Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1188980
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 1 DECEMBER 2019 21 COMMERCIAL 19 MSC Cruises, the world's largest privately-owned cruise line and mar- ket leader in Europe, South America, South Africa and the Gulf, today an- nounced the roll out of its accessible shore excursions programme to five more ports this winter 2019 and three additional ports for summer 2020, meaning that these tours will now be available for guests to book in 20 des- tinations across the Caribbean and Mediterranean. With each guest having different abilities, whether they have a disabil- ity, limited mobility or are slow walk- ers, MSC Cruises wanted to ensure that their guests had the largest variety of shore excursions possible to suit all needs. This is why MSC Cruises is intro- ducing its Accessible Tours Program, extending the availability of tailored shore excursions for those with re- duced mobility. This programme offers a unique op- portunity to explore a range of the world's most sought-after destinations without having to worry about restrict- ed access. These tours and excursions have been created with careful consideration for safety and accessibility, allowing all guests to explore each destination in total comfort, guaranteeing that: • Tour routes are completely step- free • Routes are step-free and accessible to wheelchairs wherever possible • Only short distances are covered • Timings are run at a slower pace • Accessible restrooms with wide doors are planned along the route Not only this, but family members and friends can join these inclusive tours, with the comfort of small groups lead by professional and compassion- ate tour guides – experienced in work- ing with limited mobility guests. Jean-Pierre Joubert, MSC Cruises' Head of Shore Excursions commented: "MSC Cruises is committed to offer an incredible choice of shore excursions designed to suit all tastes, giving guests the freedom to make the most of every moment ashore. We have always been sensitive to the needs of our guests, and constantly strive to offer the best possible service, meeting international accessibility standards. This program is unique because for the first time we offer accessible tours available in both popular cruise regions of the Carib- bean and the Mediterranean. By join- ing these tours, all guests will have the carefree opportunity of enjoying the best of every excursions". Highlights of this Accessible Tours Programme include: • San Juan (Puerto Rico) shore excur- sion combines the best highlights of San Juan into one accessible tour. Es- corted by their own tour guide, guest will enjoy a leisurely stroll in the Old Town, and experience panoramic driv- ing tour of the spectacular old Fort San Cristobal, the breathtaking El Capi- tolio, the famous Casa Olimpica and other popular landmarks. • Ocho Rios (Jamaica) shore excur- sion includes an exploration of the fas- cinating historic open-air museum Co- lumbus Park, the famous Kokono Falls Park with beautiful waterfalls, tropical botanical gardens and other island ar- tifacts. • Philipsburg and Marigot (St. Maarten): guests will head out to breathtaking scenic drive in both capi- tal cities of St Maarten, tasting their way through the unique Dutch and French heritage of the island with not only Dutch cheeses but also delicious French pastries and the best Rum dis- tilleries of the island. • Naples (Italy) shore excursion will lead guests to an unforgettable half- day exploring the 2000-year old Ro- man city of Pompeii first-hand and a short tour of historic landmarks in- cluding Piazza del Plebiscito and the Royal Palace. • Valletta (Malta): guests will get to enjoy a scenic drive to the ancient city of Valletta before exploring Mdina, the island's former capital contained with- in ancient walls. • Marseilles (France): after hill over- looking views of the city, guests will al- so travel back in time whilst exploring historic landmarks including the Old Port and accessible parts of the 17th- century Fort Saint-Jean. MSC Cruises introduces industry leading programme for shore excursions • Custom accessible tours for guests with all types of mobility available for a total of 20 destinations • Tours already introduced in 11 ports in the Caribbean and being rolled out to nine ports in the Mediterranean across Winter 2019 and Summer 2020 seasons