We would like to assist you in the planning of your party holiday and have therefore prepared a comprehensive list of "Frequently Asked Questions" for Rock The Boat 2011

Q. What makes ROCK THE BOAT different from a normal cruise?

Rock The Boat has been designed specifically for over 18's. The MSC Sinfonia luxury cruise ship, which is the largest cruise ship to ever service the South African market, has been chartered exclusively to host over 2000 lucky passengers of Rock The Boat. All the usual facilities and attractions of The MSC Sinfonia, which would be available to passengers on board any other cruise, will be available to the passengers of Rock The Boat – however Rock The Boat will also feature additional music highlights, entertainment, games, competitions and other attractions that would not ordinarily be included in a cruise. The exciting line-up of music, entertainment and other activities on Rock The Boat has been designed to appeal specifically to the passengers, who are travelling on The MSC Sinfonia exclusively for Rock The Boat.

Q. What's the Entertainment Line-up on Rock The Boat?

An incredible line-up of SA's hottest DJ's, bands, comedians and other entertainers have been booked to perform on Rock The Boat 2011. Click here to review our entertainment line-up. Each of these phenomenal artists will play multiple times per day over the 3 nights of Rock The Boat, in different areas throughout the ship, ensuring that all passengers have plenty opportunity to enjoy their performances! 2 hosts will be running all the games, competitions and other fun activities throughout the event. There will also be a comedy festival on-board, featuring some of SA's most popular comedians, as well as models, fashion shows, gaming, a wide variety of sports activities, competitions with unbelievable prizes, the swimming pools, the jacuzzis, the gym, the casino, the beauty spa, duty free shopping…and plenty of other attractions on board!

A comprehensive programme will be provided to passengers upon departure. This programme includes information on all activities, shows, services, meals and dress codes to help plan your day.

Q. How many people can share a cabin and how do ticket prices vary?

Tickets on Rock The Boat have been discounted from the normal price of a 3-night cruise. Ticket prices vary based on how many people share the cabin (cabins can accommodate between 1 & 4 people), as well as whether the cabin is an inside cabin (i.e. no window) or an outside cabin (with a window overlooking the sea) or a VIP Suite (with a private balcony).

Prices are per cabin, not per person – therefore cabin prices will be the same if 2 or 4 people share the cabin (however the more people sharing the cabin, the cheaper the overall cost-per-person sharing becomes).

Please click here for the cabin types available and the prices.

Q. What does my ticket include?

• Your accommodation in the cabin category that you have selected.
• All meals onboard the ship, including: breakfasts, lunches, afternoon teas, dinners and midnight feasts!
• All major entertainment, including:
  • The Bands
  • The DJ's
  • The Comedians
  • The Movies
  • The Games
  • The Competitions
  • The Clubs
• Free products (courtesy of Rock The Boat sponsors)
• The use of the gym, sports & fitness facilities.

Q What is NOT included in the cost of my ticket?

• Flights to/ from Durban
• Transfers
• Port, Baggage & Mandatory Insurance Costs of R444 per person
• Ship Staff Gratuity of R 150 per person
• Medical Services
• Shore Excursions
• Items sold in the shops onboard
• Staff Gratuities
• Beauty Centre & Spa Treatments
• The Casino
• The Golf Simulator
• Internet Café, Wi-Fi, Ship-to-shore phone services
• 24 hour room service (excluding breakfast room service which is included in your ticket price)
• Drinks (espresso, cappuccino, soft drinks, beverages & alcohol)

Q. Who can and can't go on Rock The Boat?

Anyone over the ages of 18 old at their time of travel can book tickets for Rock The Boat. Strictly no-one under the age of 18 years old at the time of travel will be permitted on board Rock The Boat.

Q. What if I have a disability or have Special Needs

If you or any member of your party have any medical condition or disability that requires special travel, accommodation or dietary requirements please phone Starlight Cruises on 011 807 5111 BEFORE you book your holiday to ensure that we can adequately provide for you onboard.

Q. What are the most important things to take with me?

Your ticket, passport, spending money, camera, sun cream and essential medication. Note: Keep your passport on you as you need to present it to Immigration Officials before boarding ship. Keep your medication and all valuable items on you or locked safely in your hand luggage.

Q. Is there security on board Rock The Boat?

Yes, a team of highly skilled security officials are permanently deployed on board The MSC Sinfonia throughout the ship. Furthermore, an additional team of security personnel will be on board The Ship for the duration of Rock The Boat.

Q. Is there a Doctor on board?

The ship has a fully equipped medical facility staffed by a doctor and nursing personnel. This is a private service and all consultations are charged for. Please note that the medical facility does not operate as a pharmacy and a consultation with the doctor is required prior to any medicine being dispensed. We highly recommend that you take all necessary medications on board with you.

Q. How do we book and pay for tickets for Rock The Boat?

Please click here for detailed info on 'How To Book"

Q. What Travel Documents do we need?

Every passenger will need a valid passport to clear immigration at the Port. NO PHOTOCOPIES ARE ACCEPTED.

• South African Citizens with dual nationality - MUST USE THEIR SOUTH AFRICAN PASSPORT TO EXIT AND ENTER SOUTH AFRICA
• Non-South African Citizens/Permanent Residents must have their permanent residence endorsed in their foreign passport.

Q. Do I need Visas and Vaccinations?

South African passport holders do not require visas or vaccinations for Mozambique.

Q. Do I need to take precautions for Malaria?

Mozambique is a Malaria area, but your visit takes place during the day when mosquitoes are least active. It is best to speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

Q. What if I am pregnant?

We are able to accept passengers up until their 28th week of pregnancy. Boarding will be declined to passengers beyond 28 weeks in accordance with the ship owner's terms and conditions.

Q. What is the best way to travel to Durban

Please click here for recommended options on "Getting there"

Q. If I fly to Durban what flights should I book?

Arriving in time for the ship's departure:
We recommend that you book flights to arrive no later than 11h30 on the day of the ship's departure as any delays in the flights could cause you to miss the ship.

Flying home after the cruise:
The Sinfonia arrives back in Durban Harbour by 08h00 on the final day of your cruise. Clearance by port authorities and disembarkation can take some time.
If you plan to fly home on the same day as you return to port, we recommend you book to fly out of Durban after 13h00 that day.

Q. How do I get from Durban airport to the harbour and back?

There is a continuous shuttle bus service between Durban Airport and the Port when the Sinfonia is in harbour.

Shuttle tickets are on sale at the airport and the harbour. Please click here for more info.

Or you give yourself peace of mind by phoning Starlight Cruises on 011 807 5111 before you leave and they will pre-book your shuttle tickets for you!

Q. Are there parking facilities at Durban harbour?

Car Parking is available at a charge and is on a first come first served basis and is payable directly at the port. Please note that all vehicles are parked at the owner's risk. Starlight Cruises, MSC, the organisers of Rock The Boat and any of its sponsors or media partners will not be liable for any loss or damage to any vehicles or articles in it, whatsoever, or through any cause whatsoever. Drivers are required to sign an indemnity at the Port.

Q. What is the embarkation procedure?

Embarkation takes place at N-Shed Passenger Terminal, Durban harbour between 10h30 and 13h00 on the day of sailing.

Luggage
You will find luggage labels with your Rock The Boat ticket documentation. The labels must be fixed to all of your main luggage items as you will be handing them over to the "check in" staff at the harbour for delivery to the ship. Please ensure that all bags are securely locked.

Safety and Security
Please do not put any valuable or fragile items in your main luggage. Items such as cameras, video cameras, jewellery, medication, documentation such as passports and ID cards, money and credit cards should be carried in your hand luggage and kept with you at ALL times.

Your checked luggage will be screened and delivered to your cabin during the course of the afternoon on the day of sailing. Due to high volumes, please allow 2 – 3 hours after boarding for your luggage to arrive at your cabin.

Please Note: Security regulations dictate that you personally deliver your suitcases to the luggage bay located at the rear of the passenger terminal.

Passenger embarkation
You will receive a sticker with a number on it when you arrive at the harbour. (This replaces the coloured stickers used in previous years). When embarkation starts the numbers will be called and displayed, and you may then proceed to embarkation.

Embarkation times do occasionally vary and are set and regulated by immigration officials and custom control authorities. We like to remind our guests that the Port facility is maintained and operated by the National Ports Authority (NPA) and not by Starlight Cruises or the organisers of Rock The Boat .

Q. How do I make sure I don't "miss the boat"?

The ship sets sail from Durban at 14h00 sharp on the day of departure. All passengers must embark between 10h30 and 13h00 on that day.

Q. What else should I know about embarkation?

Regretfully no visitors are allowed past security control in the passenger terminal. The ship security staff will always be present during boarding and disembarkation and follow international security regulations in the monitoring of passengers and baggage. Our security is your security.

Q. How do dinner sittings work?

On most cruises, there are two sittings for dinner. Both the Il Galeone and the Il Covo Restaurants are used for both dinner sittings. The first sitting is at approximately 18h30 and the second at 20h45. Dinner reservations are made during the embarkation process. Should you wish to sit with friends and family, please embark together. Lunches and breakfasts are generally open sitting and guests can choose between the buffet or the dining rooms for their meal.

Q. Do you cater for special dietary requirements?

A vegetarian choice is served at each meal time. Halaal meat is available on board. We regret that we cannot cater for Kosher meals.

Q. Can we take liquor on board?

Please be aware that due to International liquor and duty-free regulations, guests are prohibited from bringing any beverages on board, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. Security checks do take place and beverages may be confiscated. Liquor purchased on board at the duty free will be held until disembarkation.

Q. Can we take food on board?

Company regulations and safety requirements do not permit passengers or ship personnel to take any beverage or food items onboard.

Q. Can I take my fire arm on board?

Durban harbour is a gun-free Port. Firearms, weapons and sharp objects are not permitted into the Port area or on board. Any passenger failing to comply with security regulations will be disembarked from the cruise.

Q. Is there a cell phone signal on board and how can we stay in touch with back home?

Mobile phones rely on signal received from cell phone towers, thus cell phones generally have no signal at sea. Occasional signal is picked up while cruising along the coast of SA. Many foreign Ports do have signal, but your phone will need to be enabled for International Roaming. Consult with your service provider. At a cost, there is a satellite telephone and fax facility to keep in touch if necessary. Internet facilities are available onboard at a charge.

Q. How much luggage can we take?

There is no weight restriction for cruising, but only luggage which can be carried over gangways and kept in a cabin will be allowed on board. We recommend you take smaller bags so as not to clutter your cabin area.

Q. What about electrical appliances?

The Sinfonia runs on both 110v and 220v but the current in the 220v sockets make it suitable only for cell phones, laptops, camera chargers and is NOT SUITABLE for hairdryers or any other equipment which draws a high current. The plug sockets are American (110v) and European round 2 pin (220v). The South African 3 pin plug will require a suitable adapter.

Q. What if I get sea-sick?

Movement of the ship is reduced with stabilisers, which are extended when called for. There is so much to do that most passengers don't even think about getting seasick. However, a very small percentage of people are susceptible to motion sickness, which is caused by the confusion of the senses, mainly sight and balance. If you are predisposed to motion sickness, several excellent non-prescription drugs (eg: Stugeron) and various homeopathic remedies (eg: Horizon) are on the market to assist with prevention of motion sickness. It is suggested you start to take this medication 24 hours prior to cruising. Fresh air and being on deck are excellent natural remedies. You are also at liberty to consult your local physician for other remedies.

Q. If I need assistance on board, to whom can I speak?

There are several heads of department that can assist you with queries depending what assistance you need. The information / reception desk is open 24 hours.

Q. How much money do we need to take and how do we pay for goods & services?

Please note that DEBIT CARDS and CHEQUE CARDS as well as Diners and Amex Cards are NOT accepted onboard.

Credit cards are accepted, however we would highly recommend that you activate your cruise card utilising CASH, either US Dollars or Rand.

Meals and entertainment are included in your cruise fare. You will need spending money for drinks, duty free shopping, photos, gambling, gratuities, laundry, beauty salon and any optional shore excursions you would like to book. All prices on board are in US Dollars.

For the convenience of all guests, the ship uses a cashless system (the casino only accepts cash). Every passenger will receive a personalised ID cruise card upon embarkation. This card may be used for all your purchases on board. On request, any cards can be linked to a master account.

To activate your card/s, a deposit must be lodged at the cruise card office. SA Rands or US Dollars are acceptable. You may then spend up to the amount of deposit paid. You can top up this amount during the cruise if needed. At the end of the cruise, when you close your account, you will receive any change owing to you in US Dollars.

Although we do not recommend it, you are able to activate your cruise card with your bank credit card. Should you opt to pay by credit card, your credit card will be "swiped" and pre-authorised for the amount of approximately USD$250.00. This pre-authorisation is only an estimate of the amount that could be utilised during your time on board. This pre-authorisation is not an actual debit and the amount is "blocked" on your credit card for the period of 7-15 working days after your disembarkation. After this period has lapsed your bank automatically releases the pre-authorised amount. The only amount debited to your credit card will be the amount that corresponds with the invoice signed prior to disembarkation.

Should you have any concerns about this, we highly recommend you use CASH to activate your account.

Small amounts of European currencies and Travellers Cheques can be changed on board at the Purser's Office – commission charges apply.

Q. What about tipping?

Tipping is a globally accepted way of thanking personnel who have taken care of you during your cruise. For your convenience a recommended daily gratuity of USD $ 22 per adult will be added to your cruise account covering all service staff.

Q. What happens when we get to our destination?

Landings are always weather dependent and the decision to proceed lies solely with the Captain. Safety is always our primary concern. Some of our destinations have no harbour facilities and to transport passengers ashore, we use inflatable rubber zodiacs. To maintain our excellent safety record we require the co-operation of all passengers. A short briefing hosted by the Cruise Director will inform passengers about the destination, the landing procedure and any optional excursions available. This briefing will be advertised in your daily programme.

Q. Tell me more about the Zodiac transfer.

To get to our beach destinations, passengers will be escorted in small groups to the gangway and then be assisted into Zodiacs, known as "rubber ducks". These ducks will then transfer the passengers to the beach. Beach sand can get very hot so shoes are always recommended. Depending on the condition of the sea and wind, sea spray can sometimes enter the boat. We suggest you wrap any electronic equipment in plastic to prevent damage. A travel bag is essential for your day trip items. Starlight Cruises travel bags are available for purchase from our offices or at the harbour on day of embarkation.

Q. Can we snorkel at the destinations?

Yes, Portuguese Island does offer a snorkel excursion with gear hire included from a local source although fin sizes and condition of equipment are not guaranteed. A limited range of snorkelling equipment will be available for purchase at Durban harbour prior to boarding the ship.

Q. What else can we do at Portuguese Island?

That depends on you. A dedicated landing team will assist you once ashore. They will provide all relevant information including swimming areas and any local attractions. Please take special note of the relevant boarding times so as not to miss the last transfers back to the ship.

Q. What about bath and beach towels?

There are both bath towels and pool / beach towels available on board.

Q. What Clothes are required?

Although the summer evenings are generally warm, it is advisable to bring a light jumper in case of a sea breeze or to wear indoors as most venues are fully air-conditioned.

Q. Can my family and friends contact me when I am at sea?

The Sinfonia has a Satellite telephone on board. This service is VERY expensive and should be used for emergencies only.

• Tel: Int. 00 870 335671611 / 621
• Fax: Int. 00 870 335671614 / 1623

If you have any further questions or if there is anything else we can assist you with please feel free to contact us!

** DO NOT include items of value in your 'checked luggage'. Keep valuable items with you at all times or under lock and key. This applies particularly when suitcases are not in your care. **

** Do not pack your passport into your checked luggage as it is required to be presented to Immigrations Officials in order for you to be permitted to board the ship **

** Remember your spending money, sun cream, camera, passport and … your ticket **

** Bring any essential medications with you and carry them on your person or in your hand luggage. **

** All information was correct at time of going to press. Starlight Cruises and the organisers of Rock The Boat, or any of its sponsors or media-partners will not be held responsible for any change and/or errors in the above information **

STARLIGHT CRUISES INFORMATION & CONTACT NUMBERS ARE

Johannesburg (011) 807 5111   •   Durban (031) 303 3572
Cape Town (021) 555 3005   •   Pretoria (012) 342 4496