05.23.07

Hi! I have just returned from a week in Holland making sure that all of the aspects of the cruise and our stay in Rotterdam are in order. This is the first sailing of the North Sea Jazz Cruise, so we are working through the logistics for the first time and it is both exciting and ground breaking. I think that we are ready to answer all of your questions, so I have taken this time to pose and answer the most frequently asked questions. These are outlined below, but if you have additional questions, please contact me at the office directly either by phone (314.726.7631) or by e-mail ([email protected] ).

What are the hours for the North Sea Jazz Festival?
On Friday and Saturday doors open at 16.30, with the first shows starting at 18.30 and curfew at 2.00 (am). Sunday’s hours are two hours earlier, with doors open at 14.30, first shows at 16.30 and curfew at midnight.

How can I get a schedule for the events at the Festival?
The easiest way is to go online at www.northseajazz.nl. Special schedules will be given to each guest at the beginning of the cruise, which will give you plenty of time to make your decisions.

How does the North Sea Jazz Festival work?
The Festival is a massive three day event with music on at least 13 different stages at all times. Your VIP pass provides you with access to all of the events, plus the bonus of one of the “Ticketed Events”. The Festival has superb food choices, beverages of all kinds and interesting exhibits and booths. Our guests will have the special added feature of the very private Cruise Club, where you can relax, enjoy a drink or two and get some information about the Festival and other matters.

Do I need tickets for the Festival?
Your ship identification card, which every passenger must have to embark and disembark from the ship will be your ticket for unlimited free access to the Festival for all three days. 95% of the shows are open to you on a first come, first served basis without the need for additional tickets. There are a few premium “Ticketed Events” that will require special tickets.

Which of the performances are “Ticketed Events”?

Friday:
Terence Blanchard Quintet 18.30
Paul Anka & Orchestra 21.00 and 22.30 (Two shows)
Buena Vista Social Club Midnight

Saturday:
Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra
with Wynton Marsalis 20.00
Dee Dee Bridgewater Midnight

Sunday:
Ornette Coleman Quartet 16.30
Toots Thielmans 18.30
Chick Correa/Gary Burton 20.30
Wynton Marsalis Quartet 22.30

How do I tell you what shows I wish to see of the Ticketed Events?
Shortly, you will receive an order blank for the Ticketed Events. Again, you may elect one of the Ticketed Events for each night as part of your VIP Ticket. Tickets for all events are 15 Euros (approximately $20 US). Tickets are sold on a first come first served basis, but if you act before May 22, we can nearly guarantee that you will have tickets for each of the Ticketed Events that you select as part of your VIP Package or wish to purchase.

Is there a special place for me at the Festival?
North Sea Jazz has arranged for our cruise guests to have their own place at the Festival to relax, enjoy a drink or beverage and seek answers to their questions—The Cruise Club! During the cruise, we will tell you where this is located and I assure you that you will be very happy with The Cruise Club!

What kind of seating is at the Festival?
The Festival is at Ahoy, a state of the art convention center/auditorium which has several venues, all of which are enclosed and all of which have seating. There are no outdoor venues, lawn seating or other similar set ups. There are outdoor aspects to the Festival, but they are mostly food and other concessions.

How do I get to and from the ship and the Festival?
The Festival is at Ahoy, a convention center/arena around 5-10 minutes from the ship. There are three ways to get to and from the ship and the Festival and, in order of our recommendation, they are as follows:

Rotterdam METRO:
The Ship docks within 100 yds of a METRO station. The Rotterdam METRO is clean, fast and simple to use. You simply get on at the ship’s dock location and get off at Ahoy. It takes less than 5 minutes and runs all day and night. You will be given a pass for the entire time you are in Rotterdam.

Special Buses:
At the high volume times, we will provide significant bus transportation to and from Ahoy and the ship. Some buses will then run periodically during the hours of the Festival. There will be a Cruise Only bus stop at Ahoy and near the end of the cruise there will be another set of buses to take our guests home. There will be a small trip charge for this transportation.

Taxis:
There will be a special taxi stand for our guests at the pier and your cruise card allows you to use the VIP taxi stand at Ahoy. Guests using taxis will pay for these trips as they are incurred.

Cruise Terminal -Copenhagen:

Copenhagen Malmo Port
Cruise Terminal
Orient Pier,
5 Klubiensvej
Copenhagen Free Port
DK 2100 Copenhagen

Cruise Terminal -Rotterdam:

 Wilhelminakade 699
 3072 AP ROTTERDAM

 Tel: 010-8901064
 Fax: 010-8901069
 Website: www.cruiseterminalrotterdam.nl
 E-mail: sales@cruiseterminalrotterdam

  To view a map of the terminal, click here.