Please check on MSC link if there are aspects that might have effects on the booked Cruise:
https://www.msccruises.com/int/manage-booking/before-you-go/travel-documents-visas (including Cruise Ships calling in UK, ETA & API requirements)
ALL details about MSC online check-in: HERE
Here below is a short summary from the information we received by email:
I. FEE- Greek port of call in your itinerary: Regardless of age, passengers who transit through a Greek port – including ports of call as well as the port of disembarkation will automatically be charged a daily passenger tax, collected directly on board . details HERE FAQ Greek ports fee
II. FEE-ICELAND - NEW INFASTRUCTURE TAX for cruise guests - MSC PREZIOSA & VIRTUOSA 2026 DEPARTURES - tax to be paid on board- see details HERE
III. FEE- Venice Entry Fee for Summer 2026 (on certain dates starting from April 3rd till 26th July 2026). (Ships involved: MSC Armonia, MSC Fantasia, MSC Lirica). The fee is €5 if paid at least four days before the guest’s arrival in Venice, or €10 if paid three days or less in advance. Excursion Guests Only: the access fee will be included in the price of the excursion. All details about the fee: https://cda.veneziaunica.it/en/access-fee.
IV. FEE - JAPAN - the International Tourist Tax introduced by the Japanese government since January 2019 will be increased to JPY 3,000 per person starting 01.07.2026
V. Important details about minors policy: HERE
VI. IMPORTANT regarding EBOLA: Guest who travelled to or transited through, one of the affected countries- Uganda, The Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, at least 21 days before cruise embarkation within the 21 days prior to embarkation will be denied boarding, together with family members and all guests travelling in the same cabin. **** In this moment this is specifically mentioned for port of calls from Italy but it can be extended anymoment for other port of calls. Guests booked on cruises departing from the United States are advised that the U.S. government has recently implemented temporary public health entry restrictions. Travelers who have been physically present in Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, or South Sudan within the previous 21 days may be denied entry to the United States.
VII. ACCESSIBILITY&MEDICAL REQUEST FORM - to be filled (attached)
VIII. AQUA by MSC- Starting summer 2026, on all ships and drink packages. Details HERE and HERE
IX. SMOKING POLICY ACROSS MSC FLEET EFFECTIVE FROM OCT2024 -Smoking will be forbidden in all inside areas, with the sole exception of Casinos (The Casinos on World Europa and Euribia will remain non-smoking areas); Smoking is permitted only in outdoor dedicated areas indicated by signage where ashtrays are provided
X. New dining preferences for MSC Seashore - MSC Seascape - MSC World America for Fantastica and Bella guests (starting 12.06.2026): FS → First seating - appx 5:30pm ; SD → Second seating - appx 7:30pm; TR → Third seating - appx 9:15pm
XI. Important: Russian Tourist passport holders cannot enter Norway from 29th of May 2022. More details here- IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR RUSSIAN TOURIST PASSPORT HOLDERS ENTERING NORWAY.
XII. Embarking passenger in Istanbul- Infos HERE
XIII. MSC Poesia cruises departing from Seattle, Alaska, and calling in transit at Victoria, Canada-details HERE
XIV. Details: Venice port - embarkation in Venice Marghera. All embarkation procedures, including baggage drop-off, are held at Venice Cruise Terminal in Venice. Maritime Station (Venice Passenger Terminal), therefore guests are kindly asked not to reach autonomously Marghera port. • A transfer by ferry from Venice Cruise Terminal to Marghera port is organized by MSC Cruises.
XV. Details about Caribean - Main Dining Restaurant: Surcharge $5 for additional Entree required in MAIN DINING RESTAURANT; the first entrée remains complimentary, as do all appetizers and desserts. (starting 29.08.2023)
XV. Details about MSC Cruises ships calling Spanish ports such as Malaga and Cadiz, from which it is possible to book excursions in Gibraltar: For all Non- Schengen passengers cruising on a ship calling Spanish it is not possible to visit Gibraltar but, of course, they can go ashore or choose an MSC excursion in Spain. If the ship docks directly in Gibraltar, all passengers, regardless of whether they are Schengen or Non-Schengen, can visit Gibraltar ONLY and it is not allowed to cross its borders.(starting 03.11.2023)
XVI. For all guests embarking in Doha have to consider that, once checked in and onboard, they are not allowed to go ashore any longer. In case, they can drop off the luggage at the Terminal, visit the Town and only after return to the Terminal, perform the check-in and board the ship. (notification updated 23.02.2024)
XVII. For the ships calling British Virgin Islands (notification dated 04.03.2022)-the Romanian citizens could be denied to entry the British Virgin Islands. Guests could embark on the ship and could remain on board but could not be allowed to disembark upon the arrival at the Virgin Islands.