Question 1

What is the MSC Voyagers Club? Do members get a discount?

Accepted Answer

The MSC Voyagers Club is MSC Cruises' membership programme for repeat guests. You can register even before your first sailing. The 5% discount benefit applies from your second sailing onwards. Please note that some special fare plans are excluded from the discount.

Question 2

How is the Voyagers Club member discount applied? Do I need to enter my membership number when booking?

Accepted Answer

When the guest's name and date of birth entered at booking match the Voyagers Club membership record, the 5% member discount is applied automatically . You do not normally need to send us your membership number separately. If you are unsure whether the discount has been applied, let us know your "reservation number" and "Voyagers Club membership number" via chat. We will check and take care of it. Please note that some itineraries (certain promotional fares, for example) are excluded from the discount.

Question 3

When I gave my membership number I was told I am already registered under a different one.

Accepted Answer

If you have sailed before, you may already be registered based on your name and date of birth. In that case we check your sailing history and link the existing number to your booking.

Question 4

How do I join and register for the Voyagers Club? What if I get an error?

Accepted Answer

You can register for the MSC Voyagers Club online via the official MSC Cruises site below.

https://www.msccruises.com/int/manage-booking/msc-voyagers-club

We have the following materials available to help with the process. Please ask us via chat if you would like them.

How to join MSC VOYAGERS CLUB via the website
How to look up MSC Voyagers Club membership details
MSC Voyagers Club loyalty programme general terms

Once registration is complete a Voyagers Club number is issued. Let us know the number via chat and we will link it to your current booking.

Question 5

If one person joins, do all travelling companions earn points? Can children register?

Accepted Answer

Points are awarded individually, so one person joining does not earn points for everyone travelling with them. Anyone who wishes to earn points needs to join and have their membership linked.

Question 6

What benefits and inclusions does the MSC Yacht Club offer?

Accepted Answer

The main MSC Yacht Club benefits are as follows. Dedicated priority check-in / check-out, and priority departure and return for shore excursions 24-hour butler service, room service and concierge service Premium Extra drink package (all areas on board and the in-cabin minibar; non-alcoholic drinks included) Browse internet package (up to two devices per person) Complimentary access to the Thermal Suite at MSC Aurea Spa Use of the exclusive lounge and restaurant, and a reception in the exclusive area Relaxation amenities (bathrobe and slippers) MSC for Me wristband One complimentary cruise change Welcome package (Prosecco and chocolates)

Question 7

Please tell me about the Yacht Club's drinks and Wi-Fi, and about cabins and gratuities.

Accepted Answer

The Yacht Club includes the Premium Extra drink package as a benefit, which is a tier above the standard Easy package and also covers non-alcoholic drinks. Wi-Fi includes two devices per person ("Internet Browse - 2 Devices," which does not support video). The Yacht Club service charge (gratuities) varies by region; for Asia including Japan round-trip sailings it is USD 21 per night for guests aged two and over.

Question 8

What types of drink package are there?

Accepted Answer

MSC Cruises' drink packages come in four main types: the alcohol-inclusive "EASY package" and "PREMIUM EXTRA package," the alcohol-free "ALCOHOL-FREE package," and the "MINOR package" for children. Buying in advance before boarding can work out cheaper than buying on board.

Question 9

Is it better value to book a drink package in advance or on board?

Accepted Answer

Booking in advance at the same time as your cruise is generally the best value. Adding an alcohol-inclusive package together with your cruise can also work out better value than adding an alcohol-free package later.

Question 10

Can I bring tea or bottled drinks on board?

Accepted Answer

We ask that you refrain from bringing drinks, food or alcohol on board. Such items may be held at embarkation, for which we ask your understanding.

Question 11

What types of Wi-Fi are there? How are devices counted?

Accepted Answer

MSC Cruises' Wi-Fi plans come in two main types. Internet Browse : for general use such as browsing websites, e-mail and social media. Not suitable for video streaming or Zoom. Browse & Stream : also supports video streaming such as YouTube and video calls such as Zoom and Teams. Both plans let you choose from one to four devices. ※ MSC Cruises' Wi-Fi licence cannot be shared between devices. If you use several devices such as a smartphone and a laptop, you need a device contract for each. One smartphone only → 1 device One smartphone + one laptop → 2 devices Two smartphones + one tablet → 3 devices Booking several devices together under the lead guest is better value than each companion booking individually. For example, the lead guest can take a "2 devices" plan and share one device each with a companion.

Question 12

We have a triple cabin — what about Wi-Fi for the third guest? Can I book for just one person?

Accepted Answer

If you booked a package plan combining cruise, Wi-Fi and drinks, Wi-Fi is included for the first and second guests only; the third guest is not included. Wi-Fi for the third guest can be booked from "STEP2" on My Page. Please select the plan you would like and book it there.

Question 13

Is web check-in (online check-in) required on Japan round-trip sailings (MSC Bellissima, etc.)?

Accepted Answer

Web check-in (online check-in) is not accepted on Japan round-trip itineraries. If you try, you may see an error or be unable to complete it, but this does not affect boarding, so please rest assured. No advance action is required on your part.

Question 14

Can I use the "MSC for Me" app on Japan round-trip sailings? Is there anything I can do in advance?

Accepted Answer

We recommend downloading the dedicated "MSC for Me" app before you board. Once on board, connecting to the free onboard Wi-Fi lets you book shore excursions, speciality restaurants, shows and more. Note that the app's features are unavailable until you connect to the onboard Wi-Fi. The app supports Japanese on Japan round-trip cruises; on other cruises it is displayed in English.

Question 15

Can I buy shore excursions, drinks and so on myself in advance via the app or the MSC website?

Accepted Answer

Because of how MSC's booking system works, we ask that shore excursions be booked through us (VELTRA CRUISE) . What we can arrange before departure includes drink packages, spa, speciality restaurants and Wi-Fi packages. No arrangement fee is charged for any of these. Additional bookings on board can be made yourself in the MSC for Me app after embarkation. Please note that shows on board cannot be booked in advance; please reserve them after boarding, either in the app or on board.

Question 16

What are the fare types (Experiences) "Bella / Fantastica / Aurea"?

Accepted Answer

MSC Cruises offers three plans (Experiences) with different levels of service. "Bella" is a classic cruise experience and the most affordable. Above it are "Fantastica" and "Aurea," with higher tiers offering more flexibility over dining times (My Choice Dining) and spa benefits. We can send you a comparison table for the MSC Cruises Experiences (PDF), so please ask via chat.

Question 17

Can I choose a specific cabin on the Bella fare? Can I choose My Choice dining?

Accepted Answer

With "Bella" you cannot specify a cabin number (in exchange for the lower price, the cabin location is assigned for you). Please note the following before booking. You cannot choose the cabin location (cabin number) or the deck. MSC Cruises assigns the cabin number by around four days before departure, so the boarding pass is issued only after the cabin number has been confirmed. Ocean view cabins may have a partially obstructed view. Balcony cabins may also have a partially obstructed view due to lifeboats, overhangs and similar structures. On World Class ships (World Europa, World America, World Asia) and Seaside Class ships (Seaside, Seaview, Seashore, Seascape), you may be assigned a balcony cabin facing the promenade. For bookings of three or more guests, if a single cabin cannot be arranged, two cabins may be provided on the same deck and the same side of the ship. In addition, "My Choice" (flexible dining times) is not available for inside cabins, so please select one of the other dining times. Dining times can also be changed after booking.

Question 18

When is the boarding pass issued? Where can I find my check-in time?

Accepted Answer

Boarding passes and luggage tags are uploaded to our My Page (STEP4) around two weeks before departure (roughly one month to two weeks before) . Your check-in and boarding times are shown on the boarding pass. Your cabin number is also confirmed when the boarding pass is issued (around two weeks before departure, or in some cases on the day). For Japan round-trip sailings, information on booking onboard options and shore excursions, along with meeting points and times, is provided around one and a half months to one month before departure.

Question 19

Is there a dress code (formal night)? What should I wear?

Accepted Answer

Several dress-code evenings are planned during the cruise. Formal Night : once on 5–6 day cruises, twice on 8-day cruises White Night : an outfit incorporating the theme colour white, or an all-white look Italian Night : an outfit with a touch of the Italian colours (red, green and white) Themed Costume Night : colourful outfits such as tropical or 1960s–70s styles These dress codes are not compulsory. Please treat them as a guide when packing. ※ The number of evenings and their content may change or be cancelled without notice. ※ Please check the dates of each themed night in the "MSC for Me" app after boarding.

Question 20

Is a fuel surcharge payable? Is it included in the price?

Accepted Answer

MSC Cruises does not plan to levy an additional fuel surcharge; it is included in the displayed price (there is no separate charge).

Question 21

What costs are payable in addition to the displayed price (port taxes, gratuities, etc.)?

Accepted Answer

The main costs not included in the displayed price are as follows. Service charge (onboard gratuities) International Tourist Tax: the equivalent of JPY 3,000 per person (children under two exempt) ※ Japan departures only Transport from your home to the port, and transport at each port of call Shore excursion fees Personal expenses on board such as drinks, casino, shops, Wi-Fi, spa and laundry Overseas travel insurance Luggage delivery service

Question 22

How are children's (infants') fares calculated? Are there booking restrictions by nationality?

Accepted Answer

Children's fares depend on the itinerary and the number of guests in the cabin. Generally, when two guests share a cabin, children pay the same as adults. On the other hand, children under 18 sharing as the third or fourth guest may receive a discount or travel free. However, the discount varies by itinerary and departure date, and during peak periods such as Golden Week and the New Year holidays children may also be charged. For an exact price, please enter the departure date, ship name, cabin type and number of guests (with ages) and check. MSC Cruises has no booking restrictions based on nationality; guests of any nationality can book and sail.

Question 23

Is the price shown on the site final? Does it change with exchange rates?

Accepted Answer

MSC Cruises fares are based on US dollars (USD) and are converted and displayed in your currently selected currency. The listed price therefore changes daily in line with exchange rate movements. The price that applies is the one displayed at the time you book.

Question 24

Our family booked several cabins separately. Can the reservation numbers be merged into one?

Accepted Answer

Reservation numbers issued separately cannot be merged into one, but they can be registered as the same group. You can do this from "Link reservations (MSC Travel With)" on My Page, or ask us via chat.

Question 25

How much is the onboard service charge (gratuity)?

Accepted Answer

The onboard service charge is set per person per night according to the region of the itinerary, and is added automatically to your onboard account. Children under 2 are free. Japan round-trip (Asia: Japan, China, Korea) Other than Yacht Club: age 2 and over USD 18.00 Yacht Club: age 2 and over USD 21.00 Mediterranean, Canary Islands, Northern Europe, Antilles, UAE, Oman, Red Sea, World Cruise Other than Yacht Club: age 18 and over EUR 12.00 / ages 2-17 EUR 10.00 (GBP 11.00 / GBP 6.00 where the onboard currency is pounds) Yacht Club: age 18 and over EUR 16.00 / ages 2-17 EUR 13.00 (GBP 14.00 / GBP 7.00 where the onboard currency is pounds) Caribbean, USA, Canada Other than Yacht Club: age 2 and over USD 17.00 Yacht Club: age 2 and over USD 23.00 South Africa Other than Yacht Club: age 18 and over USD 17.00 / ages 2-17 USD 9.00 Yacht Club: age 18 and over USD 21.00 / ages 2-17 USD 11.00 South America Other than Yacht Club: age 18 and over USD 19.00 / ages 2-17 USD 13.00 Yacht Club: age 18 and over USD 23.00 / ages 2-17 USD 16.00 Grand Voyages departing from the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, UAE, Oman, Antilles, Red Sea or Asia Other than Yacht Club: age 18 and over EUR 12.00 / ages 2-17 EUR 10.00 Yacht Club: age 18 and over EUR 16.00 / ages 2-17 EUR 13.00 Grand Voyages departing from South Africa, South America, the Caribbean or Alaska (including the Panama Canal) Other than Yacht Club: age 18 and over USD 17.00 / ages 2-17 USD 14.00 Yacht Club: age 18 and over USD 21.00 / ages 2-17 USD 17.00 Please note that these amounts are subject to change. You can also check the current amount under "Additional costs / Service charge (onboard gratuities)" on each cruise's detail page.

Question 26

When do cancellation fees start to apply? Do they apply immediately after booking?

Accepted Answer

With MSC Cruises, cancellation fees apply from the moment your credit card payment is completed and the booking is confirmed (that is, from the time of booking), starting at 5% in the earliest bracket. The rate rises in stages as the departure date approaches. No cancellation fee applies while the booking is still a provisional reservation, before payment. We do not charge a cancellation fee of our own; the only charge is the cancellation fee set by MSC Cruises.

Question 27

What is the MSC Cruises cancellation fee schedule (non-Yacht Club, 14 nights or less)?

Accepted Answer

For cabins other than MSC Yacht Club on sailings of 14 nights or less, cancellation fees are as follows (as a percentage of the cruise fare). Up to 105 days before: 5% 104–76 days before: 15% 75–31 days before: 25% 30–16 days before: 50% 15–6 days before: 75% From 5 days before: 100% of the cruise fare plus port charges The "days before" count starts from the day before the departure date. The bracket and amount that actually apply vary by departure date and cabin type.

Question 28

What is the MSC Yacht Club cancellation fee schedule?

Accepted Answer

For MSC Yacht Club on sailings of 14 nights or less, a different schedule applies from non-Yacht Club cabins, as follows (as a percentage of the cruise fare). Up to 120 days before: 5% 119–90 days before: 25% 89–60 days before: 40% 59–30 days before: 60% 29–15 days before: 80% From 14 days before: 100% of the cruise fare plus port charges Changes are possible for the Yacht Club but are restricted, and must be made at least 30 days before departure. Longer cruises of 15 nights or more are subject to a separate schedule.

Question 29

Where can I find the cancellation fee rules? I would like to know how much it would cost right now.

Accepted Answer

Cancellation fees are calculated according to the cancellation policy shown at the bottom of each cruise's itinerary page (the very bottom of the itinerary search screen). The cancellation rate varies by departure date and cabin type (standard cabin, Yacht Club and so on), and is calculated by applying the prescribed rate to the cruise fare. If you would like to know the exact amount, please tell us your departure date, ship name, number of guests and cabin type, or your reservation number. We will check the current cancellation fee and let you know.

Question 30

Does a cancellation fee still apply for unavoidable reasons such as illness, injury or hospitalisation?

Accepted Answer

Even when a cancellation is due to unavoidable circumstances such as illness, injury or hospitalisation, the prescribed cancellation fee applies under the cancellation policy set by MSC Cruises. The fee varies depending on when you cancel and the details of your booking, so please refer to the cancellation policy for details.

Question 31

What if I want to cancel a shore excursion I have booked?

Accepted Answer

Bookings for drink packages, shore excursions, transfer services and onboard options (including speciality restaurants and the spa) are subject to the same MSC Cruises cancellation policy as the cruise itself. If you would like to change or cancel, please let us know via chat.

Question 32

I would like a statement of the extra charges incurred on board (drinks, medical fees, room service, etc.).

Accepted Answer

You can view your onboard spending in the "MSC for Me" app. After disembarkation you can also download the Final Financial Statement.

Question 33

I entered the guest's family name and given name the wrong way round. Does it need to be corrected?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it needs to be corrected to the correct passport name (family name / given name). Please note that under MSC Cruises' rules a change or correction of a name incurs a change fee of USD 50 per person.

Question 34

The romanised spelling of a name is wrong. Can the guest still board if it differs from the passport?

Accepted Answer

The name registered at the time of booking must match the passport exactly. We can correct it for you, so please let us know the correct romanised name (family name / given name) as shown on the passport via chat. Please note that under MSC Cruises' rules a change or correction of a name incurs a change fee of USD 50 per person.

Question 35

I entered the wrong gender for a guest (for example registered as male instead of female). Can it be fixed?

Accepted Answer

The gender registered at the time of booking must match the passport exactly. If you would like it corrected, please let us know the guest's name and the correct gender via chat. Before payment the change is free of charge. After payment, under MSC Cruises' rules a change fee of USD 50 per person applies.

Question 36

I entered the wrong date of birth. What should I do if I cannot correct it myself?

Accepted Answer

The date of birth registered at the time of booking must match the passport exactly. We can correct it for you, so please let us know the correct date of birth via chat. Please note that under MSC Cruises' rules a change or correction incurs a change fee of USD 50 per person.

Question 37

Can I change the passport name after payment (formal confirmation)?

Accepted Answer

Even after payment is complete, a change or correction to the name shown on the passport is possible. However, under MSC Cruises' rules a change fee of USD 50 per person applies. Please note that changes made from seven days before departure onwards are treated as a cancellation.

Question 38

A member's name (family name) has changed due to marriage. How do I update it?

Accepted Answer

The name you register must match the passport exactly. We can correct it for you, so please let us know the correct romanised name (family name / given name) as shown on the passport via chat. Please note that under MSC Cruises' rules a change or correction of a name incurs a change fee of USD 50 per person.

Question 39

If I want to change the cruise departure date, by when and under what conditions is it possible?

Accepted Answer

The change rules advised by MSC Cruises are summarised below. If the new cruise departs earlier than the original departure date: the booking must be cancelled and rebooked (a cancellation fee may apply). Changing to a new cruise or package departing 90 days or more after the original departure date: an administration fee of USD 50 per person applies, regardless of category. Eligibility: only where the new departure date is within one year of the original cruise's departure date, on the same itinerary , and where cabins are available on the new cruise. If the new date is more than one year after the original departure date: the booking must be cancelled and rebooked. For certain fare categories such as Fantastica, conditions such as "a later date than the current departure date," "notification at least 30 days before departure" or "a date within 90 days" may be advised. Conditions differ by fare and season, so please let us know your specific request via chat.

Question 40

I would like to bring medical equipment such as a CPAP machine. What do I need to do?

Accepted Answer

To bring medical equipment such as a CPAP machine, blood pressure monitor or syringes, you need to complete and submit a Medical Request Form . Once you submit the form, we will apply to the cruise line (MSC) on your behalf. A doctor's certificate is not required ; completing and submitting the form is sufficient. Extension cords for CPAP machines are lent free of charge, so please note this on the form if you need one. Distilled water is not provided on board, so if you need it please bring your own and declare it on the same form.

Question 41

Can I travel while pregnant?

Accepted Answer

Each cruise line sets a limit on how far into a pregnancy you may sail. With MSC Cruises, guests who will be more than 23 weeks and 6 days pregnant at the end of the cruise cannot book or board . Even within that limit, pregnant guests need a doctor's certificate (in English) confirming that they are fit for the chosen itinerary. The certificate must state the following three points, and we will have to ask for a new one if any of them is missing. The estimated delivery date (EDD) confirmed by ultrasound That the pregnancy is low-risk That the guest is fit to sail on a ship where specialist obstetric or neonatal care is not immediately available Please send the certificate via chat at any time from booking up to two weeks before the sailing date . You will also be asked to present a copy at check-in on embarkation day. Please also note that if you are flying to a cruise departing overseas, some airlines will not accept guests who will be 28 weeks pregnant or more on the return date. Please check the rules of the airline you are flying with as well.

Question 42

What facilities and amenities are in the cabin?

Accepted Answer

Bathroom Only Royal Suites and Duplex Suites have a bathtub; all other cabins have a shower only. No cabins are fitted with a washlet (bidet toilet seat). Tap water in the cabin is not suitable for drinking. Please use the water available at the buffet, or buy bottled water. Amenities and equipment Shampoo, conditioner and body wash are provided in the bathroom. Tissues, toothbrushes, nightwear and slippers are not provided, so please bring your own (slippers are provided in some cabin categories). A hairdryer is provided in every cabin. Electric kettles are provided in cabins on Japan round-trip sailings. They are not provided on other sailings, but hot water is available at the buffet. There is a mini fridge. Except in some cabin categories, everything inside it is charged for.

Question 43

What do "connecting rooms" and "obstructed view" mean?

Accepted Answer

Connecting rooms : two adjacent cabins joined by an internal door, so you can move between them without going out into the corridor. Obstructed view : a cabin where the view from the window or balcony is partly blocked, for example by a large overhang or by lifeboats or tenders directly outside.

Question 44

Can I bring a pushchair? Is baby food available on board?

Accepted Answer

Pushchairs (strollers) : you may bring your own with no advance request; please keep it in your cabin. Pushchairs are not available to rent on board. Baby food : baby food such as soup and soft pasta is served in the main dining room. If you would like to bring shop-bought baby food, please bring unopened items and request this in advance. Bed rails : bed rails are not available.

Question 45

How many guests can stay in one cabin?

Accepted Answer

Premium Suite Aurea and Premium Ocean View are the two cabin types that can accommodate five or six guests. Other cabin types take fewer guests.

Question 46

Can our group or family be seated at the same table?

Accepted Answer

By registering several bookings as the same group, you can request the same or nearby tables in the main dining room. You can register via "Link reservations (MSC Travel With)" on My Page, or let us know via chat. Please note that we cannot guarantee this, for which we ask your understanding in advance.

Question 47

Can I bring alcohol (wine) or bottled water on board?

Accepted Answer

Bringing drinks on board is not permitted as a rule.

Question 48

Is there a self-service laundry on board? Is Japanese-language support available?

Accepted Answer

MSC Cruises does not have a self-service launderette for guests to use. If you would like laundry done, put your clothes in the laundry bag in your cabin, complete the laundry form and leave it in the cabin. Staff will collect it and return it via the chargeable laundry service. As for support in Japanese: on Japan round-trip sailings there are many Japanese-speaking crew on board, and the daily programme and the app are available in Japanese. On sailings outside Japan, announcements and crew support are mainly in English.

Question 49

Can guests in the same cabin choose different drink packages?

Accepted Answer

Guests in the same cabin cannot have different types of package; as a rule everyone in the cabin takes the same package. Children take the package for their age group (for minors, etc.), and children under three may be free of charge. Note that itineraries with a drinks promotion may already include a drink package. When ordered together with the cruise, the price shows as zero on My Page — this is the normal display for an included package (only packages added separately show a price).

Question 50

How many devices can I use with "one device" of Wi-Fi? Can I switch between my phone and laptop?

Accepted Answer

Wi-Fi can be used on "one device per contract." With a one-device plan you therefore cannot use both a smartphone and a laptop, or switch the connected device part-way through. If you want to use both a smartphone and a laptop, or two smartphones, you need a two-device contract. You can, however, take a multi-device plan under one person's name and share the devices with your travelling companions. For example, one guest can take a two-device plan and two people can use one device each. When there are many of you, taking a multi-device plan together is often better value than everyone buying a one-device plan individually.

Question 51

How many people and devices does the Wi-Fi included in the cruise fare cover?

Accepted Answer

When you book the cruise, drink package and Wi-Fi package together, Wi-Fi is provided for the first and second guests only; the third guest is not included. If the third guest also needs Wi-Fi, please book it separately from "Add options."

Question 52

Can I buy Wi-Fi after boarding? How does it differ from booking in advance?

Accepted Answer

Wi-Fi can also be purchased after boarding. Booking in advance is normally a package covering the whole cruise. On board you can also choose a one-day plan for just the days you need, so if you only need it on certain days, buying on board for those days can work out cheaper.

Question 53

Is the spa free to use? When and where do I book a massage?

Accepted Answer

Spa treatments such as massages and facials are all chargeable. However, guests in the Aurea Experience (Balcony Aurea, Suite Aurea) and the Yacht Club can use the thermal area, including the sauna and jacuzzi, free of charge. Even where the thermal area is free, treatments such as massages carry a separate charge.

Question 54

What kind of beds do the third and fourth guests get?

Accepted Answer

In cabins for three or more guests, the third and fourth guests typically use a sofa bed (a sofa that converts into a bed) or bunk beds built from a sofa bed. In the MSC Cruises cabin list, bed types are shown with the following marks. ▲: Sofa bed ◆: Double sofa bed ■: Pullman berth for the third guest ■■: Pullman berths for the third and fourth guests ●●: Bunk beds for the third and fourth guests ※ For safety reasons, Pullman berths and bunk beds are not recommended for children under six.

Question 55

When and how is the main dining room meal time decided?

Accepted Answer

You choose between an "early" or "late" dinner seating at the time of booking, and the final time and location are decided on the day you board (details are shown on the cruise card issued after boarding and in the MSC for Me app). During busy periods such as Golden Week the schedule may change to three seatings, in which case the "late" seating may start around 21:30–22:00. Some cabin types such as Aurea Suite and Balcony Aurea use the "My Choice" system, where you can choose the time freely with no fixed seating. Changing your seating is possible subject to availability. Let us know your preference in advance via chat and we will update the registration; after boarding you can also change to an early or late seating at the restaurant reception if space is available.

Question 56

When can I book shore excursions? When will I receive the information?

Accepted Answer

For itineraries other than Japan round-trips, excursions are generally announced from around one year before departure. Depending on the port, the announcement may come earlier or later. For Japan round-trip itineraries, shore excursions are announced around one and a half months to one month before departure. In both cases, we upload them to "STEP2" on your My Page as soon as they are announced.

Question 57

What is the process for booking and paying for a shore excursion?

Accepted Answer

Once you tell us the excursion you would like (port name and excursion number), we check availability and add a billing item (payment form) to your My Page. Please pay by credit card by the deadline shown; we make the booking formally once payment is confirmed. No separate arrangement fee is charged.

Question 58

Can I still book in advance close to departure? What if I miss the deadline?

Accepted Answer

There is a deadline for advance arrangements: from two weeks before departure we cannot make advance arrangements, as they may not be conveyed correctly to the ship (this is MSC Cruises' policy). If you miss the deadline, please book at the Shore Excursion Desk on board after embarkation . Shore excursions can be booked on board, so we recommend visiting the desk early.

Question 59

What if a tour is fully booked (sold out)?

Accepted Answer

Depending on the excursion, bookings may close early or sell out. If the one you want is sold out, we will suggest alternative options where possible. The "Availability" figure shown in the list on My Page is a guide to remaining places. We often cannot confirm in advance whether separate places are held back for onboard desk bookings, so if you have already decided what you want we recommend booking in advance.

Question 60

Are there tours with a Japanese-speaking guide? Are the materials in Japanese?

Accepted Answer

On Japan round-trip itineraries, tours are accompanied by a Japanese-speaking guide and the materials are also provided in Japanese. On itineraries other than Japan round-trips, materials and guiding are in English.

Question 61

Where can I find the location and address of the embarkation port (terminal)?

Accepted Answer

The address of your embarkation port is given in the "Useful information" issued together with your boarding pass, based on the departure information. Please refer to that.

Question 62

Can I reserve parking at the port in advance?

Accepted Answer

Some terminals offer parking that can be reserved in advance. Information for the two terminals most often used for sailings from Japan is below. Yokohama Daikoku Pier Cruise Terminal: Drive & Cruise parking information (in Japanese) Tokyo International Cruise Terminal parking information (in Japanese) Please check each terminal's own page for rates, how to book and availability.

Question 63

By what time do I need to be back on board at a port of call?

Accepted Answer

The final boarding time is normally 30 minutes before departure. For example, if the ship departs at 18:00, final boarding is around 17:30. The exact time is announced daily in the onboard "MSC for Me" app and on the signage at the gangway, so please be sure to check. If you are sightseeing independently, we recommend returning with time to spare.

Frequently Asked Questions

MSC Voyagers Club (Membership Program)