WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
We hope you’re as fired up as we are for the ultimate heavy-metal voyage. This is going to be an all-out, mind-blowing cruise for bands and fans alike, and we can’t wait to welcome you aboard the world’s loudest floating music festival. Now it’s time to get ready for the journey ahead. The info on this page is your pass to everything you need to know—from what to pack (and what to leave behind), travel tips and reminders, to exactly what to do when you arrive in Florida.
You’ll also find the latest details on online check-in, required citizenship documents, getting to the cruise terminal, embarkation tips, and more. In short: this is your one-stop guide to being show-ready before we set sail.
Whether you’re a seasoned MORC veteran or joining us for the first time, please take a few minutes to read through this information carefully. These details are key to smooth sailing and a hassle-free start to your 5-night, riff-filled music odyssey. On behalf of all the bands, crew, and the entire Monsters of Rock Cruise family—we wish you safe travels and can’t wait to rock with you on board.
See you on board… and Bon Voyage!
CRUISE DETAILS
CRUISE LINE ………………………………………… Norwegian Cruise Line
SHIP …………………………………………………….. Norwegian Joy
DEPARTURE DAY …………………………………. Sunday – April 12, 2026
DEPARTURE TIME ……………………………….. 4:00 pm*
RETURN DAY ……………………………………….. Friday – April 17, 2026
RETURN TIME ……………………………………… 7:00 am
DEPARTURE CITY ………………………………… Miami, Florida
PORT/TERMINAL ………………………………… PortMiami/Terminal C (subject to change)
ITINERARY ………………………………………….. Click Here*PLEASE NOTE: During the online check-in process you will select your boarding time.
All guests must be checked-in and on board by 2:00 pm.
NO EXCEPTIONS WILL BE MADE FOR LATE ARRIVAL.EMERGENCY SHIP CONTACT
NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE
Telephone:
1 (888) 627-4477 (outside the United States)
1 (732) 335-3280 (inside the United States)Ship’s passengers may be contacted via telephone using the above phone numbers. Please have the ship name (Norwegian Joy), the person they wish to contact, as well as credit card information handy. The cost is $7.95 USD a minute and can be charged to a MasterCard® or Visa®. From outside the U.S. additional long-distance charges will also apply. Calls are limited to 10 minutes. We advise that your friends, co-workers, and relatives use only in case of an emergency.
HEALTH & SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
At this time, there are NO vaccination, testing, or mask mandates to sail. However, this may not be the case for air travel for our international guests. Please be sure to check the requirements for your specific scenario for both entering the United States as well as departure back to your home destination.
Please Note: Monsters of Rock Cruise staff and guests will be required to follow any and all health & safety protocols that have been put in place by NCL, the CDC and/or state and local governments within our itinerary at the time of our sailing. This applies to COVID-19, other illnesses and diseases, and other events. Guests understand that these protocols are subject to change at any time and all guests must comply or they will be denied boarding. This includes, but is not limited to vaccinations required, testing requirements, and masking.
ID REQUIREMENTS
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 Monsters of Rock 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
Online check-in will begin 21 days prior to sailing, on SUNDAY, MARCH 22nd and must be completed prior to 3 days before sailing – WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8th.
Make sure to download the new Norwegian Cruise Line 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 pictures of your Passport, and register your credit card for onboard expenses.
CHECKING-IN AND THE NCL APP
One of the best 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 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), 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 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 — Wednesday, April 8, 2026.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR ONBOARD ACOUNT
Norwegian Cruise line has informed us that you MUST add a credit card or debit card when you check in. If you wish to pay with cash, you can do so at the Guest Services Desk (located on Deck 6) once you’re onboard, but you must have a credit or debit card on file.There will be a maximum pre-authorization hold of $300 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.
For your convenience, all shipboard expenses are charged to your Onboard account. When you check in you will establish your method of payment with Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, JCB Card, or Diner’s Club. You may also use your debit card however please be advised that NCL will obtain pre-authorization, as they do for all Credit Cards, and some banks hold these funds for up to 30 days. The maximum initial pre-authorization amount for all credit and debit cards is $300. Cash can also be used as a method of payment to settle your account with an initial deposit paid in advance.
For more information about your onboard account and NCL procedures CLICK HERE.
IMPORTANT: Please notify your credit card company that you will be taking a cruise and will be traveling out of the country. This will help ensure that the Fraud Unit doesn’t turn your card off!
GETTING READY
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 IN YOUR CHECKED LUGGAGE!
- Cell phone/Camera – With the NCL App ready for check-in and camera for pictures during the sail away.
- Medications – Any medications you may need for the first day and evening.
- 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 MORC Merchandise as you will not be able to use your cruise card for these purchases and at times credit cards cannot be accepted.
- Anything you may need prior to receiving your luggage, which may not arrive until the early evening.
- Hand-carry all travel documents: Passports, birth certificates, proof of citizenship, Vaccination Card (if needed for international air travel), airline tickets, as well as 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. 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.
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.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 Norwegian Cruise Line nor Monsters of Rock Cruise will be responsible for overdraft charges resulting from holds placed on debit card accounts.
PLEASE NOTE: 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 Monsters of Rock Cruise, we encourage you to obtain it prior to embarkation.
REMEMBER: Norwegian Cruise Line has informed us that every guest must add a credit card or debit card when completing the online check in. Once on board, you are welcome to put down cash at guest services if you choose to, but you must have a credit or debit card on file. There will be a $300 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.
WHAT NOT TO PACK
No illegal substances, no alcohol or non-alcoholic beverages, “unsealed” food, weapons, extension cords (with the exception of medical needs in which case make sure you fill out a “Special Needs” form), surge protected power boards, portable fans, or pets. The use of illegal drugs is strictly prohibited onboard NCL Cruises. All US and international laws pertaining to drug use should be respected and will be strictly enforced.Monsters of Rock Cruise passengers are prohibited from bringing ANY alcoholic beverages (INCLUDING wine and champagne) or non-alcoholic beverages onboard.
Click Here for a list of prohibited items.
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.
REMEMBER: Monsters of Rock Cruise passengers are prohibited from bringing ANY alcoholic beverages (INCLUDING wine and champagne) or non-alcoholic beverages onboard.
PRE-DEPARTURE
PRESCRIPTIONS/MEDICATIONS
While cruise ships have physicians and limited medical centers on board, 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.CRUISE EMBARKATION
PORT/TERMINAL ARRIVAL TIME
Please note that boarding for Monsters of Rock Cruise will be at the PortMiami, Terminal C (may be subject to change). Do not arrive before your scheduled arrival 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 ship no later than 2:00 pm. No Exceptions! Thank you for your cooperation.
TRAVEL TIME
- Approximately 8 miles from Miami Int’l Airport (25 minutes, longer during rush hour)
- Approximately 25 miles from Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood Airport (45 minutes, longer during rush hour).
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 C – East and West ● 1741/1751 N. Cruise Blvd Miami, FL 33132Directions are below. For a map of PortMiami and a map of directions Click Here.
ENTERING THE PORT/TERMINAL ARRIVAL
Please note that boarding for Monsters of Rock Cruise will be at the PortMiami, Terminal C – East and West (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 $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 name and your stateroom.
IMPORTANT!
DO NOT PUT YOUR PASSPORT OR PROOF OF CITIZENSHIP IN YOUR CHECKED LUGGAGE!PARKING AT THE PORT
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 C – East and West, 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
Cruise Days (Cruise Ships at Port)
- All garages are open and staffed by a parking attendant from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Non-Cruise Days
- Contact PortMiami Cruise Operations or Port Security at 305-347-4800.
RATES
Garage B (Norwegian Cruise Line)
- Effective January 1, 2025, the parking rate will be $35 per vehicle, per space, per day
- Garage B is operated and maintained by NCL. NCL sets parking rates in Garage B
- For NCL parking inquiries, please email NCLParking@universalparking.com or call 800-392-1899
Garages C, D, F, G and Surface Lot 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 a fraction of $25
- Long-term (high density, overnight or greater), per vehicle, per space, per day or fraction of $25
- Special events, per vehicle, per space, no less than $15
- Lost ticket (equivalent to 11-day cruise), per vehicle, per space, for a maximum of $275
- Crew Member Parking (Per Week) $50.00
Surface Lot E:
- Open lot with no overhead clearance with designated spaces for oversized vehicles
- Accommodates oversized vans, recreational vehicles and vehicles with trailer
- $25 per space, per day. If two spaces are utilized, $50 per day
- If assistance is needed to park an oversized vehicle, please call 305-960-5463 or 305-960-6454
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
- Miami-Dade County Ordinance requires all guests with a disabled parking permit or license tag to pay standard parking rates except as provided by Florida State Law. However, two hours of complimentary parking will be provided to vehicles displaying a disabled parking permit or license tag.
- In accordance with Florida Statute 316.1964, ONLY vehicles with specialized equipment such as ramps, lifts, or foot or hand controls, for use by a person who has a disability, or any vehicle displaying a State of Florida license plate for disabled veterans (issued under s. 320.084, s. 320.0842, or s. 320.0845 or displaying the Florida Toll Exemption permit, is exempt from parking charges.
DISABLED VETERANS PARKING
Disabled veterans with a Florida disabled veterans license plate (under Florida Statute 320.084) are eligible for free parking at PortMiami. To qualify, the veteran must be in the vehicle when parked.
To use this benefit, you must:
- Display the Florida disabled veterans license plate on your vehicle.
- When exiting, show the toll attendant your parking ticket, driver’s license, and vehicle registration.
- The parking attendant will have you fill out a short form.
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 inside the vehicle.
- A minimum fare of $15 is established for trips originated at MIA or the PortMiami, 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.
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.
Miami Taxicab Passenger Information
Ride Share
Uber and Lyft are both great options, again 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.
TERMINAL CHECK-IN PROCEDURES
After dropping off your checked luggage (if required), proceed to the cruise terminal check-in area directed by signage and personnel. The terminal entrance is clearly marked, and porters, security personnel, and cruise line employees will be glad to assist. You will need all passports, (or other proof of citizenship) and your printed E-Docs available (or open on your App) 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, except for 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 Passport/Proof of Citizenship and will ask for a credit or debit card to activate your Cruise Card. This card will be used for all onboard purchases, including items such as bar purchases, spa, shore excursions, specialty restaurants, gift shop purchases, and more. Cruise ships operate as “cashless” floating cities so make sure you have an 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 the ports that you visit. Make sure you always carry a photo ID along with your Cruise Card when getting off the ship.
