What to Know Before You Go
Thank you for booking The Soul Train Cruise, we look forward to seeing you on The Hippest Trip at Sea! 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) was 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 to purchase SVL add-ons, such as ground transportation and artist-hosted events.
- A Booking Number from Holland America Line (HAL) which is emailed to you from the Soul Train Cruise approximately 45-60 days prior to sailing and is posted in your SVL account for your convenience. If you already have a Holland America Line account, it is also posted under your bookings.
- You need the HAL booking number to complete online check-in on hollandamerica.com no later than 72 hours prior to the cruise.
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with some of the important details regarding the Soul Train Cruise below. We will continue to update this page as more information becomes available. There’s a handy search bar at the top of the page to help you find additional information available!
Our onboard schedule of events will be available approximately 30 days prior to sailing under “Performance Schedule.”
If you have additional questions, visit our FAQs page here or email us at info@soultraincruise.com.
IMPORTANT DATES, LOCATIONS, AND TIMES
- DEPARTURE DATE: Sunday, January 26, 2025
- DEPARTURE CITY: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
- SHIP: Holland America Line Nieuw Amsterdam
- EMBARKATION/TERMINAL: Port Everglades (see port signs for terminal location)
- MANDATORY CHECK-IN TIME: Terminal building closes at 3:00pm
- We strongly recommend you plan to arrive no later than 2:00pm in case of traffic
- SHIP ESTIMATED DEPARTURE TIME: 5:00pm
- RETURN DATE: Sunday, February 2, 2025
- SHIP ESTIMATED RETURN TIME: 7:00am (all times are EST)
ONLINE CHECK-IN AND PRE-CRUISE REQUIREMENTS
- Complete Online Check-in: As stated above, your booking number has been emailed to you from the Soul Train Cruise and is also available in your StarVista LIVE and Holland America accounts approximately 45-60 days prior to sailing. To complete online check-in, go to hollandamerica.com. All guests must accept the Holland America Line Cruise Contract and complete the online check-in. Express docs will be available to print approximately 14 days from the sailing up to 72 hours before embarkation. Your boarding pass will be available on the Navigator App within 14 days of embarkation.
- Download the free Holland America Line Navigator App: This is your indispensable tool for cruise planning, boarding passes, embarkation updates, managing onboard experiences, booking shore excursions, viewing restaurant menus, checking account balances and more. Learn more here.
How do I complete online check-in?
Click here to be taken to the check-in page on HollandAmerica.com and then follow the instructions below.
- Deadline to check-in online is close of business January 23, 2025 (EST).
- If you have a Holland America Line account, you can log in with your Mariner ID login.
- Or, on the righthand side, select “Log In with Booking Number", enter your Holland America Line Booking Number that was emailed to you. It is the 6-digit alphanumeric character code. Enter your last name, first name, and answer the validation question then click “Log In”.
- Select All guests or whichever guest you would like to check-in.
- 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 a few steps you will need to fill out.
- Accept Holland America Line Cruise Contract
- Guest Information
- Passport and Safety Details
- Cruise Flight Details
- Emergency Contacts Information
- Onboard Account (Register a credit card)
- Review Summary and Boarding Pass.
- Express Docs (boarding pass and luggage tags) will be available approximately 14 days prior to sailing to print. Also, you will have access to your mobile boarding pass through the Holland America Line Navigator App, under Wallet at that time. (Insider tip: take a photo of the boarding pass so it’s easy to access in the cruise terminal).
- Luggage tags can be emailed to you at the completion of check-in. Please DO NOT adhere 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.
What is the Holland America Line Navigator App? Why do I need it?
This is your indispensable tool for cruise planning, boarding passes, embarkation updates, managing onboard experiences, booking shore excursions, viewing restaurant menus, checking account balances and more. Learn more here.
In addition, the Soul Train Cruise weekly program of show times and events will be posted here when you board the ship.
What time can I arrive to the terminal?
We strongly recommend you plan to arrive to the cruise terminal building no earlier than 10:00am and no later than 2:00pm. Expect heavy traffic in the Ft. Lauderdale area. Doors to the terminal building close at 3:00pm.
IMPORTANT ITEMS THAT NEED TO BE PRESENTED AT TERMINAL
- Printed Boarding Pass or Express Docs: Please DO NOT enlarge the boarding pass when printing. The scanner cannot read the barcode if enlarged. Express Docs are on the Navigator App and will be available approximately 14 days prior to sailing to print. (Insider tip: take a photo or screenshot of the boarding pass so it’s easy to access in the cruise terminal).
- Passport, Identification & Visa documents: Holland America Line requires ALL guests to PRESENT A VALID PASSPORT BOOK 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 February 2, 2025, all passports must be valid through August 2, 2025. 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 state.gov for identification, visa and vaccination requirements.
- We will NOT accept passport cards in place of a passport book.
- Credit card used for your onboard account when you completed your online check-in.
TRANSPORTATION
TRANSPORTATION FROM AIRPORT TO THE CRUISE TERMINAL
- Holland America Line shuttle service. ($34/person from Fort Lauderdale and Miami airports, each way). Please call Holland America Line at 877-724-5425 to make these reservations or book online
- Taxi or licensed rideshare service like Uber or Lyft from Fort Lauderdale airport (approximately $25).
- Taxi or licensed rideshare service like Uber or Lyft from Miami airport (approximately $85).
It is your responsibility to arrive to the cruise terminal building in time for the ship’s departure, and to secure your transportation at the end of your cruise.
TRANSPORTATION FROM AIRPORT TO AREA HOTELS
StarVista LIVE does not offer a shuttle from the area airports 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.
TRANSPORTATION FROM THE EMBASSY SUITES BY HILTON FORT LAUDERDALE 17TH STREET HOTEL TO THE CRUISE TERMINAL
We provide a ground transportation and luggage service from our designated pre-cruise hotel to the cruise terminal on embarkation day for the cruise.
The $35 fee per person includes:
- One-way direct transfer from hotel pick-up location to cruise terminal.
- Luggage service* and associated gratuities from hotel curbside direct to your cabin.
*StarVista LIVE and associated vendors are not responsible for any lost or damaged luggage.
To add Hotel Transfers to your existing reservation, simply log-in to your StarVista LIVE account and add Hotel Transfers. 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 844-266-7685.
Ground transportation representatives will also be available on-site to book last minute reservations for this service.
Please also note this service is available to anyone sailing on this cruise. You do not need to be a hotel guest to purchase the service.
We do not provide transportation back to the hotel the day we return from the cruise. Guests will be responsible for this transportation on their own.
NOTE: You will need to bring your luggage down to the lobby and check-in with the transportation representatives before boarding the motorcoaches. They will assist you loading your luggage into box trucks at the hotel and will deliver to the terminal.
Please make sure you DO NOT PACK your passport, boarding pass and any necessary medications or valuables in these checked bags. Your luggage will be brought to your stateroom and will not be available immediately upon boarding.
Please make sure your bags are properly tagged with Holland America luggage tags with the proper stateroom number and loaded onto the box truck before you board the motor coach.
PARKING
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/
SOUL TRAIN CRUISE ATTIRE
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 six 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 formal night is the Dress to Impress Sneaker Ball on Wednesday. Our nightly themes offer you a chance to dress up in theme-appropriate clothing (e.g., Represent Night, White Night, Super Hero Night, Mardi Gras, and Funk Night costumes) most nights.
PARTIES AND NIGHTLY THEMES
What are some of the parties and the theme nights?
The Soul Train 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.
SUNDAY, JANUARY 26 | FORT LAUDERDALE
Welcome Aboard Party: Join us on the Lido Stage, Deck 9 midship, for drinks and dancing as we get the cruise started.
Nightly Theme: REPRESENT NIGHT— It’s that easy… Throw on your favorite sports jersey, college Greek gear or a little hometown spirit and represent.
MONDAY, JANUARY 27 | 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 2025 Soul Train Cruise T-shirt.
Nightly Theme: WHITE NIGHT— A Soul Train Cruise favorite! We can’t wait to see you in your finest white attire for a night of dancing and fun.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 28 | COSTA MAYA, MEXICO
Nightly Theme: SUPERHEROES & VILLAINS— the Soul Train era coincided with some mighty comic book superheroes and supervillains - disguise yourself as your favorite and get creative with your costume!
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 29 | COZUMEL, MEXICO
Nightly Theme: DRESS TO IMPRESS SNEAKER BALL— Tonight we want to see you laced up in your best attire - gowns and suits but most importantly, Sneakers and glitz!
THURSDAY, JANUARY 30 | BELIZE CITY, BELIZE
Nightly Theme: MARDI GRAS— Throw on your rowdiest feathers, sequins, and masks because it's time to unleash your inner party animal! Join the colorful chaos - beads, boas, masks and costumes. Let the Good Times Roll!
FRIDAY, JANUARY 31 | AT SEA
Nightly Theme: FUNK NIGHT— Put on your boogie shoes, it’s time to get down tonight!
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1| AT SEA
Nightly Theme: FAREWELL NIGHT—A celebration of the bittersweet feelings for the last night of a wonderful cruise. Wear whatever is still clean.
THE SOUL TRAIN CRUISE PROGRAMMING
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 onboard, 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:
- Gospel Shows and Daily Devotions - Dr. Alyn E. Waller will serve as Minister and host of the Soul Train Cruise Gospel Service on Monday.
- Soul Train Cruise Gospel Choir - If you are a member of your church choir or would like to participate as a choir member of the Soul Train Gospel Hour, stay tuned - signup information coming soon! Limited to the first 50 registrants. No current choir experience or singing qualifications needed. Once you’ve signed up, Musical Director Henri McMillian will be in touch with details regarding the scheduled rehearsal onboard and what to wear for the Gospel Show which will take place on the World Stage on Day 7!
- 2025 Soul Train Cruise T-Shirt Party - Join us on Monday afternoon for a high energy show with the hard-hitting funk of Original Stone City Band. Wear your official 2025 Soul Train Cruise T-Shirt and enjoy the show.
- Comedy Nights. We have new hilarious comedians who will be performing individual sets as well as a comedy showdown together. They will have you rolling in the aisles howling with laughter.
- Renewal of Vows Ceremony - Unique to StarVista LIVE cruises, we will be celebrating love, anniversaries and blessed relationships during this special, private reception which includes a professional photo, wedding certificate, slice of cake and champagne toast. Availability is limited. Signup information coming soon.
- Don Cornelius Foundation Wine Tasting - Join Tony Cornelius and Chef Rome and their celebrity guests for a wine tasting and soul food pairing in the Dining Room, Deck 3. You will enjoy this knowledgeable and fun hour learning about wine and soul food pairings from the Holland America Line Sommelier and our Soul Food Chefs. A portion of the proceeds collected support the Don Cornelius Foundation. Availability is limited. Signup information coming soon.
THE WORLD STAGE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
Every guest will have the opportunity to see a nightly show in the World Stage based upon the designated show time.
BLUE Stateroom Key Cards will attend the 1st evening show. See schedule for designated matinee shows.
GOLD Stateroom Key Cards will attend the 2nd evening show. See schedule for designated matinee shows.
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 Stateroom Key Card to the ushers at the entrance in order to enter the theater for the appropriate show time.
There are four entrances to the World Stage, two on Deck 2 and two on Deck 3. No other entrance is available for guests.
- Doors will open for each show approximately 30 minutes before scheduled show time. Seats are not assigned and are available on a first-come first-served basis.
- Saving seats is NOT allowed. Please enter the theater with the people that you want to sit near during the show.
- 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 safety guides.
- 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.
SEATING IN OTHER VENUES POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
- All other venues onboard are open seating and first come, first served.
- Saving seats is NOT allowed. Please enter the venue with the people that you want to sit near during the show.
- Saving pool loungers is NOT allowed. Pool loungers and deck chairs and tables are first come, first served. Any chairs left unoccupied for over 30 minutes will be made available to other guests.
- These basic procedures apply to all music venues other than the World Stage and are in place for your comfort and safety.
DINING OPTIONS
Please visit The Holland America Line website or Navigator App to view the complete Fine Dining and Casual Dining Options (included in fare) as well as Specialty Dining Options on board.
MAIN DINING ROOM INCLUDED IN CRUISE FARE
- On embarkation day January 26, 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 6:00pm and late (BLUE) dining begins at 8:30pm
- Guests can call our office to request table assignments. They will receive a letter in their stateroom on embarkation day with the assigned table number. These guests should enter the dining room entrance on Deck 3.
- If you do not have a table preference, you will be seated in the dining room on Deck 2. Once the entire party is present. They should proceed to the dining room entrance on Deck 2 to be seated.
SPECIALTY DINING OPTIONS
- Reservations for Specialty 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.
How to book specialty dining
- Go to https://www.hollandamerica.com/
- Go to "Manage My Cruise"
- Under “Build Your Experience” select the desired category
- Use the right side of the page – “Log In With Booking Number”
- Enter your Booking Number, your last name, first name & validation question and hit “Log In”
- Once you select the location and time 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 – Specialty dining can also be booked via the HAL Navigator
PACKAGES OFFERED BY HOLLAND AMERICA LINE
Enhance your Soul Train Cruise experience with the purchase of a Holland America Line package that fits your needs. Special rates are available on some packages with advance purchase on the Holland America Line website or Navigator app once you complete online check-in. Please read the FAQs found on the beverages page for full details.
BEVERAGE PACKAGES
There are many drink and beverage package selections that take you from morning’s first cup of coffee through dinner with wine to evening cocktails during all the shows. Go to Holland America Line website for all the options. Cheers!
Two special deals if booked in advance – book before December 19, 2024 to receive extra savings!
- Pre-sale 7 Day Signature Beverage Package: $44.95/day or total $371.28 (regular price = $54.95/day or total $453.89)
- Pre-sale 7 Day Elite Package: $49.95/day or total $412.58 (regular price = $59.99/day or total $495.52)
Please note: All guests in a stateroom must purchase the same package. For more information, visit the Holland America Line website and read the FAQs.
All Beverage packages can also be purchased by contacting Holland America Line at 800-541-1576 or onboard (Days 1 and 2 only) from any Bar Team Member. Note these savings are not available if you book onboard.
INTERNET PACKAGES
Nieuw Amsterdam has Starlink’s high-speed internet with up to 20% savings if booked in advance! This upgrade ensures a more reliable connection in all weather conditions and locations.
GREENHOUSE SPA & SALON SERVICES
A heavenly retreat that nurtures your well-being in between all the action onboard. Enjoy up to 30% off selected services if booked online in advance.
OTHER PACKAGES OFFERED:
Don’t Miss Out on these other packages to enhance your experiences onboard!
LAUNDRY PACKAGES
Wash or press services are available if your clothes need to be freshened.
CELEBRATION PACKAGES
Wish someone special a very happy birthday, anniversary or bon voyage with flowers, balloons and onboard credit.
ONBOARD CREDIT
Not sure what to purchase for an upcoming cruise? Then buy shipboard credit. It makes a perfect gift, for yourself or someone special. Use it as credit toward shore excursions, spa treatments, beverages, and more. Available for purchase in increments of $5.
It’s easy to book beverage packages, internet plans, spa reservations and more in advance:
- Go to hollandamerica.com
- Go to "Manage My Cruise".
- Under “Build Your Experience” select the desired category.
- Use the right side of the page – “Log In With Booking Number”
- Enter your Booking Number, 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 – Shore excursions, spa and specialty dining can also be booked via the HAL Navigator
SHORE EXCURSIONS
There is so much to explore. Go for some adventure, take a tour, shop or relax on a beach. Holland America Line’s best price guarantee ensures you’re always getting the best value. We recommend you book early for the best selections.
On the Holland America Line website, you are able to choose your tour times, book tours, and receive confirmation of your shore excursion reservations up to three days before sailing. All tour bookings are processed first come, first served. Your digital tour tickets will be available under My Account in the Navigator App.
How to book shore excursions:
- Go to hollandamerica.com
- Go to "Manage My Cruise".
- Under “Build Your Experience” select the desired category.
- Use the right side of the page – “Log In With Booking Number”
- Enter your Booking Number, 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 – Shore excursions, spa and specialty dining can also be booked via the HAL Navigator
TIPPING ONBOARD
Other than Beverage and Spa service charges, all tips for servers, stateroom stewards, etc., have been pre-paid. However, please feel free to reward exemplary service with the internationally recognized sign of gratitude: “tipping.”
HOSPITALITY AND SALES AREAS
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.
T-SHIRT ONBOARD DELIVERY AND EXCHANGES
Your T-shirt will be delivered to your stateroom at embarkation. The T-shirt size delivered was determined based on the size you selected at the time of your Soul Train Cruise stateroom booking.
Our Hospitality Desk on Deck 1 Midship will be open for exchanges on Sunday and Monday before the T-shirt party. Hours of operation will be posted onboard. You must bring your T-shirt with you, and we will happily exchange it, pending availability. Please note: we will only accept exchanges for size exchanges and cannot accept any T-shirts that have been decorated, cut or torn.