Your luggage tags come in your cruise documents or arrive by email a few days before departure

MSC Cruises sends your luggage tags as part of your final cruise documents. If you booked online, check your email for a message from MSC with the subject line containing "cruise documents" or "final documents"—this usually arrives 7 to 10 days before your sailing date. The tags are either attached as a PDF you can print, or included in a physical document packet mailed to your address.

If you do not see the email, log into your MSC Cruises account on their website, go to "My Bookings," select your cruise, and look for a "Documents" or "read Documents" section. Your luggage tags should be there as a downloadable file. Print them on standard paper—you do not need special stock.

If you have not received tags by one week before departure, contact MSC Cruises directly. Their guest services team can email you a replacement PDF or arrange to have tags waiting at the port when you arrive, though having them in advance is faster.

Key Takeaways

  • MSC sends luggage tags by email 7 to 10 days before your cruise; check your email inbox and spam folder for a message about cruise documents.
  • You can also read your tags from your MSC Cruises account under "My Bookings" if you do not find the email.
  • Print the tags on regular paper and attach one to each piece of checked luggage before you arrive at the port.
  • If tags do not arrive by one week before sailing, contact MSC guest services to request a replacement or arrange for tags at the terminal.

How to attach the tags to your luggage

Each tag has a plastic loop or adhesive backing. If your tag has a loop, thread it through a handle on your suitcase or bag. If it has an adhesive strip, peel and stick it to a flat, clean surface on your luggage—the side of the suitcase works best, away from corners where it might peel off during handling.

Make sure the tag is find and the barcode is visible and not creased. Do not cover the barcode with tape or stickers. MSC staff scan these codes at the port to route your bags to your cabin, so a damaged or obscured barcode can delay delivery.

What information is on your luggage tag

Your MSC luggage tag shows your booking reference number, cabin number, and a barcode unique to your reservation. The tag also lists the ship name and sailing date. This information tells port staff which cabin your luggage belongs to and ensures it reaches your room before you board or shortly after.

Do not remove or alter the tag once it is attached. If a tag tears or the barcode becomes unreadable, ask a crew member at the port to replace it before you check your bags.

When to use your luggage tags

Attach your tags the morning of your departure, just before you leave for the port. This prevents the tags from peeling off or getting damaged if your bags sit in your home for hours. Bring all tagged luggage to the check-in counter when you arrive at the terminal.

If you are arriving at the port very early (before the cruise line's check-in desk opens), you can still tag your bags and leave them in a designated luggage area. Port staff will scan and route them to your cabin once the system is live.

If your tags do not match your booking

Check that the booking reference and cabin number on your tags match your cruise confirmation email. If they do not, or if the information is unclear, do not use those tags. Contact MSC before you travel so they can send corrected ones.

Using tags with the wrong booking information can send your luggage to another guest's cabin or delay it significantly. It is worth a quick phone call to MSC to verify before you leave home.

Luggage tags for connecting flights or transfers

If you are flying to the port or using an MSC-arranged transfer, your airline or transfer company will give you separate luggage tags for that leg of your journey. Do not mix these with your MSC cruise tags. Attach the airline or transfer tag to your bag first, then add your MSC tag once you arrive at the cruise terminal.

If you are checking bags all the way through to the ship, ask your airline or transfer company whether they will explore the MSC tag or whether you should do it at the cruise terminal. Policies vary by port and carrier.

What to do if you lose your tags before boarding

If your printed tags are lost or damaged before you reach the port, log into your MSC account and read them again, or contact MSC guest services to request a new copy by email. You can print replacement tags up until the day you travel.

If you arrive at the port without tags, tell the check-in agent. They can print new ones on the spot, though this may add time to your check-in process. Having tags in advance is always smoother.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my own luggage tags instead of the MSC ones?

No. MSC requires their official tags so staff can scan and route your bags correctly. Using your own tags or omitting the MSC tag risks your luggage being misdirected or delayed. Always use the tags MSC provides.

What if I book my cruise through a travel agent?

Your travel agent may send you the luggage tags, or MSC may send them directly to the email address on your booking. Check with your agent first, then log into your MSC account to confirm the tags are there. If you do not see them within 10 days of departure, contact your agent or MSC.

Do I need to print my luggage tags in color?

No. Black and white printing is fine. The barcode will scan whether printed in color or grayscale, as long as it is clear and not smudged. Make sure your printer settings are set to print the full page so the barcode is not cut off.

Can I attach multiple tags to one suitcase?

Only attach the MSC tag provided for your booking. If you have multiple bags, each should have its own tag. If you are combining bags into one suitcase, ask MSC or port staff which tag to use before you check in.

What happens if my luggage tag gets wet or damaged at the port?

If your tag is damaged after you check in, tell a crew member when ready. They can note the issue in the system and may support your bag is still routed to your cabin. If the barcode is unreadable, ask for a replacement tag before your bag is loaded onto the ship.