MSC Cruises Embarkation Guide: What to Expect on Boarding Day
Embarkation day is the official start of an MSC cruise, but knowing what happens before you reach the ship can make the process considerably easier. From completing online check-in and preparing your boarding documents to dropping off luggage and completing the mandatory safety briefing, there are several steps passengers should be ready for.
This MSC Cruises embarkation guide covers the boarding process shown in the guide below, along with practical tips for your first few hours onboard.
Before You Arrive at the Cruise Terminal
One of the most important things to do before embarkation is complete your online check-in.
According to the guide, passengers can complete Online Check-In through their MSC Cruises account or the MSC for Me app once check-in becomes available, typically around 30 days before sailing.
It is also a good idea to download or save your Boarding Pass before heading to the cruise terminal. Wi-Fi or cellular connectivity at a busy port can sometimes be unreliable, and having the document already available on your phone—or printed if you prefer—can make check-in easier.
Before leaving home, make sure you have the travel documents required for your particular cruise. Requirements can vary depending on your citizenship, itinerary and destinations.
Arriving at the MSC Cruise Terminal
Passengers should arrive during their assigned arrival window rather than simply showing up as early as possible.
When you reach the terminal, checked luggage is typically handed to porters before you enter the main check-in area. Make sure every checked bag has the appropriate MSC luggage tag securely attached.
Your checked luggage will be delivered to your stateroom later, which means you may be separated from it for several hours.
This makes your carry-on particularly important.
Keep anything you may need during your first afternoon onboard with you rather than packing it in your checked suitcase.
Useful items can include:
- Travel documents and identification
- Medications
- Electronics and chargers
- Sunscreen
- A swimsuit
- Other valuables or essentials you may need before your luggage arrives
Security and Document Verification
After dropping off checked luggage, passengers proceed through the terminal’s security and document-verification process.
Have your required identification or passport and Boarding Pass easily accessible rather than buried inside your carry-on.
The exact process can vary by embarkation port and itinerary, but passengers should expect their travel documents to be checked before boarding.
Once the necessary check-in procedures are complete, passengers are cleared to continue toward the ship.
Your First Hours Onboard an MSC Cruise
Boarding the ship does not necessarily mean your stateroom will immediately be available.
Fortunately, many onboard venues and services begin operating while passengers are still embarking.
This is a good opportunity to get familiar with the ship rather than waiting for your cabin to become ready. Depending on the ship and sailing, passengers may be able to have lunch, explore public areas and review the day’s schedule.
The MSC for Me app can also be useful once onboard for checking available information about the cruise and ship.
Where to Eat After Boarding
Lunch is one of the first things many passengers look for after getting onboard.
The embarkation guide notes that the buffet and select casual dining venues are typically available before staterooms are ready.
Exactly which restaurants are open, along with their operating hours, can vary by ship and sailing. Check the day’s onboard schedule or MSC for Me app for the current dining schedule rather than assuming every restaurant will be open.
Embarkation-day lunch can be particularly busy because many passengers board within a relatively short period and head directly for food.
Complete the Mandatory Safety Briefing
Every passenger must complete the ship’s required safety procedures.
The guide instructs passengers to complete the mandatory safety briefing using the MSC for Me app or their stateroom television and then check in at their assigned muster station.
Do not leave this until the last minute. Completing the required safety procedures early removes one of the main embarkation-day tasks from your schedule and gives you more time to settle in and explore the ship.
Follow the specific instructions provided aboard your sailing, since procedures can change.
When Will Your Stateroom Be Ready?
Your cabin may not be ready when you first board.
This is one reason it is important to separate your embarkation-day essentials from your checked luggage. You can begin enjoying the ship while waiting for access to your room instead of needing something packed inside a suitcase that has not yet been delivered.
Once your stateroom becomes available, you can drop off your carry-on belongings and begin settling in.
Checked luggage may arrive separately later in the day.
Using MSC for Me on Embarkation Day
The MSC for Me app can be particularly helpful during the beginning of the cruise.
The embarkation guide directs passengers to the app for several tasks, including Online Check-In before the cruise, the safety briefing and reviewing the day’s schedule once onboard.
Because features and availability can vary by ship, use the app together with the information provided onboard for your specific sailing.
MSC Embarkation Day Tips
A little preparation can make boarding day considerably less stressful.
Complete your Online Check-In before traveling to the port and save your Boarding Pass somewhere that does not require an internet connection. Have your passport or other required identification immediately accessible when you enter the terminal.
Most importantly, pack your carry-on as though you will not see your checked suitcase until later that evening.
If you want to swim shortly after boarding, carry your swimsuit. If you take medication, keep it with you. Passports, travel documents, electronics and other important valuables should also remain in your possession rather than being placed in checked luggage.
Once onboard, complete any required safety procedures and then use the rest of the afternoon to explore the ship, eat lunch and get familiar with the layout.
FAQ
When should I complete MSC Cruises Online Check-In?
The embarkation guide recommends completing Online Check-In through your MSC Cruises account or MSC for Me app once it becomes available, typically around 30 days before sailing.
Should I download my MSC Boarding Pass before arriving?
Yes. The guide specifically recommends downloading or saving your Boarding Pass before arriving at the port because Wi-Fi availability may be limited.
What happens to my luggage at the MSC cruise terminal?
Checked luggage is typically handed to porters at the terminal and delivered to your stateroom later. Make sure your checked bags have the appropriate MSC luggage tags attached.
Should I keep a carry-on bag with me?
Yes. Keep important documents, medication, valuables and anything you may want during your first several hours onboard in your carry-on.
Can I eat as soon as I board an MSC cruise?
The embarkation guide indicates that the buffet and select casual dining venues are typically open before staterooms are ready. Exact opening hours and available restaurants can vary, so check the current onboard schedule.
Will my MSC stateroom be ready when I board?
Not necessarily. Passengers may board before their staterooms are available, so plan to keep your carry-on with you while you begin exploring the ship.
Do I have to complete a safety briefing?
Yes. The safety procedures are mandatory. The guide instructs passengers to complete the safety briefing through the MSC for Me app or their stateroom TV and then check in at their assigned muster station. Follow the instructions provided for your particular sailing.
What should I pack in my carry-on for embarkation day?
Keep travel documents, required identification, medication, electronics, valuables and other essentials with you. Sunscreen and a swimsuit are also useful if you plan to use the pool before your checked luggage arrives.
Conclusion
MSC Cruises embarkation day is fairly straightforward when you know the basic sequence: complete Online Check-In before your cruise, save your Boarding Pass, arrive during your assigned window, hand over your tagged checked luggage, complete security and document verification, and then board the ship.
Once onboard, you can begin exploring, have lunch, complete the mandatory safety procedures and review the day’s schedule while waiting for your stateroom and luggage.
Preparing your documents and carry-on before leaving home is probably the simplest way to make the entire process easier. Once those essentials are handled, embarkation day becomes what it should be—the beginning of your cruise.
