Are you excited about your upcoming MSC Cruise, but wondering how early you can board the ship? Well, the answer is not as straightforward as you might think. It depends on several factors such as your cabin category, loyalty status, and arrival time.
Cabin Category: If you have booked a suite or a top-tier cabin category like Yacht Club, then you may be eligible for priority boarding. This means that you can board the ship before the rest of the passengers, typically around 11 AM. However, if you have booked a standard cabin category like Bella or Fantastica, then your boarding time will be assigned based on your arrival time.
Loyalty Status: If you are a loyal MSC Cruises member with a higher tier status like Silver, Gold or Black, then you may also be eligible for priority boarding. The higher your loyalty status, the earlier you can board the ship. For example, Black Card members can board as early as 9 AM.
Arrival Time: Your assigned boarding time will depend on what time you arrive at the embarkation port. Generally speaking, MSC Cruises follows an assigned boarding schedule to avoid overcrowding at the port and ensure a smooth check-in process for all passengers.
- If your assigned boarding time is between 12 PM to 1 PM
- If your assigned boarding time is between 1 PM to 2 PM
- If your assigned boarding time is between 2 PM to 3 PM
- If your assigned boarding time is after 3 PM
Tips for Early Boarding
If getting on board early is important to you, here are some tips to help make it happen:
Arrive Early:
The earlier you arrive at the embarkation port, the earlier your assigned boarding time will be. So, try to arrive at the port as early as possible to increase your chances of getting on board early.
Priority Boarding:
If you are eligible for priority boarding due to your cabin category or loyalty status, make sure to take advantage of it. This can save you a lot of time and hassle at the port.
Complete Online Check-in:
Completing the online check-in process before arriving at the port can also save you some time and speed up the check-in process.
Pack Light:
If you have fewer bags, you will be able to move through the check-in process more quickly. Plus, it will be easier for you to navigate around the ship once you are on board.
Conclusion
In summary, how early you can board an MSC Cruise ship depends on your cabin category, loyalty status, and arrival time. If you are eligible for priority boarding, make sure to take advantage of it.
And don’t forget that arriving at the port early can increase your chances of getting on board early. With these tips in mind, you’ll be enjoying all that your MSC Cruise has to offer in no time!