Planning & Advice (courtesy of HollandAmerica.com)
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How
do I reserve my backstage pass?
By booking your passage aboard the Legendary Rhythm and
Blues Cruise you have already purchased your backstage
pass. We ask that you show respect to the artists while
you mingle amongst them as they are also onboard to enjoy
one another’s music. You can reserve your Backstage
Pass by contacting our office during business hours of
9 am – 6 pm central at 888-BLUESIN (888-258-3746).
What
is included with my fare/backstage pass?
All On-board Entertainment, Artist Showcases, Autograph
Parties, Industry Panels, ocean transportation, port/ship
fees, gratuities, and all on-board meals. Additional charges
will include transportation to/from ship, beverages, excursions,
gambling, souvenirs, etc.
What
time will we embark/disembark?
Both the Pacific and Caribbean cruise will embark at 5:00
pm and disembark at 8:00 am. If you are flying in the
day of embarkation, we suggest that you arrive no later
than 2:00 pm as all passengers need to be on-board no
later than 3:00 pm. When flying out the day of disembarkation
we suggest that you schedule your flight at 1:00 pm or
after as we can not guarantee that you will be able to
disembark earlier than 11:00 am.
Is
there Blues Cruise and Artist Merchandise For Sale?
Yes, it will be in the BLUESIN’ BAZAAR on deck 3.
It will not be open while we are in port, but will be
open for your convenience most of the time. A printed
schedule will be in the Daily onboard sheets.
Is
there a Casino on-board?
There is a casino on-board both the ms. Westerdam and
the ms. Oosterdam. Hours of operation will be posted in
the Daily Sheets that will be delivered to your stateroom.
Are
there ATM’s on-board?
There are no ATM’s on-board, although you may take
a cash advance from your on-board account by visiting
the Casino Cashier during operation hours. Holland America
will apply a 3% commission fee for all on-board cash advances.
Travelers checks may be cashed at the front office. Personal
checks are not accepted. Accounts may be settled in US
or Canadian currencies only.
Should
I bring my instrument?
Absolutely! Pro and passenger Jamaramas will be hosted
daily in the Crow’s Nest. Backline will be provided.
You’ll just need to supply your own cords and accessories.
How
many shows will each band perform?
There are 70+ shows scheduled on-board
which means each band will perform a minimum of 3 shows,
with most bands scheduled for 4 performances. In addition,
we will have some Special Invited Guests and also a few
unannounced special guests. They are onboard to enjoy
the music like you, plus add to our Artist Showcases and
Jam Sessions. Most musicians will also take advantage
of performing in our legendary jam sessions known to last
until 5:00 or 6:00am. After the jam, head to the Piano
Bar for a late night/early morning jam session. You never
know who’s going to be there!
When
will we be able to view the on-board music schedule?
A schedule will be posted on our web site or sent by email.
One is also provided for you once you are on-board. You
will receive one schedule per person that will be delivered
to your stateroom prior to embarkation. There will also
be a day by day schedule printed in the daily sheets for
your viewing pleasure.
What
other activities will be available on-board?
In addition to the scheduled performances we will also
have on-board workshops, 2 scheduled autograph sessions,
an awards ceremony, a performing artist led Culinary Demonstration,
acoustic and passenger jams and much more.
There
will be in-cabin stage simulcast performances from 2 of
our lounges, a blues video channel, blues radio and a
photo slideshow.
Holland
America will also continue their spa/fitness services,
as well as casino services, art auctions, etc.
When
will we receive our cruise tickets?
You should expect to receive your cruise documents approximately
three weeks prior to sailing. This information will include
your booking/passenger numbers, excursion information,
emergency contact information, pre-cruise party information,
luggage tags, transfer vouchers (if applicable), and much
more general information regarding the Legendary Rhythm
and Blues Cruise LLC and Holland America Line.
When
can we book excursions?
You may book shore excursions once you have received your
cruise documents that will contain your booking/passenger
numbers. Excursions may be booked on-line at HollandAmerica.com
usually up to 2 weeks before departure. Excursions may
also be booked on-board at the excursion office located
in the Atrium.
Are
there any formal nights on-board?
There are no formal nights, as this is Blues Festival
casual. You may wear shorts in the dining room, however,
there are also some theme nights. Theme nights will be
announced prior to sailing via e-mail and will also be
mailed with your cruise tickets. If you are not signed
up for our automatic e-mail update list, simply join our
mailing list so you can be assured to receive all cruise
updates.
What
are the cancellation policies?
Caribbean:
If canceling prior to October 1st: $150 per person
October 1st – 31st: $500 per person
November 1st – 30th: 50% of total cruise cost
December 1st to sailing: 100% of total cruise cost (non-refundable)
Pacific:
If canceling prior to July 3rd: $150 per person
July 3rd – July 31st: $500 per person
August 1st – August 31st: 50% of total cruise cost
After September 1st: 100% of total cruise cost (non-refundable)
What
will my travel insurance cover and how do I purchase it?
Travel insurance is highly recommended and may be purchased
directly through our website by selecting this
link. Policies may provide additional coverage if
purchased within 14 days of booking your stateroom. Please
feel free to contact AIG Travel Guard directly at 1-800-826-1300
with any questions.
Do
I need a passport?
The Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of
2004 requires that travelers to and from the Caribbean
have a passport or other secure, accepted document to
enter or re-enter the United States. In order to facilitate
the implementation of this requirement, the Administration
is proposing to complete it in phases following a proposed
timeline, which will be published in the Federal Register
in the near future.
In
proposed implementation plan, which is subject to a period
of initial public comment, the initiative will be rolled
out in phases, providing as much advance notice as possible
to the affected public to enable them to meet the terms
of the new guidelines. The proposed timeline will be as
follows:
1.
Beginning January 23, 2007, ALL persons, including U.S.
citizens, traveling by air between the United States and
Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean,
and Bermuda will be required to present a valid passport,
Air NEXUS card, or U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Document,
or an Alien Registration Card, Form I-551, if applicable.
2.
As early as January 1, 2008, ALL persons, including U.S.
citizens, traveling between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico,
Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda
by land or sea (including ferries), may be required to
present a valid passport or other documents as determined
by the Department of Homeland Security. While recent legislative
changes permit a later deadline, the Departments of State
and Homeland Security are working to meet all requirements
as soon as possible. Ample advance notice will be provided
to enable the public to obtain passports or passport cards
for land/sea entries.
Additional
information is available by visiting http://travel.state.gov/travel
Can
we bring alcohol on-board?
Holland America’s policy will allow passengers to
bring wine and champagne on-board with them. No hard liquor
or beer will be permitted. All alcohol purchased in the
vessel’s shops or at ports of call will be collected
for safekeeping and delivered to your stateroom on the
last day of voyage.
Is
there a Doctor/Hospital on-board?
The ship has a Medical Center equipped to handle most
emergencies and routine medical procedures. The infirmary
includes an Intensive Care Unit and cardiac monitoring
equipment. Consulting hours wil be printed in the daily
sheets on-board. A fee will be charged to your account
for physician/nurse service and for any medications dispensed.
Will
I be able to connect to the internet?
There will be 24 hour internet access in certain designated
locations. Wireless internet access is also available
and will be billed to your on-board account. Please see
the Holland America Internet Manager during hours listed
in the daily program to receive a connection package.
A limited supply of wireless laptop rentals are also available
for a fee.
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