Are you getting ready for an MSC cruise and wondering what you really need to do before you go? I’ve sailed with MSC many times, and over the years I’ve developed a pre-cruise routine that covers all the little things you need to handle before you even step on the ship.
Below, I’m going to walk you through every step I take before a cruise. These are often the things people forget, but taking care of them ahead of time can save you money, reduce stress, and make sure your vacation starts off smoothly from day one.
Check Your Passport Expiration
The very first thing you should do is check your passport expiration date. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the end of your cruise. MSC will not allow you to board if your passport is expired or if it does not meet this six-month validity requirement.
This is one of the most common issues that causes people problems at embarkation. The same rule applies to green cards or any other required travel documents.
If you realize your passport or green card has expired or does not meet the six-month rule, start the renewal process immediately. Even expedited processing can take time, and waiting until the last minute can put your entire cruise at risk.
If your documents are not ready in time, you may be forced to reschedule your cruise.
Complete Online Check-In
The next thing you should do is complete MSC’s online check-in. Online check-in opens thirty days before your sailing date, and I recommend doing it as soon as it becomes available.
I personally prefer to do this on my laptop because it has a reliable camera and makes the process easier. You’ll need your passport, your Voyagers Club number if you have one, and access to a printer.
I’ll be honest, MSC’s online check-in is not my favorite compared to other cruise lines. The process requires you to take a photo of yourself on their website, and it can be very sensitive to lighting. If your lighting is off, the system may not capture the photo properly or may glitch. Make sure you’re sitting in a well-lit area and be patient during this step.
During online check-in, it will ask if you want to add a credit card. This is optional, and if you skip it, you can link your card later onboard using the self-service kiosks.
Print Your Luggage Tags
After completing online check-in, you should immediately print your luggage tags. These tags allow porters at the cruise terminal to identify your bags and deliver them directly to your cabin.
Showing up without printed luggage tags can lead to delays and unnecessary stress right at the start of your vacation. I always print a few extra copies just in case one gets damaged or lost and attach them securely before leaving for the port.
Flight and Hotel Logistics
If your cruise requires flying to the port, planning your hotel stay and transportation is critical. One of the biggest mistakes people make is flying in on the same day as their cruise. Flight delays and cancellations happen all the time, and even a small delay can cause you to miss the ship.
I learned this lesson on a Mediterranean cruise departing from Barcelona on MSC World Europa when my flight from New York was canceled. Because I had planned to arrive two days early, I was able to reschedule my flight and still make the cruise. Since then, if I’m taking an international flight for a cruise, I always arrive two days before departure.
I also recommend staying at a hotel near the cruise port. Many cruise ports are not located in the main city and can be an hour or more away from the airport. Traffic to the port can be unpredictable, so staying nearby reduces your risk of missing your cruise embarkation.
Download the Cruise App
Before you get onboard the ship, make sure you download the Cruise app. MSC is largely a paperless cruise line, so the app is not optional, it’s essential. You’ll use it constantly throughout your cruise to view restaurant menus, check daily schedules and make dining and theater reservations.
One of the most useful features of the app is that it allows you to text other people in your group for free. This makes it much easier to make plans on the ship without having to buy a WiFi package.
I recommend downloading the app on every device in your group, including phones or tablets for kids. If possible, plan for everyone to bring their own device. Sharing one phone or tablet can get frustrating very quickly, especially during meals when everyone wants to look at the menu at the same time.
Make sure the app is downloaded and set up before you board. Don’t waste your first day of vacation trying to download apps.
Buying Cruise Extras in Advance
Another thing I always do before sailing is I buy cruise extras in advance. This includes beverage packages, specialty dining, WiFi, laundry services, and photo packages. MSC often offers early bird discounts for buying these extras online before your cruise, and in many cases, it’s cheaper than waiting to purchase onboard.
That said, I don’t always buy cruise extras. I’ve sailed with MSC many times without buying cruise extras, and it doesn’t take away from the experience. Extras can be nice, but they’re not required to have a great cruise.
Book Shore Excursions Ahead of Time
If you plan to book shore excursions, it’s a good idea to do that early. The most popular shore excursions tend to sell out quickly, especially on busy itineraries. Booking early ensures you get your first choice and often allows you to take advantage of discounted pricing.
Before booking, I recommend doing a little research and comparing prices with independent tour operators. Independent tours can sometimes be cheaper, but keep in mind that cruise-sponsored shore excursions offer a major advantage.
If a cruise-sponsored tour runs late, the ship will wait for you. If an independent tour runs late, the ship will leave without you. For certain destinations, I prefer the peace of mind that comes with booking directly through the cruise line.
Check Travel Advisories for Your Ports
Before your cruise, check travel advisories for every port you’ll be visiting. Conditions can change, and not all destinations are equally safe. For example, Nassau in the Bahamas currently has an elevated Level 2 travel advisory, which means exercise increased caution due to crime.
When a port has a higher travel advisory, I think twice about exploring on my own. In ports where safety is a concern, I prefer to book a cruise-sponsored shore excursion rather than an independent tour, even if it costs a little more.
Do the MSC Status Match Before You Sail
If it’s your first time sailing with MSC but you have loyalty status with another cruise line or hotel program, make sure you complete the MSC Status Match before your cruise.
MSC will match your existing membership level and place you in the equivalent tier of the MSC Voyagers Club. The process involves filling out an online form and uploading proof of your current level. Approval can take time, so I recommend doing this at least two months before sailing and before online check-in.
When I submitted my Celebrity Captain’s Club membership, they matched me to the Voyager’s Club Gold level, which came with perks like free thermal spa access and onboard discounts.
If you want more details on how the status match works, check out this article about the MSC status match.
Download Movies, E-Books and Games
Another smart thing to do before your cruise is download e-books, movies, shows, and games while you’re still at home. The onboard TV options, especially for kids, are usually very limited, and cruise WiFi can be expensive.
By downloading your content in advance, you’ll have plenty of entertainment ready to go and can avoid paying for a WiFi package just to stream movies or keep kids entertained.
Prepare Minor Consent Forms
If you’re traveling with a minor who is not accompanied by their parents, make sure you have the proper notarized consent forms.
You’ll need an original notarized letter signed by at least one parent or legal guardian authorizing the traveling adult to take full responsibility for the child and make medical decisions if needed. This document must be presented at check-in along with the child’s valid travel documents. Without it, the child can be denied boarding.
For example, my daughter once went on a cruise with my parents, and they were required to present a notarized letter at embarkation giving the grandparents permission to travel with my daughter. This is something cruise lines take very seriously, so it’s important to handle it well in advance.
Buy Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is something I never skip anymore. When I was new to cruising, I used to cruise without it, but looking back, I realize how risky that was. Many people assume their regular health insurance or Medicare will cover them if something happens, but U.S. health insurance and Medicare generally do not cover medical care outside the United States.
If you get sick or injured while cruising internationally, you could be responsible for thousands of dollars in medical bills.
For example, my mother-in-law became very sick on a cruise and had to be rushed to a hospital. Thankfully, she had travel insurance, which covered those hospital expenses. Without it, she would have to pay thousands in medical bills. That experience really changed the way I look at travel insurance.
I also recommend buying travel insurance if you’re cruising during hurricane season, which runs from June through November. Travel during hurricane season can be unpredictable. Even if a cruise isn’t canceled, it may be rerouted, and rough seas can still impact your experience.
I personally choose travel insurance with a Cancel For Any Reason clause when cruising during hurricane season. This gives me the flexibility to cancel my cruise if I’m uncomfortable with the conditions and still receive partial reimbursement.
Travel insurance is one of those things you hope you never need, but if something goes wrong, you’ll be very glad you have it.
Start Planning What to Pack
Packing for a cruise is a bit different from a regular vacation because you could be visiting multiple destinations with varying climates.
Planning ahead not only saves you money, but it also gives you time to buy anything you might be missing, so you don’t have to pay high prices at the cruise ship’s gift shop for items you forgot.
Cruise Essentials to Buy Before Your Cruise
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Travel Must-Haves
Passport neck wallet – Keeps your passport and travel documents secure and accessible. It also has RFID protection.
Cruise lanyards – A super convenient way to keep your cruise card within easy reach. No more digging through your bag every time you need it! I recommend getting one lanyard per person in your group and choosing different colors so it’s easy to tell them apart.
Anti-theft crossbody bag with anti-pickpocket clip – Genius anti-theft clip and versatile enough for both port days and evenings in the dining room.
Anti-theft crossbody bag with RFID – Padded shoulder straps with RFID lining to safeguard against identity theft.
Insulated water bottles –I don’t like spending money on bottled water, and I always want fresh water in my cabin. I’ll fill my bottle at the buffet or ask my server at dinner, then bring it back so I have water at night. This is my go-to water bottle—I prefer ones without straws since they’re much easier to wash in the cabin sink.
Pashmina – This multi-purpose wrap always earns its spot in my luggage. Use it as an evening wrap, a lightweight plane blanket, or a cover-up when visiting places of worship that require modest dress. I never cruise without one—you’ll be surprised how often it comes in handy.
Cruise Planning Essentials
Day Passes to Resorts– Booking private beach resort access in advance guarantees a comfortable beach experience at the cruise port.
Travel Insurance with CFAR Coverage– CFAR travel insurance gives you flexibility to cancel your cruise for any reason and recover part of your costs if plans change.
Last Minute Cruise Deals– Search for last minute cruise deals.
Cabin Comfort & Organization
Non-surge Cruise power strip– Cabins never have enough outlets (check cruise line rules first).
Magnetic hooks – Super-strong magnetic hooks that attach easily to your cabin walls. They’re perfect for hanging hats, cruise lanyards, goggles, swimsuits, and towels. I personally use the 85+ lb hooks—they’re incredibly sturdy and can even hold backpacks!
Small portable fan – Improves airflow and keeps Inside Cabins from feeling stuffy.
Motion sensor night light – Perfect for Inside Cabins, for when you get up at night to use the bathroom. It also has a magnetic base, so you can easily attach it to your cabin walls.
Toiletries & Laundry
Hanging toiletry bag – Keeps your essentials neat and accessible.
Fabric freshener spray – Fights wrinkles and refreshes clothes between wears.
Travel-size detergent – Handy for washing swimsuits, underwear, and quick-dry clothing in the sink.
TSA-approved travel containers – Easy to pack your lotions, creams, and other liquids without worrying about TSA rules.
Health & Wellness
Anti-seasickness medicine – My go-to meds for anti-seasickness. I take one in the morning on sea days (bring chewables for kids).
Acupressure bands – A natural alternative for seasickness relief. I use this with the anti-seasickness meds.
Packing & Storage
Cruise travel planners– Check out my travel planners, they help you stay organized before and during your trip.
Packing cubes – I never travel without packing cubes! They make packing and unpacking so easy—you can simply slip the entire cube into the cabin closet or drawer. I like to assign a different color to each person so there’s no mix-up.
Foldable duffel bag – I always pack a foldable duffel bag in case I bring home too many souvenirs or do some extra shopping. It doubles as an extra carry-on and barely takes up any luggage space.
Foldable shopping bag – Perfect for shopping at cruise ports, these bags fold up small enough to keep in your purse. I always carry one with me—you never know when you’ll need it! Plus, many countries charge a fee for shopping bags, and I’d much rather use my own than pay extra.
Foldable backpack – Perfect for cruise port days when you need an extra bag. I love that these backpacks are lightweight and fold down small, so you can toss one in your luggage without taking up much space.
Travel luggage scale – I always keep one in my suitcase so I can weigh my bags before heading to the airport. It’s a simple way to avoid overweight baggage fees.
Apple AirTags – I pop one into each of my bags so I can track my luggage for peace of mind. They’re especially helpful if you have a short layover and worry about your suitcase getting left behind.
Beach Essentials
Towel Clips – A simple must-have for pool and beach days! They keep your towels from slipping off lounge chairs, and I never cruise without brining a few in my luggage.
Waterproof phone pouch – Protect your phone from water and sand while still being able to snap photos. I always bring one when cruising the Caribbean or Mediterranean—it’s a lifesaver for beach and pool days.
Striped beach bag with zipper – You’ll need a beach bag with zipper to keep your things secure. I like this one because it’s stylish, has a water bottle holder, keeps belongings secure and has a lot of pockets.
Kid-Friendly Cruise Essentials
Magnetic toys – Cabin walls are magnetic, making these toys perfect for fun, mess-free entertainment. They keep kids busy when you’re in the cabin, especially since cruise TV options for kids can be limited. It’s always best to bring your own toys.
Collapsible beach buckets and toys – You’ll definitely want to bring beach toys if you’re going on a Caribbean cruise! This collapsible set includes foldable buckets, shovels, and sandcastle molds, all packed neatly in one bag. They’re easy to fit in your suitcase without taking up much space.
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