MSC CRUISES RECEIVES GREEN LIGHT TO RESTART IN BRAZIL AND SOUTH AFRICA, TWO KEY MARKETS WHERE THE COMPANY IS LEADER

Geneva, Switzerland, 6 October 2021 – The Cruise Division of MSC Group today confirmed its winter 2021 season in Brazil, following the green light from local health authority Anvisa for the resumption of cruise sailings in the country following a 20-month hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Three of MSC Cruises’ biggest and most innovative vessels are set to operate in Brazilian waters between November 2021 and March 2022.

MSC’s return to Brazil is further evidence of the phased restart that saw the Company lead the cruise industry’s resumption in August 2020 in the Mediterranean. It also aligns with MSC Cruises’ long-established leadership in the country that will see the extension of its fleet’s continued deployment into the winter season with the reopening of an important market.

MSC Preziosa, MSC Seaside and MSC Splendida will homeport in Brazil. This will be MSC Seaside’s first ever season in the country.

Separately, the Cruise Division of MSC Group also welcomed the decision by the South African government that cruise ships will be able to operate this coming winter 2021 in-line with national health protocols following the industry’s shutdown in 2020 as a result of the pandemic ashore.

The Company is now waiting for the government’s additional specific guidelines for the resumption of cruises for South African holidaymakers and it will soon reconfirm the schedule of cruises planned for the season 2021/22.

MSC Cruises currently has 12 ships operating across the world with plans for up to 15 to be in operation for the 2021 winter season.