Frequently Asked Questions
For any questions about MSC Cruises, please check here.
General
keyboard_arrow_rightWhat is the dress code?
Cruise ships are ships that are meant to be enjoyed on board, with a full-course restaurant, pool, casino, theater, and more on board, as well as optional tours at each port of call.
keyboard_arrow_rightIs there a possibility of getting seasick?
■Daytime attire During the day, you're welcome to dress casually and comfortably according to your preferences (shorts and T-shirts are acceptable). However, some restaurants onboard may have dress code restrictions, especially during breakfast and lunch hours. ■Differences between cruise lines and categories Dress codes can vary depending on the cruise line. Please also refer to the Cruise Life section for information specific to each cruise line. ■Evening attire Cruise lines often have dress codes for the main dining room during dinner, which typically include formal, informal, and casual options. ・Formal Men: tuxedos or dark suits Women: dress and suits ・Informal Men: jacket and tie Women; dresses, blouses, and skirts ・Casual Men: collared shirt and slacks Woman: blouses and skirts However, most expedition cruises and river cruises do not have a dress code. For more detailed information, please refer to the 'Cruise Life' or 'Dress Code' section on each cruise line's website. You will also receive guidance in the pre-cruise information package and the daily program distributed onboard.
keyboard_arrow_rightWhat kind of activities are available on the ship?
Most ships are equipped with fin stabilizers to minimize rolling, so you're unlikely to experience significant discomfort. However, if you're prone to seasickness, we recommend bringing your preferred motion sickness medication. Please note: If you require seasickness medication while onboard, a consultation with the ship's doctor will be necessary. This consultation will incur a fee.
keyboard_arrow_rightI'm nervous about speaking English.
On cruise ships exceeding 100,000 tons, there are so many amenities that it can be difficult to experience everything in a single week-long cruise. There's also a wide variety of events and activities held onboard, so you'll never be bored. The ship is packed with events, and moving around the ship is a fun experience in itself. Details of the following day's events can be found in the ship's newspaper, which is delivered to your cabin each evening. For your convenience, Japanese-language newspapers are provided on ships with a Japanese coordinator onboard or those embarking from Japan.
keyboard_arrow_rightHow are people with limited English coping?
Language shouldn't be a major concern. The crew mostly consists of non-native English speakers, so basic communication is all that's necessary. At meals, for example, you can easily get your point across by simply stating whether you want meat or fish. Should you have any concerns, we suggest that you bring an electronic dictionary or a translation app on your smartphone with you. Many cruise ships have computer rooms or internet cafes onboard, allowing passengers to access their email and browse the internet for a fee.
keyboard_arrow_rightIs internet access available?
Most cruise ships offer computer centers or internet cafes where you can check email and surf the web (at an additional cost).
keyboard_arrow_rightAre there any prohibited items onboard?
In general, the following items are considered hazardous and are not permitted onboard: weapons (including knives and firearms), illegal drugs, candles, incense, irons, and any other items that pose a fire risk. As regulations can differ between cruise lines, we strongly advise that you consult the specific safety regulations of your chosen cruise line for detailed information.
keyboard_arrow_rightWhat happens if we can't visit a scheduled port due to bad weather?
We regret to inform you that refunds are not available
keyboard_arrow_rightIf a cruise is canceled due to bad weather or other unforeseen circumstances, are refunds available?
You will receive a full refund of the cruise fare. However, we are not responsible for any travel-related expenses.
keyboard_arrow_rightI'm going to miss my flight because of a train delay.
Even if you are unable to join the tour due to transportation disruptions on your departure day, standard cancellation fees will apply. Please allow plenty of time for your journey. If significant disruptions are anticipated, we recommend considering an overnight stay near the departure airport. Please be advised that cancellation fees vary depending on whether the cancellation is made before or after the check-in deadline for your scheduled flight. We kindly request that you complete any cancellation procedures prior to your flight's departure. Please note that if you miss your flight, your cruise, hotel, and other arrangements will not be automatically cancelled.
keyboard_arrow_rightAre pregnant women allowed on board?
Airline and cruise line policies vary, but some may refuse boarding to pregnant women whose return travel date is 28 weeks or later. Please confirm this beforehand. You may also be required to fill out a medical form or provide a doctor's note.
keyboard_arrow_rightAre infants allowed on board?
Generally, infants must be at least six weeks old to travel by air or sea (cruise ship). On international flights, infants must either sit on an adult's lap or use an approved child safety seat. Children aged two and older are required to have their own seat.
keyboard_arrow_rightI have allergies. Is it necessary to apply in advance?
On most cruise ships, you can generally enjoy a variety of dining options to suit your tastes. At our specialty dining venues, you can inform us of your preferences when ordering, and we will do our best to accommodate your needs. You can also pre-register your allergy information in our system.
keyboard_arrow_rightIs smoking permitted?
Smoking is permitted in designated smoking areas onboard. Some cruise ships may also have cigar bars where cigars are available for purchase. While many cruise ships have recently implemented a no-smoking policy in cabins, smoking may still be allowed in cabins on some ships. Smoking is strictly prohibited in all restaurants and public spaces.
keyboard_arrow_rightWhat does the cruise price include?
The cruise fare includes your onboard accommodations, meals, onboard entertainment, and use of the ship's facilities. Considering that transportation, accommodation, meals, and entertainment are all included, it's a great value overall.
keyboard_arrow_rightWhat costs are not included in the cruise price?
Generally, port charges, alcoholic beverages, onboard gratuities, shore excursions, transfers to/from the port, medical expenses, and telephone/internet usage are not included in the cruise fare. Fuel surcharges, passenger service facility charges at each airport, local tourist taxes, the international tourist tax, and reservation/ticketing service fees will apply. (Onboard gratuities/tips are approximately $12-$18 per person per night and will be settled upon disembarkation.)
keyboard_arrow_rightPlease tell me what I need to know when applying.
Course name, category, number of participants, room allocation, contact information, names (full names) of all participants, date of birth, Roman letters written in the passport, passport expiration date (remaining validity period as of the end of the trip) )・smartphone (only for some cruise ships)・Email address・Emergency contact information. *If you do not have a passport, please obtain one and let us know at least 75 days before your departure date. *For non-Japanese nationals, please contact the consulate of your home country, the consulate of your destination/transit country, or the immigration office.
keyboard_arrow_rightPlease tell me about the facilities and amenities in the cabin. Also, are there electrical outlets, hair dryers, towels, irons, and washlets?
Cabins are typically twin or double occupancy rooms. As for amenities, towels, soap, and shampoo are provided and are replenished daily. Toiletries (such as toothbrushes and razors) and sleepwear are not provided, so please bring your own. (Please note that the availability of bathrobes varies depending on the ship.) Most ships have Japanese-style outlets. However, the voltage varies between ships, usually ranging from 110-115V or 220-240V. While devices with international plugs can be used, it's not recommended for extended use or charging. Hair dryers are provided in each cabin. Irons are not available for use in cabins; please use the laundry service instead. Also, please note that washlets are not available on foreign ships.