A family of Italian tourists have been kicked out of a Mediterranean cruise for leaving an organized excursion en route, violating the anti-COVID regulations of the ship they were traveling on, cruise line MSC Cruises said Thursday.
The involved cruise ship, MSC Grandiosa, was the first large cruise ship to set sail in the Mediterranean after a long hiatus due to the pandemic. Only 70% full under anti-virus measures, it weighed anchor Sunday from Genoa in northwestern Italy.
The Italian family involved, whose identity has not been disclosed, disembarked at the port of Naples to take part in a day trip to the island of Capri, but they left the group despite several warnings, according to MSC. The members of this family were then refused access to the ship.
“By leaving the day trip, this family excluded themselves from the + social + safety bubble put in place by MSC Cruises to allow them to safely enjoy their excursion, and therefore could not be allowed to go back up. on board, ”the company said in a statement.
MSC is trying to avoid the problems encountered this month by the Norwegian cruise line Hurtigruten, when dozens of its passengers and crew have tested positive. Health authorities fear that during stopovers and excursions along the Norwegian coasts, passengers may have infected residents of the regions visited.
According to MSC, its security protocol goes beyond national and industry requirements. Reconnaissance visits to excursion sites are organized to ensure that social distancing can be ensured. Guides and drivers are also equipped with masks.
The cruise industry, which is slowly trying to revive itself after a brutal hiatus in March, has been criticized by health officials for mismanaging the outbreak in its early stages.