What Are The Id Requirements?

back to top

U.S. citizens traveling abroad are responsible for bringing all required travel documents for boarding the ship in the country in which they will embark including a valid passport and any visas required for their cruise itinerary. Please note that you are responsible for securing the necessary visas and immunizations.

For Caribbean cruises, U.S. citizens must bring proper identification in the form of EITHER

A Valid Passport

OR

A birth certificate (original or state-issued certified copy of a birth certificate from the Department of Health and Vital Statistics); OR Original Naturalization papers

AND

A picture ID card issued by a federal, state or local government agency. Please note a voter registration card and/or Social Security Card is not considered to be proof of citizenship.

In addition, pending U.S. legislation may require passports for all guests as early as Summer 2008..

CURRENTLY: 

U.S. citizens need to present either (a) a passport, passport card (available in spring 2008), or WHTI-compliant document; or (b) a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license, along with proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate or Naturalization Papers.

For up to date information please visit the US Department of State website at: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html . In addition, MSC Cruises also strongly encourages its guests to visit the Department of Homeland Security web site (www.dhs.gov) and the United States Department of State web site (www.travel.state.gov) for the most up-to-date traveler information including passport and visa requirements as well as travel advisories and safety recommendations.

Alien residents and non-U.S. citizens should consult with their local consulates for proper identification requirements.

For more information or to obtain a passport application, visit http://www.travel.state.gov . Passport Services ( http://www.passportservices.com ) can also assist with step-by-step instructions and application assistance.

All guests must present the required documentation at embarkation. Guests without the required documentation will be denied boarding and no refund will be issued. Please understand that MSC Cruises will strictly enforce this requirement to be in compliance with this important U.S. Government mandate.

How Old Do You Have To Be To Sail?

back to top

Infants must be at least 3 month old at the time of sailing.

Guests under the age of 21 must be traveling with a parent or responsible adult AND must be booked in the same stateroom or a connecting cabin.

Guests under the age of 21 traveling with a guardian 21 years or older, (who is not a parent, grandparent or court-appointed legal guardian), you MUST bring an original signed letter from the absent parent/legal guardian authorizing the minor to travel with you. This will expedite processing by the Department of Homeland Security. Please note that a notarized letter to this effect is highly suggested.

Please note that adult guests are responsible for the safety and behavior of their minor guests.

Guest ages will be verified at embarkation. Guests not conforming to this policy will be denied boarding and assessed a 100% cancellation penalty. NO exceptions will be made at embarkation.

What If I’m Pregnant, Can I Sail?

back to top

Women up to 27 weeks pregnant at the end of the cruise may sail upon presentation of a medical certificate stating they are fit to travel. MSC Cruises cannot accept expectant mothers who will have entered the 27th week or third trimester of pregnancy by the beginning or at any time during their cruise

What Are The Age Policies Onboard?

back to top

Drinking Alcoholic Beverages:

Guest must be 21 years of age or older to be served alcohol on board. Proper I.D. with birth date is required. The minimum age for the purchase and/or consumption of alcoholic beverages in the bars, lounges and gift shops is 21 years of age. MSC Cruises reserves the right to refuse the sale of alcoholic beverages to anyone. In the event that Bar/Restaurant/Gift Shop Staff are in question that a guest is less than 21 years old, they shall request picture identification, prior to serving the drink or selling the bottle of liquor. No exceptions.

Casino:

Guest must be 21 years of age or older to play the tables and the slot machines. Guests under 21 years of age are not permitted in the casino.

Spa and Gym:

Guests under 14 years of age are not permitted in these facilities. Guests between the ages of 14 and 18 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Use of the Pools:

Due to United States Public Health (USPH) Regulations, MSC Cruises does not allow children in diapers or those not toilet-trained in the pools. Lifeguards are not on duty. Use of the pools by guests under 13 without adult supervision is prohibited.

Are Physically Challenged Facilities Available Onboard?

back to top

MSC Cruises welcomes guests with special needs and makes every effort to accommodate the needs of persons with disabilities. In order for us to provide the appropriate assistance, we request you provide us in writing at the time of booking, but no less than 2 weeks prior to departure, details of any disability or medical or mental condition which may require or make advisable special accommodations, or the use of a wheelchair or other equipment or medical treatment.

We advise guests using a wheelchair to travel with someone who is able to assist them both aboard and ashore. Some ports-of-call require tenders to go ashore and may preclude guests using wheelchairs from leaving the vessel; this decision must be made by the ship’s Master and is binding. Guests must bring wheelchairs for their own use. Only a limited amount of wheelchairs are available on board. MSC Cruises offers a limited amount of wheelchair accessible staterooms. Please note that in non-wheelchair accessible staterooms there is a 2-inch riser in front of the bathroom and doors are 29.5 inches wide.

I’ve Booked My Cruise Now What?

back to top

Make arrangements to arrive at the pier AT LEAST 2 hours prior to departure. US Customs and Border Protection now mandates that ALL guests must be checked-in and onboard their ship at least one (1) hour prior to the ship’s departure. To comply with this mandate, MSC requires that all guests be checked-in 90 minutes prior the scheduled departure (7 pm). Guests arriving later 90 minute check-in time WILL BE DENIED BOARDING.

If you haven’t already done so, apply for a passport, as this will expedite check-in as well as clearing customs.

Once you receive your booking number (we will send it to you via email) and at least 72 hours prior to sailing complete the Guest Declaration Form at http://www.msccruisesgetforms.com/GuestDeclaration.aspx . This will expedite your check-in process by registering for your cruise in advance, while also satisfying Department of Homeland Security requirements. Once you have completed the information and printed a Confirmation, simply go through a document verification check after you arrive at the cruise terminal. It's that easy!

Your cruise documents will be sent to you approximately 2 to 4 weeks prior to sailing. Included in your cruise documents will be:

• Your Cabin number
• Your Itinerary
• Boarding checklist with instructions about pre-registering online prior to arriving at the port (if you haven’t already done so).
• Passenger Contract Acknowledgement (not available for online completion)
• Baggage Tags

What Is The Boarding Process?

back to top

To help expedite your boarding process and comply with government regulations, all guests are required to complete their Guest Declaration Form before arriving at the ship. (see above)

Please arrive at the pier at least 2 hours prior to departure (no later than 5 pm). Click here for directions to the pier.

When you receive your cruise documents you will also receive luggage tags. Don’t worry if you don’t have enough, you can always get more from the porters at the pier. Place your luggage tags on your luggage prior to arriving at the pier. Drop your luggage at the Baggage Drop off area and give your luggage to the Porter; the customary tip for this service is $1.00 per bag.

Bring your completed cruise documents and your Passport to the cruise terminal where one of the MSC representatives will check you in and direct you to the ship.

Once you have boarded the ship, you will be escorted to your stateroom.

When Will I Receive My Cruise Documents?

back to top

Your cruise documents will be sent to you approximately 2 weeks prior to sailing.

Can I Bring My Children?

back to top

Yes. Kids 17 and under Sail Free! (when traveling with two adults in the same stateroom). Government taxes, fees and fuel supplement charges are additional and required for all guests regardless of age. Gratuities are not included.

Fun isn’t just for adults! MSC’s complimentary kid’s program is divided into three age levels:

• MINI CLUB - 3 to 8 years old
• JUNIORS CLUB - 9 to 12 years old
• TEENAGERS CLUB - all teenagers

The Mini Club Staff organizes activities, shows and games (Arts & Crafts, Dance, Painting Courses, Treasure Hunts, Mini-Olympics). The dedicated Mini Club room is open to children up to ten years of age. Children under three are only permitted when accompanied by an adult who must remain with the child at all times. The Mini Club is available during shore excursions. The MSC Orchestra has a designated children’s pool and outdoor area. The ship also features video games in an arcade Please note that the activities vary by the number and ages of the children onboard.

Is Babysitting Available?

back to top

No.