Got a question you don’t see covered below? If it has to do with the cruise itself (baggage policy, boarding procedures, passports, etc.) check the Holland America FAQ. If it’s not covered there, contact us and we’ll get it taken care of…
What the Heck?
What is this “JoCo Cruise Crazy” thing?
What kind of entertainment can I expect?
Are you taking over the whole ship?
Are kids allowed?
Booking Questions
How do I book passage on this awesome cruise?
Oh my gosh, this is so expensive!
But it’s expensive even compared to last year!
And I wanted to go to Alaska/Europe/Mexico/The South Pole!
What is included with the cruise price?
What’s NOT included with the cruise price? How are they going to “get me”?
Can I just go on the cruise? I don’t care about all this Jonathan Crouton business.
Can I book the cruise directly with Holland America/through a third-party travel site/from a shady guy in a van in a back alley, and just purchase the entertainment pass through you guys?
Does my child/infant need an Entertainment Pass? Are discounted rates available?
Can I attend only one/a few events at a discounted rate?
Is there still space available in the first 250 (Koko’s Kittens)?
Can I pay my cruise fee/entertainment fee all at once/in installments?
Where can I go to find roommates?
Can my roommate(s) and I pay separately?
Can someone else pay for some/all of my trip?
Is there an extra charge for a single-occupancy room?
Can I be a roadie/minion in exchange for free passage?
What Is your cancellation policy?
What about trip insurance?
When should I fly in/out of Ft. Lauderdale?
Can I get help finding hotel accommodations before and/or after the cruise? How about flights to Ft. Lauderdale?
How do I get to/from the ship? Can I book a transfer ahead of time?
How do I add my Mariner’s number to my booking?
Can I apply HAL Shareholder’s credit to my JCCC2 booking?
“Before the Cruise” Questions
Okay, I have booked my cruise; what do I need to know to get prepared?
“On the Cruise” Questions
How will I get into the JoCo Cruise Crazy events?
What happens if I lose my badge?
Is this a good opportunity to corner a Famous Person and talk to him/her for three hours about my movie idea where he/she plays a kind of nerdy superhero with the power to read through walls?
Gotcha. But surely I will get to eat dinner with the Famous People, right?
Will there be an official autograph session? If not, is it cool to ask for autographs?
I have special dietary needs. Can they accommodate me?
Will I be able to access the internet?
Which dinner seating will I get?
What is this “JoCo Cruise Crazy” thing?
Really? Did you not read the front page? JoCo Cruise Crazy is a 7-day Southern Caribbean cruise on Holland America’s ms Westerdam, with music, comedy and performances from Jonathan Coulton and friends. It departs from Ft. Lauderdale, FL on February 19, 2012 and returns February 26, 2012, with ports of call at Half Moon Cay (Bahamas), Oranjestad (Aruba), and Willemstad (Curacao).
What kind of entertainment can I expect?
We’ll have special concerts for six of the seven nights on the ship (we’re in port in Aruba until 11 pm on Feb. 22nd, so no concert that evening), and we plan to have something for people to do every day of the cruise. A complete listing of the confirmed performers, concerts and shipboard events can be found on the Entertainment page. Purchasing the Entertainment Pass guarantees you a seat for all of the main evening concerts– we’re limiting the size of JCCCII to the size of the main concert hall, which seats around 800.
We’re also building in a number of informal meet-and-greets, and in general there’s lots of other things we’re still figuring out; we’ll post news on them as we start to zero in on how many people are attending and thereby to what extent we can tell the boat people what to do.
Additionally, fan involvement helped generate a number of great activities last year, and we expect to incorporate a lot of the community’s ideas into this year’s cruise as well. Visit the “JoCo Cruise Crazy 2: Get excited and talk about things!” discussion group to get in on the action.
Are you taking over the whole ship?
Ha ha! Not this year, and there will be plenty of other folks on board who aren’t there for us. So let’s take it easy on the zombie costumes and the “very drunk Arrrrr’s.”
Are kids allowed?
Most certainly, though if you have ever attended a Jonathan Coulton show, a Paul and Storm show, or a w00tstock, you will know that there’s often some R-rated (and beyond) material; this event will be no different. Our shows will be “all ages,” but they will not necessarily be “family friendly,” so use your own judgment and parental standards. Of course, the cruise itself is rated FFE for “Fun For Everyone!”, and there are even supervised activities for children age 3 to 17, and limited babysitting services for all ages. And once you get past two people in a cabin, the third and fourth people are significantly cheaper.
Note: Holland America requires a minimum age of 6 months for their Caribbean cruises. Tough luck, newborns!
Click here for our policy regarding infants/children and Entertainment Pass requirements.
How do I book passage on this awesome cruise?
You must book through the JoCo Cruise Crazy website to participate in JoCo Cruise Crazy events (as opposed to booking through Holland America, a discount website, an outside travel agent, or any place else). You’ll book the cruise passage for your entire party right here on our site, and also get Entertainment Passes for whoever wants to come see all the JoCo Cruise Crazy shows (there is also the standard on-ship entertainment that comes with your cruise tickets).
Booking through us is how the company helping us organize this year’s trip, Worldwide Cruise Associates, makes their money (they get a percentage of each stateroom booking); so to let folks book the trip through an outside source and then still attend the events would be unfair to our “people.” We understand that this may prevent you from getting the super-bestest available price, but we hope you can understand our reasoning.
Oh my gosh, this is so expensive!
Technically that’s not a question. Yes, yes it is. It’s a 7-day cruise on a giant frigging boat. Also, you probably have to fly there on an airplane. We’ve added no markup to Holland America’s listed prices (as of JoCo Cruise Crazy’s initial sale date). And the entertainment fee covers our costs to bring all this talent on board (which includes their cabins, airfare, etc.) and put on A BUNCH OF CONCERTS AND A WHOLE MESS OF FANTASTIC ACTIVITIES FOR YOU. We confess, we are also hoping to make some profit from this trip; it will be a great deal of fun of course, but we are all professional entertainment people and this is our job. If it makes you feel any better, there is always the possibility that not enough people will come, and we will lose our metaphorical and literal shirts!
But it’s expensive even compared to last year!
Still not a question! It’s true that most berths will cost $100-$200 more than last time. Much of the extra cost is because it’s a 7-day cruise compared to last year’s 6-day trip. In addition, it’s a “holiday” week (Presidents’ Day)—we decided it was better to sail at a time of year when more people would be able to take time off, even though it would mean it would be a bit more expensive on a per-day basis.That said, we’ve kept the price of the Entertainment Pass the same as last year, and there are a limited number of staterooms (indicated in our Stateroom Pricing Table) available for less than the Holland America list price, in an effort to help as many people attend JCCCII as possible. Supplies of these discounted cabins are very limited, however; so if you really can afford a slightly more costly cabin, we request that you please leave the lowest-cost slots to those for whom it’ll make a difference between going and not going.
And I wanted to go to Alaska/Europe/Mexico/The South Pole!
Enough with the declarative statements! There were roughly 800 skabillion different factors to consider when scheduling this cruise—we took a very thorough look at the “exit polling” responses (both from people who attended and people who didn’t), and had to juggle considerations of affordability, location, time of year, cruise line, ports of call, and alignment of the planets, among many others—and this itinerary ended up being the best balance, in our minds, of these many, often contradictory variables. As with many things in life, we can never make everyone happy.
What is included with the cruise price?
- All your meals (excluding optional meals in the private shipboard restaurants)
- 24-hour room service
- Tea, coffee, juices, and milk
- Use of the gym
- Top-flight Las Vegas-style entertainment in the large show lounge every evening
What’s NOT included with the cruise price? How are they going to “get me”?
- Government taxes and fees ($53.84 – less than last year!)
- Gratuities (Holland America automatically charges your cabin $11 per person per day)
- Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
- Use of the spa
- Casino action
- Holland America shore excursions
- Any expenses of a personal nature (purchases made in shipboard stores; travel to/from Ft. Lauderdale; pre- and/or post-cruise hotel; shuttle to/from airport; etc.)
NOTE: Taxes and fees are subject to minor change. You will be notified in the event of any increases.
OTHER NOTE: As mentioned above, the JoCo Cruise Crazy Entertainment Pass fee is in addition to the “regular” cruise price. (We’re mentioning this a lot, but we want to make it clear)
Can I just go on the cruise and not do the events? I don’t care about all this Jonathan Crouton business.
Yes you can, and in fact your party may be made up of some people who are there for JoCo and pals, and some people who just like boats and fruity cocktails. That’s why we’ve split the entertainment fee from the cruise. But be aware that any person who does not pay the Entertainment Pass fee does not get a JoCo Cruise Crazy badge, is not officially part of JoCo Cruise Crazy, and will not be able to attend any JoCo Cruise Crazy events. That doesn’t mean they’ll be bored though, there’s a whole cruise going on at the same time.
Can I book the cruise directly with Holland America/through a third-party travel site/from a shady guy in a van in a back alley, and just purchase the entertainment pass through you guys?
Because you’re web savvy, it’s possible that you could at some point find someone offering this cruise for less than the prices listed on Holland America’s website. And annoyingly, from time to time Holland America will offer special deals on this cruise that we may not have access to (booking as a group, we are held to a different pricing standard, so many/most sale prices do not apply to us), so that we look like jerks during those times. But you can only see the JoCo Cruise Crazy shows if you buy the Entertainment Pass, and you can only buy the Entertainment Pass if you book the cruise through us; that’s just the way it works. (Chalk it up under “the perils of group travel.”) Plus, the more bookings our group bring in, the easier it will be for us to commandeer rooms and spaces on the ship for cool stuff and activities.
As noted above, booking through us is how the company helping us organize this year’s trip, Worldwide Cruise Associates, makes their money (they get a percentage of each stateroom booking); so to let folks book the trip through an outside source and then still attend the events would be unfair to our “people.” We understand that this may prevent you from getting the super-bestest available price, but we hope you can understand our reasoning.
Does my child/infant need an Entertainment Pass? Are discounted rates available?
Children under the age of 24 months are not required to have an Entertainment Pass to attend concerts and events, provided they do not occupy their own seat (i.e., are held/kept in someone’s lap), and they are accompanied by a parent with an Entertainment Pass. All children 24 months and older (basically, any child physically capable of sitting in a seat on their own) are required to have their own Entertainment Pass. We do not offer a discounted rate for young children. (Nor for extremely old children, for that matter)
We do ask that parents of small children be extremely mindful of the performers and other audience members during the concerts and events. Most of us are parents ourselves, so we’ve been there, and we understand; but if your child becomes fussy, please exit the theater with them as quickly as feasible until they have settled down. (Better yet, send your spouse out with them, so you can continue watching the show!)
Note that the concerts will be long, and some content may not be appropriate for all ages. Holland America offers a number of youth- and teen-friendly activities and programs, as well as limited babysitting service.
Can I attend only one/a few events at a discounted rate?
The entertainment pass is a package deal, indivisible, and justice for all. And you’ll get at least a dollop of Jonathan* every night—when he’s not doing his own show, he’ll be hosting. And if you’re considering this trip because you only want to see one of the other acts, you can just wait until they get their own damn cruise!
*Dollop of Jonathan is the name of our Train cover band.
Is there still space available in the first 250 (Koko’s Kittens)?
No. Response on the first day of booking was so strong that all spaces in Koko’s Kittens have been allotted. But don’t worry–we’ll still have special JCCCII thingies for everyone who books. But for the record:
The first 250 Sea Monkeys (as the attendees of JCCC have designated themselves) to book their staterooms for JCCCII shall receive the special designation of “Koko’s Kittens“. (Not familiar with the story of Koko and her cats? Click here) All of Koko’s Kittens will enjoy the following discounts and neato thingies:
- Save $50 per person on the entertainment pass fee ($325 vs. $375)
- A swanky EXCLUSIVE JoCo Cruise Crazy “Koko’s Kittens” lapel pin
- A secret sumthin’-sumthin’ from ThinkGeek
- Special Koko’s Kittens group photo with the performers during the cruise
- Probably some other stuff, maybe!
Can I pay my cruise fee/entertainment fee all at once/in installments?
By default the payment is split into three parts:
- Initial deposit of at least $450 per person is due upon booking
- 2nd deposit of at least $350 per person is due by August 4, 2011
- The remainder is due by November 19, 2011
Any bookings made between August 4, 2011 and November 19, 2011 will require a minimum $800 per person deposit; any bookings made on or after November 19, 2011 will require payment in full at the time of booking.
Of course, we do not mind if you choose to pay the entire amount up front. You may also choose to pay in installments other than the three payments listed above; after you book your trip, we will email you a PayPal link which you may use to make payments at any time; as long as you have made the initial $450 per person deposit, paid at least $350 per person more by August 4th, 2011, and paid the balance in full by November 19, 2011, then you can make as many payments in whatever amounts you wish at whatever times you wish.
Note that unlike last year, the Entertainment Pass is not paid for separately–it’s built into the regular payment schedule.
Where can I go to find roommates?
Notices for people seeking roommates can be posted in the “JoCo Cruise Crazy 2: Room and Ride Share” forum on Jonathan’s website. Unlike last year, we will not have an official system in place to handle the automatic pairing/grouping of individual travelers—that is, there is no option in the booking process to claim “I am an individual traveler, please put me in a room with someone else.” Our fanbase has proven to be extremely friendly, resourceful and helpful, and many folks found roommates (and subsequently, new friends!) via the discussion forum with no difficulty. If you are still having trouble after consulting the forum, please contact us, and we will see what we can do to accommodate you; it’s our fervent hope that everyone who wishes to find a roommate can find one, but we make no guarantees.
Can my roommate(s) and I pay separately?
Yes. When you go through the booking process and get to the Payment section, select “I’d like to make other payment arrangements, please contact me,” and we’ll get in touch with you to make the necessary arrangements.
Can someone else pay for some/all of my trip?
Yes. Just be sure you have all of the payment information ready when you start the booking process.
Is there an extra charge for a single-occupancy room?
Yes. For single occupancy of staterooms with a balcony (all “V” and “S” staterooms), there is a premium equal to 100% of the listed price (Example: a single-occupancy “VD” stateroom would cost $1219 + $1219 premium, or $2438 total, plus taxes and fees); for staterooms with no balcony (“MM” through “C” categories), the premium is 60% of the listed price (Example: a single-occupancy “F” stateroom would cost $959 + $575.40 premium, or $1,534.40 total, plus taxes and fees). NOTE: If, within 30 days of sailing, a double-occupancy room becomes a single-occupancy room (i.e., one roommate drops out) and no substitute is found, the single occupancy premium will be 100% regardless of stateroom category.
Can I be a roadie/minion in exchange for free passage?
Unfortunately, no; our personnel needs are already amply covered for this trip. We can’t fault you for asking, though.
What Is your cancellation policy?
Cruise Cancellation Policy
- Cancellation within 14 days of booking (for cabins booked 14 or more days prior to Nov. 18, 2011 final payment date): full refund
- Cancellation more than 14 days after booking (for cabins booked 14 or more days prior to Nov. 18, 2011 final payment date), but prior to Nov. 18, 2011 final payment date: $150 cancellation fee per person
- Cancellation between Nov. 18, 2011 – Dec. 5, 2011 (76 days prior to Feb. 19, 2012 departure date): $450 cancellation fee per person, not to exceed 50% of the cruise price
- Cancellation between Dec. 6, 2011 – Jan. 5, 2012 (75 to 45 days prior to Feb. 19, 2012 departure date): 50% refund of the cruise price
- Cancellation on or after Jan. 6, 2012 (44 days or less prior to Feb. 19, 2012 departure date): no refund
Entertainment Pass Cancellation Policy
- In addition to the above, if you are forced to cancel, you can receive a refund on the full cost of your entertainment pass fee up until 15 days prior to the date of departure (Feb 4, 2012). From Feb. 5, 2012 onward, the entertainment pass fee is non-refundable.
What about trip insurance?
Trip insurance is not included in the cruise or entertainment pass price, but you may wish to purchase it through a third party.
One option we recommend is Travel Guard. Travel Guard provides coverage in the event of unforeseen trip expenses due to: trip cancellation, interruption and delay; involuntary job loss; emergency medical treatment and/or evacuation; lost, stolen or damaged baggage or travel documents; or baggage delay. A complete listing of coverage, pricing and conditions can be found when you follow the Travel Guard link. Another advantage is that Travel Guard will cover the cost of your travel and entertainment fee(s), not just the cost of the cruise itself. You may also call Travel Guard at 1-800-454-7107.
NOTE: when following the link, after entering your country and state/province of residence, choose “CARIBBEAN” in the destination drop-down menu. When entering your trip cost, include the cost of your travel and entertainment fee(s).
When should I fly in/out of Ft. Lauderdale?
The ship sails at 5 pm on Feb. 19; so in theory, you could fly into Ft. Lauderdale that morning and have plenty of time to get aboard. This will, however, be the middle of winter, and winter weather delays in any part of the country can have an affect on numerous other airports, causing unexpected delays. So for safety/peace of mind (and if you are willing to pay the extra expense), you may want to fly in on Feb. 18th and stay at a nearby hotel overnight. Feel free to take advantage of the special rate we’ve arranged with the Springhill Suites Fort Lauderdale Airport & Cruise Port. Alternately, you can make your own hotel arrangements; but note that, due to a big honkin’ boat show that weekend, hotel availability may be limited.
On Feb. 26, the ship is scheduled to dock at 7 am; but disembarking can be a multi-hour process, and weather can affect docking time. It’s suggested that you schedule your flights home for 1 pm or later. Not a requirement, just a suggestion.
Can I get help finding hotel accommodations before and/or after the cruise? How about flights to Ft. Lauderdale?
We’ve arranged for a special JoCo Cruise Crazy rate at the Springhill Suites Fort Lauderdale Airport & Cruise Port of $175/night plus taxes (a savings of $54-74 off their usual rates) for the night before (Feb. 18) and/or night after (Feb. 26) the cruise. The Springhill Suites also will provide FREE shuttle transfer from the airport to the hotel, and from the hotel to the cruise port, but not returning from the ship, unless you are booked for a room there the night of Feb. 26th.
If you’re interested in taking advantage of our discount, use the following links:
- Feb. 18 – 2 Queen Bed + Sofabed Suite (Group Code “JOCJOCA”)
- Feb. 18 - 1 King Bed + Sofabed Bed Suite (Group Code “JOCJOCB”)
- Feb. 26 – 2 Queen Bed + Sofabed Bed Suite (Group Code “JCCJCCA”)
- Feb. 26 - 1 King Bed + Sofabed Bed Suite (Group Code “JCCJCCB”)
If you prefer to reserve over the phone, call the Springhill Suites at (954) 920-9696; when reserving, use our Group Code “JOCT” if reserving for Feb. 18th, or use “JCCT” if reserving for Feb. 26th. (These 4-letter codes won’t work for booking online) You must make your reservation before January 21st to be guaranteed the rate; you might still get it of you reserve after then, but it will be based on availability.
Of course, you can stay at any hotel you wish; if you find a better deal, by all means grab it. But don’t wait too long: there’s a major regional boat show on the same weekend that our cruise departs, and we have a limited number of guaranteed rooms.
We are not able to book flights for you this year. But if you’re completely flummoxed by the world of air travel booking, contact us and we’ll help you out.
How do I get to/from the ship? Can I book a transfer ahead of time?
You’ll need to arrange a shuttle or take a cab from your hotel or the airport to Port Everglades where the Westerdam will be docked. Many Ft. Lauderdale hotels offer shuttle services for free or for a nominal fee. No matter how you arrive at Port Everglades, you will need to make arrangements or catch a cab at the end of the cruise to take you from Port Everglades back to the Ft. Lauderdale airport, or to wherever you’re going. One-way cabfare between FLL and Port Everglades is around $20. NOTE: the folks in Ft. Lauderdale are used to this, and there will be PLENTY of taxis available to take you from the airport to the port and vice versa.
You can also book your transfer directly through Holland America, once you’ve received your HAL Booking number, by calling 866-929-2332. You’ll need your Credit Card ready.
How do I add my Mariner’s number to my booking?
Once Sea Monkeys complete online check-in with HAL in December 2011 and enter their name, DOB, and address, their Mariner’s # should populate in the HAL booking system within 24 hours. Sea Monkeys can also add a Mariner’s number to their booking by emailing booking@jococruisecrazy.com once they’ve received their HAL Booking Number. Some Mariner’s benefits may not apply for JCCC2 bookings.
Can I apply HAL Shareholder’s credit to my JCCC2 booking?
Yes you most certainly can! Once you’ve received your HAL Booking Number, provide your name, HAL Booking Number, ship and sailing date, and proof of ownership of Carnival Corporation or Carnival plc shares (i.e., photocopy of shareholder proxy card, shares certificate or a current brokerage or nominee statement) to:
HOLLAND AMERICA LINE
World Cruise Reservations
300 Elliott Avenue West
Seattle, WA 98119
Tel 800-522-3399
Fax 206-281-0627
Email: worldcruisereservations@hollandamerica.com
N.B.: the credit will be applied by HAL directly to your on-board room account when you board; unfortunately, we cannot apply this credit directly to your JCCC2 booking’s balance.
Okay, I have booked my cruise; what do I need to know to get prepared?
Holland America has put together a very comprehensive web page for Cruise Preparation, covering a range of topics including what documentation will be required, baggage policy information and packing advice, dress code, internet accessibility on board, childcare and youth activities, booking shore excursions, and much more. This should cover most of your cruise preparation questions; but if you have any further questions or requests regarding your trip, contact us.
How will I get into the JoCo Cruise Crazy events?
You will have a badge, and you will show it to The Man*, and he will let you in.
* The Man is as likely as not to be a lady.
What happens if I lose my badge?
You will be shunned and thrown overboard*. However, first we will cross-check your name on our master list of paid attendees; and if you are on that list, we will just issue you a replacement badge. That was a close one!
* You will not actually be shunned nor thrown overboard.
Is this a good opportunity to corner a Famous Person and talk to him/her for three hours about my movie idea where he/she plays a kind of nerdy superhero with the power to read through walls?
Not really. First of all, that’s not a very interesting superpower. Moreover, remember that all the Famous PeopleTM on this boat are actual people, so please be respectful of their time and privacy. It’s a tricky thing we know; we like Famous People too, and we also are conflicted about whether or not we should get a photo with them or get their autograph or chat or whatever. Use your judgement and common sense; if someone is having dinner with their family, or getting a massage, or sleeping, it’s generally not appropriate to bother them about anything, famous or not. There will be some time that is public-y and some time that is more private-y. Obviously we don’t want to be complete jerks and take all the fun out it—we’re not trying to institute a “please do not make eye contact with the Famous People” policy—but please, you know, just BE COOL.
Rest assured, the Famous People have been encouraged to make themselves as accessible as reasonably possible while on board, especially during the various social events we’ll be holding; and indeed, part of the criteria for performer selection is overall pleasantness/affability—our “No A**holes” performer policy has a 100% success rate so far, by our count. And we encourage you not to wait until the last night of the cruise to meet the performers/get autographs/photos, so that nobody misses their opportunity because there was too long a line of people waiting for a moment with [Famous Person X]*.
That said, we wish to be clear: this is not Nerd Fantasy CampTM, and nobody is “guaranteed” face time with [Famous Person Y]** simply because they’ve paid their Entertainment Pass fee. It is our fervent hope that everyone who attends gets to the opportunity to meet/interact with/get the autograph of/steal the immortal soul of every person (both Famous and non-famous) they wish; and, as said above, all the Famous People are encouraged to be as accessible as they can during the cruise. But we must all make allowances that there is only so much time on the trip, that different people may have differing tolerances for sustained public interaction, and that we “canna’ change the laws o’ physics, Capt’n.”
Finally, when it is an appropriate time, but you don’t know how to approach, a good tip that came out of last year’s Q&A session is to simply make eye contact and say “Hi, my name is [your name]***, I love what you do, and it’s a pleasure to meet you.”
*John Hodgman
**Greg “Storm” DiCostanzo
***substitute your actual name here; do NOT just say the phrase “your name”
Gotcha. But surely I will get to eat dinner with the Famous People, right?
Actually, there will a group of tables specially designated for the famous people in the same dining room with everybody else. So if by “with” you mean “near” then yes, but if you mean “at the same table as” then no. We are total jerks, I know!
Look, we love you. We would even say that we actually LIKE you, we like to hang out with you. You’re awesome. But dinner in particular is a time when it’s best if the famous people have some downtime. Many of them will have just come off the stage, no doubt having given the performance of their lives to the greatest audience they have ever had the pleasure of entertaining. They will want a safe space to debrief with their fellow performers, laugh about their mistakes, high five about their triumphs, and in general commune with their peeps in a way that fosters the kind of backstage camaraderie that makes this whole thing better for everyone. By the end of dinner, the action of the adrenaline in their bodies will have terminated due to reuptake into nerve terminal endings, some minute dilution, and metabolism by monoamine oxidase and catechol-O-methyl transferase. They will begin to doubt themselves as frauds, and likely retire to their rooms to watch episodes of The Golden Girls and drink grain alcohol out of a syringe (just, as an example, you know, not everybody does this HA HA HA). Please don’t take offense—it’s a complicated emotional journey that we guarantee you do not want to watch from up close.
Beyond all that, there will be only so many of us performers, and hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of you people; there is no non-ridiculously-complicated way to organize things such that everyone gets to have dinner with at least one Famous Person during the trip (and even if you could, you’d likely end up with someone you didn’t really want to eat dinner with*); and it would be inherently unfair for only some attendees to enjoy Dinner with the Stars. So rather than stir up that potential hornet’s nest, we’ve chosen to walk around it completely. Nobody likes hornets.
*John Hodgman
Will there be an official autograph session? If not, is it cool to ask for autographs?
We will not be holding a dedicated autograph session—there will simply be too many people to do an official signing in a way that wouldn’t involve hours of waiting in line, ending with being hustled past the signing table with no real interaction time, which would be a pity when there are so many other awesome things to do and see and eat and drink. But it’s absolutely fine to ask any of the performers for an autograph (given the caveats described above). In addition, we’re planning to hold more informal meet-and-greets/social events this year, so there’ll be plenty of “official” opportunities to do so in a far more relaxed, congenial setting. Otherwise, see the section above regarding when it’s appropriate to approach a Famous Person.
I have special dietary needs. Can they accommodate me?
Special dietary needs, such as vegetarian, diabetic or gluten-free meals, are easily accommodated with advance requests. Kosher meals and a Health Conscious Dining option are also available. To arrange special meals, please contact the Ship Services Department at 800-541-1576 at least 90 days prior to departure. As You Wish® dining is currently available on all HAL ships on all cruises.
Will I be able to access the internet?
Really? You’re saying that an entire cruise, PLUS several island paradise destinations, PLUS star-addled entertainment, PLUS special activities aren’t enough for you? What kind of person ARE you, anyway?
Oh, right; you’re a nerd.
And we are too. So of COURSE there will be internet access, in the form of WiFi that’s available in virtually every cabin and most public spaces throughout the ship.
The bad news is it’s not free—in fact, it’s quite expensive if you purchase it while on board. But we’re working on getting discounted WiFi plans for our group available for pre-purchase (details on how to purchase TBA).
You may also opt for traditional voice and data (charged per MB) roaming through your carrier, provisioned by www.cellularatsea.com. Please see the Holland America FAQ (Shipboard Life/Onboard Communications/Internet, Email, Mobile Phones & Webcams) for details, because we don’t know any more about it than that.
All that said, you are also welcome to join the WiFi Temperance Brigade, wherein you solemnly vow not to connect with the outside world using the Internet for the duration of the cruise. In exchange, you will be gifted with superpowers which may or may not include flight, touch alchemy, and/or superior relaxation.
Which dinner seating will I get?
Although there are two dinner seating times on the ship, all of our cruisers will be assigned to the 8 PM one, since our evening concerts will be happening during the earlier seating. There are also plenty of other dinner options besides the main dining room, but why miss the fun?
Like last year, dinner will be “open seating;” that is, we will have a large area reserved with table tents indicating “JoCo Cruise Crazy”; JCCC attendees will be able to sit at any table so indicated (other than the Famous People section referenced above), and there will be no assigned seating. We know that some folks from last year expressed a preference for assigned seating, but the vast majority appreciated the opportunity to mingle and find new friends, so we are sticking with the “open seating” plan this year. If you have a larger group that wishes to all sit together, we recommend that you try your best to get to dinner early to snag your preferred seating and then lord it over the slowpokes. The evening concerts this year are currently scheduled to end 45-60 minutes before dinner, to allow people more time to return to their staterooms and get ready for dinner. If there is a contingent of folks who are interested in keeping their seating consistent through the trip, we might look into the possibility of informally (or even officially) dedicating several tables/a particular section of our area for “consistent seaters.” We’ll only look into this option if there appears to be sufficient demand for it, though. If you’re interested in permanent dinner seating for the week, let us know in the discussion forums and/or contact us directly.
