Question 1

MINORS POLICY

Accepted Answer

At MSC Cruises, we take pride in creating incredible holiday experiences the whole family can share and in our ability to cater to the individual needs of everyone, from children and tweens to teenagers and parents.  
 
We have recently updated our  Corporate Minors Policy, effective July 1st, 2024 , to ensure the well-being of all individuals on board. You can find these changes below, and we trust they will help you better assist you in choosing the perfect family cruise.  
 
 1. Infants on board   
 
Infants under one year* are admitted on board, except for cruises of 11 nights or longer when they must be at least one year. This policy is due to long cruises often having multiple days at sea, which can impede our ability to provide urgent medical care for infants.

2. Minors on board   
 
Generally, MSC Cruises does not permit minors (those under 21 on U.S. itineraries, or under 18 on others) to occupy a cabin without the presence of at least one adult. To be considered an adult, passengers must be 18 or 21 years old at the time of embarkation, depending on the itinerary. 
 
However, an exception applies for minors under 18 traveling with one parent or legal guardian, provided the following conditions are met: 
 
 The parent/legal guardian must specifically request at the time of booking that the minors be assigned a cabin without an adult and sign a liability  waiver , which must be submitted to the Contact Centre. 
 The parent/guardian is traveling with 2 to 5 minors. 
 The cabin is occupied by either one minor aged 12 or older, or two minors, with the eldest at least 12 and the youngest at least 8. 
 No more than two minors may occupy a cabin without an adult.

For MSC Lirica, Musica, and Fantasia class ships:

Parent/guardian and minors must stay in connecting cabins, and the balcony of the minors' cabin will be locked.

For all other MSC ships:

The parent or legal guardian and the minor(s) shall be accommodated in connecting cabins with the minor cabin’s balcony being locked or in interior adjacent cabins**. 
 The parent or legal guardian shall be required to purchase a bracelet to have access to the cabin occupied by the minor(s) at any time during the cruise.

3. Travelling Alone on U.S. Itineraries

Travellers of all nationalities must be at least 21 years old to travel alone on cruises embarking from or traveling to the US. However, guests aged 18-20 may stay in a cabin alone if traveling with someone aged 21 or older, without needing to meet the additional cabin requirements. 
 
These updates are designed to ensure the safety and well-being of all passengers. 
Full details are in our  Booking Terms and Conditions  and  Conditions of Carriage . All the changes will be managed directly through our Contact Center.    
 
For more details, see our  FAQ.   
 
Please note:  
 * Infants are permitted on 11-night cruises or longer only if they turn one year old on or before the day of embarkation. 
** “Adjacent cabins” is defined as two cabins, at least one without a balcony, which have no more than 3 cabins between them, and that pertain to the same assembly station and corridor. “Connecting cabins” is defined as to cabins that are connected by an internal door.

Question 2

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING THE ESTA DOCUMENT

Accepted Answer

We advise guests who select itineraries that require an  ESTA  document to print a hard copy and bring it with them upon boarding. The hard copy is not mandatory but is strongly recommended to expedite boarding procedures.

Question 3

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR RUSSIAN TOURIST PASSPORT HOLDERS ENTERING NORWAY

Accepted Answer

Please do note that,  as per Official instructions received from the Norwegian relevant Ministry, all Russian Tourist passport holders cannot enter Norway from 29th of May .  
   
 After merging with Local Authorities,  relating all cruises arriving in Norway through a Schengen Port (MSC Euribia, MSC Poesia and MSC Preziosa), all Russian Touristic passport holders in possession of a Schengen Visa issued ONLY by Norway after the 30th of May 2022 or with a valid Schengen Residence Permit (under renewal not accepted) and ONLY transiting Norway (not embarking/disembarking) will be exceptionally accepted onboard.   
   
 Holders of Diplomatic, Service, Special Passports need to receive pre-approval before showing up for the embarkation. 
 
 For all other cruises calling extra-Schengen Ports before Norway (MSC Virtuosa), mentioned guests will not be allowed to embark.

Question 4

VISITING QATAR IMPORTANT TRAVEL REQUIREMENT

Accepted Answer

Visitors travelling to Qatar may be required to have a visitor’s health insurance policy which will protect them during their stay in Qatar, as a part of the Visa application process. 
 
For more information on how to obtain a visitor’s health insurance please visit  Ministry of Public Health  - "Mandatory Health Insurance Scheme" or the  VisitQatar Health Insurance page .

Question 5

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR CRUISES CALLING IN THE UK

Accepted Answer

Please note Guests must present  only valid passport with at least residual validity 3 months  at their arrival in the UK. 
      EU ID Card is not accepted , even in case willing to remain on board during the call in the UK. 
     Please check before embarking on Northern Europe cruises any visa requirements for UK. 
 
   
  IMPORTANT NOTE :  Starting from 15th November 2023, Qatar Nationals must apply for an UK ETA.  
Starting from 22th Februrary 2024 also Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait, UAE and Jordan Nationals must apply for the UK ETA visiting the webstite:  https://www.etauk.uk/  
 For all the other nationalities further information will be following.

Question 6

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR CRUISES CALLING IN MALTA (FRENCH GUESTS)

Accepted Answer

As per Malta Authority decision, please do note that all French guests willing to embark on Cruises calling Malta also in transit embarking from any Schengen state with an expired Residence permit but having a covering receipt or with an expired French ID Card usually automatically renewed for 5 years, are not accepted as valid travel document and will not be authorized to disembark but they can remain onboard during the call.

Question 7

PASSENGERS BOARDING US CRUISES WHO HAVE VISITED CUBA SINCE 12th JANUARY 2021 SPECIFICATION

Accepted Answer

The USA Immigration has reiterated to all ESTA eligible passengers that, starting from the  7th of July 2023 , those who have stayed in Cuba since January 12th, 2021 cannot travel to the United States simply through the  Visa Free Travel Program (VWP)  also know as ESTA. The mentioned VWP travel restriction also applies to individuals who have dual citizenship of a VWP country and Cuba at the time they apply for ESTA. 
 
Passengers who have visited the island before 12th January 2021 are not affected by this measure. 
 
Citizens of a Visa Waiver Program Country not notified about the issue, need to apply for a non-immigrant USA Visa well in advance: in case the cruise is imminent, guests can request an emergency visa appointment through  https://ais.usvisa-info.com/en-it/niv  including in the request the date and purpose of the trip, as well as the information contained in the U.S. Customs and Border Protection message received regarding the ESTA status.

Question 8

United States

Accepted Answer

The following requirements are for sailings from a United States port: 
   
   United States Citizens:   
   
 A valid passport that expires at least 6 months after your cruise departure. For additional United States passport information visit the  United States Department of State travel information . 
   
 - OR - 
 
An original birth certificate AND government ID. Visit the  Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI)  for a list of all approved documents. 
 Exceptions: United States citizens on cruises that begin and end at the same port in the United States can use a original government-issued picture ID (i.e. driver's license) AND an original government-issued birth certificate or original Naturalization Certificate. 
   
 Minors under the age of 16 will be able to present either an original government-issued, original or certified copy of his or her birth certificate; a Consular Report of Birth Abroad Issued by DOA; or Certificate of Naturalization issued by United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. 
   
 Note: Baptismal papers and hospital certificates of birth are NOT acceptable. Military identification cards, voter registration cards or Social Security cards are NOT considered proof of citizenship. 
   
   Puerto Rican Citizens:

Birth certificates from Puerto Rico issued prior to July 1, 2010 are not valid forms of proof of citizenship and are not accepted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Guests from Puerto Rico either need to present a WHTI-compliant document or a government-issued photo I.D. with a validated birth certificate issued after July 1, 2010. 
 
The Government of Puerto Rico has partnered with document provider VitalChek to provide an expedited method for ordering new birth certificates. To apply through this method please visit:  www.vitalchek.com. Vital Check also offers a bilingual call center available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Processing and shipping fees apply. To apply through this method please call: (866) 842-6765. 
 
  
  United States Permanent Residents   :

United States Permanent Resident Card. Click  here  for additional information. 
 
- AND - 
 
A passport from your home country is strongly recommended. 
   
   All Other Nationalities:

Passport from your home country 
 - AND - 
 
Multiple entry United States visa (if applicable) 
 
All non U.S. or Canadian passport holders should contact the Embassy (Consular Services) of each country on your cruise or visit  VisaCentral  for specific visa requirements, information, forms and fees for your nationality. 
   
 It is the responsibility of the guest to identify, obtain and present necessary visas before the start of their cruise vacation. Requirements vary based on the guest’s nationality and countries visiting during the cruise. 
   
 No refunds will be given to individuals who fail to bring proper documentation. 
   
 International travelers who are seeking to travel to the United States are now subject to enhanced security requirements therefore missing information or impossibility to show any requested document required, might cause boarding denial. All eligible travelers who wish to travel to the U.S.A. by air or sea have to fulfill all required documents with appropriate Visas or ESTA . Travelers eligible to travel under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) must obtain an electronic travel authorization prior to boarding a carrier (ESTA). 
   
 Residual validity of ESTA must be checked carefully (valid for 2 years from issuance). In case of passport renewal or duplication, a new ESTA is required. In all cases, a printed copy of the approved ESTA application or valid US Visa must be presented upon check-in prior to boarding the vessel to enable personnel to a faster processing and avoid requests of proof. To check which countries participate in the VWP and for any further information, please visit the website. 
 
All other passengers are kindly required to check with relevant Embassy or Consulate.

Beginning January 21st, 2016, the U.S. Government enforced restrictions for  ESTA  and  Visa  applicants, who have visited Iran, Iraq, Sudan, Syria after March 2011. 
Travelers are kindly reminded to check any update and the release of any official notes on the following  USA Department of State .

Question 9

Bahrain

Accepted Answer

All in-transit cruise passengers will get visa upon arrival to Bahrain and landing card for a stay no longer  than  24 hrs .  Any passenger who wish to debark or stay longer than 24 hours in Bahrain should follow the visa obtaining procedures applicable to this country .   
   
 No discrimination will be raised in case of Israeli Visa or stamp evident on any nationality passport for previous visits. For your guidance, please visti the official Bahrain Government website

Question 10

Bulgaria, Romania

Accepted Answer

European passengers can travel with own passport. Please refer to our Contact center in case of additional or specific information. 
  Non European passengers who are not subject to Schengen visa rules can transit just with own passport.
All other non-European passengers with valid Schengen visas are admitted in the concerned countries even without a specific local visa.

Question 11

Croatia and Montenegro

Accepted Answer

European passengers can transit with ID card. 
   
 Non European passengers who are not subject to Schengen visa rules can transit just with own passport.
All other non-European passengers with valid Schengen visas are admitted in the concerned countries even without a specific local visa.

Question 12

Egypt, Morocco and Gibraltar

Accepted Answer

For minors travelling to these countries, please consider that the “Birth Certificate with travel abroad authentication” and the “Identity Certificate for children” are no longer considered valid. Children under 15 years of age must therefore: - possess their own passport, or - possess another valid identity document for travelling abroad.  
   
 The information provided is up-to-date at the time of going to print; for the latest information and all other questions regarding travel documents and visas, please consult your travel agent and/or the relevant authorities (embassies, consulates or other local authorities).

Question 13

West Indies

Accepted Answer

Embarkation/Disembarkation from French Territories:  
 European Community passengers can Travel with valid ID card (automatically extended French ID card not accepted). 
  We strongly recommend to use passport with 3 months residual validity in case of voyage interruption in any of the intransit islands whose only accepted document is passport. 
 Non European Passengers subject to Schengen Visa have to require the extension of same valid also for the French Overseas Territories.
USA Visa in some cases accepted for embarkation; please refer to Contact Center for further information. 
  Embarkation/Disembarkation from other territories  :  
 passport required. Visa rules applying according to the local Immigration Authorities.

Question 14

Israel

Accepted Answer

Passengers in transit can receive entry Visa upon arrival;  for some nationalities Visa costs are charged  ; restrictions applying to some nationalities whose entry is charged. Please refer to our Contact Center should you need further information.

Question 15

Greenland

Accepted Answer

Traveling to Greenland is subject to specific Visa and Passport Requirements. Make sure you bring appropriate documents on board: 
- A passport with at least 3 months residual validity is mandatory required by local immigration authorities to embark the ship. 
- Depending on your country, a valid visa to be allowed to disembark the ship in Greenland’s ports. 
 For the list of Countries with Visa Requirement and Visa-free Countries click   here . 
Please note that any missing information or documentation may result in  denied boarding  or, in case of missing Visa when required,  denied disembarkation in Greenland . Please note that any Visa should be arranged autonomously before the cruise. 
 
For any additional information regarding document and visas, we strongly suggest you to  consult the relevant authorities . 
 Click  here  for additional information.

Question 16

Japan

Accepted Answer

From Jan 7th 2019, the Japanese government has introduced an  International Tourist Tax  of 1.000 JPY which will be applied to all passengers leaving the country by sea or air and who are headed to another country. The amount of  1000 JPY  will be collected on board of our ships calling at Japanese ports and converted in US dollars using the exchange rate of the date of the departure. Invoice will be issued on board during your cruise. The information will also be included in the booking confirmation and in the e-ticket. 
  Exemptions : crew members, children under 2 years of age, guests going back to Japan due to adverse weather conditions or for reasons of force majeure.

Question 17

Mozambique

Accepted Answer

All passengers travelling to Mozambique must hold a fully valid passport, the expiry date of which should be at least  6 months  after the return date. 
 In addition, all passengers, except   SADC   (Southern African Development Community) passport holders who are exempt, can visit Mozambique either with a  pre-issued Visa  (that can be requested to any Mozambique Embassy/Consulate;  please expect minimum 5 working days to obtain) or by purchasing a VISA for Mozambique on board the ship, from Mozambican Immigration Officers. 
 The cost of such VISA is  USD 50.00  per person (adults and children). The ship will collect the cost directly from passengers, dispatching all needed paperworks directly with Local Immigration Authorities.

Question 18

Oman

Accepted Answer

All in-transit cruise passengers will get visa upon arrival to Oman and landing card for a period of not more than 24 hrs.  If any passenger who wish to debark or stay longer than 24 hours in Oman, should follow the visa obtaining procedures applicable to Oman.   
 
Kindly note that Israel and Bangladesh passport holders are not allowed to enter or to stay aboard vessel during the Omani call. No discrimination will be raised in case of Israeli Visa or stamp evident on any nationality passport for previous visits. For your guidance, please note official Oman Government  website

Question 19

Qatar

Accepted Answer

All in-transit cruise passengers will get visa upon arrival (V.O.A.) to Qatar for a stay no longer  than 24 hrs.  Any passenger who wish to debark or stay longer than 24 hours in Qatar , they should follow the visa obtaining procedures applicable to this country .    
   
No discrimination will be raised in case of Israeli Visa or stamp evident on any nationality passport for previous visits. For your guidance, please visit official Qatar Government website

Question 20

Russia

Accepted Answer

St Petersburg, Sochi: 
Passengers in transit can participate to MSC organized tours and receive entry permission without applying for Russian Visa. 
 
From  1st October 2019 , some cruise passengers visiting St Petersburg (Russia) can do so with an e-visa, available for some nationalities only, to be obtained before the cruise. Please refer to the site of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation for all information including eligible nationalities, timings and procedures to obtain the e-visa. Alternatively, the current procedure remains in place: all MSC Guests visiting St Petersburg with an MSC excursion do not need a visa, and benefit from the usual advantages of all MSC Excursions (direct assistance while on excursion, insurance, priority disembarkation, etc). Our offices are available to answer any doubt you may have or provide additional information if needed.

Question 21

Schengen & Non Schengen Area Ports

Accepted Answer

Please refer to your cruise itinerary. For cruises completely within Schengen area, valid passport or ID card required for European Community passengers.
All other passenger’s nationalities are required passport and/or Single Entry  Schengen Visa . 
 For cruises including one or more non Schengen ports,   passport  and  Multiple Entry Visa  required unless differently sequenced. Please refer our  Contact Center  for further information

Question 22

South Africa

Accepted Answer

Passengers must hold valid passport with 6 months residual validity. Please check with any South African Embassy/Consulate if Visa prior to arrival needed according to your nationality 
 
If you are traveling from/to South Africa with children under 18 years of age, please note that new regulations have recently been introduced. For details, please refer to the following website:  South Africa Home Affairs

For each child, parents must carry an unabridged birth certificate (English/bilingual) issued by an authorized office or agency. 
Please contact your nearest South African Embassy or Consulate to have your certificate(s) validated for travel. 
Please note that these regulations apply to travelers from all nationalities, including South African passport holders.

Question 23

Turkey

Accepted Answer

If Passport (or I.D. Card) validity date is less than 65 days , holders will NOT be allowed  to enter Turkey. 
     It is also highly recommended to have minimum 180 day residual validity of Passport (or any other allowed document) for all Country Citizens, even when applying e-visa only through  https://www.evisa.gov.tr/ . This to allow the system to grant the Visa. 
     In case of non compliance of the above  a penalty fee of TL 353,10 (appx.USD 160,00 / Euro; 140,00) will be applied directly to the document holder. 
 
 This rule is valid also for all passengers in transit in any turkish port ; even though not subject to any Visa procedure.

Question 24

United Arab Emirates (Dubai/Abu Dhabi)

Accepted Answer

Reference is made to cruises within the UAE, origin/destination and transiting to Oman, Bahrain, Qatar.   
 All passports must be valid at least  6 months  on the date of departure from the  UAE  and for stays up to three months. (Please refer to the own country procedures for more info)
 Passengers holding passports of following countries do not need Visa prior to the arrival in to the UAE.  
   Europe : France, Italy, Germany, Holland, Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Austria, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Portugal, Ireland, Greece, Finland, Spain, Monaco, Vatican City, Iceland, Andorra, San Marino, Liechtenstein, United Kingdom, Slovenia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Estonia, Cyprus, Romania, Poland, Slovakia, Lithuania, Latvia, Malta, Croatia , Bulgaria. 
  North America : USA & Canada
 
  Pacific Rim/Asia :  Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Brunei, China (Hong Kong), Singapore, Malaysia , South Korea, China (Mainland), Mauritius, Seychelles, Chile, Solomon Island.

Kindly note that passengers holding passports of other nationalities than the above mentioned ones, need pre-issued Visa for the UAE.

Question 25

Visa procedure for airports or seaports in UAE

Accepted Answer

Tourism Ships Cruise Multi Visa

Travel Documents & Visas