Questions About MSC
For frequently asked questions, please check here.
General
keyboard_arrow_rightWill I need a passport?
Passengers are required to have a passport that is valid for at least six months +days on board.
keyboard_arrow_rightIs a passport required for cruises that depart from Japan?
Since the cruise will be visiting international ports, it is considered international travel, and therefore a passport is required for boarding. Please ensure your passport has a validity of at least six months + days on board.
keyboard_arrow_rightI don't have a passport yet / My passport isn't valid for the required duration. Can I still make a reservation?
You can make a reservation even if you have not yet obtained or renewed your passport. Once you have obtained your passport, please register it through your cruise booking on your My Page.
keyboard_arrow_rightIs airfare included?
No, airfare is not included in any of the cruises booked through our company. Boarding usually closes approximately two hours prior to the scheduled departure time. Disembarkation can sometimes take up to three or four hours, depending on the itinerary. We kindly ask that you allow ample time for your travel arrangements.
keyboard_arrow_rightI would like to book a flight or transportation to the port. Could you please assist me with that?
For assistance, please use the chat function found in the bottom right-hand corner of this page. Please note that transportation to and from the embarkation port within Japan is the responsibility of the passenger. For cruises departing from Japan, we will provide you with information about the departure port and access details (including the availability of shuttle buses from the nearest station) approximately one month prior to your departure date.
keyboard_arrow_rightWe are considering a honeymoon trip. Are there any discounts available?
Our honeymoon discount is available to guests whose cruise embarks within six months of their wedding date. Please select the honeymoon discount option at the time of booking your cruise. After completing your reservation, please contact us via the chat function located in the bottom right corner of the page. Following your booking, you will be required to provide official documentation confirming your wedding date.
keyboard_arrow_rightI reside outside of Japan. Am I still able to make a reservation?
Yes, we welcome reservations from customers residing outside of Japan as well.
keyboard_arrow_rightIs it possible to be put on a waiting list?
We do not offer a waitlist for our cruises. As cruise fares and availability are subject to change, we recommend checking our website periodically for the latest availability.
keyboard_arrow_rightAre there any other ways to make a reservation besides online?
We only accept online reservations.
keyboard_arrow_rightAre infants allowed on board?
Yes, infants are welcome to travel on our cruises; however, effective July 1, 2024, reservations for infants under 12 months of age at the time of embarkation are limited to cruises of 9 nights or less. We also strongly recommend consulting with your pediatrician or family doctor regarding your child's fitness for travel.
keyboard_arrow_rightI am expecting a baby. Are there any restrictions for pregnant women on board?
We do not accept reservations or allow boarding for guests who will be 24 weeks pregnant or more by the end of their cruise. Regardless of the stage of pregnancy, we may require a letter from your physician (in English) stating that you are fit to travel for the chosen itinerary. If you are pregnant and wish to travel with us, we strongly recommend consulting your doctor before making a reservation.
keyboard_arrow_rightWhat are the benefits of becoming an MSC Voyagers Club member?
MSC Voyagers Club members can enjoy various benefits, including discounts on bookings and onboard perks, depending on their membership level. You may also be eligible to transfer your premium status from loyalty programs with other hotels or cruise lines. Member discounts may be applicable at the time of booking, so if you are interested in transferring your status, please contact us before making a reservation. Information on transferring benefits from other MSC programs:https://www.msccruises.com/int/japan/msc-voyagers-club-status-match
keyboard_arrow_rightDo you have any brochures?
We apologize for any inconvenience, but we do not currently provide brochures.
About booking
keyboard_arrow_rightI have an online reservation. Is there anything else I should be expecting?
Your booking confirmation issued by MSC will be sent to you via email by our representative. Your boarding pass will be available on your My Page 2-3 weeks prior to your cruise date. Basically, all communication, including guidance, will be conducted via email, My Page, and chat. There will be no mailings.
keyboard_arrow_rightAt what point does the cancellation fee become applicable?
As soon as your booking is confirmed, MSC's cancellation policy will apply. In case of cancellation, a separate cancellation fee of 5,500 yen per booking (number) will be charged by our company. For details regarding MSC's cancellation policy, please refer to section 13. Passenger Cancellations, in our full terms and conditions). https://www.msccruises.com/int/japan/terms-conditions
keyboard_arrow_rightIs it possible to modify a reservation?
Changes to your reservation are subject to different conditions depending on the cruise category and other factors. Please contact us via email for specific details regarding your booking. For changes to your reservation details (such as cabin number, name, etc.), our agency charges a processing fee of $50. Please also note that MSC may apply separate change fees.
keyboard_arrow_rightI have a reservation with the Fantastica Experience (or Aurea Experience). Is it possible to change my booking free of charge?
Changes to your reservation must be made no later than 30 days prior to your scheduled departure date. The new cruise after the change must be later than the original departure date and within 90 days of the original departure date. Changes to a cruise prior to your scheduled departure date are not allowed. Please contact us via the chat at the bottom right of the page for any changes as confirmation with MSC is required.
keyboard_arrow_rightIs it possible to change my cabin number after booking?
A change fee of ¥5,500 will apply to any cabin number changes after booking. Please check cabin availability online and contact us via the chat icon on the bottom right of the page with your desired cabin number.
keyboard_arrow_rightIs the fee paid in Japanese yen?
In addition to Japanese Yen, we accept payments in other currencies supported on our website.
keyboard_arrow_rightWhat is the deadline for participants to change their names?
It is possible to change the name of the participant. For name changes, there is an MSC fee of $50 per person. In addition, we will charge a change handling fee of 5,500 yen (11,000 yen after the boarding pass is issued). The change period is generally about one month before the cruise date, but it depends on the situation, so it is necessary to confirm with MSC whether it is possible.
keyboard_arrow_rightBesides the cruise fare, what other mandatory expenses are there?
All passengers must pay a hotel service charge (tip). In addition, a 1000 yen international tourism passenger tax is charged for cruises that depart from and arrive in Japan.
keyboard_arrow_rightIs it possible to reserve parking at the port?
We apologize for any inconvenience, but we are unable to make parking arrangements. We recommend contacting the appropriate port or local service providers directly. For Daikoku Pier Cruise Terminal: Drive & Cruise Parking Information https://www.city.yokohama.lg.jp/kanko-bunka/minato/kyakusen/nyuko/2020ddc2.html For information on parking at the Tokyo International Cruise Terminal, please click here. https://www.tptc.co.jp/terminal/guide/cruise/parking2
keyboard_arrow_rightI made a mistake with my reservation details.
Please contact us via the chat in the bottom right corner of the page. Please note that there is an MSC name correction fee of $50 per person. In addition, we will charge a handling fee of 5,500 yen (11,000 yen after the ticket is issued).
keyboard_arrow_rightI made a reservation but forgot to enter my MSC Voyagers Club number. Can I still apply the discount retroactively?
Unfortunately, this is not applicable. Please kindly provide your booking number and membership number via email.
keyboard_arrow_rightI received an error message during my online reservation. How can I confirm if my booking was successful?
There is a possibility that your reservation may not have been completed successfully due to the selected cabin becoming fully booked or an error with your card payment during the online booking process. However, to avoid duplicate bookings, please do not attempt to book again online. Instead, please contact us via the chat function located in the bottom right corner of this page.
keyboard_arrow_rightDo you offer free admission/fares for children?
Pricing varies depending on the time of year and the cruise area. Additionally, port charges (port taxes) are mandatory for all passengers.
About adding options
keyboard_arrow_rightWhat is the deadline for pre-purchasing onboard options like drink packages and internet access?
Internet Wi-Fi is available for pre-booking. While the plans and pricing differ from onboard purchase options, you can also purchase Wi-Fi access once you are on board. Please note that a 15% service charge may apply to onboard purchases. We are unable to provide details on onboard Wi-Fi plans and pricing in advance, so we kindly ask that you inquire about these details once you are on the ship.
keyboard_arrow_rightDo you have Wi-Fi?
Wi-Fi is available onboard for a fee. You can select a Wi-Fi included package at the time of booking, or add it as an option to your existing reservation.
keyboard_arrow_rightIs it possible to reserve seats for the show in advance?
All show reservations, including both complimentary and paid performances, must be made onboard.
keyboard_arrow_rightDo you offer any birthday celebrations/packages?
For celebrations, we offer various paid services such as champagne, fruit platters, and birthday cakes. If you are interested in these services, please inquire onboard. For pre-arrangements, please contact us via the chat function located in the bottom right corner of this page after making your reservation. We will then confirm availability and pricing with MSC.
About boarding the ship
keyboard_arrow_rightIs online check-in available?
For reservations made within the Japanese market, online check-in is not available. Please print your boarding pass, which will be issued 2-3 weeks prior to your departure date,
keyboard_arrow_rightWhen will I know the check-in time?
This information will be included on your boarding pass,
keyboard_arrow_rightIs it possible to leave my luggage at the port before check-in time?
Generally, it is not possible to check in luggage before the designated check-in time. We recommend confirming with the local staff upon arrival.
keyboard_arrow_rightAre there any restrictions on liquids in carry-on baggage?
For MSC Cruises, there are generally no specific restrictions on liquids, such as toiletries like lotions, in checked baggage.
keyboard_arrow_rightIs it possible to embark/disembark at a port other than the original departure/arrival port?
As a general rule, this is not permitted.
keyboard_arrow_rightWill I receive my cruise tickets and luggage tags by mail?
You will receive your boarding pass and luggage tags as a PDF attachment via email 2-3 weeks prior to your departure date. Please print the luggage tags and attach them to your baggage. Kindly present your boarding pass at check-in.
keyboard_arrow_rightAre vaccination certificates or negative COVID-19 test results required for boarding?
There is no need to show vaccination certificate.
keyboard_arrow_rightAre vaccination certificates or negative COVID-19 test results required for boarding?
Please allow for approximately 2-3 hours for disembarkation and embarkation processes when arranging your flights.
About the ship
keyboard_arrow_rightAre there any Japanese-speaking staff members onboard?
Onboard, English is the primary language used. While cruises departing from overseas do not have Japanese-speaking staff, cruises departing from Japan do have Japanese staff members available to assist passengers.
keyboard_arrow_rightI would like to know the schedule for formal nights in advance.
Information regarding formal nights will be provided in the onboard daily program or through the MSC for Me app.
keyboard_arrow_rightCan I request a flexible dining time?
Guests with the Aurea Experience or those staying in the Yacht Club have flexible dining times in the dining room. Other guests will have assigned dining times in two sittings (or occasionally three, depending on the itinerary). Additionally, the buffet is available to all guests for approximately 20 hours a day.
keyboard_arrow_rightIs it possible to bring my own wheelchair onboard?
While it is permitted, prior authorization is required. Please contact us via the chat function in the bottom right corner of this page after making your reservation to request permission.
keyboard_arrow_rightDo you offer wheelchair rentals onboard?
We regret to inform you that we do not typically offer rental services onboard.
keyboard_arrow_rightIs it possible to bring a stroller/baby carriage onboard?
You are welcome to bring stroller onboard. No prior application is necessary.
keyboard_arrow_rightAre strollers/baby carriages available for rent?
There are none.
keyboard_arrow_rightAre there any restrictions on bringing food, drinks, and alcohol onboard?
You are not permitted to bring alcohol, food, or drinksonboard. In some cases, we may be able to hold these items for you during the cruise.
keyboard_arrow_rightIs it possible to bring baby food onboard?
You are welcome to bring baby food onboard. Please ensure that the items are unopened.
keyboard_arrow_rightDo you have baby food available?
These options are available exclusively in the main dining room. We offer dishes such as soups and softer pasta options.
keyboard_arrow_rightIs there a laundromat/laundry room available?
While we do not have self-service laundry facilities onboard, we do offer a paid laundry service. Please refer to the menu in your cabin for pricing details.
keyboard_arrow_rightWe have two separate room reservations, but we would like to sit together at the same table for meals. Is that possible?
To request to be seated at the same dining table as other guests, please contact us via the chat function in the bottom right corner of this page after you have made your reservation, providing your booking number. If, after boarding, your seating arrangement is not as requested, please speak with the dining room manager.
keyboard_arrow_rightOur group has booked rooms in varying categories, and we were wondering if it would be possible to arrange for us to dine together at one table.
While we understand the desire to dine with friends or family staying in different stateroom categories, we regret to inform you that we may not be able to accommodate such requests in advance. This is due to varying dining arrangements and seating configurations for different stateroom categories. Once onboard, we encourage you to speak with the restaurant manager who will try their best to assist you, although we cannot guarantee that all requests can be fulfilled
keyboard_arrow_rightDo I need a reservation for the shows?
Priority seating for shows in the main theater is given to guests with reservations. If seats are available, guests without reservations may also attend. Show reservations can be made after boarding using the MSC for Me app or other onboard booking methods.
keyboard_arrow_rightDo you offer complimentary water or tea?
All beverages, including bottled water, are chargeable in the cabin mini-bars (refrigerators) and onboard restaurants. However, complimentary water, tea, and coffee are available in the buffet area. Guests staying in the Yacht Club enjoy complimentary access to their in-suite mini-bar.
keyboard_arrow_rightAre there any free Wi-Fi hotspots?
There are no free Wi-Fi hotspots or internet cafes available onboard. If you wish to access the internet during your cruise, we recommend purchasing a Wi-Fi package at the time of booking or exploring other available onboard internet options.
About the cabins
keyboard_arrow_rightIs there a refrigerator?
A mini-refrigerator is available for your use in your cabin; however, the beverages provided within are subject to a charge. Beverages are complimentary for guests of the Yacht Club.
keyboard_arrow_rightDo you have baby cribs/cots available?
Requests are welcome. Please contact us via the chat function in the bottom right corner of this page after you have made your reservation.
keyboard_arrow_rightIs there a bathtub available?
While some cabins offer bathtubs, the majority of our accommodations feature showers only.
keyboard_arrow_rightIs there an electric kettle
For cruises departing from Japan, electric kettles are provided in each cabin. However, they are not available on international cruises. Hot water is available at the buffet.
keyboard_arrow_rightDo I need a voltage converter/transformer for the outlets in the room?
All MSC cruise ships operate on both 110V and 220V power, allowing you to use your Japanese electrical appliances without the need for a voltage converter.
keyboard_arrow_rightWe would prefer a double bed or twin beds if possible.
We accept requests via the chat function in the bottom right corner of this page after you have made your reservation. On cruises departing from Japan, single beds are the standard configuration. However, if your bed arrangement is not to your liking, please do not hesitate to inform your stateroom attendant.
keyboard_arrow_rightHairdryer
Yes,they are provided in each room.
keyboard_arrow_rightAre the following amenities provided in the room: tissues, slippers, towels, toothbrushes, soap, shampoo, and pajamas?
Please note that tissues, slippers, toothbrushes, and pajamas are not provided in the cabins. We kindly ask you to bring your own. Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash are provided in the bathroom area. (Depending on your booking category, slippers may be provided.
keyboard_arrow_rightAre there any USB ports available
Availability varies by ship. While MSC Bellissima does have them, they are only available in limited areas of the cabins, so we recommend bringing your own just in case.
keyboard_arrow_rightDo you have wheelchair-accessible cabins/compartments/seats available?
Yes, we do. Cabins marked with an "H" on the deck plan are specifically designed for guests with disabilities, ensuring comfortable access for wheelchair users.
keyboard_arrow_rightWhat are the main differences in the accessible rooms (marked with an H) compared to standard rooms?
Cabins marked with "H" on the deck plan are designed to provide easy access for wheelchair users. However, please be aware that the shower area in these accessible bathrooms is not enclosed, which may result in water splashing onto the vanity area and the bathroom floor becoming wet.
keyboard_arrow_rightIs the tap water in the bathroom drinkable?
The tap water is not potable, so we recommend purchasing bottled water or obtaining drinking water from the buffet area. Please note that the bottled water provided in the refrigerator is available for purchase.
keyboard_arrow_rightI would like to know about the tipping policy onboard.
■Tipping Onboard (per night) Asia (Japan, China, and South Korea): Excluding the MSC Yacht Club members, the gratuity for guests aged 2 and above is USD 18.00 per night. Asia (Japan, China, and South Korea): For MSC Yacht Club members, the gratuity for guests aged 2 and above is USD 21.00 per night. Europe, Middle East, and World Cruises: Excluding the MSC Yacht Club members, the gratuity for guests aged 12 and above is EUR 12.00 per night. Europe, Middle East, and World Cruises: Excluding the MSC Yacht Club members, the gratuity for guests aged 2 to 11 is EUR 6.00 per night. Europe, Middle East, and World Cruises: For MSC Yacht Club members, the gratuity for guests aged 12 and above is EUR 16.00. Europe, Middle East, and World Cruises: For MSC Yacht Club members, the gratuity for guests aged 2 to 11 is EUR 8.00. For MSC Yacht Club members, the gratuity for guests 2 and above is USD 16.00 per night excluding America, Canada(Caribbean), Grand Voyages For other regions, please contact us. *Please note that this is subject to change
keyboard_arrow_rightAbout MSC Cruise Experience
Please refer to our MSC Experiences page for more information. https://www.msccruises.com/int/our-cruises/msc-experiences-and-cabins