What do you need to board a MSC cruise?

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).



Excellent question! Boarding an MSC cruise requires careful preparation to ensure a smooth and stress-free embarkation day. Here’s a comprehensive checklist of what you need.

Essential Documents (MOST IMPORTANT)

You CANNOT board without these. 1. Boarding Pass: Printed or on the MSC for Me app. You get this after completing online check-in (opens ~20-30 days before sailing). 2. Official Proof of Citizenship & Identity: For U.S. & Canadian Citizens on CLOSED-LOOP Cruises (starting & ending in the same U.S. port): A valid Passport (strongly recommended) OR an original government-issued Birth Certificate (with raised seal) plus a Driver’s License/Photo ID. For All Other Cruises (Fly-Cruises, Europe, etc.): A valid Passport is mandatory. Ensure it is valid for at least six months beyond the cruise end date (a requirement for many countries). Non-U.S. Citizens: Valid passport and, if applicable, U.S. Alien Registration Card (Green Card) and any necessary visas for the itinerary. 3. Credit Card: For onboard expenses. You’ll register it during online check-in or at the terminal to set up your onboard account. 4. Health Questionnaire: Typically completed in the app or at the terminal on embarkation day.

Highly Recommended (Make Your Life Easier)

  • MSC for Me App: Download it before you go. Use it for online check-in,

People Also Ask

Documents needed for cruisers to board a ship
  • Identification. ...
  • Boarding passes. ...
  • Health information. ...
  • Visas and other destination-specific documents. ...
  • Cruise line luggage tags. ...
  • Permission to travel. ...
  • Other travel information. ...
  • Emergency contacts.


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For most cruises, you'll need a passport book that's valid for at least six months from the day your sailing ends. In some cases, you can use a passport card instead of a passport book, but that will only work if you plan to reenter the United States via your ship from Mexico, Canada, Bermuda or the Caribbean.

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Necessary cruise documents include acceptable official forms of identification, proof of your booking number and boarding information, and confirmation that you aren't ill. You must present these upon arrival at the port.

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Passports are required for cruises that begin in one U.S. port and end in another. Children under the age of 16 who are citizens of the U.S. or Canada are exempt from the passport requirement for land and sea border crossings.

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U.S. citizens 16 and older If you're a U.S. citizen age 16 or older on a closed-loop cruise without your passport, you will need a government-issued photo ID like a driver's license that has your photo, name and date of birth.

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There are beach towels in every cabin of MSC Cruises ships. After using, the towels have to be returned to your cabin otherwise, the cost of the towel can be put into your cruise bill. You can also take the towels right at the swimming pool.

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If you're planning to go on a cruise, you might be wondering whether cruise lines check your luggage. The answer is yes, they do.

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Ships that terminate in U.S. ports may require passengers to fill out Customs forms and show their passports to border control in the cruise terminal. Some passengers might be required to meet with immigration officials on board prior to getting off the ship.

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If you booked your MSC cruise during one of the “All In” promotions that includes free drinks and WiFi, you will receive the Easy Plus drink package. You may upgrade this package if you choose to do so. The upgrade prices are listed as: Easy to Easy Plus- $15 per day.

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MSC ships have complimentary food venues to satisfy a wide range of palettes and preferences, including a large buffet and main dining room, which provides meals all day, including breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks. Tea, coffee, iced tea, juice, and water are free onboard, although bottled water is an extra charge.

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MSC Dress Code: Formal and Casual Get Equal Billing On those nights, the main dining room requires men to wear suits or jackets and ties, and cocktail dresses for women. In the evenings, T-shirts and shorts are not permitted in the ships' public areas. No swimwear is allowed in the main dining rooms.

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items forbidden on board kettles, hotplates, candles, incense), drones. If explosive material, guns or illegal drugs are detected, law enforcement will be immediately alerted. MSC MSC Cruises will be forced to deny access to any guests not complying with these mandated regulations.

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In terms of onboard offerings, standard drinks -- like coffee, tea, lemonade, and water -- are complimentary on the MSC ships. Most people, however, enjoy a cool beverage poolside or a nice glass of wine with dinner.

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Is there free ice creams included in your drinks package on MSC? Everybody does love soft serve ice cream. There are some free soft serve on the bigger ships that are vanilla or chocolate. Other than that Ice cream is only included only for children as part of the minor package and the non alcoholic package.

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How Much Does it Cost to See a Doctor on a Cruise? A medical consultation on a cruise usually costs around $100 (£85) if during medical centre opening hours. This price rises to around $165 (£137) for appointments outside of opening hours and can rise as high as $205 (£170) if a doctor needs to visit a guest's cabin.

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A Passport is Required to Cruise To and From Foreign Ports This means you'll need a passport regardless of whether you plan to fly or drive in or out of the country. The cruise line will require you to enter your passport information during check-in, and then the airline will verify your passport to board the flight.

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