Cruise Embarkation
Embarkation begins at the check-in time shown on your cruise ticket. Check-in closes 2 hours before the ship is due to depart in all embarkation ports. Before arriving at the port, please ensure that all personal details shown on the embarkation form in your e-ticket are checked and correct. You will be required to show your embarkation form before boarding.
At the terminal
1. Deliver your luggage to the designated staff, who will then have it sent directly to your cabin. All bags must be labelled beforehand with your name and surname, the name of the ship, the cabin number and the date and port of departure.
Luggage will be delivered directly to the cabin. The expected delivery timeframe is from late afternoon through early evening. We recommend keeping any items needed for embarkation day and evening in your carry-on bag including clothes for the evening and any medications.
2. Go to the embarkation area with all personal travel documents required for the cruise, and show staff the embarkation form on your cruise ticket or via the MSC for Me app (if available). Collect your Cruise Card and MSC wrist band (if available). Guests of the MSC Yacht Club will find an exclusive Check-In area and will be assisted with their luggage by the butler team at the terminal, who will escort them to the dedicated line for priority Check-In. On request, the butler will also unpack guests’ suitcases.
MSC Yacht Club: Upon arrival, as an MSC Yacht Club guest, you shall proceed to the MSC Yacht Club luggage drop off area (where available) identified with the MSC Yacht Club branded gazebo. While your luggage is processed, refreshments and snacks are available for you to enjoy in the designated MSC Yacht Club lounge. Following swift check-in procedures, our attentive butler team will ensure your seamless passage through security to the ship, where you will be escorted directly to the Top Sail Lounge. Your embarkation check-in time can be found on your cruise ticket. However, as an MSC Yacht Club guest, you have the flexibility to check in at your convenience, aligned with the ship’s operational schedule and at least 2 hours prior to the ship’s departure. Please note, actual ship timings may vary from the itinerary due to operational requirements such as adverse weather or local authorities' stipulations.
3. Proceed to the security control. Please note that staff may search you and/or your luggage and confiscate any articles that could represent a safety risk.
4. Board the ship where staff will take your security picture, if you have not already done so via the MSC for Me app or web check-in (if available). Then proceed to your cabin.
On Board
5. Go to your cabin. Your Cruise card will serve as your cabin key, this magnetic card can also be used to pay for products and services onboard. For MSC Yacht Club Guests, it is also used to access the MSC Yacht Club area. If your cabin is not yet ready, you may begin your onboard purchases in the bars and restaurants by providing crew with your cabin number and full name
MSC Yacht Club: As an MSC Yacht Club guest, you are personally escorted on board to the Top Sail Lounge. Here, our Concierge greets you and provides a brief introduction and personalized recommendations to enhance their cruise experience. While awaiting your suite, you can begin enjoying the exclusive private venues: sipping cocktails in the Top Sail Lounge or at the MSC Yacht Club Grill & Bar outside, savoring your first gourmet lunch at the MSC Yacht Club restaurant, or relaxing by the One Pool, taking a refreshing dip, or sunbathing on one of our numerous sunbeds.
6. Activate your Cruise Card for onboard purchases. (See the Onboard Payment section below for further information on how to do this.)
7. Take part in the obligatory safety drill.
8. Don’t miss the MSC Cruise Guide, an important presentation where we will tell you all you need to know in order to live your cruise to the full. The embarkation process might differ for MSC Seaside and MSC Divina.
