For assistance, please call 1-888-BLUESIN’ or 816-753-7979 or E-mail the cruise office.

Click to view Planning & Advice.
(courtesy of HollandAmerica.com)

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 on-board to enjoy one anothers’ music.

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.

Do I need a passport?
PASSPORT REQUIREMENTS (Please note: Information is subject to change)

With the implementation of the first phase of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), all persons, including citizens of the United States, traveling between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the countries of the Caribbean must have a valid passport to enter or re-enter the United States by air.

Effective June 1, 2009, with the implementation of the final phase of the WHTI, Non-U.S. citizens, U.S. citizens crossing US borders by sea and/or land, U.S. citizens on a cruise, that embarks in one U.S. port and disembarks in another U.S. port, must carry one of the following documents:

Legendary highly recommends traveling with a Passport booklet rather than a passport card or enhanced drivers license.

Effective June 1, 2009, there is an exception for U.S. citizens on a closed-loop cruise, which embarks and disembarks in the same U.S. port. In order to travel on a closed-loop cruise, US citizens will be required to carry proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate, and government issued photo ID. Guests who do not have a valid passport, passport card or enhanced drivers license will not be able to fly back to the US should you need to disembark the ship earlier than expected due to a medical emergency, etc.

Please visit www.travel.state.gov/passport or call the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778 for more details.

Children: U.S. citizen children under the age of 16 will be able to present their birth certificate, or other proof of U.S. citizenship, such as a naturalization certificate or citizenship card. Birth certificates can be an original, photocopy or certified original.

Non-U.S./non-Canadian citizens: You must have and carry a passport valid for six months beyond the duration of the cruise. Please carefully verify the existing identification requirements for your particular travel situation. In addition, non-U.S. citizens who have previously been admitted to the United States for permanent residence must carry their Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551), commonly known as a Green Card. Resident aliens not in possession of this must obtain one at the nearest office of the U.S. Immigration Service.

We highly recommend carrying a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the completion date of your travel.

This will enable guests to fly from the U.S. to meet their ship at the first port should they miss their scheduled embarkation and allow guests that must disembark the ship before their cruise ends due to an emergency to fly back to the U.S without significant delays and complications. Guests are responsible for all costs associated with their travel including but not limited to costs related to arrangements to obtain entry to countries they visit and re-entry to their destination country.

What time will we embark/disembark?
Both the Pacific and Caribbean cruises will embark at 5:00 pm and disembark at 7:00 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 departing flight at 12:00 pm or after as we cannot guarantee that you will be able to disembark earlier than 10:00 am. (These times are not valid for Miami arrivals and departures.)

When & where can I board?
You may board the vessel on your cruise embarkation date between the hours of 11:30am and 3:00pm. All passengers must be on-board no later than 3:00 pm or you may be denied boarding even if your online immigration questionnaire has been completed.

For information regarding port location, parking information and directions please visit the link below regarding your scheduled cruise:

October Pacific Blues Cruise from San Diego:
 http://www.sandiegocruiseport.com
January Caribbean Blues Cruise from Ft. Lauderdale:
 http://www.porteverglades.org

Is there Blues Cruise and Artist Merchandise for sale?
Merchandise will be available in the BLUESIN’ BAZAAR, generally located in the Hudson Room (the ship’s meeting rooms). The Bluesin’ Bazaar will not be open while we are in port, but will be open for your convenience all days at sea. A printed schedule will be in the Daily on-board sheets.

Is there a Casino on-board?
There is a casino on-board both the ships. 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. Traveler’s 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 Jamarama’s 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 surprise guests. They are onboard to enjoy the music as well as 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 music schedule?
A schedule will be posted on our web site and sent via email approximately 2 weeks prior to sailing. One will also be 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, dress-up theme nights 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, Susan G. Komen Walk for the Cure, etc.

When will we receive our cruise tickets?
You should expect to receive an email containing your booking number approximately five to six weeks prior to sailing. This email will include your booking number, detailed instructions on how to complete your online check-in as well as and much more general information regarding your Legendary Rhythm and Blues Cruise.

How can my family contact me at sea?
In the event of an emergency, your family may contact you at sea by following these instructions:

  • Have credit card ready. It is required to place the call. Billing begins at the time specified in the announcement and is $16.00 per minute.
  • Have the ship name, your party’s name and stateroom number ready.
  • Dial 1-866-HAL-SHIP (1-866-425-7447) From outside the U.S. access 1-732-335-3278.
  • Listen to the announcement.
  • Listen to the menu and select the number that corresponds to the ship you are calling.
  • If you receive a busy signal or message, please hang up quickly and try your call again.

When can I complete my Online Immigration Form?
Once you have received your booking number (approximately 5-6 weeks prior to sailing) you will be required to complete your online immigration form via HollandAmerica.com up to 5 days prior to departure. (It is recommended that shore excursions be booked online before sailing as space may be limited.) Excursions may also be booked on-board at the excursion office located in the Atrium.

New U.S. government security regulations require all guest’s information be submitted to law enforcement authorities at least 2 hours prior to departure. To meet this requirement we strongly recommend completing your online check-in / immigration form at HollandAmerica.com at least 72 hours in advance. An express boarding pass must be printed and taken to the port along with your proof of citizenship. For those who are unable to complete the online form, please complete the enclosed paper form and bring it to the port for check in at least 2 hours prior to departure. Guests who wait to check in at the terminal risk being unable to sail, even if they arrive at the terminal before the vessel leaves.

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 up to 5 days prior to departure. (It is recommended that shore excursions be booked online before sailing as space may be limited.) Excursions may also be booked on-board at the excursion office located in the Atrium.

Are there any formal nights on-board?
Formal wear is not required for your Blues Cruise experience. Bring your shorts for the day and a light jacket for the evening. You can even wear your shorts in the dining room on our cruise! We will host on-board theme nights which will be announced prior to sailing via e-mail and will also be mailed with your cruise tickets. Dressing for themes is voluntary, but we will have a costume parade and prizes will be awarded for the best costumes.

What will my travel insurance cover and how do I purchase it?
Travel insurance is highly recommended and may be purchased directly by selecting “Travel Insurance” at the top of this page. Policies may provide additional coverage if purchased within 14 days of booking your stateroom. Please feel free to contact Travel Guard directly at 1-800-826-1300 with any questions.

Can we bring alcohol on-board?
Currently, 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.

A corkage fee of US$18.00 applies to wine and champagne brought to the restaurants or bars for consumption.

Room Service offers reduced-price stateroom beverage packages for in-stateroom consumption of alcoholic beverages.

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 will be printed in the daily sheets on-board. A fee will be charged to your on-board 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. Limited supplies of wireless laptop rentals are also available for a fee.