Marseille,Genoa,Civitavecchia,Messina,Valletta,Barcelona,Marseille

• 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 maneuverability 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 organize 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 center 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, behavioral 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

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.

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, 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.

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, Specialty Restaurants, or MSC Yacht Club. T-shirts are not allowed to be worn for Gala Night. Dress code rules that are posted outside the buffet should be followed.

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).

In line with global standards, smoking areas on board are fewer than non-smoking areas and are indicated by signage and ashtrays. Smoking is forbidden in all indoor areas, with the sole exception of the casinos, during opening hours for Guests who are seated and playing.

Smoking (including e-cigarettes) is not permitted in cabins, on cabin balconies and anywhere not expressly indicated by signage and ashtrays.

The Company reserves the right to levy a fee should passengers be found smoking in non-designated areas of the vessel. Repeatedly smoking in non-smoking areas can ultimately lead to disembarkation.

We remind you that throwing cigarette butts or anything else overboard at sea is strictly prohibited as it may seriously put in danger safety at sea.

You can find more information on our Guest Conduct Policy Here.

MSC Cruises S.A. makes every effort to accommodate our guests’ dietary requirements whenever possible.

We keep special needs in mind when planning our menus and serving our meals.

ALLERGENS

MSC Cruises S.A. is aware that some foods may cause an allergic reaction due to intolerance of some ingredients such as the 14 major recognized allergens listed in the Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 which are: gluten, soybean, peanuts, lupin, nuts or treenuts, sesame, crustaceans, fish, mollusc, dairy product, egg, mustard, celery sulphite & sulphur dioxide; therefore, guests are advised to inform the Company of any such allergy at the time of booking but not later than 30 days prior to sailing (by filling out the Accessibility Form). We further ask guests to report the special diet needs to Reception – Guest Service and the Maître d’hôtel in the Main Dining Room upon first boarding the ship and prior to consuming any food or beverage onboard. Although there are several options at our various restaurants, our main dining rooms are best equipped to handle special dietary requests and reduce the unintentional risk of cross-contamination, we therefore strongly advise guests with allergies to have their meals in the main dining rooms, where our dining staff are best able to assist.

Although MSC has implemented robust preventive measures, the risk of accidental allergen cross-contamination cannot be completely ruled out due to the limited space on the ship.

We advise our guests who are knowledgeable about allergies or intolerances to always carry their prescribed emergency medications as directed by their physician, enabling them to respond effectively in the event of an allergic reaction.

When booking a tour with a meal included, please remember to always communicate your special dietary need to the staff.

Please be advised that on private islands and private beaches, we have limited capacity to ensure full allergen control. Consequently, MSC recommends that guests with specific dietary requirements have their meals in the Main Dining restaurant on board.

MEALS WITH GLUTEN-FREE INGREDIENTS

MSC Cruises offers dedicated menus for meals with gluten-free ingredients (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) in the main restaurants on most of its ships. Guests sensitive to gluten should always reach out to the dining supervisor.

Please be advised that on MSC Armonia, MSC Sinfonia, MSC Opera and MSC Lirica guests are offered a limited selection of commercial, pre-packaged gluten-free snacks such as biscuits, croissants, sponge cakes and muffins.

Coeliac guests or guests with sensitivity to gluten should always reach out to the dining supervisor instead.

KOSHER MEALS

Kosher meals (pre-packaged breakfast, lunch, and dinner) may be available on board for an additional charge of €25/$30 pp/day. Kosher meals can be consumed in the main restaurants and must be booked at least 30 days before the ship’s departure. Considering the restricted selection of choices, please do not forget to always specify any allergy or intolerance.

HALAL MEAT

Halal products (beef, lamb and poultry) may be available on board following the former request of the guest at least 30 days before the ship’s departure. If we are notified outside this deadline, we will do everything in our power to provide the services requested, but this cannot be guaranteed at such short notice.

VEGETARIAN/ VEGAN MEALS

Vegetarian and Vegan-friendly dishes are incorporated into our buffet and dining room culinary offerings.

Our menu in the dining room includes always vegetarian and vegan options.

OTHER DIETARY REQUEST

Guests who need to warm up baby formula or breast milk are referred to Room Service.

For medical reasons or for infants, guests can specifically request some food to be blended onboard.

Guests who for medical reasons wish to bring their own additives to the food served on board are directed to take care of mixing and dosing themselves for safety reasons.

Following written approval from the Company, Guests can also bring their special sealed food on board. Products to be taken onboard should respect EU food labelling / packaging regulations and should not have an imminent expiry date. Once open they should be consumed as per instruction on the label. Our onboard staff are not authorized to store, cook or heat food items brought by guests.

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

Wi-Fi is available on board all of our ships.

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.).

You can also access the internet without the need for a mobile device, by using the computers in the Internet Café 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.

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. 

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.

There’s more to cruising

We are committed to taking meaningful, measurable actions that have a long-term positive impact on our guests, our employees and our planet. We continue to work towards achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 by investing in new technology and design, renewable fuels and operational efficiency.

Our efforts are organised in key areas of action – People, Planet, Technology, Efficiency and fuels, Responsible tourism, Supply and value chain.

Social Responsibility

This section focuses on employee and guest welfare. Highlighting safety, well-being, career growth, and health standards. We aim to create a supportive environment for everyone in our business. Our commitment includes training and professional development, ensuring teams are prepared for all situations and fostering a respectful culture. Through this, we aim to support both personal and professional growth for everyone in our company.

Environmental Protection

This section focuses on the company’s commitment to environmental protection. Promoting ocean diversity and playing our part in protecting the planet is critical to our business, and we are determined to play our role and contribute to global efforts. We identify and implement practices for pollution prevention as well as supporting initiatives that protect marine and plant ecosystems.

Our decarbonisation journey

This section details our efforts to decarbonise fleet operations and minimise air quality impact through advanced technologies, energy efficiency practices, and renewable fuels. We are focused on sustainable strategies that reduce emissions and support a cleaner environment, aligning our operations with broader goals for reducing our carbon footprint and enhancing air quality through innovation and responsible resource use.

Creating positive impact

Cruises provide incredible opportunities for people to explore some of the world’s most stunning and fascinating locations. We want to support the communities we visit through responsible tourism and by contributing to positive social and economic impacts, ensuring future development and growth in the local communities we visit. By partnering with local businesses, investing in community projects, and respecting cultural heritage, we aim to create connections and leave a positive impact.

Responsible practices

Every year, we need to procure thousands of different items to run our operations, from engine parts to hand soap, crew uniforms to food and drink. Then we must ensure it’s delivered to our fleet of ships, which are constantly on the move. Our procurement teams are building relationships with suppliers all over the world to satisfy our requirements and meet our procurement standards.

Minors Policy

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.

Prams and wheelchairs are always allowed on board, but must be declared at the time of booking confirmation. Wheelchairs are available on all ships in the MSC Cruises fleet, for use during embarking and disembarking or in the event of an emergency and can be borrowed on board.

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

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

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 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.

The ages will be verified through official documents provided during embarkation.

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 authorization 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

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

The MSC Fun Pass Package offers endless excitement with extra credits for the Amusement Area, letting you enjoy thrilling activities like bowling, virtual reality games, and 4D cinemas. Perfect for the whole family, this pass guarantees hours of fun.

The fun never stops

Anyone who has sailed with MSC Cruises knows there’s no shortage of fun things to do onboard our ships. From exclusive live shows to the most exciting water parks at sea, we defy you to utter the words “I’m bored” during a holiday with MSC Cruises.

A lot of activities and pastimes are included for free during your holiday, also there are some amazing activities which are extra. To make sure you get the most out of these extra activities, amusements and attractions we have the MSC Fun Pass.

How does the Fun Pass work?

By purchasing the Fun Pass online you can enjoy extra credits to use on board in the Amusement area. The Fun Pass can be linked to 1 guest account only, but it can be used by the whole family. Once the credit is finished, the cost of each attraction will be charged on your cruise account.

You can buy the Fun Pass on board in the Amusement Area, or for the best price book it online before your cruise and receive a 20% discount compared to the onboard prices.

WHEN A DOG IS A SERVICE ANIMAL

A service dog is a dog that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability. The task(s) performed by the dog must be directly related to the person’s disability. MSC welcomes service dogs on board its cruise vessels, provided they are in good health and in possession of all documents necessary for entry to the foreign countries visited during the cruise. For cruises including UK waters, the dog must be a full member of either Assistance Dogs International (ADI) or International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF).

Service dogs who are still in training, emotional support and companion animals are not recognized as assistance dogs, hence not allowed on MSC vessels.

SERVICE DOG ONBAORD A CRUISE SHIP

MSC Cruises can provides a relief area with mulch but the guest, on his/her part, undertakes to be personally responsible for the custody, nutrition and general care of the animal throughout the period spent on board (with the help of a carer or fellow traveler if applicable) and for the possible damage caused by their service dog. If the service dog’s behavior creates a fundamental alteration or a direct threat to safety, the dog may be denied boarding or removed from the ship along with the owner at the guest’s expense. Service dogs are permitted to accompany the person with a disability in all public areas, including dining venues. While in public areas, dogs must be on a leash, harness, or other restraining device. Due to health regulations, service dogs are not permitted in recreational water facilities: pools, whirlpools, spray parks or Spa facilities.

If the guest chooses to disembark the ship at a port at which the service dog must remain onboard, the guest must make arrangements to ensure that the dog is cared for. Note that the ship’s staff are not available nor trained to care for the dog, nor can the dog be left in the cabin unattended.

We do not offer the service of a vet on board and the ship’s doctors are unable to assist. Due to the nature of some shore excursions, kindly note service animals may not be permitted.

SERVICE DOG’S DOCUMENTATION

It’s the guest’s responsibility to ensure that all documents related to the service dog are in compliance with all local regulations for each port of call of the itinerary and are submitted to the company at least 60 days prior to the start of the cruise.

Please note that for the Worldcruise, documentation needs to be presented to the company at least 6 months prior to start the cruise as its special itinerary calls to more than 15 countries, and 50 ports, some of them very remote and with very strict bio-security requirements.

Hard copies of the documents must be provided at embarkation and to Reception-Guest Service once onboard.

Please be advised that in some ports of call the service dog might not be allowed to get off, according to local immigration rules.

The documentation and immunization requirements are established by government authorities and not MSC Cruises. Please note requirements are subject to change without notice, and travel plans/certifications shall be shared with us to confirm compliance with all destinations Port Health Authorities, considering the departure/transit ports too. If any problem is experienced with the dog documentation upon entry in any port, all related costs for either the quarantine of or re-export of the dog will be the dog owner responsibility. Pet Passport and Third Country Certificates must be signed, dated and stamped by an Official Certified Veterinarian. Please be aware that obtaining those permits can take weeks or months, and some countries may not allow animals to enter at all. Copies of completed permits for each port of call must be sent to us as soon as available, prior to the sail date.

Documentation that is required includes but not limited to:

• A brief, written explanation of what specific tasks the animal has been trained to perform must be provided. This can be added to the notes section of the Accessibility and Medical Request form. In accordance with some specific local regulations, a training certificate might be requested as well.
• Veterinarian certificate stating that the animal is healthy.
• Department of Agriculture permits
• The animal’s compulsory identification document issued by the competent local health authority, stamped within the 24 hours preceding the journey by the veterinarian certifying the animal’s physical condition (for itineraries in European waters)