WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
We hope you are as excited as we are about the 2024 On the Blue Cruise. It’s going to be an epic cruise for artists and fans alike. We look forward to once again hosting you aboard the world’s finest floating music festival venue! It is time to prepare you for the journey ahead. The information contained herein is designed to organize all your travel details...what you should and shouldn’t pack, travel tips and reminders, plus what you need to do upon your arrival in Miami, Florida.
In addition, we have included up to date information regarding the online check-in process, required citizenship documents, getting to the cruise terminal, tips on embarkation, and more! Everything you need to know before you go!
Whether you’ve cruised with us before or not, 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 all the bands and crew aboard the 2024 On the Blue Cruise, we wish you safe travels and can’t wait to see you aboard…Bon Voyage!
-- Your On the Blue Cruise Team –
CRUISE LINE .............................................. | Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) |
SHIP ......................................................... | Norwegian Pearl |
DEPARTURE DAY ........................................ | Friday, April 5, 2024 |
DEPARTURE TIME ....................................... | 4:00 pm |
RETURN DAY .............................................. | Wednesday, April 10, 2024 |
RETURN TIME ............................................ | 6:00 am |
DEPARTURE CITY ....................................... | Miami, Florida |
PORT/TERMINAL ........................................ | PortMiami/Terminal B (subject to change) |
ITINERARY ................................................ |
*PLEASE NOTE :
Online Check-in will open 21 Days prior to our departure.
Check-in must be completed by Monday, April 1, 2024.
All guests must be checked-in and on board by 2:30 pm.
NO EXCEPTIONS WILL BE MADE FOR LATE ARRIVAL
NORWEGIAN PEARL
Telephone: 1 (888) 627-4477 (within the United States)
1 (732) 335-3280 (outside the United States)
Ship’s passengers may be contacted via telephone using the above phone numbers. Please have the Ship Name (Norwegian Pearl), as well as credit card information handy. The cost is $7.95 USD a minute and can be charged to a MasterCard® or Visa® - prices are subject to change. Additional long-distance charges will also apply for calls from outside the United States. We advise that your friends, co-workers and relatives use only in case of an emergency.
Don't get left behind, make sure you have the proper identification to board the ship.
Remember, you are leaving the country!
Please use the link below to be sure you have what you need for embarkation. Understand that if a passenger arrives at the pier without the documentation needed, U.S. Customs can, and absolutely will, deny boarding. At no time will Norwegian Cruise Line, On the Blue Cruises, Inc., or On the Blue Cruise be responsible for anyone denied boarding due to insufficient proof of citizenship.
BE SURE YOU ARE PREPARED!
IMPORTANT!
DO NOT PUT YOUR PASSPORT OR PROOF OF CITIZENSHIP IN YOUR CHECKED LUGGAGE! |
Online Check-in will open 21 days prior to our departure - Friday, March 15th and must be completed prior to 3 days before sailing (Monday, April 1, 2024). Please make sure to download the new NCL app, available on Google Play and the App store. You will be able to check-in and access your Boarding Documents right from your phone. In addition, you can use the app to complete your check-in, upload your security picture, input your passport information, as well as register your credit card for onboard expenses.
One of the best new features on the app is the ability to complete your muster (lifeboat) drill prior to even boarding the ship! You mean we don’t have to put on our life jackets and stand outside anymore at our muster stations? Correct! You will now watch a video online or in the NCL app during the check-in process. Once you are onboard you will take your cruise card to your muster station (located on your cruise card), and the NCL staff member will scan your card and you are all done.
We ask that all our guests take the time to check-in prior to sailing in order to expedite embarkation. For detailed instructions on how to complete your online check-in and print your E-Docs, visit our Get Ready to Sail page.
All guests will need to complete their check-in NO LATER THAN 3 days prior to sailing (Monday, April 1, 2024).
Important:
Norwegian Cruise line has just informed us that you must add a credit card or debit card when you check in. You are welcome to pay in cash at guest services if you choose to, but you must have a credit or debit card on file.
PLEASE NOTE: There will be a $100 hold put on any debit or credit card on file, however, additional charges will not be placed on the card if you add cash to your onboard account.
PACKING
Not sure what you should and shouldn’t pack? First, make sure you bring the following items with you in a carry-on, NOT in your checked luggage:
- Passport/Identification – You will need them to check in – DO NOT PACK THEM!
- Cell phone/Camera - With the NCL App ready for check-in and camera for pictures during the sail away.
- Medicines- Any medicines you may need for the first day/evening of the cruise. We highly suggest that you carry-on ANY medications you will need for the duration of the cruise.
- Laptop - For connecting to the internet, if needed.
- Sunglasses and Sunscreen - To protect against the sun.
- Cash/Credit Cards - You may need them at check-in. We recommend cash for OTBC Merchandise as you will not be able to use your cruise card for these purchases and at times credit cards cannot be accepted.
- US Currency - NCL no longer provides foreign currency exchange services on board, and USD will be the only form of currency accepted for the settling of your onboard account. If you are in need of US currency for On the Blue Cruise, we encourage you to obtain it prior to embarkation.
- Anything you may need prior to receiving your luggage, which may not arrive until the evening.
- Hand-carry all travel documents including but not limited to: passports, birth certificates, proof of citizenship, COVID-19 Vaccination Card (if needed for international air travel), airline tickets, etc.
- Jewelry or any personal items you may need.
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. If you plan to check your luggage on the last night of the cruise, you will want to pack a separate overnight bag to accommodate your last evenings' clothes and toiletries to carry off the ship with you.
We ask that all our guests take the time to check-in prior to sailing to expedite embarkation. For detailed instructions on how to complete your online check-in, visit our Get Ready to Sail page. All guests will need to complete the check-in process NO LATER THAN 3 days PRIOR to sailing (Monday, April 1 , 2024).
HELPFUL HINT
Always carry your original or state certified copies of your birth certificate, marriage license, etc. in your carry-on luggage. However, as a backup to the originals, it is always a good idea to keep a copy of your important paperwork on your phone. |
what not to pack
No illegal substances, no alcohol (beer, seltzer or hard liquor seized on embarkation day will NOT be returned) or non-alcoholic beverages, “unsealed” food, weapons, surge protected power boards, portable fans, or pets. The use of illegal drugs is strictly prohibited onboard Norwegian Cruise Line. All US and international laws pertaining to drug use should be respected and will be strictly enforced.
Click Here for a list of prohibited items.
*Guests may bring sealed bottles of wine on board for personal consumption. They will be checked prior to embarkation and a corkage fee applied at that time of $15.00 USD for a 750 ml Bottle or $30.00 USD for a 1,500 ml Magnum bottle. Box wines are not allowed on board.
credit cards & your onboard account
IMPORTANT: Please notify your credit card company prior to leaving home that you will be taking a cruise and will be traveling out of the country. Make sure to inform your credit card company so the fraud unit doesn’t turn your card off! In addition, NCL does NOT recommend the use of a debit card as payment for your onboard folio for the following reasons:
- Multiple holds will be placed on your debit card account based on your onboard purchases.
- After settling your onboard folio, these debit card holds may remain on your account up to 30 days after the cruise ends.
- To avoid overdraft charges from your bank, please make sure that you have enough available funds in your account during this hold period.
- Neither NCL nor On the Blue Cruise will be responsible for overdraft charges resulting from holds placed on Debit Card accounts.
REMEMBER: NCL will no longer provide foreign currency exchange services on board, and USD will be the only form of currency accepted for the settling of your onboard account. If you are in need of US currency for On the Blue Cruise, we encourage you to obtain it prior to embarkation.
HAIR DRYERS, IRONS, AND LAUNDRY SERVICES
All staterooms are equipped with hair dryers for your use. Due to fire hazard, staterooms do not have irons, nor are guests allowed to bring them from home. While the ship does NOT have self-service laundry, they do offer laundry, dry cleaning and pressing service for a nominal charge.
Bringing Water, Soda and Food on Board
Guests are NOT allowed to bring items such as bottled water or soda.
Guests are allowed to bring items such as crackers, potato chips, or energy bars. You can also bring individually packaged sauces, however, NCL (Bahamas) LTD. does not allow or store raw foods or food items that need to be cooked.
*Guests may bring sealed bottles of wine on board for personal consumption. They will be checked prior to embarkation and a corkage fee applied at that time of $15.00 USD for a 750 ml Bottle or $30.00 USD for a 1,500 ml Magnum bottle. Box wines are not allowed on board.
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. We highly suggest that you carry on any prescription medications that you may need during the first day and early evening as your luggage may not be delivered until after 7:00 pm.
AIRLINE CHECK-IN/PRINT BOARDING PASS
Set an alarm so you can complete check-in 24 hours prior to departure (or earlier depending on your frequent flier member status). Use your airline App on your phone to check-in and download your boarding pass. In addition, we suggest you print a copy of your boarding pass just in case your phone dies and keep one as a backup (keep them separate). Also, depending upon your airline you may need to purchase additional baggage allowance.
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 boarding passes, online cruise check-in receipt, hotel confirmations, transfer vouchers, traveler’s checks, miscellaneous 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, sunblock, cell phone, current weather report, GPS or MapQuest directions to port and/or hotel, magazines, books, 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 or on their cell/mobile phones.
PORT/TERMINAL ARRIVAL TIME
Please note that boarding for On the Blue Cruise will be at the PortMiami, Terminal B (may be subject to change).
During the check-in process, you will select an arrival time. Please note that you will NOT be able to enter the terminal prior to your boarding time. Boarding is to begin as soon as the previous cruise clears customs. We expect this to be around 11:30 am, however, it could be later.
Do not arrive more than 15 minutes before your designated check-in time as the port will be congested with passengers from the previous cruise who will be disembarking. In addition, if you arrive at the Port earlier than your designated check-in time, you will have to wait outside the terminal. No exceptions. Since we don’t want you to have long waits, we ask that you please follow these instructions to help facilitate an orderly boarding process.
All passengers should be on board the Norwegian Pearl no later than 2:30 pm. Again, No Exceptions! Thank you for your cooperation.
Important:
Norwegian Cruise line has just informed us that you must add a credit card or debit card when you check in. You are welcome to pay in cash at guest services if you choose to, but you must have a credit or debit card on file.
PLEASE NOTE: There will be a $100 hold put on any debit or credit card on file, however, additional charges will not be placed on the card if you add cash to your onboard account.
travel time
- Approximately 8 miles from Miami Int’l Airport (25 minutes, longer during rush hour to PortMiami)
- Approximately 26 miles from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood Int'l Airport (45 minutes, longer during rush hour to PortMiami)
Travel times may vary widely depending on traffic conditions. Please allow plenty of time for travel from the airport.
directions
Are you driving yourself to the ship?
Address
PortMiami - Terminal B ● 1761 N. Cruise Blvd Miami, FL 33132
Directions are below. For a map of PortMiami and a map of directions Click Here.
If using a GPS device, enter 1761 N. Cruise Blvd., Miami, Florida 33132 as the address of your destination. Once at the Port's bridge, turn off your GPS, stay in the left lane, and follow the signs to designated terminal.
ENTERING THE PORT/TERMINAL ARRIVAL
Please note that boarding for On the Blue Cruise will be at the PortMiami, Terminal B (may be subject to change). 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 arrived at the port, 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 attach them to each piece of luggage you wish to check through to your cabin. Then, let the porter know that your luggage is ready to go. It is customary to tip $1-$2 a bag. If for some reason you 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.
If you have not printed your luggage tags, please note that the porters will have extra and can tag your bags for you. You will need to provide your stateroom number.
IMPORTANT! DO NOT PUT YOUR PASSPORT OR PROOF OF CITIZENSHIP IN YOUR CHECKED LUGGAGE! |
If you arrive by public taxi, public shuttle, or prearranged private car, 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. PLEASE NOTE THAT THE SHIP IS SCHEDULED TO DEPART FROM AND RETURN TO TERMINAL B, however, this could be subject to change.
Parking is conveniently available at all cruise terminals. Designated disabled permit parking spaces are available in each garage. Spaces are also available for oversized vehicles (oversized vans, recreational vehicles, and vehicles with trailers) at special rates. All facilities are patrolled by security. Oversized vehicles may only park in Lot #2, across from Cruise Terminal E.
HOURS AND ACCESS
On cruise days only, all garages and Lot #2 are open and manned by a parking attendant from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. Please note that Garage J is pre-paid only. To access parking garages and Lot 2 on non-cruise days, please contact PortMiami Cruise Operations or Port Security at 305-347-4800.
RATES
(As of November 20, 2023)
Surface Lot E:
- Open lot with no overhead clearance with designated spaces for oversized vehicles
- Accommodates oversized vans, recreational vehicles and vehicles with trailers
- $22 per space, per day. If two spaces are utilized, $44 per day
Garages B, C, D, E, F, G, V, J and Surface Lots C and E:
- Short term, per vehicle, per space, per day (no overnight), or fraction of $10
- Long term (overnight or greater), per vehicle, per space, per day or fraction of $22
- Long term (high density, overnight or greater), per vehicle, per space, per day or fraction of $22
- Special events, per vehicle, per space, no less than $15
Lost ticket (equivalent to 11-day cruise), per vehicle, per space $242
PAYMENT
All garages and Lot E accept cash, Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, or any major U.S. Traveler's Check. No debit cards are accepted.
PARKING FOR DISABLED GUESTS
Based on Ordinance 13-104 That Amends Section 30-338.2 of the Miami–Dade County Code:
Public parking charges will apply to vehicles parking at PortMiami’s public parking facilities that display a disabled parking permit or license tag, except as provided by Florida state law*. However, a vehicle displaying a disabled parking permit or license tag will be allowed up to two (2) hours of free parking. Any vehicle exceeding the two-hour free parking period will be charged for the entire time the vehicle uses the facility.
*In accordance with Florida state law, no parking charges will be imposed on any vehicle with specialized equipment, such as ramps, lifts, foot, or hand controls, for use by a person with a disability, or any vehicle displaying the Florida Toll Exemption permit.
AIRPORT TRANSFERS & GROUND TRANSPORTATION
Taxis are readily available at the airports as well as the pier. There are multiple shuttle companies in and around the Miami area. A quick internet search will provide a list of companies.
Taxis
As of July 19, 2022, all flat rate fares have been eliminated. The meter rate now applies to all trips. Rates are as follows:
- $2.95 for first 1/6 of a mile.
- $0.85 for each additional 1/6 mile until 1 mile.
- $0.55 for each 1/6 mile after that.
- $0.40 per minute ($24 per hour) wait charge. No additional charge for extra passengers or luggage.
- A 30 percent surcharge above the taxicab meter rate is established for larger vehicles (sport utility vehicles and vans). This surcharge does not apply to wheelchair accessible vehicles providing taxicab services to wheelchair users. Vehicles authorized to charge the 30 percent surcharge shall display a 30 percent surcharge decal iinside the vehicle.
- A minimum fare of $15 is established for trips originated at MIA or the Port of Miami, regardless of what the meter reading shows. If the meter shows a number greater than $15.00, then the greater number shown on the meter shall be paid.
- Taxicab Rate Card Printable
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.
All rates are subject to change.
AIRPORT TRANSFERS & GROUND TRANSPORTATION
Ride Share
Uber and Lyft are both great options, for privacy and small groups. You can use the following price estimators below to budget what this would cost:
Airport Shuttle
There are multiple airport shuttle companies. Below is just one example.
Toll-Free: (800) 282-6817
Car Rental
There are a number of car rental firms that are licensed to do business near PortMiami. Some companies provide shuttle service from the cruise terminals to their off-site but nearby rental locations. We suggest you confirm shuttle service with the car rental service prior to reserving a vehicle.
THE COUNTDOWN CONTINUES
