Cruise Only Guests - Everything You Need to Know

Cruise Only Guests - Everything You Need to Know


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This page was updated with the latest information on 26th August 2026.
Guests have been emailed this information, and a text message sent where we have your mobile number. 
Guests who booked on or after 26th August, we'll be in touch by email as quickly as possible.
Alert
For Guests embarking in Southampton and making their own way home from a non-UK destination
Or Guests arranging their own flights to Tenerife and sailing back to Southampton, we have been in touch by email.
Guests who booked on or after 26th August, we'll be in touch by email as quickly as possible.

We’re committed to making your journey as smooth and enjoyable as possible. Wherever you’re flying from, this handy guide will help you arrive relaxed, prepared, and ready to embark on an unforgettable cruise.

🔎On Our Online Help Centre
Your  on our online Help Centre is designed to make planning your cruise simple and straightforward.
  • You can visit the Help Centre homepage here.
  • We’ve created a dedicated section just for you, which you can find here.  

🛂Things to Know Before You Travel
Our Travel Aware page includes essential travel advice, destination entry requirement information, and useful tips to know before you travel. View the page here.

🧳 A Handy Packing Guide
Packing for your holiday should feel easy, so we've put together a handy packing and weather guide, available here.
If you're flying out to meet Balmoral, please check your airline's luggage allowance.

🎒 Top tips for your hand luggage:
We recommend packing the following in your hand luggage:
  • Any medication you’ll need for the first two days of your cruise.
  • A change of clothes for the first evening.
  • And if you’re keen to hit the pool or relax on a sunbed straight away, remember to pack your swimwear.
  • Your passport, cruise ticket (a digital copy is fine)  and the physical payment card you'd like to link to your onboard account (American Express is not accepted).

Important to know - You will be required to show your cruise ticket to Immigration officials at the port. If you're using a digital version, please download it to your mobile device before leaving home as Wi-Fi and phone signal may be limited at the port.

🕒 Port check-in times?
  • Check-in opens: 1.00pm (local time).
  • Check-in closes: 4.00pm (local time).
  • You're only be able to check-in and board Balmoral during these times
  • Luggage storage is not available at the port before check-in opens

📍Port Address
Your port address can be found by clicking here.

📋 Being prepared for check-in
To make your check-in experience as smooth as possible, please have the following to hand:
  • Your cruise ticket
  • Your passport(s)
  • The payment card you’d like to link to your onboard account (we can’t accept American Express).
  • And remember to securely attach your luggage labels to your large suitcases and any hand luggage.

🛳️ What happens at check-in?
  • Our friendly crew and port agents, easily identifiable in branded uniform, will be on hand to assist you.
  • Your large suitcases will be collected and delivered directly to your cabin
  • You’ll carry on any hand luggage or dress/suit carriers.
  • You’ll present your cruise ticket and passport to local Immigration officers.
  • At the check-in desk, you’ll need to show:
                - Your passport
                - Your cruise ticket
                - The payment card for your on board account.
  • You’ll then receive your cruise card, your key to life on board.
                ...then it's time to board Balmoral.

🚢Stepping over the Gangway
  • Our Security Team will scan your card as you step aboard.
  • When you arrive in your cabin, please watch the safety video and report to your muster station, click here for more information.
  • It’s time to explore and settle into your home away from home

Special Notes When Embarking
Wherever your flying home from, or if your staying on until Balmoral returns to Southampton, please click here for important immigration information.

🚢Disembarkation Information
To help your journey home run smoothly:
  • Full details will be delivered to your cabin at least 24 hours before disembarkation day.
  • We'll ask you to vacate your cabin by 8:00am, and disembark Balmoral by 10:00am.
  • Your disembarkation port address can be found by clicking here.

📝 Before We Go...
  • We'll send your cruise ticket by email 3 weeks before embarkation day.
  • If you are booked with a travel agent, they'll send it to you.
  • Your luggage labels will arrive by post approximately 2 weeks before departure.
  • Remember, our Help Centre is always up to date with the latest information, find the homepage here.