boarding msc cruise

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MSC Cruises

How Early Can I Board My MSC Cruise?

By Michael Ferguson

If you’re planning to embark on an MSC cruise, one of the questions that may come to mind is, “How early can I board my ship?” The answer to this question may vary depending on the port and itinerary of your cruise. In this article, we’ll explore some general guidelines for when you can board your MSC cruise and what you need to know before setting sail.

Arriving at the Port

When arriving at the port, it’s important to remember that you won’t be able to board your ship until the embarkation process has begun. The embarkation process typically starts a few hours before the scheduled departure time of the vessel. However, it’s important to confirm with MSC Cruises or your travel agent for specific details regarding your cruise.

Online Check-In

To make the embarkation process smoother, MSC Cruises allows guests to complete their online check-in before their cruise. This allows guests to provide necessary information such as passport details, emergency contacts and payment information ahead of time. Completing online check-in not only saves time but also allows guests to choose an embarkation time slot.

Embarkation Time Slots

Once you’ve completed your online check-in, you’ll be able to select an embarkation time slot. This is a designated window of time during which you can arrive at the port and board your ship. It’s important that you stick to your chosen embarkation time slot as it helps manage crowds and ensures a smooth boarding process for everyone.

Early Boarding

If you’re eager to start your vacation as soon as possible, it’s understandable that you might want to arrive at the port early in hopes of boarding earlier than scheduled. However, keep in mind that arriving too early won’t necessarily guarantee early boarding.

Priorities for Early Boarding

MSC Cruises has a priority boarding process that gives certain guests the ability to board their ship earlier than others. This includes guests booked in the MSC Yacht Club, those with MSC Voyagers Club status, and guests with special needs or disabilities.

Disembarkation Day

It’s also important to note that if you’re planning to take another cruise immediately after your current one ends, you may be able to board your next ship earlier than usual. This is because MSC Cruises gives priority boarding to guests who are continuing their journey on another MSC vessel.

In summary, the general rule of thumb for boarding an MSC cruise is a few hours before the scheduled departure time of the vessel. However, it’s always best to confirm this information with your travel agent or directly with MSC Cruises.

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What if I Miss Boarding for MSC Cruise: Here’s What to Do

Embarking on an MSC cruise is an exciting adventure filled with unforgettable moments and breathtaking experiences. However, amidst the flurry of preparations and travel formalities, there’s always a lingering worry – what if you miss boarding for your MSC cruise? While it's natural to feel anxious about such a situation, it's important to remember that there are solutions in place to help you navigate this unexpected hurdle. Whether it's due to unforeseen circumstances or a simple misstep in timing, this comprehensive guide will provide you with the necessary information and steps to take if you find yourself in the unfortunate scenario of missing your MSC cruise boarding. From staying calm and contacting MSC Cruises to seeking alternative travel arrangements and rejoining the ship at a later port of call, this guide will equip you with valuable insights to ensure your dream cruise isn’t entirely derailed.

What Happens if You Miss Your Check-in Time for Cruise?

If you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of missing your check-in time for your MSC cruise, it’s essential to take immediate action to ensure a smooth resolution. The first step is to make alternative travel arrangements. Contact your cruise line, travel agent, or travel insurance provider as soon as possible to seek their assistance in making the necessary arrangements. Keep in mind that some cruise lines may offer a grace period or have specific policies in place for such situations.

In the event that you can’t catch up with the ship at it’s next port of call, you’ll have to consider either meeting the cruise at a subsequent port or calling it a wash and heading home. This decision will depend on factors such as the duration of the cruise, the availability of flights or other transportation options to the next port, and your personal preferences. Consult with the relevant parties mentioned earlier to explore your options and make an informed decision.

If you choose to meet the cruise at a subsequent port, you’ll likely have to make your own travel arrangements at your own expense. This can include booking a flight or other transportation to the port where the ship will be docking. Be prepared for the additional costs that may incur, as well as the potential inconvenience of catching up with the ship mid-cruise.

Should you decide to call it a wash and head home, it’s crucial to consider any potential financial implications. Some travel insurance policies may cover missed cruise departures, so be sure to check your policy and contact your insurance provider to file a claim if applicable. Otherwise, you’ll likely have to bear the costs of the missed cruise and any non-refundable expenses associated with it.

Consider meeting the cruise at a subsequent port or heading home, weighing the costs and logistics involved. Keep in mind any travel insurance coverage you may have and file a claim if needed. It’s essential to handle the situation promptly and efficiently to minimize any inconvenience or financial impact.

What if I miss my embarkation time? If the delay occurs en route before you can board the ship, having sufficient travel insurance may provide coverage for missed departure. This coverage may include reimbursement for additional expenses like hotels and onward flights, allowing you to catch up with your ship at a different location.

What if I Miss My Embarkation Time?

Missing your embarkation time for an MSC Cruise can be a stressful situation, but it’s important to remember that there are options available to you. If you find yourself running late or facing unexpected delays en route to the port, it’s essential to contact MSC Cruises as soon as possible to inform them of your situation. They may be able to provide guidance and assistance based on your specific circumstances.

It’s worth noting that if the delay occurs en route and you’ve adequate travel insurance, you should be covered for missed departure. This coverage may extend to additional expenses incurred, such as hotels and onward flights to enable you to catch up with your ship at the next port of call. Therefore, having travel insurance that includes missed departure coverage is crucial.

In the event that you miss your ship on embarkation day, don’t panic. Contact the MSC Cruises emergency hotline immediately to inform them of your situation. They’ll be able to provide you with further instructions and assistance. It’s essential to keep all communication channels open and stay in touch with the cruise line to ensure that they’re aware of your circumstances.

Depending on the specific circumstances and availability, MSC Cruises may allow you to join the ship at the next port of call if you’re able to arrange your own transportation. However, it’s important to note that this is subject to availability and you may incur additional expenses for transportation, accommodation, and any missed activities or services onboard.

Stay calm, communicate effectively, and rely on the assistance provided by MSC Cruises to navigate through this situation.

Instead, stay calm and quickly communicate with the cruise line or your travel agent to inform them about the situation. They may be able to assist you in rejoining the ship at the next port of call or provide guidance on the best course of action. It’s advisable to have travel insurance that covers missed departures, as it can provide valuable support in such circumstances.

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Boarding Time

By debnjoe1438 , November 4, 2023 in MSC Cruises

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debnjoe1438

Will be going on MSC for the first time in Dec. How does MSC do boarding times? Can you choose a time when doing the online check in? I'm a little confused about the number of day's before the cruise in which you can check in. Phone app says 30 days, MSC web site says 20 days. 

Will be on the Seaside out of Miami.

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MSC will assign you a time without any input or concern to what might work for you.  Not to worry.  The time will randomly change, sometimes more than a couple of times between booking and boarding and will not even be checked whatever time you do arrive for.

Be there early you have payed for det first Day also.

9 hours ago, gizfish said: MSC will assign you a time without any input or concern to what might work for you.  Not to worry.  The time will randomly change, sometimes more than a couple of times between booking and boarding and will not even be checked whatever time you do arrive for.

8 hours ago, Preziosa said: Be there early you have payed for det first Day also.

Thank you, plan on being their early. 🙂  We have a group of 17, hoping we all can also go in the same side of the terminal. I've been seeing some west some east side. Also hoping east and west are labled, so I don't have to figure it out myself. (East ocean side, West Miami side) 🙂  

Pretty sure you're speaking about CHECK-IN time which will show on your boarding pass.     🙂

JamieLogical

There will be an arrival time assigned to you that will appear on your eTicket. No one will enforce this time.

1 hour ago, JamieLogical said: There will be an arrival time assigned to you that will appear on your eTicket. No one will enforce this time.

Hi Jamie ... we are also from ROC.  We just got an upgrade to YC on the Dec. 10th Seashore sailing, do you know what time we should try and get there to board, and what do we look for when we arrive (any special YC service)?  Thanks A&B

YC Can board when They Will, so Be there early

Captain-John

On the Celebrity board there has been chat about arrival/check in time being more strictly enforced.

I find the paperwork for YC to be mixed - on the embarkation page, it invites you to 'leave your luggage to the butler team' but in the same document we have been given a 15:00 check in time - most of the first day is gone! We intend to be there for 10:30.

YC can most definitely check in whenever they want and, if arriving before boarding begins, will be among the first on the ship.

You are not supposed to be able to finish checkin until 20 days out but on my emails today I have an invitation to checkin and print boarding pass, and I am 30 days out. But I can’t do it until tomorrow because right now I am on another ship and I don’t think the Bluetooth will reach my printer in GA. 

8 hours ago, mizLORInj said: Pretty sure you're speaking about CHECK-IN time which will show on your boarding pass.     🙂

Yes,,If your in YC..disregard the baording time assigned to you.  Showing up between 10:30 and 11 has always worked well for us with minimal waiting to board

Non YC question. Will be boarding early on Meri and was wondering if the buffet will still open for breakfast or what time does lunch start to be served. 

35 minutes ago, Ed342 said: Non YC question. Will be boarding early on Meri and was wondering if the buffet will still open for breakfast or what time does lunch start to be served. 

On turnaround days breakfast hours are only for those leaving (or on B2B) so MDR will close by 0800 and buffet by 0900.  (Hours from Seaside).  Buffet will open for lunch around 1130-1200.  EM

For our upcoming cruise on Seascape in early Decemebr, I was originally assigned 3:30pm. At midnight, I received an email saying that it is time for me to check in. We are at 29 days. It came right at Midnight. When I checked in 2 cabins that have 2 different booking numbers, I was offered the option to choose a check in time. The section in the check in page said,  "you can choose a check in time if you want to change it". I was shocked because i didnt think MSC let us choose times. I chose the earliest that was available. That was 11 or 11:30. I forget right now. It's been a long day, lol.

Oh, I booked Aurea experience. Not sure if that mattered, interms  of being offered the option to choose a time. But note, only one cabin is Aurea. The other is Fantastica. But, our booking are linked. 

Happy cruising everyone 

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MSC Cruises’ MSC Voyagers Club loyalty program: Everything you need to know

Compared to some of its closest rivals, MSC Cruises has a relatively modest loyalty program.

Unlike the frequent cruiser programs at Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line , the MSC Voyagers Club loyalty program doesn't offer its members a free cruise after reaching the top tier. It does not offer a massive discount on the single supplement charge for solo travelers, as Royal Caribbean offers its top-tier members, nor does it grant priority access to onboard shows.

For more cruise guides, reviews and news, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Still, the MSC Cruises loyalty program offers several valuable perks at higher levels, including a complimentary meal in an extra-charge specialty restaurant once per cruise and priority access to tenders in ports.

The MSC Voyagers Club program also allows you to status match your way into one of its top tiers — something that no other major cruise line loyalty program offers.

Ways to earn points

The points-earning system for MSC Voyagers Club is a bit convoluted, as the number of points you earn on any given cruise depends on various factors.

For starters, you earn points based on the length of the cruise you take and which MSC Cruises "experience" you book. As regular MSC Cruises customers know, the line offers four onboard experiences, each with different inclusions and price points. Bella is the most basic — and least expensive — experience available. MSC Yacht Club is the top experience available. Experiences called Fantastica and Aurea are in between.

For sailings of four nights or fewer, each passenger in the cabin will earn the following number of points depending on experience type:

• Fantastica: 400
• MSC Yacht Club: 800

For sailings of five to nine nights, every guest will earn the following number of points depending on experience type:

• Fantastica: 700
• Aurea: 1,000
• MSC Yacht Club: 1,500

For sailings of nine or more nights, they'll earn the following number of points depending on experience type:

• Fantastica: 1,000
• Aurea: 1,500
• MSC Yacht Club: 2,000

In addition to the above, you can also earn points for extras when spending money on MSC Cruises ships or when booking in advance of sailing. You'll earn 100 points for every $150 you spend on prepaid and onboard expenses.

One caveat: Only the MSC Voyagers Club member who makes the final payment for onboard expenses will receive those points. For expenses for prepaid services that apply to all cabin occupants (and not single occupants), points will be equally distributed among the cabin occupants.

For example, say the total amount of prepaid onboard services that apply to all cabin occupants before the cruise is $600. If there are four cabin occupants, the spending for the points calculation of each member will be $150, which is equal to 100 points.

Related: The ultimate guide to MSC Cruises ships and itineraries

The final way to earn points is by updating your contact details up to 72 hours before departure on your next cruise. This will earn you 100 points.

All points, including for the cruise, onboard spending and updating your profile, will pop up in your account about 10 days after the cruise is completed.

MSC Voyagers Club tiers and benefits

There are four tiers to the MSC Voyagers Club program:

• Classic : 1 to 2,199 points
• Silver : 2,200 to 4,299 points
• Gold : 4,300 to 9,999 points
• Diamond : 10,000 or more points

As is typical for cruise line loyalty programs, the entry-level tier (Classic) doesn't provide many truly valuable rewards. By far, the most alluring benefit at this level is the 5% discount members receive when booking future sailings. (This discount is not valid for MSC Grand Tours and when booking Tandem cabins, which are specially discounted cabins that parents can book for kids.) That's real savings every time you book a cruise.

Additionally, Classic members receive:

• An extra 5% discount on Voyagers Exclusives sailings made six to nine months before departure
• An MSC Voyagers Club e-newsletter
• MSC Voyagers Club personalized luggage tags for embarkation in the e-ticket
• An MSC Voyagers Club card
• An invitation to a "welcome back" cocktail party
• A dedicated number to call on board
• Discounts on many packages and amenities, including onboard pictures, digital accessories, Wi-Fi and spa and fitness offerings
• An MSC Shops discount (for each $50 spent in any onboard shops, you will receive a $10 discount)

Note that the MSC Shops discount has a lot of fine print. The discount is not combinable with promotions available on board and is not available for spending on tobacco products and electronics. It's also only valid on the first day of a cruise. That final point prompts us to downgrade the value of this perk considerably.

Upon reaching the second tier of the program, Silver, you get a couple of additional perks. The most notable to us is a $50 onboard credit per person, plus double MSC Voyagers Club points, for all bookings made more than 12 months before departure. (If you book nine to 12 months in advance, you get the $50 credit but not the double points.)

The Silver level also brings an unspecified milestone reward and all the perks of the lower-tier Classic level.

Related: Everything you need to know about MSC Cruises cabins and suites

You will be a member of the Classic level as soon as you take a single cruise, as it takes only 1 point to reach the Classic level. You also might be able to reach the Silver level in just one cruise if you take a long voyage of nine nights or more, pay for the top MSC Yacht Club experience and do a modest amount of onboard spending.

Still, a more typical cruiser sailing seven-night trips at a mid-tier Fantastica or Aurea experience level would need two or three cruises to reach the Silver level.

The elite level that makes a difference

Being loyal to MSC Cruises starts paying off in a more meaningful way once you reach the Gold level of the MSC Voyagers Club program. Even here, though, the rewards are still relatively modest.

The Gold level comes with one solid perk: priority disembarkation in ports where a tender boat is required. This can make a real difference in your cruising experience, as it means you can get off the ship much faster in some cases than the majority of other passengers. That will allow you to maximize your time in tender ports.

Additionally, Gold status brings all the perks of the tiers below it plus:

• A complimentary one-hour thermal area session once per cruise
• A complimentary gift
• A complimentary photo taken during the "welcome back" cocktail party
• A complimentary birthday cake when it's your birthday

It could take you as few as two cruises to reach the Gold level if you sign up for longer sailings and pay for the top MSC Yacht Club experience. Someone sailing seven-night trips at a mid-tier Fantastica or Aurea experience level would need four or five cruises to reach the Gold level.

The best elite perk with MSC Voyagers Club

Alas, there isn't a "wow" perk in the entire MSC Voyagers Club menu. As noted above, unlike some lines, MSC Cruises doesn't award top-tier members with truly high-value perks such as a free cruise. Still, MSC Voyagers Club's top Diamond status tier does come with a few enticing benefits.

Our favorite perk in the entire MSC Voyagers Club program is the complimentary dinner at a specialty restaurant that comes with Diamond-level status. That said, be warned that the complimentary dinner comes with a lot of fine print (so much fine print, in fact, that to use it verges on the ridiculous).

The complimentary dinner, in theory, is for you and a cabinmate. However, among the fine-print caveats is that two Diamond members staying in the same cabin don't get two free dinners.

If you and your spouse are both Diamond members, and you dine together using the perk, MSC Cruises counts that as you both using your perk for that one meal. That said, if you had two other people staying with you in the same cabin, you and your spouse could each use your perk to take one of them out for the free dinner, resulting in two free dinners for your cabin.

Additionally, the complimentary dinner privilege at specialty restaurants might not be available on all ship classes. Members under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult at dinner. Also, drinks are not included with the complimentary dinner, nor are you allowed to bring outside drinks into the restaurant.

Related: The 6 types of MSC Cruises ships, explained

Should all that prove too confusing, MSC Voyagers Club Diamond status thankfully also offers two other solid perks:

• A priority line for boarding on embarkation day
• Priority disembarkation at the end of the cruise

Diamond level also provides all the perks of the tiers below it plus:

• Courtesy bathrobe and slippers available during the cruise
• A complimentary dance class
• An invitation to an exclusive Diamond Party
• Late cabin checkout on disembarkation day
• A chocolate gift

Someone sailing seven-night cruises at a mid-tier Fantastica or Aurea experience level would need to take about eight to 10 trips to reach the Diamond level, depending on onboard spending.

In contrast to every other major cruise line loyalty program, MSC Cruises customers do not get "forever status" once they reach a certain tier of the MSC Voyagers Club. Once achieved, your status is only good as long as you take a cruise at least once every 36 months.

If you don't take a cruise once every 36 months, you will see your points in the MSC Voyagers Club disappear and your entire account erased. You'll have to reenroll and start all over again.

This is a notable difference from other cruise line loyalty programs, as "forever status" is one of the great allures of such programs. Many airline frequent flyer programs, by contrast, require loyalty members to requalify for status each year.

MSC Voyagers Club status match

As noted above, the MSC Voyagers Club program allows you to status match your way to its top tiers — something other major cruise line loyalty programs don't offer.

If you show proof of a high loyalty program status level with a competing cruise line, a hotel company or even a booking site such as Expedia, you can catapult your way from no status to a top-tier status with MSC Cruises in a jiffy. A high status level at an airline, alas, won't get you a status match at MSC Cruises, with a handful of exceptions such as a high status level at Air China.

This MSC Cruises status match, to us, is a big deal. It's one thing that sets MSC Voyagers Club apart from other cruise line loyalty programs.

The status match process at MSC Cruises is simple. Go to the dedicated enrollment page for MSC Voyagers Club status matching at the MSC Cruises website. You'll find a short online form where you enter some personal details (including name, birth date and address) and details about your status level with another loyalty program. You'll then have to upload a picture of your membership card for that program (or, if you don't have a membership card, a screenshot of your online account page showing your name and status).

That's it. Within a few days, you'll get an email or text welcoming you into the MSC Voyagers Club program at a status tier that matches your status with the other brand.

The dedicated enrollment page lists more than 60 loyalty programs from which you can status match into the MSC Cruises loyalty program. They include such cruise line loyalty programs as Royal Caribbean's Crown & Anchor Society and Carnival Cruise Line's VIFP Club program . Your status in the loyalty programs run by such major hotel chains as Hilton , Hyatt and Marriott also can be submitted for a match.

MSC Cruises doesn't offer a chart showing which tier of its loyalty program you will receive based on your tier at each of the other brands. Our staff members at TPG have had luck matching into the top Gold or Diamond tiers of the MSC Voyagers Club program from high levels of competing programs. One TPG editor received top Diamond tier status in the MSC Cruises program as a match to World of Hyatt Globalist status, for instance. Another staffer received Gold status in the MSC Cruises program as a match to the Diamond level in Royal Caribbean's program.

You can enter your status in only one program when seeking a match, so pick the program in which you have the highest status level.

Bottom line

MSC Cruises offers some decent perks in its four-tier loyalty program, including discounts and onboard credits when you book additional cruises. It also allows cruisers to status match their way to the top tiers of the program.

Still, the MSC Voyagers Club program is not nearly as robust a frequent cruiser program as those offered by such rivals as Royal Caribbean and Norwegian.

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Boarding time question

By mvh , April 27, 2023 in MSC Cruises

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I don't sail for a while and it's been a few years (pre Covid) since I have sailed MSC. Do they send me a specific boarding time or do I request it at a certain point? If so, how strict are they about being there before your scheduled time? We will need to check out of the hotel by 11:00 and would like to head over by then. Also, do they give us the same time as our linked cabins?

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Two Wheels Only

MSC will assign you a time to check-in but that doesn't mean that you will board at that time. Honestly, I don't believe that anyone at the port enforced the assigned time. 

You can check out of your hotel then head directly to the port. 

Thanks, that's kinda what I thought. Pretty much just a suggestion.

captainkurt

I have an upcoming cruise on Seascape from PortMiami.  This is my first cruise with MSC.  Therefore, I'm not familiar with their boarding practices.  I noticed that my cruise documents state that check-in time is 15:00.  I've never received a boarding time so late before.  Will I have to wait to board the ship until 3:00 PM?  I was planning to arrive at the port by 10:00 AM or so and board shortly thereafter as I've done on all of my previous cruises with other lines.  Will this be possible on MSC?

44 minutes ago, captainkurt said: I noticed that my cruise documents state that check-in time is 15:00.  I've never received a boarding time so late before.  Will I have to wait to board the ship until 3:00 PM?  I was planning to arrive at the port by 10:00 AM or so and board shortly thereafter as I've done on all of my previous cruises with other lines.  Will this be possible on MSC?

You can arrive and check-in as early as you have planned but you probably won't board until after 11am. You will board way before 3pm if you arrive early. It is unlikely that anyone will pay attention to your assigned time. 

People with priority boarding (Yacht Club, B2B, Voyagers Club Diamond, etc.) will board early then once general boarding begins, those who have checked-in earlier will board before those who have checked-in later.

Thanks for your reply Two Wheels Only!  Check-in as you describe above will certainly work for us!  Hey, since you're also in FL, perhaps you can answer another question I have regarding the Embarkation Form.  Although I typed and saved our complete address on the MSC website, I noticed that our state (FL) is not included on the Embarkation Form?  Is that normal?  Everything else (street address, city, zip code, etc) is listed on the form.  Thanks again for your feedback!

28 minutes ago, captainkurt said: Although I typed and saved our complete address on the MSC website, I noticed that our state (FL) is not included on the Embarkation Form?  Is that normal?  Everything else (street address, city, zip code, etc) is listed on the form.  Thanks again for your feedback!

Mine are the same. It has never been a problem. 

We're hoping to do the same, we are supposed to arrive at 13:00 but we check out at 11:00. Do you think they'll let us get on?

16 hours ago, captainkurt said: I have an upcoming cruise on Seascape from PortMiami.  This is my first cruise with MSC.  Therefore, I'm not familiar with their boarding practices.  I noticed that my cruise documents state that check-in time is 15:00.  I've never received a boarding time so late before.  Will I have to wait to board the ship until 3:00 PM?  I was planning to arrive at the port by 10:00 AM or so and board shortly thereafter as I've done on all of my previous cruises with other lines.  Will this be possible on MSC?

Just imagine your Dr's office opens at 8 AM and EVERYONE from the entire daya appointments  shows up at 8 AM-it's chaos... Same holds true here-they just didn't schedule a certain time for giggles....

Yes other people show up early-some are denied and told to go outside and wait, others are permitted to go up to the holding room and wait for your group number to be called... If you have to show up early try around 1 pm when most of the crowd that truly were scheduled at the earlier boarding time has processed.... 

Aurea how does that board?

You will board with Diamond members after Special Assistance guests. There should be a dedicated Aurea/Diamond checkin line as well. Ask, once you get through security.

7 minutes ago, kelleherdl said: You will board with Diamond members after Special Assistance guests. There should be a dedicated Aurea/Diamond checkin line as well. Ask, once you get through security.

My father in law has a scooter can we board with my in laws?

8 minutes ago, Robinnnnn said: My father in law has a scooter can we board with my in laws?

I’ve never personally seen parties broken up. I trust this will not start another series of posts about abusing ‘privileges.’  You shouldn’t have a problem, particularly if you check in as a group. Depending on the terminal setup the Special Assistance checkin may be located away from the Aurea/Diamond checkin.

KINGBOBOFTHENORTH

I have been on four MSC cruises post-covid and they beginning the assignment of boarding times. No one has ever asked to see my boarding time. You just get there when you get there and get in the queue.

11 hours ago, KINGBOBOFTHENORTH said: I have been on four MSC cruises post-covid and they beginning the assignment of boarding times. No one has ever asked to see my boarding time. You just get there when you get there and get in the queue.

Thanks, that is the plan.

16 hours ago, Robinnnnn said: My father in law has a scooter can we board with my in laws?

Have they filled out the special needs at sea form? If not, please do that for them as it asks about wheelchair assistance and mention you need to help them settle....

14 hours ago, KINGBOBOFTHENORTH said: I have been on four MSC cruises post-covid and they beginning the assignment of boarding times. No one has ever asked to see my boarding time. You just get there when you get there and get in the queue.

IMAGINE you go to the Drs office and all of the patients scheduled throughout the day show up and demand they be seen now-its pure chaos.... MSC  didn't schedule you without reason-there is a reason for their madness and I hop they start enforcing embarkation times.... The line queues would not be so bad if everyone just showed up at the scheduled EMBARKATION TIMES!!!!

43 minutes ago, mmbcater said: IMAGINE you go to the Drs office and all of the patients scheduled throughout the day show up and demand they be seen now-its pure chaos.... MSC  didn't schedule you without reason-there is a reason for their madness and I hop they start enforcing embarkation times.... The line queues would not be so bad if everyone just showed up at the scheduled EMBARKATION TIMES!!!!

Sorry but that's not even close to the same thing. If my long ago booked flight arrives into Miami at 10AM and I get to the port at 11:30AM, I'm checking-in even if MSC randomly assigned me 2PM. I'm not standing around waiting, especially when no one is asking for my assigned time. Also, I've had situations where MSC had to email docs to me three times and I had three different assigned times! This question comes up numerous times and my answer is always the same: get there when you get there and ignore the assigned time because NO ONE IS LOOKING AT IT AND NO ONE CARES.  

1 minute ago, KINGBOBOFTHENORTH said: Sorry but that's not even close to the same thing. If my long ago booked flight arrives into Miami at 10AM and I get to the port at 11:30AM, I'm checking-in even if MSC randomly assigned me 2PM. I'm not standing around waiting, especially when no one is asking for my assigned time. Also, I've had situations where MSC had to email docs to me three times and I had three different assigned times! This question comes up numerous times and my answer is always the same: get there when you get there and ignore the assigned time because NO ONE IS LOOKING AT IT AND NO ONE CARES.  

Agreed. I would be fine if they let you pick your boarding time when you book, which it sounds like they pick it for you. It's ridiculous to think people are not going to want to board as early as possible and take advantage of the first day. Cruise lines have been loading 5,000 passengers without times for years. There is more than one Doctor at this office.

Brighton Line

Advertised 3p Sail, 1:30p auto assigned time to check in, and then in the same document you are expected to be on board two hours before sailing. So I am supposed to arrive 30 minutes after I'm supposed to be checked in so reading their rules I won't be allowed to check in arriving at their assigned time which is past the 2 hour before sail time?

No wonder people go early.

On 5/3/2023 at 2:29 PM, Brighton Line said: Advertised 3p Sail, 1:30p auto assigned time to check in, and then in the same document you are expected to be on board two hours before sailing. So I am supposed to arrive 30 minutes after I'm supposed to be checked in so reading their rules I won't be allowed to check in arriving at their assigned time which is past the 2 hour before sail time?   No wonder people go early.    

FYI this is a computer glitch. Called MSC and they said that. You can't arrive at 1:30 and expect to get checked in and board for a 3pm departure. It is not allowed. All passengers must be onboard by 2pm. That is why people just go and show up. We have the 1:30 arrival also and will get there way before that time for sure!

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• Newsroom Emirates

Emirates and MSC Cruises Renew Partnership for Two More Seasons

• Renewed partnership will offer coordinated flight and cruise schedules further boosting Dubai’s cruise proposition
• Guests will benefit from smooth check-in processes and a seamless transition from airport to ship

DUBAI, UAE, 08 May 2024 – Emirates and MSC Cruises have renewed their partnership for another two seasons, cementing Dubai’s position as a major cruise hub. 

Announced at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in Dubai, UAE, the partnership builds on an existing 10-year relationship and will leverage the strengths of the airline and MSC Cruises to enhance the guest experience and support the growth of Dubai’s cruise tourism eco-system. 

For the next two years, guests will be able to book a Fly&Cruise holiday package with MSC Cruises, which includes Emirates return flights from 21 airports across Europe and South America.

Nabil Sultan, Emirates’ Executive Vice President for Passenger Sales and Country Management said: “We’re eager to continue our partnership with MSC Cruises who have been an integral part of Dubai’s growing cruise tourism industry. We’re confident that we have the right plans in place, as we work closely to deliver a seamless sea-to-air experience for our customers. Our partnership with MSC Cruises is also one of the ways we’re working to strengthen Dubai’s position as the world’s preferred winter cruising destination.”

Gianni Onorato, CEO of MSC Cruises, said , “We are delighted to further extend our partnership with Emirates for MSC Euribia Fly&Cruise packages from Dubai this winter season. Both Emirates and MSC Cruises are recognised as leaders in their fields, so it’s a perfect match to offer Emirates’ high-quality flight service with the outstanding experience waiting for guests on board our ship. Guests will benefit from a streamlined journey from home to ship and dedicated support team for a stress-free start and end to their holiday.”

The partnership between Emirates and MSC Cruises will continue to focus on joint promotional strategies such as Fly&Cruise, and marketing campaigns in key markets to boost Dubai’s appeal as a cruise destination. The airline and MSC Cruises will also focus on sharing relevant data and insights to improve service delivery, in addition to coordination on flight and cruise schedules and facilitating a smooth check-in process at Port Rashid.

Benefits of the Fly&Cruise packages include being met at arrivals with a dedicated bus transfer to the ship. On return, guests can drop their bags in the cruise terminal, and collect them directly once they arrive at their destination.

Capitalising on Emirates’ extensive international network, the MSC Fly&Cruise packages including Emirates flights are available from Italy (Milan, Rome), Germany (Frankfurt, Munich, Hamburg, Dusseldorf), United Kingdom (London Heathrow, Birmingham, Glasgow, Manchester, Newcastle) and Amsterdam, Brussels, Copenhagen, Dublin, Lisbon, Paris, Stockholm, Vienna, Zurich and São Paulo.

D edicated Emirates check-in counters at Port Rashid allow passengers who are disembarking from their cruise to check in their luggage and get their flight boarding passes up to four hours before flight departure, breezing through all their airport formalities directly to their departure gate. 

American cruise guests will also soon be able to book their Emirates flight through MSC Cruises from New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Atlanta, Miami, Orlando and Washington*.

MSC Euribia, MSC Cruises’ current flagship, will sail from Dubai, UAE for the winter 2024/25 season offering 7-night itineraries calling to destinations including Doha, Bahrain, Abu Dhabi and some of the itineraries include Sir Bani Yas – the largest natural island in the United Arab Emirates which offers pristine beaches and diverse wildlife.

For more information about Fly&Cruise packages visit: https://www.msccruises.com/int/our-cruises/fly-and-cruise

*Cruise terminal airline check in + bag drop off not valid for flights to USA

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• Russian News and Stories

The Moscow metro now has a full 4G coverage

• On 19 Oct 2018

The Tele2 mobile network company became the first to build an infrastructure for 100% stations of the Moscow's metro. The high-quality 4G internet is now available on all 259 stations of the Moscow's metro, Moscow Central Circle (MCC) and monorail.

The operator has secured a 100% 4G indoor-coverage internet an all stations of the metropolitan metro, including the passageways, pavilions, and stairways. The investments into the project have exceeded 800 million rubles.

The Moscow underground is a specific infrastructure object, which has its own particularities. All works on designing, installation, and adjustment of the hardware should have been conducted exceptionally during night hours when the metro is closed for entry. A sufficient number of stations have a status of cultural heritage, thus, the network development has required additional approvement from the Department of Cultural Heritage of Moscow.

The network coverage within the metro system opens new horizons for the analysis of the "big data". Tele2 Network has analyzed the users' activity during the summer months and has indicated the busiest metro lines, which were: Tagansko-Krasnopresnenskaya, Zamoskvoretskaya and Kaluga-Riga lines. During the summer months, on the stations of Tagansko-Krasnopresnenskaya lines the subscribers have downloaded 125 TByte of internet-traffic, have made over 2 million calls with the total duration of 27 thousand hours, which equals to 3 years.

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Cruise Embarkation

Embarkation begins at the check-in time shown on your cruise ticket. Check-in closes 2 hours before the ship is due to depart in all embarkation ports. Before arriving at the port, please ensure that all personal details shown on the embarkation form in your e-ticket are checked and correct. You will be required to show your embarkation form before boarding.

At the terminal

1. Deliver your luggage to the designated staff, who will then have it sent directly to your cabin. All bags must be labelled beforehand with your name and surname, the name of the ship, the cabin number and the date and port of departure.

Luggage will be delivered directly to the cabin. The expected delivery timeframe is from late afternoon through early evening. We recommend keeping any items needed for embarkation day and evening in your carry-on bag including clothes for the evening and any medications. 2. Go to the embarkation area with all personal travel documents required for the cruise, and show staff the embarkation form on your cruise ticket or via the MSC for Me app (if available). Collect your Cruise Card and MSC wrist band (if available). Guests of the MSC Yacht Club will find an exclusive Check-In area and will be assisted with their luggage by the butler team at the terminal, who will escort them to the dedicated line for priority Check-In. On request, the butler will also unpack guests’ suitcases. 3. Proceed to the security control. Please note that staff may search you and/or your luggage and confiscate any articles that could represent a safety risk.

4. Board the ship where staff will take your security picture, if you have not already done so via the MSC for Me app or web check-in  (if available). Then proceed to your cabin.

5. Go to your cabin. Your Cruise card will serve as your cabin key, this magnetic card can also be used to pay for products and services onboard. For MSC Yacht Club Guests, it is also used to access the MSC Yacht Club area. If your cabin is not yet ready, you may begin your onboard purchases in the bars and restaurants by providing crew with your cabin number and full name

6. Activate your Cruise Card for onboard purchases. (See the Onboard Payment  section below for further information on how to do this.)

7. Take part in the obligatory safety drill.

8. Don’t miss the MSC Cruise Guide, an important presentation where we will tell you all you need to know in order to live your cruise to the full. The embarkation process might differ for MSC Seaside and MSC Divina.

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Metallurgicheskii Zavod Electrostal AO (Russia)

In 1993 "Elektrostal" was transformed into an open joint stock company. The factory occupies a leading position among the manufacturers of high quality steel. The plant is a producer of high-temperature nickel alloys in a wide variety. It has a unique set of metallurgical equipment: open induction and arc furnaces, furnace steel processing unit, vacuum induction, vacuum- arc furnaces and others. The factory has implemented and certified quality management system ISO 9000, received international certificates for all products. Elektrostal today is a major supplier in Russia starting blanks for the production of blades, discs and rolls for gas turbine engines. Among them are companies in the aerospace industry, defense plants, and energy complex, automotive, mechanical engineering and instrument-making plants.

Headquarters Ulitsa Zheleznodorozhnaya, 1 Elektrostal; Moscow Oblast; Postal Code: 144002

Contact Details: Purchase the Metallurgicheskii Zavod Electrostal AO report to view the information.

Website: http://elsteel.ru

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To view more information, Request a demonstration of the EMIS service

Russia's Nuclear Deterrent Command Center Imperiled by Winter Freeze—Report

A Russian nuclear deterrent command center in Moscow has been imperiled by power outages that have impacted more than one-quarter of the region's cities amid freezing temperatures, a Russian Telegram channel has reported.

The VChK-OGPU outlet, which purports to have inside information from Russian security forces, reported that the 820th Main Center for Missile Attack Warnings—part of the Russian Space Forces, a branch of the country's Aerospace Forces—near Solnechnogorsk in Moscow is without power.

It serves as the space forces early warning network against potential ballistic missile attacks.

The development comes as Russians are reported to be suffering from power outages in their homes in the Moscow region caused by technical issues at plants amid subzero temperatures.

On January 4, a heating main burst at the Klimovsk Specialized Ammunition Plant in the town of Podolsk, which is about 30 miles south of central Moscow. Since then, tens of thousands of Russians are reported to have no heating in their homes.

Affected areas include the cities of Khimki, Balashikha, Lobnya, Lyubertsy, Podolsk, Chekhov and Naro-Fominsk, a map published by a Russian Telegram channel and shared on other social media sites shows.

Other Russian media outlets reported that in Moscow, residents of Balashikha, Elektrostal, Solnechnogorsk, Dmitrov, Domodedovo, Troitsk, Taldom, Orekhovo-Zuyevo, Krasnogorsk, Pushkino, Ramenskoye, Voskresensk, Losino-Petrovsky and Selyatino are also without power.

The Telegram channel said that at the 820th Main Center for Missile Attack Warnings, "the crew...is on duty around the clock."

"It is here that the decision on a retaliatory nuclear strike is executed," the channel said.

Newsweek could not independently verify the report and has reached out to the Russian Defense Ministry by email for comment.

Power outages have also been reported in Russia's second-largest city, St. Petersburg, in the country's western Voronezh region, in the southwest city of Volgograd, and in Rostov, which borders Ukraine, a country that Russia has been at war with since February 24, 2022.

On Sunday, two shopping malls in St. Petersburg were forced to close because of problems with light and heating, reported local news outlet 78.ru. Hundreds of other homes in the city have had no electricity, water or heating for days amid temperatures of -25 C (-13 F).

Russian authorities have also been forced to compensate passengers of a train that ran from Samara to St. Petersburg (a 20-hour journey) without heating during -30 C (-22 F) temperatures. Videos circulating on social media showed carriage windows frozen over. A passenger also said the toilet didn't work during the trip because of frozen pipes.

Do you have a tip on a world news story that Newsweek should be covering? Do you have a question about the Russia-Ukraine war? Let us know via [email protected].

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