if you don't currently have an account, then yes, you would have to go through one of the above processes. if you have a bitshares account with at least a few WHALESHARE and BTS in it, you should be able to claim by using the claim form ( https://wls.services/ ) and sending in 1 WHALESHARE to wlsbts along with the appropriate memo. If all goes well, you should be ready to go a minute or so later!
Just make sure to write down all your keys and keep them all safe. To login, you need only use your posting key. :)
I have a bitshares account but no Whaleshare in it - also need to be back in Germany to access this - back this Friday. Thanks for the heads-up.