MSC Cruise Practical Guide

Scope and contract documents

This guide is provided by VIAJES FH to help travelers understand common MSC cruise booking and embarkation matters. It does not replace the specific booking confirmation, the current booking terms of MSC Cruises S.A., the conditions of carriage, carrier rules, or requirements imposed by the relevant destination authorities.

If this guide conflicts with the booking confirmation, MSC’s current official terms, or mandatory law, the booking confirmation, MSC’s current official terms, and mandatory law shall prevail. VIAJES FH will provide information and assistance within the scope of its legal responsibilities as a retail travel agency, sales agent, or organizer.

Bookings, prices and payment

Website prices, cabins, itineraries, and onboard services may change dynamically. A booking is only confirmed after travelers accept the applicable terms, make the required payment, and receive written confirmation from VIAJES FH or MSC. Unpaid or unconfirmed inquiries do not hold prices or availability.

• The lead booker confirms that they are authorized to provide information and accept the applicable terms on behalf of all travelers on the booking.
• Travelers should check names, dates of birth, sailing, cabin, price, taxes, service charges, and included items before payment.
• The deposit, balance due date, and payment amount are as stated in the booking. Late payment may result in the place being released, the booking being canceled, or supplier charges being incurred.
• Obvious data-entry, system, or supplier quotation errors do not automatically constitute a valid confirmation; we will explain the correct terms for travelers to consider.

Travel Documents, Visas and Passenger Information

Passport, visa, transit, residence, entry and health document requirements depend on the passenger’s nationality, residency status, itinerary and ports of call. Passengers should proactively verify the requirements and carry valid original documents for the entire trip before booking. VIAJES FH can provide general assistance, but issuance and entry decisions are made by the competent authorities.

Passenger information must exactly match the travel documents. Where permitted by law and provided the charges have been disclosed, the relevant passenger is responsible for any name changes, ticket changes, denied boarding, delays or other costs resulting from late, missing or incorrect information.

Online Check-in and Boarding

Online check-in opening times, required information, photos and boarding times are subject to the specific cruise and MSC’s official system. Passengers may check in through the MSC official website or applicable official app, or contact VIAJES FH to ask about available assistance.

• Complete check-in before the deadline and check your e-ticket, QR code, luggage tags and boarding port.
• Arrive at the time shown on your ticket. Late arrival, going to the wrong port or invalid travel documents may result in denied boarding.
• After boarding, passengers must attend the safety drill and follow the instructions of the captain, crew, port and security staff.

Health, Pregnancy and Accessibility Needs

Passengers should assess for themselves whether they are fit to travel and truthfully disclose any pregnancy, mobility aids, medical equipment, dietary requirements or other special needs when booking, so MSC can determine whether it can accommodate them safely and whether documentation or an accompanying person is required.

Medical facilities on board differ from those at land-based hospitals, and medical services are usually charged separately. Permission to board and the reasonable assistance available are subject to MSC’s risk assessment, the ship’s facilities and applicable safety rules. VIAJES FH cannot make medical or safety decisions on behalf of the carrier.

Infants and Minors

MSC’s policy for minors varies depending on the length of the cruise, whether it involves U.S. ports, cabin location, and the accompanying adult’s relationship to the minor. Longer cruises may have a higher minimum age for infants; minors are generally not permitted to stay in a cabin alone without an eligible adult.

If a minor is not travelling with both parents, documents such as a birth certificate, proof of guardianship, travel authorization, notarized documents, or other paperwork may be required. Before payment, provide VIAJES FH with complete details of the accompanying persons and confirm the requirements for the specific cruise.

Itinerary, vessel, and operational changes

MSC may change the vessel, route, ports of call, schedule, cabin, or onboard arrangements for safety, weather, port, operational, or other reasonable reasons. If a change occurs, we will communicate it promptly in accordance with the booking structure and our contractual role, and explain any available alternatives, price differences, refunds, or other statutory rights.

Travellers should keep their contact details current and respond promptly to notices requiring a decision. Travellers are responsible for the consequences of avoidable impacts caused by failing to check notices or respond within a reasonable time, without prejudice to non-waivable statutory rights.

Changes, cancellations, and failure to board

Fees for cancellations, name changes, date changes, cabin adjustments, and failure to board depend on the cruise, fare, package, and time of request, and are subject to the booking confirmation and the MSC terms in force at the time. This guide does not substitute potentially outdated standard percentages for the conditions of a specific booking.

Submit all requests to VIAJES FH in writing as soon as possible. Before taking action, we will explain any supplier fees that can be confirmed, price differences, and travel agency service fees applicable by law. Issued transport tickets, insurance, or third-party services may be subject to separate conditions.

Onboard spending and optional services

Internet, drinks, shore excursions, parking, transfers, spa services, shopping, and other extras are generally not included in the basic cruise fare unless expressly listed in the booking. Prices, availability, cancellation conditions, and applicable restrictions are as stated in the confirmation at the time of purchase and as published onboard.

MSC rules may require all guests in the same cabin to purchase a drinks package together. Some services cannot be cancelled once activated or close to departure. Onboard accounts, bank card pre-authorizations, service charges, and settlement currency are subject to the rules of the specific cruise.

Luggage, parking, transfers, and shore activities

Passengers must follow the carrier’s rules on baggage size and weight, prohibited and restricted items, and the safekeeping of valuables. Keep documents, medication, cash, and important items with you. If baggage is lost or damaged, obtain a written report from staff on board or at the port immediately and notify VIAJES FH as soon as possible.

Parking, transfers, flights, and shore excursions may be provided by independent suppliers. The applicable meeting point, time, physical requirements, language, and inclusions are as stated in the confirmation voucher. Allow sufficient time to return to the ship during independent activities; missing departure may result in additional transport and accommodation costs.

Passenger Conduct and Safety Responsibilities

Passengers must comply with applicable laws, MSC’s Passenger Conduct Policy, the conditions of carriage, and the captain’s instructions. Dangerous, harassing, fraudulent conduct, failure to settle an onboard account, or conduct that seriously compromises the safety of others may result in refusal of a booking, refusal of boarding, or termination of the trip. The responsible person will be liable for any costs and losses incurred as provided by law.

We recommend purchasing travel insurance suited to your circumstances, covering cancellation, medical care, baggage, and emergency return travel. VIAJES FH is not an insurer. Coverage and claim outcomes are subject to the insurance contract and the insurer’s decision.

Reporting Issues and Customer Assistance

If you encounter a problem during your trip, notify the onboard service desk immediately where it is safe and practicable to do so, and keep a record. Also contact VIAJES FH via [email protected] or +34 919 471 812 so we can assist as early as possible. Delayed reporting may affect our ability to verify the facts and provide a remedy.

You can consult MSC’s publicly available Booking Terms and Conditions, Conditions of Carriage and Pre-Departure Information. Read this guide together with VIAJES FH’s Terms of Service.