8420PR

I think this season is the first winter where there have been winter cruises in Northern Europe. For Christmas MSC typically has a special dinner and theatre show on the 24th December (which is when most people in continental Europe celebrate). In the years before corona the menu was from a celebrity chef, but last year I think it was more put together onboard (still very novel and delicious though).

To further the diversification, MSC has just bid for 60% of ITA Airways (formerly Alitalia): https://www.reuters.com/markets/deals/lufthansa-bids-20-stake-ita-airways-source-2022-05-24/

MSC Seaview is only scheduled to arrive in Naples at 13:00, so I think 14:00 is probably the earliest boarding time. Enjoy your cruise!

Maybe one of the below options works - I can't see any restrictions for 12 years olds in getting an NHS account. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/nhs-covid-pass/children-under-18-and-the-nhs-covid-pass/

Are you able to see the single vaccination in the NHS app at all? If you can't see it then you could check with your GP - the app should show a record of all vaccinations (not just covid) based on the medical records the GP has. I don't have any experience of getting the vaccination certificate with just one vaccine, but according to the NHS app documentation it should be possible.

The PCR test results from the NHS will automatically generate a recovery certificate in the NHS app. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/nhs-covid-pass/who-can-get-an-nhs-covid-pass/who-can-get-an-nhs-covid-pass-for-travel/

Here is the link: https://flycovidtestcenter.com/en/barcelona-t1/ The test centre is located in the same place as all the check-in desks in Terminal 1. As mentioned by mmt44 there are also many places in Barcelona (e.g. pharmacies) to get an antigen test that are a bit cheaper. But to fly from Spain to Portugal a vaccine certificate is also fine - no need for a test as well. https://reopen.europa.eu/en/from-to/ESP/PRT

Both the vaccination status and covid test can be shown on your phone, but you must show the full certificate - e.g. download the pdf certificate from the NHS app or the pdf certificate from the test. Depending on where you board you may need to show them multiple times (e.g. at the baggage drop, inside the terminal at a health check desk and then finally at the actual check-in). "The original test results certificate and vaccination certificate must be presented at the terminal (paper or electronic format) and must be in one of the following languages: English, Italian, German, French or Spanish. The COVID-19 test certificate must contain: guest’s personal data (verifiable with the other travel documents), date of the test, identification / contact details of the centre that performed the analysis, technique used and negative test result." "Test results on an SMS or email will not be accepted"

With the free upgrade to highest available category (excl. YC) for black card holders were you able to just book a cheap inside and get at least a balcony (or maybe a suite)? How did it work in reality?

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 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. 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

On Seaview in April they were advertising a covid antigen test for €25 in the daily planner. If that doesn't work, I've used the testing facility at Barcelona Airport 3 times so far - if you are flying from terminal 1 it is fast and easy - located by the check-in area. I recommend booking an appointment (free - pay with credit card when you get tested) as on one of the occasions (last year) they were turning people without a reservation away. As a final backup plan you could buy a self test from a EU supermarket (approx €1 to €2) before you board and if needed you can take a monitored self test (using your phone with video). I have used testifly (€10) and covidtestonline (€15) , and recommend the first one as it uses less data.

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

Do you have a support ticket number? Whenever I email MSC I automatically get a ticket number back (which confirms they have received the email) and have used this number to follow up by phone. I have always had a prompt response from the UK office, though my requests were always more mundane topics. Good Luck!

My opinion: It seems to be the standard wording added to excursions where there are any restrictions on photography. E.g. Dragon Caves in Mallorca doesn't allow flash photography (when in the cave) which was described as 'photography not allowed' on the excursion details, but of course photos were allowed just not with a flash. Perhaps there is a church or something on the tour where photos are not allowed.

Incorrect - you just need to show that you have insurance coverage for covid, it is not necessary to purchase from MSC or your TA. I have a letter from my travel insurance stating I am covered for covid up to $30k and it has worked fine for MSC in both the Med and UAE.