MSC embarkation day is generally straightforward, but several parts of the process can surprise passengers who haven’t cruised with MSC before.
The main difference is that MSC often allows guests to start and finish their cruises at several ports during the same itinerary. This means the ship may already be full of passengers when you board, and your embarkation port might simply be another port day for many people onboard.
You may also need to wait for a boarding number, collect your cruise card near your cabin and activate your payment account after boarding. None of these steps is especially difficult, but it helps to know about them before you arrive.
This MSC embarkation day FAQ answers the most common questions about online check-in, arrival times, luggage, cruise cards, cabins, dining, the muster drill and what to do first onboard. The examples are based on my experience boarding MSC Poesia, although some details can vary between ships and ports.
Watch: MSC Poesia Embarkation Day – 10 Things You Need to Know
In my MSC Poesia embarkation day video, I show what happened from arriving at the cruise terminal through to the first evening onboard. It includes check-in, luggage drop-off, boarding numbers, cruise cards, dining changes, lunch, the muster drill and using the MSC for Me app.
When does MSC online check-in open?
MSC online check-in normally opens before your cruise through the MSC for Me app or the MSC website. On my MSC Poesia sailing, I completed it around two weeks before departure. The exact timing may vary, so keep checking your booking as your cruise approaches.
During online check-in, you’ll normally add your passport details, upload or take a security photograph and choose an embarkation time. You may also be asked to add a payment card, although this part of the process doesn’t always work properly in the app. If you can’t add your card before the cruise, you’ll usually be able to activate your onboard account after boarding.
Do you need the MSC for Me app before embarkation?
It’s worth downloading the MSC for Me app before you travel and checking that you can log in. You can use it for online check-in, cruise documents and information before departure. Once onboard, it becomes the main place to view the daily programme, entertainment times and activities.
You don’t need to buy an internet package to use the app’s onboard features. Put your phone into airplane mode, connect to the ship’s MSC Wi-Fi network and then open the app. The app isn’t always perfect, particularly during online check-in, but it’s still an important part of the MSC cruise experience.
What documents do you need for MSC embarkation?
You’ll need your passport and MSC cruise documents ready when you arrive at the terminal. Depending on your itinerary and nationality, you may also need visas or other travel documents. Check the requirements for every destination on your cruise before travelling.
Keep all documents in your hand luggage. Don’t put your passport or cruise ticket in the suitcase you hand over at luggage drop-off. It’s also sensible to keep printed or downloaded copies of important documents in case you have trouble accessing the app at the terminal.
What time should you arrive for MSC embarkation?
Aim to arrive close to the embarkation time shown on your cruise documents. Arriving much earlier doesn’t guarantee you’ll board sooner. You may be asked to wait until your arrival window or boarding group is accepted.
On my MSC Poesia sailing, I selected a 10am arrival time but didn’t board until around 11am. I was given a boarding number and waited in the terminal until the group was called.
An early arrival time can still help you get onboard before lunch, but the exact boarding time depends on when the ship is cleared and ready.
Can you arrive earlier than your MSC embarkation time?
You can physically arrive earlier, but there’s no guarantee the terminal will accept you immediately. Some embarkation ports may enforce arrival slots more strictly than others. If you arrive too early, you may simply spend more time waiting outside or inside the terminal.
It’s usually better to arrive reasonably close to your allocated time. That gives you enough time for luggage drop-off, security and check-in without creating an unnecessarily long wait.
Does MSC use boarding groups?
MSC may use boarding numbers or groups to control how passengers move from the terminal to the ship. After check-in, you may be given a number and directed to a seating area. Once your number is called, you follow the signs towards the gangway.
This can feel slower than embarkation with cruise lines that allow passengers to board immediately after check-in, but the actual boarding process can move quickly once groups start being called. Keep your number with you and listen carefully to announcements, which may be made in several languages.
Why are passengers joining MSC at different ports?
MSC often operates multi-port embarkation, which means passengers can start and finish the same itinerary in different places. For example, one group may join in Southampton, another in Hamburg and another at a Mediterranean port. While you’re starting your cruise, other passengers may already have been onboard for several days.
This is why embarkation day on MSC can feel different from a traditional turnaround day. The ship isn’t completely empty in the morning and then refilled with a new group. It can also explain why safety announcements and embarkation instructions are repeated during the cruise.
Where do you drop off luggage for an MSC cruise?
You’ll normally hand over your main suitcase outside or near the cruise terminal before entering for security and check-in. Attach your MSC luggage labels securely before you arrive. Your bags will be taken separately and delivered to your cabin later in the day.
The exact arrangement depends on the port. At some terminals, luggage is taken from your car or taxi. At others, you’ll carry it to a clearly marked drop-off point. On my MSC Poesia cruise, the luggage drop-off was quick and clearly organised.
What should you keep in your hand luggage?
Keep your passport, cruise documents, medication, valuables and anything else you can’t afford to lose in your hand luggage. It’s also worth carrying chargers, a change of clothes and anything you may need during the first afternoon.
Your main suitcase might not arrive until later, and the cabin might not be ready when you board. Try to keep the bag small enough to carry comfortably around the ship in case you can’t leave it in your cabin straight away.
When do you receive your MSC cruise card?
You may not receive the cruise card during terminal check-in. On my MSC Poesia sailing, the card was waiting in an envelope outside my cabin door.
This doesn’t mean something has gone wrong. Follow the instructions given at the terminal or onboard and head towards your cabin area once you board.
The cruise card is used as your cabin key, onboard identification and payment card. It may also show your dining room, table and allocated sitting.
What information is shown on an MSC cruise card?
Your MSC cruise card normally includes your name, cabin details and information linked to your onboard account. It may also show your main dining room, table number and dining time.
Check everything carefully when you collect the card. If your dining allocation doesn’t suit you, embarkation day is normally the best time to ask about a change. The card is also scanned when you leave and return to the ship in port, so keep it with you throughout the cruise.
Do you need to activate your MSC cruise card?
You may need to activate your onboard payment account after boarding. On MSC Poesia, I used a self-service terminal to add my payment card. The terminals were located around the middle of the ship on decks five and six.
The process involved swiping the cruise card and then linking the debit or credit card I wanted to use. If you don’t activate the account, you may not be able to charge drinks, shopping or other purchases to your cabin. It’s worth completing this early because queues can build later in the afternoon.
Can you use cash for an MSC onboard account?
MSC may allow passengers to operate a cash account, although the exact arrangements can vary. You’ll normally need to deposit money at Guest Services or follow the instructions provided onboard.
Using a payment card is usually the quickest option, particularly if self-service activation terminals are available. Check the terms for your sailing before travelling if you plan to use cash rather than a debit or credit card.
Are MSC cabins ready when you board?
Cabins may not be fully ready if you board early. On MSC Poesia, I was able to enter the cabin briefly and leave my hand luggage and coat, but the room wasn’t officially ready until around 2:30pm.
Cabin access can vary between ships and sailings. Follow any signs or announcements and avoid getting in the way of the cabin stewards while they’re preparing rooms. Even if you can enter, it’s best to leave your belongings quickly and give the crew space to finish.
When will your luggage arrive?
Checked luggage is usually delivered outside your cabin during the afternoon. On my sailing, my suitcase had arrived by the time the cabin was officially ready at around 2:30pm.
Delivery can take longer, particularly on a busy embarkation day, so don’t worry if your suitcase isn’t there immediately. If it still hasn’t arrived much later in the day, check whether it has been taken to a luggage assistance area because of a missing label or a prohibited item.
Can you change your MSC dining time?
You can ask for a dining change, but it isn’t guaranteed. MSC often assigns passengers an early or late fixed sitting. Your dining room, table and time should be shown on the cruise card.
On MSC Poesia, I’d been given the late sitting but was able to change to the earlier one by speaking to the maître d’ on embarkation day.
Ask as soon as possible because tables and service arrangements are still being organised. Your chances of changing may be lower once the cruise is underway.
Where do you ask for an MSC dining change?
MSC normally sets up a location where passengers can speak to the maître d’ about dining arrangements. On my cruise, the desk was outside the Zebra Bar.
The location will vary by ship, so check the app, look for signs or ask a crew member where dining queries are being handled. Take your cruise card with you because the maître d’ will need to see your current allocation.
Where can you eat lunch on embarkation day?
The buffet will normally be open, but it may not be the only included option. On MSC Poesia, La Fontaine main dining room was also open for embarkation lunch. It was much calmer than the buffet and offered a seated meal.
Open venues vary by ship, port and boarding time, so check the MSC for Me app or ask a crew member. If the main dining room is available, it can be a good option if you want a quieter start to the cruise.
Is the buffet busy on MSC embarkation day?
The buffet can be very busy because it’s the first place many passengers visit after boarding. People may still have hand luggage with them, and several boarding groups can arrive close together.
If you want to use the buffet, arriving before the largest groups board may make it easier to find a table. Alternatively, check whether a main dining room or another included venue is open.
How does the MSC muster drill work?
The procedure can vary depending on the ship and embarkation port. On my MSC Poesia cruise, I watched the safety video on the cabin television, called a number to confirm I’d watched it and then visited my muster station to be checked off.
Passengers joining at another port during the same itinerary appeared to follow a slightly different procedure. Listen carefully to the announcements and follow the instructions for your sailing. Don’t assume the process will be exactly the same as another passenger’s experience.
Do you have to visit the muster station?
You may still need to physically visit your muster station even if you’ve watched a safety video in your cabin. On my cruise, calling the confirmation number wasn’t the final step. I also had to go to the station so a crew member could record my attendance.
Complete the process as soon as instructed. Safety announcements may continue until every new passenger has been checked off.
What should you do first after boarding an MSC cruise?
Once you board, head towards your cabin area and find out where your cruise card has been left. After collecting it, activate your onboard payment account and check your dining allocation. If the dining time doesn’t suit you, speak to the maître d’ as early as possible.
You can then have lunch, find your muster station and explore the ship. It’s worth locating the main dining rooms, buffet, theatre, bars, pools and Guest Services before the ship becomes busier.
When is the best time to explore an MSC ship?
Embarkation afternoon is a good time to get your bearings. Passengers are arriving gradually, and many people will be having lunch, sorting out their cabins or completing embarkation tasks.
Walk around the main public decks and find the venues you’ll use during the cruise. MSC ships can have a more traditional layout than some newer cruise ships, so exploring early can save you time later.
Do you need Wi-Fi to use the MSC for Me app?
You don’t need to buy an internet package to use the app’s onboard features. Put your phone into airplane mode, connect to the ship’s MSC Wi-Fi network and open the app.
You should then be able to view the daily programme, entertainment times and activity information without using mobile data. The app may not give you access to the wider internet unless you’ve bought a package.
Does MSC provide a printed daily programme?
MSC doesn’t always rely on a traditional printed planner. The MSC for Me app is normally the main place to find the daily schedule, entertainment and venue information.
Printed information is still be available but you need to request it. However it’s best to make sure the app is installed and working before you travel. Check it regularly because activity and entertainment times can change.
What is the first evening like on an MSC cruise?
The first evening usually becomes much calmer once passengers have unpacked and completed the muster drill. On my MSC Poesia sailing, dinner service felt slightly disorganised, but the overall atmosphere was relaxed. There was a theatre show and live music in several venues around the ship.
Use the MSC for Me app to see what’s happening and take another walk around the ship after dinner. The layout often makes more sense once the embarkation crowds have disappeared.
Is MSC embarkation day difficult?
MSC embarkation day isn’t particularly difficult, but it can feel unfamiliar. The main points to understand are that you may need to wait for a boarding group, the cruise card might be outside your cabin and your payment account may need to be activated onboard.
You should also check your fixed dining allocation as soon as possible. Once those jobs are complete, the day becomes much easier. Don’t judge the entire cruise by the atmosphere in the terminal or during the first hour onboard, as the ship usually settles down quickly.
Related Guides
If you’re cruising on MSC Poesia, my MSC Poesia Embarkation Day guide covers the key things to expect when you first board, including luggage delivery, dining arrangements, the muster drill and what to do during your first few hours onboard.
My MSC Poesia What’s Onboard guide gives you a full look around the ship, including the main public areas, pools, restaurants, bars, entertainment venues and facilities onboard.
The MSC Poesia Refit Guide explains what’s changing during the ship’s refurbishment, including the areas being updated and what passengers can expect after the refit.
My MSC Poesia Dining Guide covers the included and extra-charge food options onboard, including the main dining rooms, buffet and speciality dining.
You can also read my MSC Poesia Bars Guide for a full look at the bars, lounges and drinks venues around the ship.
FAQ: MSC Embarkation Day Questions
When does MSC online check-in open?
MSC online check-in usually opens before departure through the MSC for Me app or website. The exact date can vary, so keep checking your booking as the cruise approaches.
What documents do you need for MSC embarkation?
You’ll normally need your passport, MSC cruise ticket and any visas or travel documents required for your itinerary.
What time should you arrive at the MSC cruise terminal?
Aim to arrive close to the embarkation time shown on your cruise documents. Arriving much earlier may only result in a longer wait.
Does MSC use boarding groups?
MSC may use boarding numbers or groups. After checking in, you may be asked to wait until your number is called.
Where do you collect your MSC cruise card?
The card may be given to you at check-in or left outside your cabin. On my MSC Poesia cruise, it was waiting in an envelope by the cabin door.
What should you pack in your hand luggage?
Keep your passport, medication, valuables, chargers and anything you’ll need before your cabin or luggage is available.
Are drinks packages active as soon as you board?
Your package should be linked to your booking, but you may still need to activate your onboard payment account before making purchases.
Can you leave hand luggage in your cabin?
This depends on whether the cabin area is open. On my sailing, I could briefly enter the cabin and leave my bag before the room was officially ready.
When do MSC cabins become available?
Cabins are generally ready during the afternoon, although the exact time varies by ship and sailing.
Can you change your dining table on embarkation day?
You can ask the maître d’ about changing your sitting or table. Requests are more likely to be considered on the first afternoon.
Is lunch included on MSC embarkation day?
Yes. The buffet is usually open, and some ships may also open a main dining room.
Do you have to attend the MSC muster drill?
Yes. Every passenger must complete the required safety procedure and be checked off.
Does MSC have a printed daily planner?
MSC mainly uses the MSC for Me app for the daily schedule, although printed information may sometimes be available.
Can you use the MSC for Me app without buying Wi-Fi?
Yes. Connect to the ship’s Wi-Fi network in airplane mode to use the onboard features without an internet package.
Is MSC embarkation day chaotic?
It can feel busy because passengers may be joining and leaving at different ports, but the process is easier once you understand the boarding groups, cruise cards and onboard account activation.
Useful Cruise Items to Consider
These are a few simple items that can make your cruise more comfortable and help you stay organised onboard. I personally use variations of these when cruising, and they’re all practical rather than essential.
Magnetic hooks Perfect for extra storage in your cabin
Packing cubes Keep your suitcase organised
Cruise luggage tags Protect your tags at the port
Travel Extension Lead UK For charging multiple phones, cameras, and laptops
Toiletry organiser Great for small bathrooms
You can also browse my full Cruise Essentials list for more useful items I use or recommend for cruise holidays.
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