FAQs
COVID FAQs / Vaccinations
CURRENT MSC CRUISES SAFE SAILING PROTOCOLS INCLUDE:
For U.S. Residents & Non-U.S. Residents:
Thanks to the recent relaxation of travel restrictions worldwide, we are glad to welcome all guests back on board our ships without any testing requirements or concerns about their vaccination status. We recommend Travel Insurance.
Please remember that it is the responsibility of each guest to ensure they meet the requirements of any country they may be traveling through before, during, and after the cruise.
Protocols continue to be updated frequently and are subject to change.
Flight Arrivals and Departures
For air arrivals and departures, it is recommended that guests allow adequate time for transfers between the airport and pier, customs inspections, and airport security checks.
Departure time is 5:00PM
Miami, FL
On the day of departure (Saturday, March 8) flights that require a pre-cruise transfer should arrive no later than 11:00am into Miami (MIA). If you do not require a pre-cruise transfer, you should arrive no later than 12:00pm on the day of departure from Miami Airport.
On the day the ship returns, Saturday, March 15, you should depart Miami after 1:30pm, if you require MSC transfers. If you do not require a post-cruise transfer, you should depart Miami no earlier than 12:00 Noon.
Fort Lauderdale, FL
On the day of departure (Saturday, March 8) flights that require a pre-cruise transfer should arrive no later than 10:30am into Ft. Lauderdale (FLL). If you do not require a pre-cruise transfer, you should arrive no later than 11:00am on the day of departure from Ft. Lauderdale.
On the day the ship returns, Saturday, March 15, you should depart Ft. Lauderdale after 2:00 pm, if you require MSC transfers. If you do not require a post-cruise transfer, you should depart Ft. Lauderdale after 1:00pm.
Pre/Post Cruise Hotels
The follow hotels are recommended by Holistic Holiday at Sea passengers.
Please book your reservation directly with the hotel. All rooms are the responsibly of each passenger.
Please note: Life Journeys does not have any information regarding hotels, and all questions or concerns must be directed directly to the property that you have chosen.
Miami
- Miami Airport Marriott
1201 NW Le Jeune Road, Building A
Miami, Florida 33126
Ph: 305-649-5000
*Airport Shuttle Available - Courtyard by Marriott Miami Airport
1201 NW Le Jeune Road
Miami, Florida 33126
Ph: 305-642-8200 - Hilton Miami Airport Blue Lagoon
5101 Waterford District Dr.
Miami, FL 33126
Ph: 305-262-1000 - Embassy Suites by Hilton
3974 NW South River Drive
Miami, FL 33142
Ph: 305-634-5000 - Avalon Hotel
700 Ocean Drive
Miami Beach, FL 33139
Ph: 305-538-0133 - Residence Inn Miami Airport Hotel
1201 NW 42nd Avenue
Miami, Florida 33126
Ph: 305-642-8570
Fort Lauderdale
- Courtyard Ford Lauderdale Airport & Cruise Port
400 Gulf Stream Way
Dania Beach, Florida 33004
Ph: 954-342-8333
*Shuttle to Cruise Port available through 3rd Party Booking - Comfort Suites Fort Lauderdale Airport & Cruise Port
191 South West 19th Court
Dania, FL 33004
Ph: 754-221-0600
**Shuttle Service from Comfort Suites Fort Lauderdale Airport to Miami Cruise Port can be arranged through All Stars Tours & Transportation by calling 954-226-7828 - Cambria Hotel Fort Lauderdale Airport & Cruise Port
141 Southwest 19th Court
Dania Beach, FL 33004
Ph: 954-889-2600
*Shuttle to Cruise Port available through 3rd Party Booking - Kimpton Shorebreak Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort
2900 Riomar Street
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
Ph: 844-684-9427
Optional Travel Insurance
Travel with peace of mind. Travel Guard offers plans to fit every type of traveler and travel style. Most travel insurance policies have options to waive pre-existing conditions if purchased within 14 days of trip deposit. Additional CFAR (Cancel For Any Reason) coverage must also be purchased within 14 days of your trip deposit. To find out about Travel Guard's coverage, go to their website at AIG/Travel Guard. Links are provided for complete plan details and quotes directly from Travel Guard.
You may also call Travel Guard at 1-800-826-4919; be sure to reference #00637980 HHC
Cancellation/Change Policy*
From time of deposit – July 25, 2024 - $250 penalty per person
July 26 – December 2, 2024 - $950 penalty per person
December 3, 2024 – January 31, 2025 – 75% penalty of total cost
February 1, 2025 – Day of Sailing – 100% Non-refundable
*Not applicable for Roommate Match Passengers. See separate policy.
For Roommate Match Passengers Only*
From time of deposit – July 25, 2024 - $250 penalty per person
July 26 – Matching Date November 26, 2024 - $950 penalty per person
November 27, 2024 Matched Date – Day of Sailing – 100% Non-refundable.
*See Roommate Match Terms and Conditions for additional details.
Cancellation/Change Policy*
From time of deposit – July 25, 2024 - $1,000 deposit is non-refundable per person
July 26, 2024 – December 2, 2024 - $3,750 deposit is non-refundable per person
December 3, 2024 – Day of Sailing – 100% Non-refundable
Due to MSC’s policy, all Yacht Club reservations are non-refundable.
*Roommate Matches not available for Yacht Club Suites
Name Change Fee: $75
Only one name change is permitted per stateroom, should both guests need to be changed, this will be considered a cancellation as per the cancellation policy.
Cancellations must be in writing to:
ibis@lifejourneys.net
Kids
Youth activities are directed and organized by a special staff of youth counselors. The MSC Kids Club program is robust with activities for ages 3 to 17. Partnerships with Lego and Chicco are a big part of the activities. A fully equipped games room is also available with a vase selection of toys selected according to the needs of each age group. The Puffi’s Kids Club has a Smurfs theme and spaces for 3-6 YOs and 7-11 YOs as well as a separate room for baby care, which offers both babysitting at an additional cost and hours where parents can play with their little ones. Please check onboard for babysitting arrangements and Kids Club hours as all services are subject to change
Kids Club and Events
MSC Cruises also designed for kids. From activities like excursions, to clubs and events that give both kids and their parents time for themselves and an opportunity to make new friends.
MSC Cruises have been named "Best Cruise Line for Families" in the Cruise Critic UK Editors' Picks 2019 and "Best Family Cruise Line" at the Wave Awards 2018.
