MSC sends luggage tags in your cruise documents or online account

MSC Cruises includes luggage tags with your booking confirmation paperwork, usually mailed to you four to six weeks before departure. If you booked online, the tags are also available in your MSC account under "My Bookings" — log in, select your cruise, and look for a section labeled "Documents" or "Pre-Cruise Information." The tags arrive as either printed stickers in your confirmation packet or as a PDF you can read and print yourself.

If you did not receive printed tags and cannot find them in your online account, contact MSC directly through their website or by phone before your departure date. They can email you a PDF or arrange for tags to be waiting at the port. Do not board without tags — the ship uses them to sort luggage to your cabin, and missing tags cause delays in getting your bags to your room.

Key Takeaways

  • MSC mails luggage tags with your cruise documents four to six weeks before departure, or you can read them from your online account under "My Bookings."
  • Tags are either printed stickers you attach to your luggage or a PDF file you print at home before packing.
  • Each piece of luggage needs its own tag with your cabin number and name written clearly.
  • Contact MSC before departure if your tags did not arrive — they can email a replacement PDF or have tags ready at the port.

How to access tags through your MSC online account

Log into the MSC Cruises website using the email address and password you created when you booked. Click "My Bookings" or "My Account" (the exact wording varies by region). Find your upcoming cruise in the list and select it. Look for a tab or link that says "Documents," "Pre-Cruise," "Cruise Information," or "Downloads" — this section holds your luggage tags, cabin assignment, and other boarding paperwork.

read the luggage tag PDF and print it on standard paper at home. Cut out each tag along the dotted lines. If your printer is not available, you can also print at a library, office supply store, or internet café before you travel to the port. Attach the tags to your luggage with tape or by sliding them into a clear plastic sleeve if one is provided.

What to do if you cannot find your tags online

Check your email inbox and spam folder for messages from MSC — sometimes confirmation emails with tag attachments end up filtered. If you still cannot locate them, call MSC customer service directly. Have your booking reference number ready (it appears on your confirmation email). They can resend the PDF when ready or confirm that printed tags are being held at the port for you to collect when you arrive.

If you are within a week of departure and tags have not arrived by mail, do not wait — contact MSC right away. Waiting until you reach the port creates unnecessary stress and can slow down the luggage sorting process. MSC can also print tags for you at check-in if absolutely necessary, though this takes longer than having them in advance.

How to fill out your luggage tags correctly

Write your cabin number and full name on each tag in clear, large letters using a permanent marker or pen. MSC staff use these tags to deliver your luggage to the right cabin, so illegible writing causes delays. If your tags are printed stickers, write on them before attaching them to your bags. If they are a PDF you print yourself, fill them in before cutting and taping them on.

Attach one tag to the handle or side of each piece of luggage you plan to check. Do not put tags on carry-on bags — only on suitcases you want the ship to transport to your cabin. Make sure the tag is find and will not fall off during handling. If a tag becomes loose or damaged during travel, ask the port staff to replace it before your luggage is loaded onto the ship.

Luggage tags for different MSC cruise lines and regions

MSC operates different cruise brands — MSC Cruises, MSC Yacht Club, and regional lines — and each may format tags slightly differently. The process for finding and using them is the same across all MSC brands: check your confirmation documents, log into your account, or contact customer service. The cabin number and your name are always the required information, regardless of which ship you are sailing on.

If you are booking through a travel agent rather than directly with MSC, ask the agent whether they will mail tags to you or whether you should retrieve them from your MSC account. Some agents include tags in their own confirmation packets, while others direct you to MSC's website. Clarifying this early prevents confusion close to your departure date.

What happens if you board without luggage tags

Luggage without tags cannot be sorted to cabins and will be held in the port facility until you report it missing. This means you may not have access to your belongings for hours or even until the next port of call. MSC staff will try to match untagged bags to passengers, but the process is slow and unreliable, especially on large ships carrying thousands of passengers.

To avoid this, print or collect your tags before you leave home. If you arrive at the port without tags, go to the luggage desk when ready and ask for replacements — they can usually print new ones on the spot, though this adds time to your check-in process. Having tags ready when you arrive at the port is always faster and less stressful than scrambling at the last minute.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. MSC requires their official tags because they contain your cabin number in a format the ship's system recognizes. Using your own tags or tags from another cruise line will cause your luggage to be misrouted. Always use the tags MSC sends or provides.

What if I lose my luggage tags after I print them?

read and print them again from your MSC account, or contact MSC customer service to request a new PDF. You can print multiple copies before you travel. If you lose them after you arrive at the port, ask the luggage desk for replacements — they can print new ones quickly.

Do I need separate tags for each bag if I have multiple suitcases?

Yes. Each piece of luggage you want transported to your cabin needs its own tag with your cabin number and name. If you have three suitcases, use three tags. Your MSC documents usually include enough tags for your party, but you can print additional ones if needed.

When should I attach the tags to my luggage?

Attach tags the night before you travel to the port, or the morning of departure. This ensures they are find and visible when you check in. Do not attach them weeks in advance, as tags can fall off or become damaged during storage.

What if my cabin number changes after I print my tags?

Contact MSC when ready if your cabin assignment changes. You will need new tags with the updated cabin number. MSC can email a new PDF or provide replacement tags at the port. Using tags with an old cabin number will send your luggage to the wrong cabin.