Your Cruise is Booked—Are You Cruise Ready?
The excitement starts as soon as you book your cruise and make your first payment. Unlike airlines or hotels, the cruise experience begins the moment your reservation is confirmed. Follow these steps to ensure you’re ready for the best holiday ever!
Step 1: Your Cruise is Booked
You’ve made your deposit or balance payment. This is where the pre-cruise excitement begins—it’s time to get Cruise Ready!
Step 2: Download the Cruise Line App
Immediately download the official app for your cruise line onto your smartphone or tablet. You’ll find links to these apps under our Travel Tools section.
Step 3: Create or Log Into Your Cruise Line Profile
- If you’re a past passenger, log into your existing profile to ensure you receive any loyalty perks.
- If you’re new to the cruise line, create a profile to manage your booking.
- Important: Avoid creating a new profile if you’ve cruised with the line before, as it may cause you to miss out on past-guest benefits.
Step 4: Link Your Booking
Attach your reservation to your profile in the app. If you’ve provided your past guest number at the time of booking, your cruise details should appear automatically.
Step 5: Complete Mandatory Check-In
Use the app to enter:
- Personal and contact details for all guests
- Passport and health information
- Special dietary or accessibility needs
- Emergency contact details
- Travel insurance details
- Upload a photo (if requested) to streamline boarding at ports with facial recognition technology
Step 6: Set Up Onboard Payments
Your room key will act as your charge card during the cruise.
- Preload a credit card to settle your onboard account automatically at the end of your trip.
- If you prefer to use cash, deposit an amount at reception on embarkation day.
- Tip: Travelling with children? Set daily spending limits for their onboard purchases.
Step 7: Personalise Your Cruise Experience
Now the fun part begins—customising your trip!
- Shore Excursions: Check if pre-booking for shore excursions is available. Browse options for each destination and secure your spot early—popular tours often sell out before the cruise even begins.
- Specialty Dining: Many cruise lines allow pre-booking for specialty restaurants. Book as soon as possible, as these venues have limited capacity and tend to fill up quickly, especially if you’re celebrating a special occasion or travelling with a larger group.
- Onboard Activities & Shows: If your cruise line offers early reservations for activities or special performances, take advantage of this feature. Even free events may have limited availability, so booking ahead ensures you won’t miss out on popular experiences.
Step 8: View Your Boarding Pass
After your final payment is made, your digital boarding pass will be available in the app, usually closer to the sailing date.
- Physical tickets are no longer issued for most cruise lines—your boarding pass and passport are all you’ll need at the terminal.
Step 9: Check for Additional Documentation
If your cruise line requires additional health or insurance documentation, this will be listed under "Important Info" in their app—one of the key reasons to complete the check-in process ahead of time. Some cruise lines also use VeriFly for streamlined verification, and their apps will guide you through the necessary steps if this applies to your booking.
Step 10: Onboard Connectivity
Once onboard, switch your devices to airplane mode and connect to the ship's Wi-Fi. Most cruise lines allow you to access their app features without purchasing a Wi-Fi package. Some also offer free in-app messaging services for guests, making it easy to stay connected with your travel companions during your cruise.
Step 11: Use the App During Your Cruise
Your app is an essential tool onboard. It can:
- Display the daily schedule of activities and port information
- Manage dining reservations and onboard accounts
- Open your stateroom door on some ships
- Link with wristbands or medallions for seamless access to facilities
FAQs: Can My Agent Help with Check-In?
While we’re here to assist with any questions, we recommend completing the check-in process yourself. Legal terms and conditions require your acceptance, and getting familiar with the app will enhance your onboard experience.
Goodbye, NZ Paper Arrival Cards!
Returning to New Zealand? Complete the electronic traveller declaration, replacing the old paper cards. Click here for details.
Remember: As soon as your booking is confirmed and payments are made, start personalizing your cruise holiday to make it truly unforgettable.
~Images courtesy of MSC Cruises