MSC Poesia embarkation day can feel quite different if you’ve previously cruised with P&O Cruises, Princess Cruises or Royal Caribbean. The process isn’t necessarily more difficult, but some parts work in a different way on your first MSC cruise.
Before I boarded MSC Poesia, I was slightly nervous about embarkation day. I’d seen MSC ships taking passengers on and off in ports such as Civitavecchia, and from the outside it looked busy, noisy and much less structured than the cruise embarkation process I was used to.
Once I understood how MSC operated, though, the day was much easier than I’d expected. There were a few unfamiliar steps, including waiting for a boarding number and activating my payment account after boarding, but none of them was particularly complicated.
This guide covers 10 things you need to know about MSC embarkation day, using my experience onboard MSC Poesia as an example. Some details can vary by ship and embarkation port, so always follow the instructions provided for your own sailing.
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.
1. Why does MSC embarkation day feel different?
The main reason MSC embarkation feels different is that the ship might not be changing all of its passengers in one port. On many cruises from the UK, almost everyone leaves the ship in the morning and a completely new group boards later that day. MSC often operates with passengers joining and leaving at several ports during the same itinerary.
That means some people may be finishing their cruise while you’re checking in, other passengers may be starting at the same port as you, and many guests will already have been onboard for several days. Your embarkation port may simply be another port day for them.
MSC also attracts a very international passenger mix, so announcements may be made in several languages. Combined with guests joining in different places, this can make the terminal and the first few hours onboard seem busier than you might expect.
On my MSC Poesia sailing, the difference was most noticeable while waiting in the terminal and during the early afternoon onboard. Once boarding was complete and passengers had spread out across the ship, the atmosphere became much calmer. The important thing to remember is that different doesn’t mean disorganised. MSC’s system is designed around a ship that’s continuing its itinerary rather than completely starting again in one port.
2. How does MSC online check-in work?
MSC online check-in normally takes place through the MSC for Me app or the MSC website. On my sailing, it became available around two weeks before departure. During the process, I added my passport information, uploaded a photograph and selected an embarkation time. I chose the earliest available slot, which was 10am, because I wanted to make the most of the first day onboard.
The MSC for Me app isn’t always as straightforward as some other cruise line apps. You may find that certain sections don’t load properly or that you can’t add your payment card before the cruise. That can make the process feel unfinished if you’re used to completing everything in advance. However, on MSC it’s common to activate your payment account once you’re onboard instead.
Complete as much of the online check-in as you can before travelling, and make sure your cruise documents are easy to access. They should show your embarkation time, terminal information and luggage labels.
3. What happens when you arrive at the cruise terminal?
The exact arrival process depends on the embarkation port, but you’ll normally hand over your main luggage before going through security and document checks. On my MSC Poesia cruise, the luggage drop-off was directly outside the terminal. I handed over my suitcase, walked into the building and then completed security and check-in. This part of the day felt very similar to embarkation with other cruise lines. The luggage drop-off was clearly organised and didn’t take long.
Make sure your MSC luggage labels are attached securely before you arrive. Your main suitcase will usually be delivered to your cabin later in the afternoon, so keep anything important in your hand luggage. Your passport, cruise documents, medication, valuables and anything else you might need during the first few hours should stay with you. Don’t pack them in your checked suitcase.
4. Why does MSC use boarding numbers?
After security and document checks, MSC may give you a boarding number and direct you to a seating area inside the terminal. This is where the process can feel different if you’re used to boarding soon after check-in. On MSC, completing check-in means you’re ready to board, but it doesn’t necessarily mean your group will be called immediately.
I’d selected a 10am arrival time, but I didn’t board MSC Poesia until around 11am. There wasn’t much communication explaining the wait, which made this part of the day feel less organised than it probably was. Once boarding started, though, the process moved quickly. Boarding numbers were called and passengers made their way towards the gangway in groups.
If you’re given a boarding number, keep it with you and listen carefully for announcements. Because information may be repeated in several languages, the terminal can sound noisy, but the system itself is straightforward. Arrive prepared to wait rather than expecting to walk straight onto the ship. An early embarkation time can still help you get onboard before lunch, but the exact boarding time depends on when the ship is ready.
5. Where do you get your MSC cruise card?
You may not receive your MSC cruise card during terminal check-in. On MSC Poesia, my card was waiting in an envelope outside my cabin door. This is one of the details that can confuse first-time MSC passengers. If you’ve sailed with a cruise line that hands over the card in the terminal, it can feel as though something has been missed.
Once onboard, follow the directions towards your cabin area. Even if the room itself isn’t officially ready, your cruise card may already be outside the door. The card acts as your cabin key, onboard identification and payment card. It may also show your allocated dining room, dining time and table number.
Check the information as soon as you collect it. Embarkation day is the best time to deal with any problem involving your dining allocation or the details printed on the card.
On my sailing, I was also able to enter the cabin briefly and leave my hand luggage and coat, although the room wasn’t officially ready until later in the afternoon.
6. How do you activate your MSC cruise card?
Your cruise card may need to be linked to a debit or credit card before you can charge drinks, shopping and other purchases to your onboard account.
On MSC Poesia, there were self-service payment terminals on decks five and six, around the middle of the ship. I swiped my cruise card and added the payment card I wanted to use for the cruise. You may be able to add your card during online check-in, but this doesn’t always work. It’s better to assume you’ll need to complete the process after boarding.
Until your account is activated, you may not be able to charge purchases to your cabin. Queues can also form later in the afternoon as more passengers arrive and try to use the terminals. This is one of the first jobs I’d recommend completing once you’ve collected your cruise card. It only takes a few minutes and means your onboard account is ready for the rest of the day.
7. Can you change your MSC dining time?
MSC often uses fixed dining sittings in the main dining rooms. Your allocated restaurant, table and dining time should be shown on your cruise card. You’ll normally be given either an early or late sitting. On my MSC Poesia cruise, I’d been allocated the later sitting at around 8pm, but I knew I’d prefer to eat earlier.
A maître d’ had set up a desk outside the Zebra Bar to help passengers with dining changes. I went there soon after boarding and was able to move to the earlier sitting in Il Palladio. That small change made a big difference to the routine of my cruise. I didn’t have to spend the rest of the week eating later than I wanted, and I could plan my evenings around a dining time that suited me.
If your allocation doesn’t work for you, ask about a change as early as possible. Embarkation day is usually your best opportunity because tables and service arrangements are still being organised. A change won’t always be available, particularly on a full sailing, but you’ll normally have a better chance on the first afternoon than later in the cruise.
Even if you’re happy with your dining time, check the card carefully so you know which restaurant and table you’ve been assigned before your first dinner.
8. Where should you eat lunch on MSC Poesia embarkation day?
The buffet is usually the most obvious place to eat when you first board, but it can quickly become one of the busiest areas of the ship. Passengers are joining at different times, many are still carrying hand luggage, and the buffet is often the first place everyone heads. That can make it crowded and difficult to find a table.
On my MSC Poesia sailing, La Fontaine main dining room was open for embarkation lunch. It was seated, quieter and a much more relaxed way to begin the cruise. The menu didn’t have the same level of choice as the buffet, but I preferred being shown to a table and served rather than walking around with a plate looking for somewhere to sit.
Lunch arrangements can vary by ship and sailing, so check the MSC for Me app or ask a member of the crew which venues are open. Don’t automatically assume the buffet is your only included option. If one of the main dining rooms is serving lunch, it can be a much calmer start to embarkation day.
9. How does the MSC Poesia muster drill work?
MSC’s muster process can vary depending on the ship and embarkation port. This is partly because new passengers may be joining at several ports during the same itinerary. On my MSC Poesia cruise, I was given a safety leaflet at check-in and there were repeated announcements throughout the afternoon explaining what to do.
At around 4pm, I needed to be inside my cabin to watch the safety video on the television. After the video, I had to call a telephone number to confirm I’d watched it. I then still needed to visit my allocated muster station, where a crew member checked me off.
During the same cruise, passengers joining in Hamburg appeared to follow a slightly different process. Announcements directed them to the theatre for a briefing before they visited their muster stations.
This is why it’s important to follow the instructions given for your own sailing rather than assuming every MSC muster drill works in exactly the same way. Complete the process when you’re told to. Announcements may continue until all new passengers have been checked off.
10. What is the first evening on an MSC Poesia cruise like?
Once the muster drill is complete, your payment account is activated and your dining arrangements are sorted, embarkation day starts to feel much calmer. By the time I went to dinner on MSC Poesia, my luggage had arrived and I’d been able to unpack. Service in the main dining room felt slightly disorganised on the first night, but that isn’t unusual when new passengers are finding their tables and dining changes are still being processed.
The overall atmosphere onboard surprised me. I’d heard a lot of negative comments about MSC and expected the first evening to feel hectic, but it was relaxed.
There was entertainment in the theatre and live music in several venues around the ship. There was enough happening to give the evening some structure without it feeling overwhelming.
To see what’s happening onboard, use the MSC for Me app. You don’t need to buy an internet package to use its onboard features. Put your phone into airplane mode, connect to the ship’s MSC Wi-Fi network and open the app. MSC doesn’t always rely on a printed daily planner, so the app is where you’ll usually find entertainment times, activities and venue information.
The first evening is also a good opportunity to explore the ship again. Once passengers are at dinner or watching entertainment, it becomes much easier to understand the layout and see how the different venues feel at night.
Is MSC Poesia embarkation day stressful?
MSC embarkation day can feel unfamiliar, but it wasn’t as stressful as I’d expected. The main differences were waiting for a boarding number, collecting the cruise card outside the cabin and activating the payment account after boarding. None of those steps was difficult once I understood what was happening.
The first few hours may feel busy because new passengers are arriving while others are already partway through their cruise. Once everyone has settled into cabins, completed the muster drill and spread out around the ship, the atmosphere becomes much calmer.
The most important thing is to arrive with realistic expectations. You may not board immediately after check-in, and you may have a few practical jobs to complete before you can fully relax.
Once your cruise card is collected, your payment account is activated and your dining time is checked, you can start enjoying the ship.
Related Guides
My MSC Embarkation Day FAQ answers the wider practical questions passengers often have before boarding an MSC cruise, including check-in, arrival times, luggage, cruise cards, dining arrangements, the muster drill and what to do first once 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 explains the main dining rooms, buffet, included food and extra-charge dining options available on the ship.
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
What time does MSC embarkation usually start?
MSC embarkation times vary by ship and port. Your allocated arrival time will be shown on your cruise documents, but boarding may begin later if the ship isn’t ready.
Can you arrive early for MSC embarkation?
You can arrive early, but you may still have to wait until your boarding group is called. Arriving before your allocated time doesn’t guarantee earlier boarding.
Do you get your MSC cruise card at check-in?
Not always. On my MSC Poesia sailing, the cruise card was waiting in an envelope outside the cabin rather than being handed over in the terminal.
Do you need to activate your MSC cruise card?
You may need to link your cruise card to a debit or credit card after boarding. MSC ships often have self-service payment terminals for this.
Can you change your MSC dining time?
You can ask the maître d’ for a different dining sitting, although a change isn’t guaranteed. Embarkation day is usually the best time to ask.
Is the buffet the only lunch option on MSC embarkation day?
Not always. Some MSC ships open a main dining room for embarkation lunch as a quieter alternative to the buffet.
Are MSC cabins ready when you board?
Cabins may not be fully ready if you board early. On my sailing, I could leave my hand luggage inside, but the room wasn’t officially ready until later.
When will your luggage arrive on an MSC cruise?
Checked luggage is usually delivered outside your cabin during the afternoon. Keep medication, valuables and essential documents in your hand luggage.
How does the MSC muster drill work?
The process varies by ship and embarkation port. You may need to watch a safety video, confirm you’ve seen it and then visit your muster station.
Do you need Wi-Fi to use the MSC for Me app?
You don’t need to buy an internet package to use the onboard features. Connect to the ship’s Wi-Fi network while your phone is in airplane mode.
What should you do first onboard an MSC cruise?
Collect your cruise card, activate your onboard account and check your dining allocation. You can then have lunch, complete the muster process and explore the ship.
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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