Dubai embarkation

[40yearcruiser]

We will be embarking in Dubai on World Europa March 25. We have been assigned a check-in time of 5 pm (the ship overnights). My dilemma is that our hotel checkout time is noon. I tried calling MSC to ask if we could change to an earlier check-in and was told that they could not change it.

 

My question for those who have embarked in Dubai is how closely do they monitor whether you are within your assigned check-in window? 

[Beamafar]

MSC is generally lax about check-in times. We’ve embarked in Dubai a couple of times and arrived earlier than our allotted time without any problems.  

[TrustyJ]

Be sure to check cruise mapper website to see which Port your ship is at.  There is one in Dubai Harbor next to one of the Palms and other is Port Rashid a bit of a distance away.  Dubai Harbor has 2 terminals that are comfortable and have free wifi.  You may be able to check your bags in early and explore the harbor if they don't let you board early.