Everything is confirmed and secured — you're all set for an amazing getaway. Keep your booking details handy; you'll reference them at each step below.

Now's the perfect time to get every document in order — so there are zero surprises at the port.

• 1
  Valid PassportMust be valid at least 6 months beyond your return date. If yours is expiring, renew now — processing can take 10–13 weeks.
• 2
  Birth Certificate + Government Photo IDRequired for U.S. citizens on closed-loop cruises (departing and returning to the same U.S. port).
• 3
  Visas (if applicable)Some itineraries and citizenships require a visa for certain ports. I'll flag anything specific to your sailing.
• 4
  Travel Insurance DocumentsKeep a digital and printed copy. Don't have insurance yet? Let me know — I can help.
• 5
  MSC Cruises Booking ConfirmationAccess your booking any time at MSCCruisesUSA.com.

Your balance is typically due about 90 days before sailing (5–14 night sailings are a bit earlier; 1–4 night a bit later). I'll send you your exact due date — here's exactly how to pay.

How to make your payment

• 1
  Have your cruise reservation number readyYou'll need your MSC Cruises reservation (booking) number to make a payment. It's on your confirmation email and in your account under "My Cruises."
• 2
  Pay securely on my payments pageAll payments are made through my secure payments page: polkadotsnwishestravel.com/payments. Enter your reservation number and follow the prompts.
• 3
  Questions? Reach out firstNot sure about your balance or due date? Message me before you pay and I'll walk you through it.

Pre-booking saves money and locks in the best tables. Prices are usually at their best 60–90 days out — this is the sweet spot. (For the full dining breakdown, see the deep-dive guide below.)

🍷 Drink packages

• ★
  Premium Extra PackageMSC's flagship all-inclusive — cocktails, premium spirits, wine & champagne by the glass (up to $16), beers, specialty coffee, and soft drinks (15 alcoholic drinks/day max). Included free in the Yacht Club.
• ★
  Alcohol-Free PackageFor guests 13–20 or anyone skipping alcohol — mocktails, sodas, specialty coffee, juices, and water.
• ★
  Minors PackageRequired for kids when a parent buys a package. Usable in specialty restaurants and on Ocean Cay with a paired adult package.

🍽️ Specialty dining

• ★
  Specialty Dining PackagesBundle 2, 3, or more specialty meals (steakhouse Butcher's Cut, Teppanyaki/Kaito sushi, and more) for a set price — cheaper pre-booked.
• ★
  Yacht Club diningYacht Club guests enjoy the exclusive Yacht Club restaurant and Ocean House on Ocean Cay.

Exploring each port is one of the best parts of cruising. Plan now, before the most popular tours sell out.

⚓ Your options

• 1
  Book Through MSC CruisesThe safest option — these are ship-guaranteed, so if your tour runs late, the ship waits for you. Browse under "Shore Excursions."
• 2
  Independent ToursThird-party operators often offer unique experiences at lower prices. Just leave plenty of buffer to get back before all-aboard.
• 3
  Explore on Your OwnSome ports are very walkable. I'm happy to share recommendations for each of yours.

💡 Kelsey's tips

• ✓Book early — swim-with-dolphins and similar tours sell out weeks ahead.
• ✓Check all-aboard time for each port and keep a 1–2 hour buffer.
• ✓Traveling with kids or seniors? Look for "easy" or "leisure-paced" tours.
• ✓Bring small-denomination local cash for tips and market purchases.

Completing check-in early means faster boarding, your SetSail Pass ready to go, and less time in line at the terminal.

• 1
  Log In to MSCUse RoyalCaribbean.com or the app, signing in with the email tied to your booking.
• 2
  Go to "Check In"Under "My Cruises," find your sailing and click "Online Check-In."
• 3
  Complete Passenger InfoEnter each guest's full legal name (as on their ID/passport), date of birth, nationality, and passport or ID details.
• 4
  Upload a PhotoEach guest needs a clear, recent headshot — no sunglasses or hats — for facial-recognition boarding.
• 5
  Add a Credit Card on FileThis sets up your MSC cruise card onboard account for any purchases.
• 6
  Select Your Arrival TimeEarlier slots go fast, so check in as soon as possible.
• 7
  Download Your SetSail PassSave it to your phone or print it — this is your boarding document!

Let's connect for a quick check-in so every detail is in place and you feel completely prepared and excited.

📋 What we'll cover

• ✓Document Review — confirm passports, IDs, and required documents are ready.
• ✓Check-In Status — make sure your SetSail Pass is downloaded and arrival window selected.
• ✓Dining & Activities — review any specialty dining or onboard experiences you've booked.
• ✓Excursion Confirmation — go over your plans for each port stop.
• ✓Port Arrival & Logistics — parking, transportation, and terminal arrival tips.
• ✓Last-Minute Questions — your chance to ask anything. No question is too small.

One week to go — time to pack smart. Here's how to handle luggage, tags, dress codes, and what to leave at home.

🏷️ Luggage tags

• 1
  Print your tags after check-inOnce online check-in is done, MSC Cruises generates your personalized luggage tags with your name, stateroom, and sailing. Print them at home.
• 2
  Fold and attach securelyFold along the lines and attach to each checked bag. Paper tags can tear off in handling.
• ★
  Pro tip: plastic tag holdersGrab a set of clear plastic cruise luggage tag holders on Amazon (a few dollars for 4–8). They loop through your bag handle and keep tags from ripping off. A tiny purchase that saves a lot of stress.

👗 Dress codes

🚫 What NOT to bring (prohibited)

• ✗Irons & steamers — a fire hazard and not allowed; laundry/pressing is available onboard.
• ✗Surge protectors & extension cords — banned. Bring a non-surge power strip or USB block instead.
• ✗Candles & incense — anything with an open flame is prohibited.
• ✗Beer, liquor & hard seltzer — see the wine allowance in the FAQ below.
• ✗Drones, hoverboards & weapons of any kind.

✅ Don't-forget essentials

MSC blends European dining style with all-inclusive packages. Here's what's complimentary, how the Premium Extra package works, and the Yacht Club difference.

Included in your fare (complimentary)

Specialty dining (extra cost)

Your MSC cruise card (with the MSC for Me app) is your room key, ID, and onboard wallet. The ship is cashless — charges post to your account and settle to your card at the end. Register a card during web check-in.

MSC's private Bahamas island

Ocean Cay is a former industrial sand island reborn as a protected marine reserve — eight beaches, calm lagoons, great snorkeling, and a laid-back, eco-minded feel. Every Caribbean/Bahamas cruise from the U.S. stops here.

The big perk vs. other lines: your MSC drink package works on Ocean Cay, so an all-inclusive beach day is seamless. Families love shallow, calm Seakers Cove.

Many sailings stay into the evening for the island's signature lighthouse light show. Yacht Club guests get the exclusive Ocean House beach, restaurant, and bar.

MSC's complimentary kids program, Doremiland, spans babies through teens with age-split clubs (Baby, Mini, Junior, Young, and Teens), plus partnerships with LEGO® and Chicco® on many ships.

Register on embarkation day. MSC is very family-friendly and often lets kids sail free or at reduced fares when sharing a cabin with two adults — ask me about current promos.