Guides
Online check-in: finish now
Without online check-in, sailing day gets unnecessarily long – terminal queues, missing photos, unclear time slots. Here’s how to prepare documents, the cruise-line app and your boarding pass for AIDA, Mein Schiff and others in good time.
As of: August 2026.
What to have ready
Valid ID documents, booking number, emergency contacts and often a digital passport photo for the cruise card – ideally ready before the check-in window opens.
On international itineraries also check visa and entry notes – the cruise line does not replace your own check of entry rules.
- Passport / ID card (check validity)
- Booking confirmation & traveller names exact
- Vaccine or health details if required
- Credit card for onboard account / deposit
Deadlines & cruise-line apps
Check-in windows typically open weeks before sailing and often close shortly before. Late arrivals end up at the counter – lost time on embarkation day.
AIDA and Mein Schiff run a lot through the app: boarding pass, time slots, menus, sometimes muster info. Test login and offline boarding-pass storage before you go offline.
- Set a calendar reminder for check-in opening
- Install the app early and verify login
- Save boarding pass offline + print a backup
At the terminal
Phone with offline boarding pass, printed backups and carry-on with medicines ease the way – suitcases can arrive in the cabin hours later.
Drop suitcases with cruise-line tags in time – and keep all-aboard plus security times in view. Clarify parking and shuttle at the departure port beforehand.
Common pitfalls
Mismatched name spelling, an expiring ID, a missing photo or an unauthorised credit card stop the flow. Complete check-in for partners and children each separately.
On fly+cruise packages, check connections and the cruise line’s terminal transfer – delays on sailing day are stressful, but rarely a reason to postpone check-in.
- Names = passport / ID
- Follow the cruise line’s photo requirements
- Emergency contacts and address correct
In short
Is an ID card enough?
On many EU/Schengen sailings yes – outside often only a passport. Always check the concrete requirements of the sailing and the cruise line.
Do I need the cruise-line app?
Usually very helpful for boarding pass, menus and communication. Alternatively plan printouts and terminal desks – it takes longer.
When should I do check-in?
As soon as the window opens. Popular time slots and photo uploads are calmer then; shortly before sailing it gets tight.
What if check-in fails?
Contact the cruise line’s hotline/chat or your travel agent, keep documents as PDFs and arrive early at the terminal. Without completed check-in you often face a longer queue.