Cruise & Cruise Line

MSC Cruises Updates COVID-19 Protocols for Caribbean Cruises

Image: The MSC Magnifica. (photo via MSC Cruises) ((photo via MSC Cruises))
Image: The MSC Magnifica. (photo via MSC Cruises) ((photo via MSC Cruises))
Lacey Pfalz
by Lacey Pfalz
Last updated: 12:24 PM ET, Mon August 29, 2022

Beginning September 1, MSC Cruises will amend its vaccine and testing requirements for cruises to the Caribbean and the Bahamas from U.S. ports, no longer requiring vaccination for all guests and no longer requiring any testing for fully vaccinated guests from the U.S.

Americans can now enjoy cruises to the Caribbean without being fully vaccinated, though they must test using a NAAT or antigen test within the three days before embarkation to sail.

Fully vaccinated residents of the U.S. don't need to test, but they do need to show their proof of vaccination during embarkation.

Children under 2 years of age don't need to satisfy any vaccination or testing requirements.

Travelers heading on cruises from U.S. homeports to the Bahamas or the Caribbean but who are not residents of the U.S. are still required to be fully vaccinated if they are over 12 years old and must present a recent negative test result if they are over 2 years old.

Those traveling on an MSC cruise will be notified, as will any travel advisors. MSC Cruises is currently operating with 95 percent fully vaccinated crew.


For the latest travel news, updates and deals, be sure to subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore

More From TravelPulse

Related Videos

Lacey Pfalz

Lacey Pfalz

Senior Editor, News & Features

Lacey Pfalz is Associate Editor at TravelPulse. She's a passionate advocate of responsible travel and believes the best travel experiences happen outside of a planned itinerary. Lacey currently lives in rural Wisconsin. She can be reached at [email protected].

Grow Your Travel Business With Certified Courses

Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.

Don't Miss These Travel Agent Events and Trainings

Upcoming Webinar
ALG Vacations® is Powering Up Fall with PartnershipTuesday, September 8, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
At ALG Vacations®, partnership means deliver smarter tools, stronger resources, and more opportunities...
Upcoming Webinar
Sell More Great Lakes Cruises with Victory Cruise LinesWednesday, September 9, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Cris Desouza, VP of Sales, and Barbara Davis, Director of Sales, for an inside look at what’s new...
Upcoming Webinar
Beyond the Ship: Maximizing Pre and Post Cruise ExperiencesThursday, September 10, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Discover how to enhance the cruise experience with strategic pre and post cruise planning. Learn how...
Upcoming Webinar
ALG Vacations® is Powering Up Fall with PartnershipTuesday, September 8, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
At ALG Vacations®, partnership means deliver smarter tools, stronger resources, and more opportunities...
Upcoming Webinar
Sell More Great Lakes Cruises with Victory Cruise LinesWednesday, September 9, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Cris Desouza, VP of Sales, and Barbara Davis, Director of Sales, for an inside look at what’s new...
Upcoming Webinar
Beyond the Ship: Maximizing Pre and Post Cruise ExperiencesThursday, September 10, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Discover how to enhance the cruise experience with strategic pre and post cruise planning. Learn how...