A family was barred from reboarding the MSC Grandiosa cruise after breaking away from an organized shore excursion in Naples. The cruise is the first by a major cruise line since the industry went into lockdown and it was available only to residents of Schengen countries.

When the cruise was launched passengers were advised of strict rules which only permitted guests to take MSC organized excursions.

Cruise Radio said the family in question had departed from the MSC excursion in Naples. They were refused back onto the ship for health and safety reasons.

MSC said, “Ashore, guests will be able to enjoy the different destinations the ships visit, but this will be only as part of an organized MSC Cruises excursion that will be delivered with the same high standards of health and safety as on board.

“By taking this decision the company is able to ensure that every aspect of the guest’s time ashore meets the appropriate standards of health and hygiene from ensuring that transfers are properly sanitised, that tour guides and drivers are wearing PPE, venues and sites to be visited are pre-screened through to ensuring there are reserved areas for MSC Cruises guests at attractions.”

A spokesman for the cruise line said, “In line with our health and safety protocol, developed to ensure the health and wellbeing of our guests, crew and the communities we visit, we had to deny boarding to a family who broke from their shore excursion while visiting Naples, Italy.

“By departing from the organized shore excursion, this family broke from the safe ‘social bubble’ that MSC Cruises created for them to safely enjoy their visit ashore, and therefore could not be permitted to re-board the ship. These organized shore excursions allow MSC Cruises to uphold the same high standard of health and safety as on board, for instance ensuring that transfers are properly sanitized and that there is adequate space for social distancing, and tour guides and drivers also undergo health screening and wear appropriate personal protective equipment.”

MSC is planning another cruise, on the MSC Magnifica in the East Mediterranean from 29 August.