Frequently Asked Questions
Select a Question:
How can I get more information about Holistic Holiday at Sea?
How do I make a reservation for the Holistic Holiday at Sea?
Will I need a passport or visa?
What if I’m physically disabled?
Can I celebrate a special occasion?
What is included in the cruise fare?
What’s not included in the cruise fare?
How do I get from the airport to the port?
What is the pier number for the MSC Poesia?
How do I get from the port back to the airport?
Driving Directions to Port Everglades
Parking
Departure & Arrival Times
How early can I embark?
At what time will we be off the ship at the end of the cruise?
What amenities are provided in each cabin?
Are beach towels available for the pools? What about for taking on excursions?
Will I be able to plug in and recharge my digital camera, cell phone, etc?
Is Web Check-In available and until what time can I check in on-line?
How can I arrange for early disembarkation at the end of the cruise?
How much cash should I bring?
What clothing should I pack?
How many suitcases can I bring?
Can I phone home during the cruise? How can my family contact me during the cruise in case of emergency?
Will regular cell phones work on the ship?
Is internet service available?
What is the dining schedule?
How are special diets accommodated?
Does MSC offer a children’s program?
Is the children’s program offered when we’re in port?
When will I receive my tickets?
When will the holistic program schedule be available? Will it be sent to me?
How much can I buy, duty-free?
How much should I tip?
How do I sign up for Continuing Education (CEUs)
How can I get more information about Holistic Holiday at Sea?
For information about our holistic program and meals, please call Holistic Holiday at Sea: 1-800-496-0989 or 1-828-749-9537. You can also e-mail tasteofhealth@charter.net or janbelleme@charter.net.
How do I make a reservation for the Holistic Holiday at Sea?
All bookings for this group must be done through Travel Group International. Please call 866-447-0750 or 561-447-0750 or e-mail Susan at Holisticholiday@travelgroupint.com.
Will I need a passport or visa?
A passport or passport card is now required for all US and Canadian citizens traveling to or from the Caribbean, Bermuda, Mexico, Central and South America. If you have a passport, please check the expiration date to be sure it will be valid. If you do not have a passport, apply early to avoid backlogs and extra fees. Check new requirements at: travel.state.gov. Naturalized US citizens must bring your US passport. Registered aliens are advised to bring a valid passport, a Resident Card and a government issued photo ID (eg., driver’s license).
Citizens of other countries need a valid passport and may need a valid U.S. multiple entry permit visa, since you will be entering the US to embark on the cruise and re-entering the US at the end of the cruise. Please check current visa requirements with your Consulate General or a travel agent in your area to be sure you have the required documents. No visas are required for US or Canadian citizens or citizens of countries that are part of the Visa Waiver Program.
You are responsible for obtaining and bringing all necessary travel documents and for complying with customs and immigration requirements. Guests without proper documentation will not be allowed to board the vessel, and no refund of cruise fare will be given to any guest failing to bring such documentation. Your first and last name on your passport must match the first and last name on your ticket. Call Travel Group International if you need to change the name on your ticket or if you have any questions about this. They can be reached by phone at 866-447-0750 or 1-561-447-0750, or e-mail Susan at Holisticholiday@travelgroupint.com.
Back to TopWhat if I’m physically disabled?
There are a limited number of handicapped-equipped staterooms. Check with our reservations department for availability. If you require a wheelchair for embarkation and disembarkation, this should be requested 30 days prior to departure. Wheelchairs may not be available on board, but you may bring your own wheelchair or electric scooter. Again, notify Travel Group International ahead of time if you plan to bring one. There are rental services in the area. Please check with Travel Group International travel agent if you need more information. They can be reached by phone at 866-447-0750 or 1-561-447-0750, or e-mail Susan at Holisticholiday@travelgroupint.com.
Can I celebrate a special occasion?
To be sure you can be accommodated, please request cakes for birthday, honeymoon, or anniversary celebrations 30 days prior to sailing.
What is included in the cruise fare?
Holistic Holiday at Sea cruise fare includes shipboard accommodations and ocean transportation; our holistic program, meals, and socials; port charges; and the ship’s entertainment and amenities, including the gym, salt water pools, and free spa services such as the sauna and steam bath.
What’s not included in the cruise fare?
Besides government fees, tips for your meals and room steward, and a possible fuel surcharge and handling fee, which are explained on the Rates page, the following are not included: spa treatments and salon services; wine, liquor and other beverages (except the water or tea served with meals and the free organic wine and apple juice served at our welcome party and dance party); private consultations or treatments you may schedule with our health professionals; and there are 3 workshops that have an additional charge if you choose to take them.
How do I get from the airport to the port?
The port is only 2-3 miles from the Ft. Lauderdale Airport. There are several options for getting to the port:
- Transfers can be purchased to the port from the airport and/or from the port to the airport. The rate is $23 per person each way to or from Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and $34.50 per person each from to or from Miami International Airport. In this case, an MSC Cruises van will transport you. Transfers should be requested at least 45 days prior to the sailing date, and Travel Group International must have your flight number and airlines in order to purchase this for you.
- There are cabs lined up outside the airport, and the cost is approximately $15 one-way.
- You can take the Share-a-Ride shuttle from the airport. You will find a desk located outside the baggage claim area.
What is the pier number for the MSC Poesia?
The pier number for the MSC Poesia will be provided with the information that accompanies your cruise tickets about 3 weeks before the cruise. Also, there will be signs at the port that clearly list the ship names and pier numbers, so you can double-check upon arrival.
How do I get from the port back to the airport?
If you have not purchased a transfer, you can take a taxi to the airport. Even though there will be a lot of people disembarking, numerous cabs run frequently, so it shouldn’t take more than about 30 minutes to get a cab and about 15 more minutes to get to the airport. Of course, times may vary.
Driving Directions to Port Everglades
Guests approaching Port Everglades from the North can take I-95 South, Florida Turnpike South or I-75 South to I-595 East. Continue on I-595 East until you merge onto Eller Drive and reach Port Everglades. Guest approaching Port Everglades from the South, take I-95 North, Florida Turnpike North or I-75 North to I-595 East. Continue of I-595 East until you merge onto Eller Drive and reach Port Everglades.
Parking
There is secure parking at the port for approximately $15 a day. Park 'N' Fly is a little more economical. For more information, call Park 'N' Fly: 954-779-1776.
Departure & Arrival Times (Note the following carefully when making your flight reservations):
The ship departs at 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 27. You must arrive at the pier at least 90 minutes prior to departure in order to board. The MSC Poesia will return to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida early in the morning of March 6 and disembarkation will begin about 8:30 a.m. Everyone is generally off the ship by about 10 a.m. MSC recommends that you schedule a return flight from Ft. Lauderdale at 12:00 p.m. or later, if you are returning on Sunday, March 6. International guests should allow an extra 90 minutes, so schedule flights at 1:30 p.m. or later. Also, allow an extra hour if flying from Miami.
-- How early can we embark?
Boarding begins on Sunday, February 27, about 11:30 a.m. (as soon as Customs clears the ship). You must be on board NO LATER than 5:30 p.m.
-- At what time will we be off the ship at the end of the cruise?
We will be getting off the ship between 8:30 and 10:00 a.m. MSC recommends that you schedule a return flight at 12:00 p.m. or later, if you are returning on Sunday, March 6. International guests should allow an extra 90 minutes, so schedule flights at 1:30 p.m. or later. Also, allow an extra hour if flying from Miami.
What amenities are provided in each cabin?
In addition to the basics such as soap, shampoo, and towels, each cabin has a hair dryer, safe, mini-bar/refrigerator, phone and interactive TV.
Are beach towels available for the pools? What about for taking on excursions?
Towels are available poolside. Please bring your own towels for excursions.
Will I be able to plug in and recharge my digital camera, cell phone, etc?
Yes, there are outlets in each cabin for both domestic and EU appliances.
Is Web Check-In available and until what time can I check in on-line?
Online check-in on the MSC Cruises website may be completed at any time prior to 72 hours (3 days) before the actual sailing date. Your travel agent will provide further details.
How can I arrange for early disembarkation at the end of the cruise?
Early disembarkation must be requested on the ship. You will have to go to the front desk and ask to be placed on the early disembarkation list. Do this at least 2-3 days before the end of the cruise.
How much cash should I bring?
Early disembarkation must be requested on the ship. You will have to go to the front desk and ask to be placed on the early disembarkation list. Do this at least 2-3 days before the end of the cruise.The ship operates on a cashless system. All charges incurred while onboard will be charged to your credit card in one payment at the end of the cruise, unless you choose to pay the total in cash. Credit cards (Visa and Master Card) are accepted by almost all vendors in the ports. Therefore, you will not need to bring very much cash.
What clothing should I pack?
Light, casual clothing is the norm. Don’t forget your swimwear, and if you plan to participate in yoga, Pilates or other exercise classes, we suggest loose cotton clothing or other comfortable attire.
After 6:00pm, jeans, t-shirts, shorts, and bare feet are not permitted in the ships' public areas. The ship has two formal nights for optional evening attire at dinner. Our group tends to interpret “formal” rather broadly. Typically, on these two nights at dinner there is a range from “smart casual” or business attire to formal.
The weather is generally warm at this time of year, but it can be cool and breezy in the mornings and evenings out on the deck. Also, although all cabins are air conditioned and individually controlled, we are not able to control the temperature in the public spaces such as the dining room and lecture rooms, which may be cool, so a sweater or light jacket is recommended.
Back to TopHow many suitcases can I bring?
Each guest is allowed to bring up to 200 pounds of personal luggage on board the ship. Airlines weight limitations may be less than 200 pounds. Be sure to use the luggage tags included in your ticket package on your baggage. You can pick up additional tags at the port.
Can I phone home during the cruise? How can my family contact me during the cruise in case of emergency?
Ship-to-shore telephone service is available while the ship is at sea or in port from your stateroom. You’ll find a telephone and dialing instructions in your cabin. Since it is a satellite phone service, it is expensive. If you need to be reached by people at home, have them contact the ship directly. The emergency contact number for the MSC Poesia will be provided with the information that you will receive along with your cruise documents a few weeks before the sailing. MSC Cruises toll-free number for their Florida office is 1-954-772-6262.
Will regular cell phones work on the ship?
Cell phones will not work when we are at sea. Depending on your service, they may work when in port. If communication from sea will be essential and frequent, you may want to look into renting a satellite phone.
Is internet service available?
The Cyber Café has PCs for surfing the Internet, or you can buy a Wi-Fi package and use your own laptop in many of the public rooms. A Wi-Fi card enables wireless Internet connection in certain areas of the ship displaying the sign "MSC Hot Spot Wi-Fi Area". Wi-Fi connection is available in most common areas of the ships.
All you need is a prepaid MSC Wi-Fi card that will enable your laptop to access the service.
Configuration and Activation: Your MSC Wi-Fi card is already active and ready for use. All you have to do is reach the designated areas and open your browser. The system automatically connects you to the MSC Wi-Fi portal. Insert your Username and Password (provided on paper). Remember, you can buy the card from the Information Office. Prices vary from USD$21 for 30 minutes, to USD$42 for 1 hour and USD$65 for 120 minutes.
Conditions: The service is made possible by means of a shared bandwidth satellite connection. For this reason, the service may be slower during peak usage times. Any unused credit cannot be refunded, and the card will be automatically cancelled at the end of the cruise.
Back to TopWhat is the dining schedule?
We have early seating for dinner. Dinner will begin at 5:30 or 5:45. Our breakfast is served from 7:30 to 8:30 and lunch is at noon.
How are special diets accommodated?
If you have special dietary requirements or restrictions, such as a need to maintain a gluten free diet, please be sure to notify Travel Group International (866-447-0750 or 561-447-0750 or e-mail Susan at Holisticholiday@travelgroupint.com) at least 30 days prior to sailing. A healing diet (low salt, no oil Vegan/macrobiotic diet) is available, but again, we must be informed as soon as possible, and once you choose it, it is not possible to switch back and forth between the healing diet and the regular holistic menu.
Does MSC offer a children’s program?
Yes, MSC offers two programs for children and one for teenagers between the ages of 13 and 17. Children must be at least 3 years old and out of diapers in order to participate in the young children’s program. The Mini Club is for children ages 3 to 6, which is available during shore excursions as well. The Juniors Club is for ages 7 to 12. Both are interactive programs that provide daily activities. Children have special counselors and a room designed for their activities. The ship is also equipped with video games.
Is the children’s program offered when we’re in port?
The “Mini Club” for ages 3 to 6 is available when in port.
When will I receive my tickets?
E-tickets will be e-mailed about 3 weeks prior to departure. Be sure to notify us if your e-mail address has changed. If you do not have an e-mail address, tickets will be printed and mailed to you about 3 weeks before the cruise.
When will the holistic program schedule be available? Will it be sent to me?
We plan to have the program schedule up on our website in early autumn. It will also be included in one of our e-mailings prior to sailing.
How much can I buy, duty-free?
US citizens are allowed $400 worth (retail price) of duty-free merchandise. Persons over 21 may include 1 quart of liquor.
How much should I tip?
Prepaid tips for your meals and room steward are included as part of your invoice. A gratuity will be added to beverage purchases automatically.
How do I sign up for Continuing Education (CEUs)
Participants interested in obtaining continuing education credits from Florida International University (FIU) must pre-register on board at the CEU registration desk, which will be next to our hospitality desk. There is a charge of $75 to cover the fees that FIU is charging to oversee the program.