Before Cruising

• Travel Documents: U.S. citizens sailing on a closed-loop cruise departing from and returning to the same U.S. port may generally travel with an original or certified birth certificate and a government-issued photo ID. A valid passport book is still strongly recommended in case an emergency requires you to return home by air from a foreign country.
• International Itineraries: Cruises beginning or ending in different countries, along with many international itineraries, require a valid passport book. Some destinations also require passports to remain valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates.
• Non-U.S. Citizens: Passport, visa, and residency document requirements vary depending on your citizenship, residency status, itinerary, and ports of call. Review the latest requirements well before your sailing date.
• Name Matching: The name on your reservation must exactly match your government-issued identification. If your name has changed because of marriage, divorce, or another legal reason, carry the appropriate supporting documentation during your trip.
• Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is strongly recommended, particularly for international cruises. Third-party policies often provide broader medical, cancellation, baggage, trip interruption, and emergency transportation coverage than plans purchased directly through the cruise line.
• Research Your Ship: MSC ships feature contemporary European design, impressive public spaces, international dining, and innovative entertainment. Reviewing your ship's deck plans before sailing will help you quickly locate restaurants, theaters, lounges, pools, and your stateroom once onboard.
• MSC Voyagers Club: MSC's loyalty program rewards repeat cruisers with discounts, onboard benefits, priority offers, and additional perks based on your membership level.
• Pre-Cruise Savings: Beverage packages, specialty dining, Wi-Fi, shore excursions, spa treatments, and other onboard experiences are often less expensive when purchased before sailing.
• Carry-On Essentials: Pack medications, passports, valuables, electronics, swimwear, and a change of clothes in your carry-on luggage. Checked bags may not arrive at your stateroom until later in the afternoon.

MSC Voyagers Club

• MSC's Loyalty Program: MSC Voyagers Club rewards repeat guests with cruise discounts, points, onboard benefits, and additional privileges that increase with membership level.
• Membership Levels: Current levels are Welcome for guests with at least one confirmed booking, Classic from 1–2,199 points, Silver from 2,200–4,299, Gold from 4,300–9,999, Diamond from 10,000–24,999, and Blue Diamond at 25,000 or more points.
• Blue Diamond: Blue Diamond is MSC's highest Voyagers Club tier and adds premium recognition and benefits for members reaching at least 25,000 points.
• Earning Points: Points can be earned through eligible cruises, qualifying prepaid purchases, advance-booking bonuses, and other current program activity.
• Book Early: Eligible members booking well in advance can receive additional savings, bonus points, and other Voyagers Exclusives benefits under current terms.
• Keep Status Active: Voyagers Club status currently remains active for five years following the member's most recent qualifying cruise activity.

MSC for Me App

• Your Cruise Companion: The MSC for Me App helps you manage your cruise before and during your vacation. Download it before sailing and sign in with your MSC account to access your voyage information.
• Before You Sail: Use the app or MSC website to complete online check-in, review your travel documents, purchase beverage packages, reserve specialty dining, book shore excursions, and prepare for embarkation.
• Once Onboard: The app displays your daily schedule, restaurant reservations, deck plans, onboard account, entertainment, and other voyage information throughout your cruise.
• Daily Planning: MSC offers live entertainment, themed parties, family activities, enrichment programs, and numerous events throughout the day. Reviewing the app each morning helps you make the most of your time onboard.
• Connected Experience: On many ships, MSC for Me integrates with onboard technology to help guests navigate the ship, locate family members, and receive personalized activity recommendations.
• MSC Concierge: MSC's AI-powered onboard assistant within MSC for Me can help with dining, activities, spa information, housekeeping requests, excursions, account information, and other onboard questions where available.

Tipping / Gratuities Updated

• Hotel Service Charge: MSC applies a daily Hotel Service Charge based on itinerary, booking date, guest age, and whether you're sailing in MSC Yacht Club.
• U.S., Caribbean & Alaska: For cruises booked from May 11, 2026, guests age 2 and older are charged $17 per night, while MSC Yacht Club guests are charged $23 per night. For earlier bookings, the respective rates are $16 and $20.
• Children Under 2: Children under age 2 are exempt from the Hotel Service Charge.
• Other Regions: Rates and child age bands differ for Europe, South America, South Africa, Asia, Grand Voyages, and other itineraries, so confirm the schedule applicable to your booking.
• Additional Service Charges: Service charges may apply to individual onboard purchases and services. Prepaid beverage-package prices include applicable beverage gratuities.
• Exceptional Service: Additional tipping for exceptional personal service is discretionary.

Embarking

• Online Check-In: Complete online check-in through the MSC for Me App or MSC Cruises website before arriving at the terminal. During check-in you'll upload travel documents, receive your boarding pass, and review your embarkation details.
• Arrival Time: Arrive during your assigned embarkation window for the smoothest boarding experience. MSC Yacht Club guests typically enjoy priority check-in and embarkation.
• Carry-On Beverages: Alcohol policies vary depending on the itinerary and departure region. Review the current policy for your sailing before bringing beverages to the terminal, as restrictions may differ between North American and international departures.
• Carry-On Essentials: Keep medications, travel documents, valuables, electronics, swimwear, and a change of clothes with you. Checked luggage may not arrive at your stateroom until later in the afternoon.
• Embarkation Day Lunch: The buffet is usually open shortly after boarding, providing a convenient place to enjoy lunch while waiting for your stateroom to become available.
• Explore The Ship: Take time to familiarize yourself with restaurants, lounges, theaters, pools, the MSC Yacht Club (where applicable), and other public spaces before sailaway.
• Airplane Mode: Switch your phone to Airplane Mode before sailing and connect only to the ship's Wi-Fi if you've purchased an internet package to avoid international roaming charges.
• All-Aboard Time: MSC Cruises strictly enforces all-aboard times at every port. Plan to return at least 30 to 60 minutes before the published departure time.

Wi-Fi / Internet Access

• Unlimited Data: MSC's Browse and Browse & Stream internet packages provide unlimited data for the duration of the purchased plan.
• Browse: Browse supports web browsing, email, messaging, and social networking but does not support video calls or streaming music and video.
• Browse & Stream: Browse & Stream adds video calls plus music and video streaming.
• Device Registration: Packages are purchased for a specific number of devices. Once a device is activated, that registered device cannot be swapped for another device.
• Pre-Cruise Savings: MSC offers lower pricing for eligible internet packages purchased before sailing than for equivalent onboard purchases.
• MSC for Me: Many onboard MSC for Me functions remain accessible through the ship's local network without a full internet package on supported ships.
• Airplane Mode: Keep cellular devices in Airplane Mode while at sea and enable Wi-Fi separately to avoid maritime roaming charges.

Cabin

• Stateroom Amenities: MSC staterooms include comfortable bedding, a private bathroom, individually controlled climate settings, television, mini refrigerator, hair dryer, in-room safe, closet space, and multiple charging outlets. Amenities vary by ship and cabin category.
• Cabin Steward: Your cabin steward services your stateroom each day and can assist with additional towels, pillows, blankets, ice, and other reasonable requests throughout your voyage.
• Room Service: Room service is available throughout the day. Menu selections and delivery charges vary by ship, itinerary, and stateroom category.
• Storage Space: Store luggage under the bed after unpacking to maximize available floor space. MSC cabins generally provide generous closet and drawer storage.
• Balcony Cabins: Keep the balcony door completely closed whenever the air conditioning is operating. Opening the balcony door disables the air conditioning system on many MSC ships until the door is fully closed.
• MSC Yacht Club: Available on many MSC ships, the MSC Yacht Club offers an exclusive ship-within-a-ship experience featuring luxury suites, a private restaurant, dedicated lounge, exclusive sundeck, butler service, concierge assistance, and priority embarkation and disembarkation.

On Deck

• Pools & Relaxation: MSC ships feature multiple pools, whirlpools, spacious sun decks, and family-friendly recreation areas designed for guests of all ages.
• Galleria Promenade: Meraviglia and World Class ships feature an impressive indoor promenade with restaurants, lounges, shopping, and a spectacular LED ceiling that hosts themed visual displays throughout the day and evening.
• Entertainment: Depending on your ship, you'll find water parks, ropes courses, zip lines, sports courts, Formula 1 simulators, virtual reality attractions, and other activities throughout the voyage.
• Chair Etiquette: MSC asks guests not to reserve loungers for extended periods without using them. During busy times, unattended belongings may be removed to make seating available for other guests.
• International Atmosphere: One of MSC's defining characteristics is its international guest mix. Announcements, entertainment, and activities often reflect the diverse backgrounds of passengers sailing from around the world.
• MSC Yacht Club Sundeck: Yacht Club guests enjoy exclusive access to a private pool deck with premium loungers, whirlpools, attentive beverage service, and a quieter atmosphere.

Dining

• Main Dining Rooms: MSC offers traditional multi-course dining with Mediterranean and international influences. Depending on your booking, you may have assigned dining times or flexible dining options.
• Buffet Dining: MSC's buffet restaurants feature an extensive variety of international cuisine and are open for many meals throughout the day, including late-night dining on many ships.
• Specialty Dining: Depending on your ship, specialty restaurants may include Butcher's Cut Steakhouse, Kaito Sushi & Teppanyaki, Hola! Tacos & Cantina, Ocean Cay Restaurant, and several additional premium venues available for an extra charge.
• MSC Yacht Club Restaurant: Guests staying in the MSC Yacht Club enjoy access to an exclusive restaurant featuring elevated cuisine, attentive service, and flexible dining hours.
• Dietary Requests: Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and many other dietary needs can usually be accommodated. Notify MSC before sailing whenever possible and remind your dining team once onboard.
• Reservations: Specialty restaurants often provide discounted dining packages when reserved before sailing, offering better value than booking individual meals onboard.

Food & Beverage Updated

• Included Dining: Complimentary dining varies by ship and generally includes main dining rooms, buffet dining, pizza, and ship-specific casual choices.
• Complimentary Beverages: Basic beverages are available in complimentary dining areas, with selection varying by venue and meal period.
• Current Beverage Packages: MSC currently sells Premium Extra, Alcohol-Free, and Minors packages. Easy and Easy Plus are no longer sold for new purchases, although previously purchased packages remain valid under applicable legacy terms.
• Package Consistency: Current rules generally require guests sharing a stateroom to purchase corresponding beverage coverage, including a Minors Package for underage guests when adults purchase an alcoholic package.

Premium Extra Package

• Premium Selection: Premium Extra includes qualifying cocktails, premium spirits, beer, wine and sparkling wine by the glass, specialty coffees and hot drinks, soft and energy drinks, juices, smoothies, non-alcoholic beverages, and qualifying water.
• Drink Value: Current U.S. terms cover eligible beverages priced up to the package's published per-drink limit.
• 15-Drink Alcohol Limit: Premium Extra includes up to 15 alcoholic beverages per guest, per day. Qualifying non-alcoholic drinks are not part of that 15-drink alcoholic limit.
• Specialty Restaurants: Premium Extra is accepted in MSC specialty restaurants subject to package terms and exclusions.
• Ocean Cay: Premium Extra can be used at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, although the island may not offer the full onboard beverage selection.
• MSC Yacht Club: Premium Extra is included with MSC Yacht Club, with the same daily alcoholic-drink limit applying under current terms.

Alcohol-Free Package

• Non-Alcoholic Selection: Alcohol-Free includes specialty coffees and teas, soft and energy drinks, juices, smoothies, qualifying water, and non-alcoholic beers, wines, and cocktails.
• Important Exclusions: The Alcohol-Free Package is not accepted in specialty restaurants or on MSC private islands, including Ocean Cay.

Minors Package

• For Underage Guests: The Minors Package provides qualifying non-alcoholic beverages for children, teens, and young adults below the legal drinking age applicable to their sailing.
• Ocean Cay & Specialty Restaurants: The Minors Package can be used at Ocean Cay and in specialty restaurants when the minor is accompanied by an adult with Premium Extra, subject to current package rules.

Private Destinations

MSC Cruises' primary private destination for Caribbean itineraries is Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve in The Bahamas, a former industrial site transformed into a beach-focused marine reserve.

Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve

• Island Experience: Ocean Cay offers multiple beaches, swimming, walking paths, water activities, excursions, food and beverage venues, and relaxation areas, with the ship docking directly at the island.
• Late & Overnight Calls: Some itineraries remain at Ocean Cay into the evening or overnight, providing more time ashore than a typical daytime private-island call.
• Premium Extra: Premium Extra is accepted at Ocean Cay for qualifying beverages, although the full onboard selection may not be available.
• Alcohol-Free: The Alcohol-Free Package is not accepted on MSC private islands.
• Minors Package: Minors can use their package on Ocean Cay when accompanied by an adult with Premium Extra, subject to current terms.
• MSC Yacht Club: Yacht Club guests have access to the private Ocean House Restaurant and Ocean House Beach experience with qualifying Yacht Club benefits.
• Dietary Needs: Guests with serious dietary restrictions or allergies should confirm current options before going ashore and may find the ship offers broader accommodation.

Ports / Shore Excursions

• MSC Shore Excursions: Booking directly through MSC provides additional peace of mind because the cruise line coordinates your return if an MSC-sponsored excursion is delayed through no fault of your own.
• Independent Exploration: Independent operators often provide smaller group sizes and unique local experiences. Research operators carefully and always allow sufficient time to return before the published all-aboard time.
• Ship Time vs. Local Time: Some destinations observe a different time zone than the ship. Always verify whether MSC is using ship time or local time before exploring independently.
• Return Early: Plan to return to the ship at least 30 to 60 minutes before the published all-aboard time. Ships cannot delay departure for late-arriving guests.
• Global Itineraries: MSC sails throughout the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Northern Europe, South America, the Middle East, Asia, and South Africa, offering one of the industry's widest selections of international itineraries.

Onboard Entertainment

• Theater Shows: MSC ships feature large theater venues with production shows, music, dance, acrobatics, guest performers, and international entertainment that varies by ship and itinerary.
• Live Music & Parties: Lounges, bars, promenades, and outdoor spaces host live music, themed parties, dancing, game shows, and other activities throughout the voyage.
• Carousel Productions: Select ships offer Carousel Productions at Sea, immersive acrobatic, dance, and live-music performances in the Carousel Lounge. These are limited-capacity, additional-charge experiences.
• Ship-Specific Attractions: Depending on the ship, entertainment can also include water parks, ropes courses, zip lines, simulators, arcades, virtual-reality attractions, and other experiences, some carrying additional charges.
• Plan in MSC for Me: Review the app's daily program because entertainment schedules, reservations, languages, and venues vary by sailing.

Casino

• MSC Casino: MSC casinos feature slot machines, blackjack, roulette, poker, craps, and other popular table games. Gaming is generally available only while the ship is sailing in international waters.
• Casino Promotions: MSC frequently offers slot tournaments, table game competitions, jackpots, and other promotional events throughout the cruise.
• Rewards Program: Eligible casino play may qualify guests for future cruise offers, onboard credits, complimentary cruises, and additional promotional benefits through MSC's casino rewards program.
• Cashless Play: Many gaming transactions can be charged directly to your onboard account, providing a convenient cashless gaming experience. Additional fees may apply to certain account advances.

Wellness & Fitness

• MSC Aurea Spa: MSC Aurea Spa offers massages, facials, beauty treatments, salon services, and ship-specific thermal experiences.
• Thermal Areas: Facilities vary by ship and can include saunas, steam rooms, whirlpools, salt rooms, hydrotherapy features, and other relaxation spaces. Access may require a pass or qualifying experience.
• Fitness Centers: MSC ships provide gyms with cardio and strength equipment, with facilities and fitness programming varying across the fleet.
• Book Before Sailing: MSC promotes pre-cruise Spa & Beauty packages, and popular sea-day appointment times can fill quickly.

Families & Kids

• Five Age Groups: MSC's youth program is divided into Baby Club ages 0–3, Mini Club ages 3–6, Junior Club ages 7–11, Young Club ages 12–14, and Teen Club ages 15–17.
• Baby Time: Parents of children under age 3 can use Baby Club facilities with their child during designated Baby Time periods.
• Baby Care: MSC Baby Care provides supervised drop-off for eligible babies from 6 months to 3 years during designated periods, subject to availability and current program terms.
• LEGO Partnership: MSC's partnership with LEGO provides branded play spaces and LEGO activities for younger cruisers on participating ships.
• Older Kids & Teens: Junior, Young, and Teen clubs provide age-appropriate sports, games, technology, competitions, parties, and social activities.
• Family Entertainment: Families can also enjoy ship-specific pools, water parks, sports, shows, arcades, parties, game shows, and other attractions together.

Complimentary Extras

• Broadway-Style Entertainment: Every MSC ship offers live production shows, musical performances, acrobatic acts, and themed entertainment throughout your voyage at no additional charge.
• International Cuisine: Complimentary dining features a diverse selection of Mediterranean and international cuisine that reflects MSC's European heritage.
• Pools & Recreation: Enjoy complimentary access to pools, whirlpools, sports courts, fitness centers, walking tracks, and many onboard recreational activities.
• Youth Programs: Supervised children's and teen clubs are included for eligible age groups, providing activities throughout the day while parents enjoy other parts of the ship.
• Ocean Cay Beaches: Guests visiting Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve enjoy complimentary access to the island's beaches, walking trails, and many recreational areas during their visit.
• Fitness Center: Modern fitness centers with cardio equipment, strength machines, and free weights are available aboard every MSC ship at no additional charge.

Disembarking

• Express Departure: Guests carrying all of their own luggage may choose Express Departure, allowing them to leave the ship as soon as local authorities clear the vessel.
• Standard Departure: Guests placing luggage outside their stateroom the night before departure receive luggage tags with an assigned departure group. Wait comfortably in the designated public area until your group is called.
• Final Morning: Enjoy breakfast before leaving the ship, review your onboard account one final time, and make sure you've collected all personal belongings from your stateroom.
• Customs & Immigration: Many cruise terminals now use facial recognition technology to speed arrival processing for eligible travelers. Guests traveling with passports often experience the quickest processing.
• Ground Transportation: Whether using MSC transfers, ride-share services, taxis, rental cars, or personal vehicles, review your transportation plans before leaving the terminal to help ensure a smooth trip home.
• Before You Leave: Before leaving your stateroom, check the safe, closets, drawers, charging outlets, bathroom, and under the bed one final time. Taking a few extra moments can help prevent accidentally leaving behind passports, medications, electronics, or other valuables.