MSC Cruises out of the US typically depart at 5:00PM, with cut-off being 3:00PM for absolute LATEST check-in possible.   You’ll find ample parking at both Florida terminals – Port Canaveral & PortMiami; the Brooklyn Cruise terminal has *limited* parking available but is accessible via the Red Hook ferry.   Galveston parking should also be fine (we haven’t experienced it yet).  

While MSC will send you a check-in slot, that is meant to avoid the whords of guest who flock to the terminals first thing in the morning (as early as 9AM) – when lines can be significantly long.  We encourage our guests to show up around 1PM as there’s normally very little wait at that point.

Porters can assist with any checked luggage, and they always have extra luggage tags in case you did not preprint yours.

All guests will go thru security and luggage screening – please leave alcohol & sodas at home.   Upon check-in, you’ll have your photo taken and passport scanned.   Sea cards are now given out on the ship, in the mail slot for your stateroom.  

We’ve seen that most ships will allow guests on board around 11:30AM, but staterooms are not typically ready for occupancy until after 1pm.   

Note: if you did NOT get the drinks package, consider raiding the coke machines in the waiting areas *after* security!  You can place these sodas/juices in your minifridge in your cabin.