What To Know Before You Go

Transcription

1 What To Know Before You Go Welcome Aboard The Moody Blues Cruise! We hope you are as excited as we are about the upcoming THE MOODY BLUES CRUISE it is going to be an awesome cruise for artists and fans alike and we look forward to hosting you aboard the world s finest floating music festival venue, the MSC Poesia! Since we are only days away from our departure, it is time to prepare you for the journey ahead. The information contained herein is designed to organize all of you travel details what you should and shouldn t pack travel tips and reminders, plus what you need to do upon your arrival in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. In addition, we have included information regarding cruise documents, I.D. requirements, cruise check-in, getting to the cruise terminal, boarding the MSC Poesia and more everything you need to know before you go! Whether or not you ve cruised before, please take the time to carefully read this document as it contains important information that will be crucial in preparing you for hassle-free travel and provide smooth sailing during your 5-night music odyssey! On behalf of The Moody Blues and all the bands and crew aboard THE MOODY BLUES CRUISE, we wish you safe travels and can t wait to see you aboard Bon Voyage! Thank You, Your MOODY BLUES CRUISE Team

2 PAGE 2 Cruise Details Cruise Line:... MSC Ship:... MSC Poesia Departure Day:... Wednesday, March 20, 2013 Departure Time:... 5 PM Return Day:... Monday, March 25, 2013 Return Time:... 7 AM Departure City:... Ft. Lauderdale (Pt. Everglades) Port/Terminal:... Port Everglades, North Port, Terminal 4 Itinerary: Day Port Arrive Depart Wed., March 20th Ft. Lauderdale, (Port Everglades) Florida 5:00 PM Thu., March 21st Day at Sea Fri., March 22nd Ocho Rios, Jamaica 10:00 am 5:00 PM Sat. March 23rd Georgetown, Grand Cayman 8:00 AM 5:00 PM Sun. March 24th Day at Sea Mon. March 25th Ft. Lauderdale, (Port Everglades), Florida 7:00 AM All guests must be onboard 90 minutes prior to our scheduled departure in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Please note that all arrival and departure times are approximate and may change without notice.

3 PAGE 3 Emergency Ship Contact MSC Poesia Telephone: or Fax: or Ship s passengers may be contacted via fax or telephone. All calls will be directed to the ship s radio office and transferred accordingly. Calls will incur ship to shore charges anywhere from $6.95 USD to $13.95 USD AND UP! We advise that your friends, co-workers and relatives use only in case of an emergency. ID Requirements For both security and immigration purposes, each guest is responsible for bringing all necessary travel documents and identification required for the cruise itinerary. Only a valid passport (please note exception for closed loop sailings defined below) or other WHTI compliant document will be accepted for entry or re-entry into the U.S.

4 PAGE 4 Closed- loop sailings: U.S. citizens sailing round trip New York or any cruise beginning and ending in the same U.S. port, may present one of the following: 1. A Passport 2. A U.S. government issued photo identification along with proof of citizenship (an original birth certificate or certified copy of one with raised seal, a consular report of Birth Abroad or a Certificate of Naturalization) in lieu of a passport. Notarized copies are not acceptable. We highly recommend that if at all possible, guests travel with a Passport. 3. US Passport Card 4. Enhanced Driver s License For more information, please visit: We also strongly encourages guests to visit the Department of Homeland Security website ( or the Foreign Affairs & International Trade Canada website ( for the most up-to-date traveler information including passport and visa requirements as well as travel advisories and safety recommendations. Please Note: Neither MSC or The Moody Blues Cruise of Rock Cruise are responsible for advising guests of required travel documents or of worldwide travel advisories. Guests who fail to have the required documents for vessel security and immigration will be denied boarding and such guests shall not be entitled to any refund nor shall MSC Cruises have any further liability to such guests.

5 PAGE 5 Cruise Documents/Online Check-In Within the next few days you will be receiving your Cruise Documents via . These documents will include your Embarkation Coupon, which you should plan to print out and bring along with you upon arrival at Pier 4 in Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale). It is important for you to review your document to make sure that all the information is correct. If you find any misspelled names, names that do not match your Passport/Birth or other critical errors, please advise us ASAP. Some names may have been shortened because they are too long and will not fit on the document. If you experience this, there is no need to contact us. For your convenience, MSC offers Web Check In at Simply go to the link and follow the prompts to complete your check in. Make sure you have the following information: Ship (MSC Poesia), Sailing Date (March 20), Booking Number, Passport Number (if you are using as ID), Address, Birth Date, Phone Number and Emergency Contact. Please use the exact name spelling that is listed on your MSC documents. Web Check In, while not mandatory, is highly recommended as it will expedite your check in at the pier. Web Check in is available up to 72 hours prior to sailing. Please note that MSC Web Check In will not function when accessed via AOL. Use another web browser such as Internet Explorer for access. In addition, technical support is available at (877)

6 PAGE 6 Getting Ready Packing Not sure what you should and shouldn t pack? First make sure you bring the following items with in a carry-on not in your checked luggage: Passport/Identification you will need them to check-in Medicines Any medicines you may need for the day and evening Camera For pictures during the sail away Laptop For connecting to the internet, if needed Sunglasses To protect against the sun Money/Credit Cards You will need them at check-in Sunscreen To protect against the sun Anything you may need prior to receiving your luggage, which may not arrive until the early evening. MSC s normal dress code does not apply this is your cruise, so dress up or dress down as you please! We have one dress up, theme night on Thursday, March 21st (Blue World Formal, blue hues encouraged!), and one informal theme night, The Summer of Love Prom on Friday, March 22 (Flower Children & Hippies are welcome!), so dress accordingly! We recommend that you hand-carry all travel documents (passports, airline tickets, etc.) medications, jewelry and any personal items that you may need in a separate carry-on bag. Please do not put these items into checked luggage as they may become lost and prevent you from boarding the ship. Also, luggage may take a few hours before it is delivered to your cabin. On the last evening of your cruise your luggage will be collected for disembarkation the following morning. You will want to pack a separate overnight bag to accommodate your last evenings' clothes and toiletries to carry off the ship with you.

7 PAGE 7 What Not to Pack No illegal substances, no alcohol or non-alcoholic beverages, food, weapons or pets. The use of illegal drugs is strictly prohibited onboard MSC Cruises. All US and international laws pertaining to drug use should be respected, and will be strictly enforced. Pre-Departure Reminders LAST MINUTE PREPARATION Prescriptions/Medications While cruise ships have physicians and limited medical centers onboard, they are not able to fill your prescriptions. Make sure that all drugs that you may require onboard are brought with you in adequate quantities. Other over-the-counter drugs that you may use occasionally (aspirin, ibuprofen, Pepto-Bismol, Imodium, cough suppressant, etc.) should also be included in case they are unavailable on the ship or in port. Online Airline Check-In/Print Boarding Passes: Set an alarm so you can complete 24 hours prior to departure (or earlier depending on your frequent flier member status). Print two copies, keep one as a backup (keep them separate). Also, depending upon your airline you may need to purchase additional baggage allowance.

8 PAGE 8 Pack Your Carry-On Keep a separate bag for items you may need prior to receiving your checked luggage (either checked on plane or on ship). Possible contents may include; travel documents (Passport/personal picture ID, air tickets, air boarding passes, cruise tickets, cruise boarding passes, online cruise check-in receipt, hotel confirmations, transfer vouchers, traveler s checks, misc. travel confirmations, cruise luggage tags if available), medications, personal items, extra change of clothes, camera with extra memory, laptop (with wireless card and Ethernet cable) for use aboard ship, extra batteries for portable electronic devices, reading glasses, sunglasses, sun block, cell phone, current weather report, GPS or MapQuest directions to port and/or hotel, magazines, books or book reader, travel snacks, etc. Many passengers like to make copies of crucial travel documents (ID, Passport, boarding documents, etc.) and keep separated in a purse or coat. Getting There TRAVEL CONSIDERATIONS While the journey to your cruise destination can be exciting, it can also be difficult if you aren t prepared. Here are some important considerations:

9 PAGE 9 Verify Your Flight Status It is important to confirm your departure times the morning of your departure date. Also, check all connecting flights to make sure they are on time as well. Confirm special requests, including meals, wheelchairs and any required medical device clearance. If checking into a hotel, call the hotel to confirm your arrival time and room location. If possible, ask them to assign a room in your preferred hotel location at that time. Attire Make it all about comfort, from head to toe. Clothing should be loose fitting, breathable, and you should layer for temperature variations that are so typical on airliners. Make sure that you wear comfortable shoes that are easily removed for the security scan. Flying with Children, Elderly or Disabled Flying these days is difficult enough, but flying with children always adds another level of complexity. Make sure to pack a bag or backpack for each child with their favorite snack, toys, books and games (don t forget the diapers, if required!). Keep these items small and manageable. Adding a DVD player with favorite videos can be a lifesaver for parents on a long domestic or international flight. Try to arrive at the airport a minimum of two hours before your departure, possibly more on international flights (check with your airline for their recommended arrival time). If you are traveling with elderly, give yourself plenty of time to get to the gate, particularly if mobility is an issue. Make sure you have all required medications in your carry on to avoid health emergencies.

10 PAGE 10 Meals Since meals are limited on planes today, either bring along you favorite supplemental food items or purchase food in the airport terminal. Make sure you have plenty of nutrition options, particularly on long flights. Also, be prepared to pay for optional food and beverage purchases on your flight with a credit card, as many carries no longer accept cash. Airport Parking/Drop Off If you are taking a taxi or car service, make a reservation. Call to confirm the pickup time the night before or a few hours before the flight. Upon arrival at the departure terminal, utilize the curbside check-in (tip is appropriate) if offered by the air carrier and appropriate for your situation. If not, go directly to the bag drop inside the terminal if your already have checked-in online and have your boarding pass. If using a porter to transport your bag be prepared to tip. If you are parking your car, it is preferable to use an off-site parking garage to minimize the cost. Also, check local airport hotels to see if they offer a competitive long-term parking option. Upon parking take all of your bags and proceed to the airport shuttle for transport to your airline s terminal. One final bit of advice If you have a lot of people and luggage in your party, you may want the person driving the car to unload everyone (including luggage) at the terminal, then have the driver park the vehicle and take the shuttle back to the terminal.

11 PAGE 11 Upon arrival take a public taxi, public shuttle, prearranged private car to the ship or your hotel. Let your driver know the name of your cruise ship, MSC Poesia or hotel name (and address) for a hassle free shuttle to your destination. Be smart in your travel planning and fly safe see you at the cruise ship! Cruise Check-In & Embarkation While boarding a magnificent ship for the first time can be a once-in-a-lifetime event, it is important to carefully follow these instructions to avoid complications that might compromise the experience. Please pay close attention to the following: Port/Terminal Arrival Time Please note that check in for the cruise is 1 pm eastern time. Please do not arrive before 12:30 pm since the port will be congested, as passengers from the previous cruise will be disembarking. We don t want you to have long waits so please follow these instructions to help facilitate an orderly boarding process. Thank you for your cooperation! All passengers should be on board the MSC Poesia no later than 90 minutes prior to sailing.

12 PAGE 12 Entering The Port/Terminal Area Please note that boarding for your cruise will be at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Terminal 4. As you proceed into the port area, you will have to drive through a security gate leading to the port where a port security officer will ask to see your parties cruise documents and Passports. Make sure that they are all readily available to present to the security officer in order to minimize the wait. You should keep all passports, cruise documents and online check-in receipts available until you board the ship as you may need to present them several times. Once you have cleared the security gate, you will enter the pier area and the driver should proceed to the checked bag drop area. It is easy to spot as baggage cages and porters will be present, receiving bags to deliver to your ship. Make sure to print out your luggage tags from your cruise documents or get luggage tags from one of the porters, fill them out (simply write your name and cabin number on them), and attached them to all luggage you wish to check through to your cabin and let the porter know that your luggage is ready to go. It is customary to tip $1-$2 a bag. If for some reason do not have your cabin number, give the porter your name and he/she will provide your cabin number and the required number of bag tags. Follow signs and instructions to the terminal check in area. Additional information about your cruise port may be obtained

13 PAGE 13 Directions Are you driving yourself to the ship? Directions are below. For a map of Port Everglades go to: es/media/docs/port-map-2009.pdf. We will be departing from the north part of the port from Terminal 4. I-595 is an East/West Interstate with connections to I-95, the Florida Turnpike, U.S. 1, State Road 7 (441), I-75 and the Sawgrass Expressway. Turn south on Eisenhower Blvd. from 17th Street Causeway, or come east on State Road 84, entering the Port and turning left at Eisenhower Blvd. From I-595, go east straight into the Port. Follow signs for Terminals #1, 2 & 4 and/or the Convention Center. Address Port Everglades SE 10th Avenue Ft. Lauderdale, FL 3330 Parking at the Port If you arrive by public taxi, public shuttle, prearranged private car or prepaid cruise line transfer, simply follow the process above. If you are parking at the pier, drop off your party at the bag drop area (with baggage) and let them check the bags with the porters as detailed above. The designated driver should proceed to the parking garage, park the car and return to his/her party at the terminal.

14 PAGE 14 The rates for parking at the port are $15 per day (rates subject to change by the Port Authority) Northport Parking Garage: 6-floors, 2500 spaces. Security-patrolled and illuminated. Full payment due upon exiting the parking garage. Accepted forms of payment: U.S. Dollars; Visa; Master Card; American Express. No advance reservations required. Oversized vehicles up to 40 feet in length will pay $15 per day. Handicap Parking available with proof of valid permit. For more information: USA Parking, Ground Transportation Taxis are readily available at the airports as well as the pier. For a list of shuttle companies please visit: You can expect to pay approximately $25 - $35 for a taxi from the Ft. Lauderdale airport to the ship. The price will vary depending upon the number of guests. Please note that if you have more than 3 large pieces of luggage or a party of 4 or more guests, a taxi may not be able to accommodate your party. We would suggest utilizing alternate transportation. Travel Time Approximately 12 minutes from the Ft. Lauderdale Int l Airport (2 miles) Approximately 45 minutes from Miami Int l Airport (30 miles, longer at rush hour)

15 PAGE 15 Terminal Check-In Procedures After dropping off your checked luggage (if required), proceed to the cruise terminal checkin area as directed by signage and MSC personnel. The terminal entrance is clearly marked and porters, security personnel and cruise line employees will be glad to assist. Once again, you will need all passports, cruise documents and online check-in receipts available until you board the ship as you may need to present them several times. You will be required to walk through cruise security (similar procedure to airport security, with the exception of shoe removal, in most cases), placing bags, electronic devices, metal objects, etc. on the security belt and through the metal detector. Once completed, follow the signage and cruise line personnel into the check-in line, waiting for the next available cruise line check in agent. The agent will review your documents and Passports and will ask for a credit card (or cash deposit) in order to activate your Cruise Card. This card will be used for all onboard purchases, including but limited to items like bar purchases, spa, shore excursions, specialty restaurants, gift shop purchases and more. Cruise ships operate as cashless floating cities so make sure you have adequate credit line as the cruise progresses. In addition to onboard purchases, the Cruise Card also serves as your room key and boarding card in all of the ports that you visit. Make sure you always carry a photo ID along with your Cruise Card when getting off of the ship. Important: Please notify your credit card company that you will be taking a cruise and will be traveling out of the country. MSC processes most onboard charges through a bank in France. Please make sure to inform your credit card company so the fraud unit doesn t turn your card off!

16 PAGE 16 What s Next? In approximately one week prior to sailing, the Tentative Onboard Schedule and Welcome Aboard documents will be available via PDF on our The Moody Blues Cruise Website. While the schedule may change slightly as we approach the sailing date, it is very close to final and will provide you an opportunity to plan the details for each day of the cruise. You will be notified by when these documents are posted on the website. Here is a brief overview of what will be contained in each of these documents: Tentative Onboard Schedule This schedule will include information on the start time and location of the concerts and events on a daily basis, in chronological order. This is an essential planning tool for all of our guests, given the fact that we have a dozen bands and artists aboard this landmark cruise. Plan wisely and enjoy the greatest rock cruise in history your way!! Welcome Aboard This handy reference document will include all you need to navigate the MSC Poesia during The Moody Blues Cruise. Contents include the following: Ø Getting Your Sea Legs Welcome Aboard! Ø The Cruise Card Ø Your Cabin Ø Tipping Ø Hospitality Desk Ø Guest Reception Ø Accounting Ø Shore Excursions Ø Pre-paid Drink Coupon Pickup Ø Internet & Cell Phone Services Ø Music Stages

17 PAGE 17 Ø Carlo Felice Theater Seating Assignments Ø Bar Hours Ø Dining Options & Hours Ø Special Events & Activities Ø Video, Audio & Photo Policy Ø Video Filming Waiver Ø MSC Cruises & UNICEF Ø Alcohol Policy Ø Smoking Policy Ø The Moody Blues Cruise Code of Conduct Ø Emergency Contact Information Ø Important Contacts Stay tuned for more important information regarding you cruise Coming Soon!