MSC Grandiosa will offer seven-night cruises in the western Mediterranean and MSC Magnifica will serve the east Mediterranean.

The line said both itineraries were “awaiting the necessary final approvals”.

“The itineraries that are planned include Greece and Malta, where the authorities have not only re-opened their ports to cruising and where they have approved the health and safety protocol to support our restart of operations,” MSC said.

Grandiosa will welcome guests from 16 August, and Magnifica from 29 August.

However, for this initial phase of the restart, the two ships will initially only welcome guests resident in Schengen countries.

UK and Ireland guests unable to sail on Mediterranean cruises this summer will be contacted by MSC with options regarding their holiday plans.

Itineraries have been designed according to the accessibility of ports, reducing where possible the need for guests to use public transport or flights.

Guests who do cruise on the two proposed itineraries will undergo health screening prior to embarkation and passenger numbers will be restricted to 70% of capacity.

Another safety measure means guests will only be allowed ashore as part of organised MSC excursions.

“By taking this decision, the company is able to ensure every aspect of the guest’s time ashore meets the appropriate standards of health and hygiene; from ensuring transfers are properly sanitised, tour guides and drivers are wearing PPE, venues and sites to be visited are pre-screened through to ensuring there are reserved areas for MSC Cruises guests at attractions,” it said.

MSC has also detailed new Covid health and safety protocols.

It said the measures had been worked on by a cross-functional task force.