By
Alex Smith |
MSC Cruises is set to resume sailing in Japan in April 2021, as it became the first international cruise line to receive health and safety certification from the country’s official maritime classification society ClassNK.
“To be the first international cruise line in Japan to be awarded this key certification of compliance is a further testament to our robust and rigorous health and safety protocol,” said Gianni Onorato, CEO of MSC Cruises. “We have now safely and responsibly carried more than 30,000 customers in the Mediterranean and can now look forward to offer the same for our guests who live in Japan. We believe, therefore, that this certification and the confirmation by authorities in Italy through their latest ministerial decree that cruising can continue will go a long way to demonstrate the trust that we have been able to build.”
MSC Cruises will also follow health and safety operating protocols of port authorities in Japan and guidelines established by the Japan Oceangoing Passenger Ship Association. MSC Bellissima will homeport in Yokohama, Japan, and sail six- to nine-night cruises in April, May and June 2021. She is also scheduled to operate in the country during October and November 2021.
“It is great news that MSC Cruises has received this certificate of approval from ClassNK for its health and safety guidelines,” said Hiroya Nakano, director-general of the City of Yokohama’s Port and Harbor Bureau. “The Port of Yokohama is committed to cooperate accordingly for the restarting of international cruises in spring 2021.”