Please note: Check-In, Arrival and Embarkation/Debarkation processes are specific to departure Ports and third-party terminal operations staff and can change over time. Even if you have sailed with Margaritaville at Sea or from Port Tampa Bay previously, please take a moment to carefully read through all policies and procedures below to make your journey as easy-breezy as possible.
Tampa Arrival and Embark
Travel Documentation
Each member of your sailing party is required to bring current, valid and accepted forms of travel documentation to check-in for your sailing at Port Tampa Bay. No photocopies, photographs or digital copies are ever permitted.
To learn more about what kinds of documentation are accepted by U.S. Customs and Border Patrol when sailing with Margaritaville at Sea, please visit our Travel Requirements page.
Luggage Tags
Your sailing party will be assigned a Luggage Zone according to your stateroom location for the easy identification and delivery of your luggage to your stateroom.
Your Luggage Tags will be sent via email approximately 7 days prior to sailing, along with your boarding pass. It is recommended that you download these tags and pre-tag your baggage for convenient check-in at Port Tampa Bay. Please tag all bags you plan to check-in; it may also be helpful to tag all carry-on baggage in case it is accidentally separated from your sailing party.
You may also view and download your Luggage Tags via our Cruise Control, our online cruise management portal, beginning approximately 7 days prior to your sailing date. You will need the Booking ID and Primary Guest's Last Name to sign in to your sailing reservation.
To learn more about checked luggage allowance and fees associated for extra/overweight luggage, please visit our FAQs page.
Assigned Arrival Time
To comfortably manage the flow of guests throughout the check-in process, Margaritaville at Sea guests departing from Port Tampa Bay are assigned a specific arrival window based on your stateroom location.
Guests with pre-booked Express Passes, pre-purchased Signature Packages containing Priority Boarding and guests staying in Suites are assigned the earliest arrival windows and should enter through the VIP Check-In Lane. Learn More about Islander's Signature Packages and Priority Boarding options here.
Your assigned arrival window will be sent via email and available to view in the Guest Portal approximately 21 days prior to sailing. You will need the Booking ID and Primary Guest's Last Name to sign in to your sailing reservation in the Guest Portal.
Boarding Pass
Your Boarding Pass will be used to confirm your party's arrival time once you arrive at Port Tampa Bay and contains easy access to helpful reservation information.
Please print a copy of this boarding pass and bring it with your sailing party when you arrive at Port Tampa Bay. Guests without a printed or digital version of their Boarding Pass will be required to check in via the Standby line and may experience delays in the check-in and embarkation process.