveling with a guest aged 21 or older.

Who is considered an adult? To be considered an adult, passengers must be 18 or 21 years old at the time of embarkation, depending on the itinerary.

Is there an exception? Yes, an exception applies for minors under 18 traveling with one parent or legal guardian, provided the following conditions are met:

• The parent/legal guardian must specifically request at the time of booking that the minors be assigned a cabin without an adult and sign a liability waiver, which must be submitted to the Contact Centre.
• The parent/guardian is traveling with 2 to 5 minors.
• The cabin is occupied by either one minor aged 12 or older, or two minors, with the eldest at least 12 and the youngest at least 8.
• No more than two minors may occupy a cabin without an adult.

For MSC Lirica, Musica, and Fantasia class ships:

Parent/guardian and minors must stay in connecting cabins, and the balcony of the minors’ cabin will be locked.

For all other MSC ships:

• The parent or legal guardian and the minor(s) shall be accommodated in connecting cabins with the minor cabin’s balcony being locked or in interior adjacent cabins**.
• The parent or legal guardian shall be required to purchase a bracelet to have access to the cabin occupied by the minor(s) at any time during the cruise.

Can guests under 21 travel alone in the US? Travellers of all nationalities must be at least 21 to travel alone on cruises embarking in the US or travelling to the US. They must have turned 21 by the time they enter a U.S. port. Guests aged under 21 must travel accompanied by their parents or a legal guardian. Otherwise, a signed authorisation letter from the absent parent must be provided when booking, along with the name of a chaperon or a designated individual in charge of the minor

Can guests aged 18-20 stay in a cabin alone? Yes, guests aged 18-20 may stay in a cabin alone if they are traveling with someone aged 21 or older, without any additional requirements.

Will I be advised regarding their their bookings not compliant with the policy? Yes, MSC Cruises will contact guests with confirmed bookings. Guests be offered the following options:

• Free Cruise Move to sailings with ports outside the US.
• Free Cruise Move to another (later) available date (on available sailings at the time of the Cruise Move) if, for this new sailing, the guests will be 21.
• Or our Standard Cancellation Policy will apply.

What happens if a new booking does not comply with the policy for US guests under 21? The guest will be offered a Free Cruise Move with new pricing or the booking will be cancelled according to the standard cancellation policy.

Spa and Gym Minors Policy

What are the guidelines and age restrictions for minors seeking treatments and services at the spa and gym on board? This procedure outlines the guidelines for minors who are wanting to participate in treatments or services offered in the SPA on board.

• 13 – 17 years are permitted to receive:
• Swedish Massage
• Body Scrubs
• Hands-On Facials
• Lash & Brow Services
• Waxing Services (excluding intimate waxing)
• Hair Services except Colour
• Barbering Services
• Nail Services

12 years and under are permitted to receive:

• Hair Services except Colour
• Nail Services

GYM, GYM Sauna, Fitness Classes and Personal Training Sessions

• From ages 13 years to 15 years, a parent or guardian must complete a GYM waiver and they must accompany the minor when using the GYM/GYM Sauna.
• From ages 16 years to 17 years, a parent or guardian must complete a gym waiver only.
• 12 years and under are not permitted to use the GYM, GYM Sauna, Fitness Classes or Personal Training Sessions.
• 13 – 17 years are permitted to receive: Swedish Massage, Body Scrubs, Hands-On Facials, Lash & Brow Services, Waxing Services (excluding intimate waxing), Hair Services except Colour, Barbering Services, Nail Services.
• 12 years and under are permitted to receive: Hair Services except Colour, Nail Service.

Guidelines

• Minors (17 years and under) must have their parents’ consent before receiving treatments. A parent or guardian must accompany the minor to the spa, complete the waiver and then sign the final receipt with no exceptions.
• Ensure all consultation forms are stored as per procedure.
• Minors (13-17 years) receiving massage treatments and body treatments are required to wear their bathing suits during treatments and an adult must be present in the same room.
• Minors 12 years and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian all times.
• Aromatherapy oils are not to be used on minors. Base oil only.
• Thermal Area usage is permitted to guests 18 years and above.
• Swedish Massage is the only massage that we can offer to minors.