What to Know Before You Go
Thank you for booking the Sandy Beaches Cruise, we look forward to seeing you soon as we experience the Heart & Soul of American Music! 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 Sandy Beaches 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 Sandy Beaches 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@sandybeachescruises.com.
IMPORTANT DATES, LOCATIONS AND TIMES
- DEPARTURE DATE: Sunday, January 11, 2026
- DEPARTURE CITY: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
- SHIP: Holland America Line Eurodam
- 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
- RETURN DATE: Sunday, January 18, 2026
- 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 Sandy Beaches 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 Consent Forms 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 Wednesday, January 7, 2026 (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.
- Guest Details
- Consent Forms
- Travel Documents
- Onboard Payment (register a credit card)
- Emergency Contact Information
- Flight Information
- 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 Account-Wallet at that time. (Insider tip: take a photo with your phone of the boarding pass so it’s easy to access in the cruise terminal).
- Luggage tags can be emailed to you at 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.
What time can I arrive at the terminal?
We strongly recommend you plan to arrive at 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 with your phone 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 January 18, 2026, all passports must be valid through July 18, 2026. 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 on 877-724-5425 to make these reservations or book online
- Taxi or licensed rideshare service like Uber or Lyft from Fort Lauderdale airport.
- Taxi or licensed rideshare service like Uber or Lyft from Miami airport.
It is your responsibility to arrive to the cruise terminal building in time for the ship’s departure. It is also your responsibility 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 B OCEAN RESORT FORT LAUDERDALE 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 855-487-2639.
Ground transportation representatives will also be available on-site to book last minute reservations for this service.
For guests who are not booked at the pre-cruise hotel, you can still participate in the transfer service, however, you are responsible for getting yourself and your luggage to the hotel in time for the bus departure.
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/
SANDY BEACHES CRUISE ATTIRE
CASUAL is the word for this cruise! You can dress up as much as you want to, or not.
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.
For the entire cruise, the evening dress theme is “smart casual,” which means dining dress codes are relaxed with the same requirements as daytime attire. Bathing suits are not permitted. Jeans are acceptable attire in any venue or restaurant.
SANDY BEACHES CRUISE PROGRAMMING
To help you better prepare, we will publish our onboard show and events schedule on the Sandy Beaches Cruise Sched webpage here approximately one month prior to sailing. Check back regularly for any updates as we fine-tune our time onboard.
NEW this year: The SVL Schedule mobile app is your essential tool for following the Sandy Beaches Cruise performance schedule. See below for more information and learn how to download.
Once on board, you will be able to view the app and still receive daily programs in your cabin.
During the course of the cruise, we will continue to have special events:
- Welcome Aboard Party - Join us for our kick-off party on the Lido Deck on Deck 9, Aft for fun and dancing as we get the cruise started when we depart from Ft. Lauderdale. This year, we will toast to the 30th Anniversary of the Sandy Beaches Cruise with special guests and libations!
- Pianorama with Marcia Ball, Saxorama with Max Abrams of The Mavericks and other collaborations - Marcia Ball and Max Abrams team up with friends for their one-of-a-kind shows you won’t see anywhere else. You never know who might sit in as we gather our musical family at any performance!
- Sessions at Sea - From toe-tapping happy hours with Red Young and his cronies to late-night jam sessions that keep the music rolling, there’s always something happening! Don’t miss intimate songwriter showcases, the laid-back Campfire Session with Paul Thorn and friends, or the Playback Listening Events where artists share the stories behind their latest releases. So many ways to kick back, sing along, and soak up the music!
- And so much more! - From wine tasting to classic cruise bingo – there’s always something to keep fun going! Make memories dancing under the stars, swapping stories with new friends, or catching a surprise jam as every moment is part of the magic of the Sandy Beaches Cruise.
DOWNLOAD THE SVL SCHEDULE APP!
The SVL Schedule mobile app is your essential tool for the Sandy Beaches Cruise performance schedule. You do not need to purchase an internet package in order to view the schedule or create your own schedule during the cruise, as long as you already have the app downloaded onto your mobile device or tablet. , you can view updates in real time and receive push notifications should there be any changes. The app will update if applicable every time your mobile device or tablet is connected to the internet.
Please note if sailing multiple StarVista LIVE cruises in the 2025-2026 season, you will need to create an account through Sched in order to toggle between different event schedules. This is a DIFFERENT account than your SVL and HAL accounts.
The SVL Schedule app is complimentary to download and use and is available in both the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store. It is best to download this app to your mobile device or tablet at home.
How to Use the App:
- Download the SVL Scheduleapp to your mobile device or tablet by searching “SVL Schedule” in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, or follow the links provided above.
- Once you open the app, choose the event you’d like to view the schedule for, in this case, the 2026 Sandy Beaches Cruise. Please note the 2026 onboard schedule will be available around 30 days prior to our 2026 sailing. You will see four tabs along the bottom of the app:
- Schedule: This is where you will find the schedule of events for our cruise. You will be able to view the event session start time and location, as well as artists included in each event session. You can either view the schedule of events in its entirety or view by day.
You also have the ability to add each event session to your personal schedule when you create or log in to your Sched account. All event sessions added to your personal schedule can be found under “My Sched”, in the Schedule tab.
- Directory: This is where all of the artists and hosts featured on the cruise are listed. You will have the ability to choose each specific artist/host to see where and when they are performing around the ship throughout the week.
- Info: This is where all notifications and announced schedule updates will be posted.
- My Account: This is where you can create an account, if you do not have one already, or sign into an existing Sched account. Once you have signed in, you can toggle between event schedules, if applicable, create your own personal schedule, edit your profile, turn event email reminders and announcements on or off, or get app support.
We understand that you may have some questions about how to use the SVL Schedule app. Should this be the case, please send your inquiry to info@sandybeachescruises.com and one of our reps would be happy to assist you!
THE PERFORMANCES
Each event and performance is set up in a festival environment and follows an open seating format, as do all venues. Please note that all artists will perform more than once! With numerous shows and activities going on at the same time with limited capacity in each venue, it is suggested that you review the schedule to plan in advance what events you would like to attend and arrive as early as you can.
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:
- There are four entrances to the World Stage, two on Deck 2 and two on Deck 3. No other entrance is available for guests.
- There are two entrances for the Aft Stage located at the Seaview Pool, Deck 9 Aft.
- There are two entrances for the Rolling Stone Lounge, located Deck 2 Midship.
- There are two entrances for the Crow’s Nest located Deck 11 Forward.
- 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. All items left on chairs and loungers after 30 minutes will be brought to guest relations lost and found.
- Guests who interfere with the fair and safe entry into any venue 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.
- Refer to SVL Schedule app or the daily program for scheduled start times.
- Pool and venue hours may be subject to change as production and staging crews prepare for events.
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
- All dining is Open Seating, meaning you can be seated between 5:30-9:30pm at your leisure. If you do not have a table preference, guests should enter the Dining Room on Deck 2 with your entire dining party.
- 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 Upper Dining Room on Deck 3.
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 Sandy Beaches 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 the Holland America Line website for all the options. Cheers!
Two special deals if booked in advance
- Pre-sale 7 Day Signature Beverage Package: $60.12/day (regular price = $71.92 day)
- Pre-sale 7 Day Elite Package: $66.02/day (regular price = $77.82/day)
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.
INTERNET PACKAGES
Eurodam 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.
Take advantage of the savings below if you book prior to our sailing date:
- Pre-sale Premium 1 Device (7 Days): $133.99 (regular price = $166.99)
- Pre-sale Premium 4 Devices (7 Days): $189.99 (regular price = $236.99)
- Pre-sale Stream 1 Device (7 Days): $201.99 (regular price = $251.99)
- Pre-sale Stream 4 Devices (7 Days): $285.99 (regular price = $356.99)
GREENHOUSE SPA & SALON SERVICES
A heavenly retreat that nurtures your well-being in between all the action onboard. Enjoy up to 25% 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 for purchase 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 ON BOARD
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 Stuyvesant 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 Sandy Beaches Cruise stateroom booking.
Our Hospitality Desk on Deck 1 Midship will be open for exchanges on Sunday and Monday. Hours of operation will be posted on board. You must bring your T-shirt to Hospitality and we will happily exchange it, pending availability. Please note: we will only accept for size exchanges and cannot accept any t-shirts that have been worn, decorated, cut or torn.