
Get your NCL cruise check in process started by visiting the NCL website or mobile app and completing the online check-in at least 3 days prior to your cruise departure date. This will save you time and ensure a smooth check-in experience.
You'll need to have your cruise documents, including your ID and travel documents, readily available to upload and complete the check-in process. Don't worry if you're not tech-savvy; the online check-in process is easy to navigate and user-friendly.
Before you arrive at the port, take a moment to review your cruise itinerary and make any necessary dining or shore excursion reservations. This will help you make the most of your time on board and ensure that you don't miss out on any of the activities and events that interest you.
By completing the online check-in and reviewing your itinerary, you'll be well-prepared for your dream vacation and can focus on enjoying the many amenities and experiences that NCL has to offer.
Before You Board

Before you board your NCL cruise, it's essential to complete your online check-in. This can be done at least 24 hours prior to your sail date, and it's recommended to do so at least four days prior to sailing to avoid any last-minute hassles.
You'll need to have your NCL Reservation Number, which can be found in the email confirmation from Ignite Cruises. Don't worry if you've sailed with Norwegian before - you can simply log in to NCL.com using your existing account. If this is your first cruise, you'll need to register for a new account.
To complete your online check-in, follow these steps: search for your reservation using your NCL Reservation Number, select your sail date (make sure to use the correct format), and select your ship. Once you've logged in, review your reservation details, complete your check-in, and print out your boarding pass. Don't forget to bring a printed copy of your eDocs to the pier, as they will serve as your boarding pass.
If you're unable to download your eDocs after 24-48 hours, or if you encounter any issues during the check-in process, don't hesitate to contact Norwegian's customer support.
Departure Time
To ensure a smooth and stress-free departure, it's essential to plan ahead. Board no later than two hours prior to the departure time noted in your cruise documents to complete check-in at the cruise terminal.
We highly recommend completing online check-in at least four days prior to sailing, as this will save you time and hassle.
Arriving at the cruise terminal too early is better than too late, so plan to arrive at least two hours prior to the scheduled embarkation time if you haven't completed online check-in.
If you have completed online check-in, you can arrive one hour prior to the scheduled embarkation time. This will give you plenty of time to get settled before departure.
Don't risk missing the ship – be sure to complete check-in and board the ship no later than one hour prior to the departure time noted on your cruise documents. If you're late, you won't be permitted to sail.
Embarkation Port

At the embarkation port, you'll need to drop off your luggage and go through security before picking up your stateroom keycard. This process can take anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour or two, depending on the port.
It's a good idea to tip the staff who help with your luggage, so bring some small dollar bills with you.
You can choose to check your luggage or carry it on yourself, but if you don't check it, you'll have to carry it with you around the ship until your stateroom is ready. Most cruise ship staterooms are ready by about 2:00pm on the first day of the cruise.
Completing online check-in before embarkation day will help speed up the boarding process.
First Things First
Before you board your cruise, make sure you have your cruise documentation, including passports or visas if needed. This is a crucial step to avoid any last-minute hassles at the pier.
You can check-in online starting at 21 days and up to 3 days prior to sailing, which can save you a lot of time at the pier. Online Check-In is available through My NCL, where you can log in and follow the links to "Check-In".
You'll need personal info such as birth date, address, emergency contact info, passport and document numbers for each guest. Make sure to have this information readily available to complete the Online Check-In process.
Once Online Check-In is complete for all guests in your stateroom, and your cruise is paid in full, you should be able to download your eDocs. Please note that your eDocs will only be available to download 24 hours after Online Check-In has been completed.
It's essential to download your eDocs ahead of time as they will become unavailable 72 hours prior to sailing. Bring a printed copy of your eDocs with you to the pier, as they will serve as your boarding pass.
If you booked your cruise reservation with a Travel Agent or an online travel website, you can click the "LOOKUP RESERVATION" button located under the Log-In box to retrieve your reservation information.
Check In Process

To check in for your NCL cruise, you'll need to register and print your e-documents, including your boarding pass. Please check your inbox for the email confirmation from Ignite Cruises containing your Norwegian Reservation Number.
This NCL Reservation # is needed to register and login at NCL.com to complete your online check-in. You can find it in the email confirmation from Ignite Cruises.
Online check-in must be completed at least 24 hours prior to the sail date. If you've sailed onboard Norwegian in the past, you can login to NCL.com here: https://www.ncl.com/login. If this is your first cruise on Norwegian, register for a new account here: https://www.ncl.com/register.
If you are having trouble registering or logging into NCL.com, please contact NCL's Technical Support at 1-866-625-1160. To search for your reservation, use the NCL Reservation #, select your Sail Date in the correct format, and select your Ship.
After logging in, you can review your reservation details by clicking Vacation Summary, then completing your check-in by clicking Start Check-In and entering the requested information. The Lead Guest in your cabin may check-in for everyone in the cabin, or each guest can check-in separately.
A fresh viewpoint: Msc Cruises En Español

Here are the steps to check-in:
- Use the NCL Reservation # to search for your reservation
- Select your Sail Date in the correct format
- Select your Ship
- Click Vacation Summary to review your reservation details
- Click Start Check-In to complete your check-in
- Enter the requested information
- Print a copy of your boarding pass (and one copy each for your cabinmates if you've checked in for them)
Each guest in your cabin must be checked in before you will be able to print your boarding pass.
Getting Ready
Make sure you've already booked your cruise to read this useful information and prepare for your trip.
Already booked? Make sure you read this to prepare for your cruise.
Find tips on what to pack, what to expect on departure day, things to do onboard and more.
Choose Payment Method
As you prepare for your trip, you'll need to decide on a method of payment. This will be used for onboard purchases, such as wi-fi and specialty dining.
Guests can link multiple credit cards to a stateroom, with one card required per person. This way, you can spread the cost across multiple cards if needed.
On the other hand, you can choose to assign one card to an entire stateroom, which can be convenient for couples or families traveling together.
Prepare for Cruise

Make sure you read this useful information to prepare for your cruise. You've already booked your cruise, now it's time to get ready for departure day.
Pack accordingly, as you'll want to bring a variety of clothing items for different activities and weather conditions. Don't forget to check the cruise line's dress code policy for formal nights.
Find out what to expect on departure day by researching the cruise line's embarkation process and arrival times. This will help you plan your travel and arrival at the port.
Onboard, you'll have access to a range of amenities and activities, including dining options, entertainment venues, and recreational facilities. Take some time to explore the ship and get a feel for its layout.
Make the most of your cruise by taking advantage of the ship's services and facilities, such as spa treatments, fitness classes, and shore excursions.
Our Mobile App
As you're getting ready for your cruise, it's a good idea to download the Norwegian Cruise Line App. The app keeps you informed about everything going onboard the ship.
With the app, you'll be able to stay up to date on your itinerary, including dining and entertainment schedules.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to do an ncl online check-in?
To do an NCL online check-in, follow the same steps as on the website, where you can access and complete your check-in process. Simply navigate to the website for more detailed instructions and to begin your check-in.
How early can you check-in to an ncl cruise?
You can check-in to an NCL cruise 21 days prior to departure. Online check-in becomes unavailable 72 hours before sailing.
How do I get my boarding pass for ncl?
Download your NCL boarding pass 21 days before sailing through Online Check-In, and have eDocs ready for a smooth embarkation process
Sources
- http://www.ncl.com/freestyle-cruise/prepare-for-your-cruise/departure-day
- https://www.ncl.com/travel-blog/cruise-tips-what-to-expect-on-cruise-embarkation-day
- https://support.ignitecruises.com/article/28-online-check-in
- https://cruise.blog/2023/06/norwegian-cruise-line-check-process
- https://www.ncl.com/new-to-cruising/countdown-cruise
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