What to Know Before You Go

IMPORTANT INFORMATION PERTAINING TO THE COUNTRY MUSIC CRUISE 2024 BOOKED GUESTS

Thank you for booking The Country Music Cruise, we look forward to seeing you! Here are a few important details and dates to keep in mind as you plan your vacation.

As a charter cruise guest, you have two important numbers tied to your sailing:

  • A Reservation Number from StarVista LIVE (SVL) assigned once your booking was confirmed either via phone or online. Access your SVL account any time by clicking here to manage your guest information, payments, insurance and SVL add-ons for this and future cruises.
  • A Booking Number from Holland America Line (HAL). A Booking Number from Holland America Line (HAL). SVL will email your Booking Number approximately 45 days prior to sailing and it will be posted in your SVL account for your convenience. With your HAL booking number, you will need to go to hollandamerica.com to complete check-in online no later than 72 hours prior to the cruise and download the Navigator App. Not only will your mobile boarding pass be there, but you can also manage premium dining, spa and shore excursions reservations, review deck plans and read more information regarding your account with Holland America.

Remember, as guests on Holland America Line, not everything we do to make this cruise so special and unique for you will appear in the Navigator App. So, take a moment to familiarize yourself with our important details regarding The Country Music Cruise below. There’s a handy search bar at the top of the page to help you find additional information available!

You will also find our onboard schedule of events approximately 30 days prior to sailing under “Performance Schedule.”

Below we’ve compiled the important information to help with your travel plans and packing. If you have additional questions, visit our FAQs page here or email us at info@countrymusiccruise.com.

IMPORTANT DATES, LOCATIONS, AND TIMES Plus (click or tap to expand) +

  • DEPARTURE DATE: Saturday, January 20, 2024
  • DEPARTURE CITY: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
  • SHIP: Holland America Line Nieuw Amsterdam
  • EMBARKATION/TERMINAL: Port Everglades (see port signs for terminal location)
  • SHIP DEPARTURE TIME: 5:00 p.m. Guests must arrive to the cruise terminal building no later than 2:00pm!
  • RETURN DATE: Saturday, January 27, 2024
  • RETURN TIME: 7:00 a.m. (all times are EST)

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ONLINE CHECK-IN AND PRE-CRUISE REQUIREMENTS Plus (click or tap to expand) +

  • Complete Online Check in: As stated above, your booking number will be emailed to you and available in your StarVista LIVE account 45-60 days prior to sailing. Log in to hollandamerica.com. All guests must complete and accept the Holland America Line Cruise Contract and complete the online check in 72 hours before embarkation. Your boarding pass and your check-in time will be available on the Navigator App.
  • Download the Holland America Line Navigator App: This is your essential tool for pre-cruise tools and forms, boarding passes, embarkation updates, onboard experiences and more. Learn more here. Enter your last name, first name, & validation question and hit “Log In”.

How do I do online check-in?

  1. Click here to be taken to the check in page on HollandAmerica.com.
  2. On the righthand side, under “Log In with Booking Number", enter your Holland America Line Booking Number that will be emailed to you. It is the 6-digit alphanumeric character code. Enter your last name, first name, & validation question and hit “Log In”.
  3. Select All guests or whichever guest you would like to check-in.
  4. Follow the instructions (please have your passport handy to complete this process). It will take about 10-15 minutes to fully complete your online check-in. There are 6 steps you will need to fill out.
    • Cruise Contract Form 
    • Guest Info 
    • Passport Details
    • Flights 
    • Contacts 
    • Accounts (register credit card) 
  5. Accept the Holland America Cruise Contract on the online check-in page. You will not be able to sail if this form has not been signed/agreed to. 
  6. One you have completed all steps, you may proceed to print your Express Documents including boarding pass and luggage tags beginning 45 days prior to sailing. Next to the print documents option, you can also select print the luggage tags. You will adhere these to your luggage when you arrive at the terminal. Please DO NOT apply to luggage before your flight in case they rip or tear off en route. Be sure to print these prior to 72 hours before sailing.
  7. Deadline to check in online is close of business January 17, 2024 (EST).
  8. Download the free Holland America Line Navigator app to see your boarding pass.

What time can I arrive at the terminal and what do I need to present?

Holland America Line will assign check-in times for arrival to the terminal. Upon completion of your online check in, if the time shows "To Be Assigned" it will be assigned soon. Please download the Navigator App for updates and to access to your digital boarding pass and more.

What is the Holland America Line Navigator App? Why do I need it?

This is your essential tool for pre-cruise tools and forms, boarding passes, embarkation updates, onboard experiences and more. Learn more here.

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IMPORTANT ITEMS THAT NEED TO BE PRESENTED
AT TERMINAL Plus (click or tap to expand) +

  • Boarding Pass: Navigator App or printed form
  • Passport, Identification & Visa documents: Holland America Line requires ALL guests to PRESENT A VALID PASSPORT from their country of origin at embarkation. There are no substitutes for this requirement. A valid passport is one that expires more than six months after the date the cruise disembarks. Since the date of disembarkation is January 27, 2024, all passports must be valid through July 27, 2024. Guests with non-US passports are responsible for obtaining whatever required visas necessary to disembark at any and all of the ports of call. Visit travel.state.gov for identification, visa and vaccination requirements.
  • Credit card that you used to set up your onboard expense account. Cash will not be accepted.

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TRANSPORTATION Plus (click or tap to expand) +

TRANSPORTATION FROM AIRPORT TO THE CRUISE TERMINAL

  1. Holland America Line shuttle service. ($19/person from Fort Lauderdale airport and $29/person from Miami airport, each way). Please call Holland America Line at 866-929-2332 to make these reservations.
  2. Taxi from Fort Lauderdale airport (approximately $25).
  3. Taxi from Miami airport (approximately $85).
  4. StarVista LIVE does not offer a shuttle from the airport to any hotel prior to our cruise departure.  We suggest taking a taxi, rideshare like Uber or Lyft, or booking travel through your airline and/or hotel. 

It is your responsibility to arrive to the cruise terminal building no later than 2:00pm in time for the ship’s departure and it is also your responsibility to secure your transportation at the end of your cruise.

TRANSPORTATION FROM THE LE MERIDIEN HOTEL DANIA BEACH AT FORT LAUDERDALE AIRPORT TO THE TERMINAL

For just $24 per person, we have private motor coach transportation available. You will need to bring your luggage down to the lobby and transportation helpers will assist you loading your luggage into box trucks at the hotel and delivered to the terminal. Please make sure your bags are properly tagged with Holland America luggage tags and loaded onto the box truck before you board the motor coach.

To purchase this service, simply log in to your StarVista LIVE account and add Hotel Transfer to Cruise Pier to your reservation or speak to a representative from the transportation company in the lobby of the Le Meridien Hotel.

This service is only offered from the Le Meridien Hotel Dania Beach at Fort Lauderdale Airport.

Transfers are not included in the cost of the hotel and will be charged to the credit card on file connected to your StarVista LIVE account. For information or assistance, call us at 855-923-7222.

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PARKING Plus (click or tap to expand) +

Long Term Parking at the Pier 

Port Everglades offers on-site covered parking for $20 per day. Please follow the signs to the midport garage.

Handicap parking is complimentary only if there are ADA modifications done to the vehicle such as: hand controls, extended pedals, wheelchair ramp, etc. Also, 100% Disabled Veterans with ADA license placard will receive complimentary parking. 

For more information go to https://www.porteverglades.net/cruise/parking/

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COUNTRY MUSIC CRUISE ATTIRE Plus (click or tap to expand) +

The overall dress theme for the cruise is “smart casual.”

Daytime attire is not subject to limitations, so guests may dress in appropriate and tasteful clothing of their choosing. Coverups and footwear are required in all venues and dining areas.

Evening attire is subject to the dress theme for that particular evening. For five of the seven nights the evening dress theme is “smart casual,” which means no shorts, tank tops or T-shirts in the main dining room or premium restaurants. Jeans are acceptable attire for the “smart casual” evenings. Our 10th Anniversary 10-Gallon Gala night is Sunday. Our other nights offer you a chance to dress up in theme-appropriate clothing— Sports Jersey Night, Opry at Sea, Caribbean Cowboy and Made in America.

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PARTIES AND NIGHTLY THEMES Plus (click or tap to expand) +

What are some of the parties and the theme nights?

The Country Music Cruise will host a wide variety of gatherings and festive events. While it is not mandatory to dress in keeping with the themes, we do encourage you to have some fun and plan some outfits.

Saturday, January 20, Fort Lauderdale, Florida:

Welcome Party – Join us at the Lido Midship, Deck 9 for fun and dancing as we get the cruise started.

Nightly Theme: Welcome to The Country Music Cruise - No special outfits required. Get unpacked and settled in for the week ahead!

Sunday, January 21, At Sea:

Annual T-Shirt Party – Great live music and selected complimentary drinks at the Lido Midship, Deck 9 when you come dressed in your 2024 Country Music Cruise T-shirt.

Nightly Theme: 10th Anniversary 10-Gallon Gala - Ball gowns and boots, couture and cowboy hats - no one does formal wear like a great country crowd and this is your night to shine.

Monday, January 22, Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos:

Nightly Theme: Sports Jersey Night - It’s that easy… Throw on your favorite sports jersey and support your favorite team.

Tuesday, January 23, At Sea:

Nightly Theme: Opry At Sea – An opportunity to relive past memories of good times at the Ryman or Opryland.  Enjoy a night off and dress to reflect your feelings about the music of this cruise tonight.

Wednesday, January 24, Key West, FL:

Nightly Theme: Caribbean Cowboy – No shoes, no shirt, no problems. Saddle up, island-style, and don your best mix of tropical attire and/or country wear.

Thursday, January 25, At Sea:

Nightly Theme: Made in America – Be proud and show your heritage by dressing in your country’s colors or authentic wear – a night to be patriotic in red, white, and blue!

Friday, January 26, Half Moon Cay:

Theme: Farewell Night - A celebration of the bittersweet feelings for the last night of a wonderful cruise. Wear whatever is still clean.

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THE COUNTRY MUSIC CRUISE PROGRAMMING Plus (click or tap to expand) +

To help you better prepare, we will post our onboard show and events schedule here approximately one month prior to sailing. We hope this enables you to better plan your days and schedule dining around the events you want to attend. Check back regularly for any updates as we fine-tune our time onboard. Once on board, you will receive daily programs with the most up-to-date schedule, or you may use the Holland America Line Navigator App to check out real-time happenings as well as plan ahead.

During the course of the cruise we will continue to have special contests and events:

  • Country Superstar Contest - This is your chance to rise above and shine as a true Country Music Superstar if you can sing and/or play an instrument. Sign-up times will be announced aboard the ship. Please ensure that you have your own backing materials and tracks. Each participant will be allowed two minutes to perform. 
  • Gameshows – A highlight on this cruise are the times when we can sit back and hoot and holler at the gameshows.
  • Wine Tasting -

    Join our Artists for a special wine tasting. Enjoy this knowledgeable and fun hour with our celebrities and the Nieuw Amsterdam’s own Sommelier, learning about wine’s aroma and body, flavor and finish. Bring home some great tips about choosing wine and great memories of a real good time.

    Availability is limited. To reserve your spot, service simply log in to your StarVista LIVE account and add to your reservation or stop by the Country Music Cruise Hospitality Desk on Deck 1 Midship. This cost will be added to your shipboard account.

  • Renewal of Vows - Country music is all about celebrations and family bonds. That is why we offer a special renewal of vows. So take your honey under your wing and join our Celebrity Host for a special reception that includes a photo, cake and a champagne toast! $65/couple. Availability is limited. To reserve your spot, service simply log in to your StarVista LIVE account and add to your reservation or stop by the Country Music Cruise Hospitality Desk on Deck 1 Midship. This cost will be added to your shipboard account.       
  • T-shirt Party - Join us on Sunday at the Lido Pool for the annual t-shirt party. Wear your official 2024 Country Music Cruise T-Shirt to enjoy select complimentary soda, punch, beer and wine during the show.
  • Cornhole Tournament - Boards and bags will be available in the aft pool area all week for all to enjoy and practice if you choose to join in the friendly competition.
  • Elvis Brunch - Join the Elvis Tribute Artists for an unforgettable dining experience. You'll enjoy Elvis inspired brunch items while celebrating the King of Rock 'n' Roll. This event is $35.00 per person, and availability is limited. To reserve your spot, service simply log in to your StarVista LIVE account and add to your reservation or stop by the Country Music Cruise Hospitality Desk on Deck 1 Midship. This cost will be added to your shipboard account.

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THE PERFORMANCES Plus (click or tap to expand) +

The World Stage is our main theater. Every guest will have the opportunity to see a nightly show based upon the designated show time.

The World Stage Seating Card (which you will receive in your stateroom) is color coded for easy identification for the ushers and will match the color of your Stateroom Key Card (which you will also receive in your stateroom).

The World Stage Show Policies and Procedures

To ensure that the entry and seating procedure is both fair and easy, we have adopted the following policies and procedures:

You must present your World Stage Seating Card to the ushers at the entrance in order to enter the theater for the appropriate show time. All seats have been assigned and we cannot accommodate seating requests or changes.

  • There are four entrances to the World Stage, two on Deck 2 and two on Deck 3. No other entrance is available for guests. The World Stage Seating Card lists the suggested entrance best suited for your seat.
  • Doors will open for each show approximately 30 minutes before scheduled show time. With assigned seating, there is no need to arrive early.
  • All seats will be numbered clearly with Country Music Cruise seat stickers, and ushers will be present to assist with any questions. Refer to the World Stage Seating Schematic.
  • Unfortunately, we cannot allow guests to change seats. The guest who was assigned a specific seat may arrive late and it is too disruptive to everyone else to move once the show starts.
  • Guests who interfere with the fair and safe entry into the World Stage may risk forfeiting their rights to attend that show or other shows. Our goal is to provide the best entertainment experience for all our guests and we request that you treat all passengers and staff with respect. Any behavior that disrupts the enjoyment of other passengers will result in removal from the show by security staff.
  • The taking of flash photos and the recording of shows violate our contracts with the performers. Since it is impossible to easily discern what type of equipment can record, no electronic equipment of any kind will be allowed in the World Stage during shows.

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DINING OPTIONS Plus (click or tap to expand) +

MAIN DINING ROOM INCLUDED IN CRUISE FARE

  • On embarkation day January 20th, your Stateroom Key Card will be in your stateroom mailbox. Your Stateroom Key Card will be color coded for either early (GOLD) or late (BLUE) dining.
  • Early (GOLD) dining begins at 6:00 p.m. and late (BLUE) dining begins at 8:30 p.m.
  • Guests who previously made table requests with our office will receive a letter in their stateroom on embarkation day with the assigned table number. These guests should enter the Upper Dining Room on Deck 3.
  • All other seating will be open, meaning that once guests have their full party together, they should proceed to the Lower Dining Room on Deck 2 to be seated.

OTHER DINING OPTIONS

  • Please visit the Holland America Line website or Navigator App to view the complete Dining (included in fare) and Fine Dining (additional cost) options on board.
  • Reservations for Fine Dining (additional cost) are recommended and can easily be made through the Holland America Line website or Navigator App once you complete your Online Check-in or from your stateroom.

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BEVERAGE PACKAGES Plus (click or tap to expand) +

Beverage packages are available through Holland America Line. Once you have your Holland America booking number, they can be purchased:

  • before boarding through the Holland America Line website or by contacting Holland America Line at 800-541-1576
  • once onboard through the Navigator App or from Guest Services or Beverage staff

Please note: All guests in a stateroom must purchase the same package. For more information, visit the Holland America Line website.

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SHORE EXCURSIONS Plus (click or tap to expand) +

Once you have completed your online check-in, you can book excursions directly on the Holland America Line.

  • Go to https://www.hollandamerica.com/
  • Go to "Already Booked" on the right side of the homepage
  • Go to "Book Shore Excursions”
  • Use right side of page – “Log In With Booking Number”
  • Enter your Booking Number
  • Enter your last name, first name & validation question and hit “Log In”
  • You may search for shore excursions, Spa reservations, beverage packages, gifts and indulgences or book specialty dining reservations.  Once you select the item you wish to book, click “add to cart” and check out.  Your credit card will be charged and the activity will be added to your itinerary.
  • Reminder – These can also be booked via the HAL Navigator App.

Choose your tour times, book tours, and receive confirmation of your shore excursion reservations up to three days before sailing. Make your payment online and receive the approximate tour departure times. Reservations made online receive priority handling and are processed prior to requests made on board. We recommend booking as early as possible because many of the popular excursions sell out quickly.

Shore excursion confirmations and tickets are now paperless. You will find your information on the Navigator app.

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TIPPING ONBOARD Plus (click or tap to expand) +

Other than drink and Spa service charges, all tips for servers, cabin stewards, etc., have been pre-paid. However, please feel free to reward exemplary service with the internationally recognized sign of gratitude: “tipping.”

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HOSPITALITY AND SALES AREAS Plus (click or tap to expand) +

Our Hospitality Desk is located on Deck 1 Midship across from Guest Services. Our sales office is located on Deck 3 Forward in the Hudson Room. Hours will be listed in the daily program delivered to your stateroom. Please stop by to say hello! It’s always great to put a face with a voice.

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T-SHIRT ONBOARD DELIVERY AND EXCHANGES Plus (click or tap to expand) +

Your t-shirt will be delivered to your stateroom on Night 1.

Our Hospitality Desk on Deck 1 Midship will be open for exchanges on Sunday morning before the T-shirt party. Hours of operation will be posted on board. Please bring your T-shirt with you and we will happily exchange it, pending availability.

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COUNTRY MUSIC CRUISE PROGRAMS Plus (click or tap to expand) +

To help you better prepare, we will post our onboard show and events schedule here approximately one month prior to sailing. We hope this enables you to better plan your days and schedule dining around the events you want to attend. Check back regularly for any updates as we fine-tune our time onboard. Once on board, you will receive daily programs with the most up-to-date schedule, or you may use the Holland America Line Navigator App to check out real-time happenings as well as plan ahead.

During the course of the cruise we will continue to have special contests and events:

  • Country Superstar Contest - This is your chance to rise above and shine as a true Country Music Superstar if you can sing and/or play an instrument. Sign-up times will be announced aboard the ship. Please ensure that you have your own backing materials and tracks. Each participant will be allowed two minutes to perform. 
  • Gameshows – A highlight on this cruise are the times when we can sit back and hoot and holler at the gameshows.
  • T-shirt Party - Join us on Sunday at the Lido Pool for the annual t-shirt party. Wear your official 2024 Country Music Cruise T-Shirt to enjoy select complimentary soda, punch, beer and wine during the show.
  • Cornhole Tournament -  Boards and bags will be available in the aft pool area all week for all to enjoy and practice if you choose to join in the friendly competition.

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