MSC Cruises will be the first cruise line in the world to install a new advanced air sanitisation system on board its ships.

The new technology sanitisation system, known as Safe Air, will improve the quality and cleanliness of on board air for all passengers and crew.

The Safe Air system will be fitted on MSC Seashore, which is currently undergoing construction at Fincantieri’s Monfalcone shipyard.

The first in MSC Cruises’ Seaside Eco class of ships, MSC Seashore is due to be delivered in July 2021.

Safe Air is just the latest in a string of new health and safety measures being implemented by MSC Cruises, following the Covid-19 pandemic and the temporary suspension of cruising.

The Safe Air system based on the technology of UV-C lamps which are type C ultraviolet rays applied in combination with the ship’s air conditioning system.

Air flow is radiated at the source with a short wavelength light that hits organic particles and prevents the circulation of air pollutants such as viruses, bacteria and mould.

The system was developed by the Fincantieri’s designers and technicians and the virology laboratory of the International Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, a leading global research institute headquartered in Trieste, Italy.

While MSC Seashore isn’t due to launch until 2021, the cruise line is implementing a host of other strict health and safety procedures in the meantime.

Since partially resuming operations on 16 August on MSC Grandiosa, MSC has been following procedures like universal health screening before boarding, temperature checks, health questionnaires, a Covid-19 antigen swab tests and the wearing of face masks.

Other aspects of protocol include enhanced sanitisation and cleaning, a social bubble for shore excursions, testing of the crew, enhanced medical facilities and daily health monitoring.

MSC Grandiosa has now completed nine sailings with more than 16,000 passengers and will be joined by MSC Magnifica on a longer 10-night Mediterranean sailing.