Great Adventure for a Cruise Beginner with an 8-Year-Old: MSC Bellissima Embarkation and Disembarkation Edition (May 2026)
I boarded the MSC Bellissima during Golden Week in 2026. This time, I will provide a detailed account of the embarkation and disembarkation process, which can be confusing for first-timers.
First, I have compiled a list of terms frequently used on board. They can be difficult to understand at first, so please use this as a reference.
Cruise Card: An all-purpose card that serves as your room key and allows for on-board payments by linking it to a credit card.
Deck: Refers to a floor. "Deck 15" refers to the 15th floor.
Cabin: Refers to a guest room.
Embarkation Day: April 29
The schedule sent by the travel agency is as follows:
・Check-in starts: 13:30
・Scheduled departure: 16:00
This time, we headed to the Tokyo International Cruise Terminal Station from Shimbashi via the Yurikamome line.
Departed Shimbashi at 12:28 ⇒ Arrived at Tokyo International Cruise Terminal at 12:45.
As I looked at the scenery of Odaiba, the massive Bellissima we were about to board came into view, and my excitement soared!
It is about a 10-minute walk from the station to the terminal. Upon arrival, the lines are divided by "Yacht Club (VIP)" or "Checking in luggage vs. not checking in luggage." Our family joined the line to check our luggage.
【Note】
Regarding checked luggage: Once checked, the luggage will be delivered to your room after the contents are inspected, but the delivery time is uncertain. The guide said "by the evening," but it could be at night. It would have been correct to carry toiletries for that night, dinner clothes, and swimsuits if you plan to go to the pool in your hand luggage.
(I found it troublesome, so I just checked it all... lol)
When checking in, you need the "luggage tag" that was sent in advance. I was worried about how to attach it, but the staff stapled it for us while we were in line, so as long as you don't forget the tag, you will be fine.
From embarkation to the safety drill: Once you have checked your luggage, follow the flow. You will take family photos and have your face photos taken for your cruise cards; just follow the instructions and you will proceed smoothly.
Finally, onto the ship of my dreams! At the entrance, you are first instructed to "go to the safety drill location." I imagined something formal like putting on a life jacket, but in reality, it was mainly about confirming the assembly point, and it ended surprisingly quickly.
However, this drill is mandatory for everyone. If you haven't completed it, announcements will play repeatedly all over the ship, so get it done early.
Confused by the "complete free time" after boarding
Once the drill is over, you are completely free to do as you please!
I was a bit confused because no one told us "what to do next" or "where the room is" (lol).
I went to the room I had checked the location of in advance, but it was still being cleaned. However, the cruise card was hanging on the doorknob. We confirmed our names and got the card! After that, we linked our credit card at a terminal on board.
Since we hadn't had lunch yet, we went to the buffet restaurant on Deck 15. It was already nearly full, but we managed to secure a seat. We were finally able to relax.
After that, there was an on-board announcement saying "your room is ready," and we were able to enter. While we were booking shows on the app and checking dinner times, night fell in the blink of an eye.
By the way, the checked luggage had arrived outside our cabin by around 17:00.
Day before disembarkation: May 3
Tomorrow is finally the day of disembarkation. Without time to soak in the sadness, we pack our bags.
Large luggage must beplaced outside the cabin by 23:00. Since you need to keep pajamas, toiletries, and a change of clothes for the next morning in your hand luggage, it is convenient to have a large sub-bag. Our family left one small suitcase and put them in there.
Disembarkation Day: May 4
Disembarkation starts at 8:00, but meeting points and times are assigned by group (likely starting with VIPs at earlier times).
Our family received a paper in our room the day before with the number 34, so our meeting time was 11:10. However, everyone must vacate their cabins by 7:30.
We thought about spending the time until disembarkation at the buffet, but everyone had the same idea. It seems some people were securing seats as early as 5:00 AM. We waited leisurely, thinking, 'Seats will open up once the people scheduled for 8:00 disembark.'
After the buffet, we headed to the poolside. We enjoyed our last moments on the ship at a relaxed pace, but I felt that 'having a later disembarkation time might actually be a better deal since you can enjoy the ship until the very end.' I was surprised to see some brave souls even getting in the pool while waiting to disembark!
Looking back
The buffet is extremely crowded on the day of embarkation, so be aware of that.
Also, if you book through a major travel agency, there seems to be a dedicated desk on board where you can receive support.
In our case, since we didn't have a desk, we had to manage on our own, but even I, who can barely speak English, managed just fine! If anything, it felt like an 'adventure' and was a very fun experience.
◆ Detailed information is summarized here ↓↓
[With Photos] Great Adventure for Cruise Beginners with an 8-Year-Old! MSC Bellissima Theme Nights, Packing List, and Total Onboard Costs Revealed (May 2026) | Panda
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