Would you believe that the MSC Grandiosa has been sailing a weekly itinerary out of Italy since the 15th of August?
One of the world's largest cruise ships, capable of transporting more than 7,500 passengers and crew, how is it she's managed to navigate such difficult waters of public health from one of the earliest and hardest hit nations on the planet?
Reduced capacity at only about 70% but spread out on that gigantic ship, that's a good start!
Mask wearing, social distancing, reduced audience sizes, specified yet staggered boarding times, and a whole host of tech & best practices has proved so popular and successful, that she'll be joined by the MSC Magnifica from January 2021 with a 10-night Mediterranean itinerary.
Although I should note that the Christmas sailings have recently been placed on a pause, from December 20, 2020 through to January 9, 2021, owing to government guidelines in Italy and the requirement to further protect the public during a time of intensified travel and indoor holidays meet-ups.