U.S. Customs and Border Protection has issued a new ruling that goes into effect on February 18, 2008, which mandates that all guests embarking on a cruise from a U.S. port be checked-in and onboard their ship at least one hour prior to ship's departure. To comply with this mandate and ensure that there is ample time for check-in, MSC Cruises requires that all guests be checked in 90 minutes prior to the ship's scheduled departure. Guests arriving later than the 90 minutes check-in time will be denied boarding.
Each guest is responsible for bringing all required travel documents.
U.S. citizens traveling abroad are responsible for bringing all required travel documents for boarding the ship in the country in which they will embark including a valid passport and any visas required for their cruise itinerary. Please note that guests are responsible for securing the necessary visas and immunizations.
For Caribbean cruises, U.S. citizens must bring proper identification in the form of a U.S. passport or original or certified birth certificate with a raised seal along with a state or government issued photo identification. Due to countries changing their laws, some itineraries may require all guests to have a passport. In addition, pending U.S. legislation may require passports for all guests as early as Summer 2008.
Please be advised that passports for U.S. citizens flying to the following countries to embark on their cruise must be valid for three months beyond the last day of their stay: Denmark – France – Germany-Italy-Netherlands-Portugal-Spain. U.S. citizens traveling to Brazil must have a passport with minimum validity of six months and a visa.
Note that debarkation in Libya by U.S. citizens is prohibited by the Libyan government.
Alien residents and non-U.S. citizens should consult with their local consulates for proper identification requirements.
MSC Cruises also strongly encourages its guests to visit the Department of Homeland Security web site (www.dhs.gov) and the United States Department of State web site (www.travel.state.gov) for the most up-to-date traveler information including passport and visa requirements as well as travel advisories and safety recommendations.