I read several Grandiosa reviews that said you could only get off the ship w/a MSC excursion.

[Stockjock]

All of these reviews seemed fairly recent and you can read them for yourself on Cruise Critic.

Is this still the policy?  I purchased MSC shore excursions in most ports, but there are a few where we didn't purchase anything and one port stop where I didn't even see any excursions offered.

I'm assuming this is no longer the policy, but does anyone know for certain?  This pertains to European sailings.

Edited July 26, 2022 by Stockjock

[kernow]

42 minutes ago, Stockjock said:

All of these reviews seemed fairly recent and you can read them for yourself on Cruise Critic.

Is this still the policy?  I purchased MSC shore excursions in most ports, but there are a few where we didn't purchase anything and one port stop where I didn't even see any excursions offered.

I'm assuming this is no longer the policy, but does anyone know for certain?  This pertains to European sailings.

Can't say specifically about Grandiosa but I know for certain that on Virtuosa this summer you can get off at all ports without any restrictions. Can't see why Grandiosa would be any different. most countries in Europe no longer have any Covid restrictions in place now.

[8420PR]

Since the 1st April 2022 you disembark from Mediterranean cruises as normal - no need to book an excursion. 

[carlmm]

I know several people on recent Grandiosa cruises in the North: One was allowed off the ship on ones own in every port.

Edited July 26, 2022 by carlmm

[Nikita4]

I am on Grandiosa this week. Yes, on this cruise to norway you can leave the ship on your own. No covid restrictions here.

[defbref]

Was on the Grandiosa around the western Med , from 3rd of April for a week, we could get off on our own, as restrictions were lifted on the 1st of April

 

[Nunagoras]

As said above, pretty much no covid restrictions out here in Europe, apart the usual mandatory mask use in certain places like on public transportation, on some countries like here in my own Portugal. Feel free to explore on your own if you want. Some very touristy attractions might have a time slot ticketing model right now, like "Sagrada Família" Church in Barcelona, so reserve in advance for those places if you want.

 

Things may change by fall if covid implodes again.