Getting off: disembarkation questions
The short answer
On the last morning, breakfast is served, you leave the cabin early, and guests leave in groups once the ship is cleared. Carrying your own bags gets you off first. Keep medication and the morning's clothes out of the bags you put outside your cabin the night before, and book a flight for the early afternoon or later.By Kathryn Lyn2 min readReviewed September 2026
Step by step: the last morning.
One line's disembarkation rules, from its own page
- Getting off
Out of your cabin by 8:00 AM; self-carry guests leave from about 7:00 AM
You must vacate your cabin by 8:00 AM so the crew can prepare for the next voyage.
Self-assist: carry your own luggage and leave as soon as the ship is cleared, generally from around 7:00 AM.
Assisted: put your luggage outside your cabin before midnight. Your luggage tags show your assigned disembarkation time, and you leave at that time.
Source: MSC Cruises, checked September 24, 2026
First-timer questions
Questions, answered.
The questions people ask most. Tap one to open it, or open them all and read straight down.
3 questions on this page
Can you eat breakfast on the last day of a cruise?
Yes. Breakfast is served on disembarkation morning, usually in the buffet and often the main dining room.
How long does it take to get off a cruise ship?
Self-assist guests carrying their own bags can be off soon after the ship is cleared. Guests using luggage collection leave in groups through the morning.
What time should I book my flight after a cruise?
Early afternoon or later is safer. Customs, bags and getting to the airport take longer than you might expect.