Headliners, welcome to your EDSEA Sailing Festival Guide!
Below, you'll find helpful tips and to-dos to prepare you mentally for sailing! As we inch closer to our journey at sea together, your reservation will be linked to a profile on Norwegian's website and there you'll be able to check in for your trip. You'll know when this is ready because we will email you these details and remind you when it opens. Until then, read up and join the Official EDSEA Facebook Group if you have any questions before the vacation you've been waiting for!
Check-In Online
You must bring your PASSPORT or alternative acceptable travel documentation with you to the cruise terminal. Every guest needs to have proper identification to board the ship.
Review what identification documents are accepted.
Complete online check-in between October 11, 2025 - October 29, 2025 using the Reservation Number in the email titled "Your Reservation Number Is Here!"
Before you begin your online check-in process, here is a helpful overview.
Once everyone in your stateroom has submitted their online check-in, E-docs should be ready for download 24 hours later. E-docs are essentially a full summary of your trip details with NCL that you can print and keep handy during your arrival.
During NCL check-in, you'll be prompted to select a time to arrive at the terminal. This is not your boarding time. Boarding will not begin before 2 pm.
Is it 2 weeks before sailing and you still haven't received your reservation number? Contact us and we can help.
Norwegian Cruise Line is NCL's new app where guests can access an array of information, pre-cruise and during the cruise.
The Norwegian Cruise Line app offers the ability to:
- Complete online check-in & upload documents
- Make onboard reservations
- Book shore excursions
- View your itinerary
- See payments, credits, and purchases all in one place
- View reservation & stateroom number
- + more!
This new app is free to download and no Wi-Fi minutes are required to use while sailing! For more info, visit Norwegian's Mobile Apps page.
Once checked in, you can book shore excursions, make dinner reservations for a specialty restaurant on the ship, or book an appointment for Mandara Spa to relax and rejuvenate between all of the wubs.
NEW FOR 2025: All Headliners will have 50% OFF at all Specialty Dining locations on the ship! Simply enjoy a meal at your preferred restaurants, and the check will automatically show your discounted cover charge!
(NOTE: Gratuities will also be automatically added to your check and these are calculated on the non-discounted NCL restaurant cover charges.)
All purchases on the ship are made by swiping your NCL Keycard (given upon check-in at the cruise terminal).
As you complete the NCL online check-in, you will be asked to put down a payment method. All purchases you make on the ship will be tied to this payment method. Do this in advance to speed up your check-in at the terminal on boarding day!
If you prefer to wait, you may provide a payment method or open a cash account once on board.
24 hours after everyone in your stateroom has completed online check-in with NCL, you can download and print the E-Docs. (You will not be able to print until all guests in the cabin are checked in.) If your party is traveling and arriving to the terminal together, you only need to print and bring one copy of your eDocs.
This option is only available on Norwegian's website up to 72 hours before sailing.
Mentally Prepare
The Port of Miami Terminal Address is:
Port of Miami
1015 N America Way
Miami, FL 33132
We'll tell you exactly which terminal is closer to sailing; there will be banners and signage, and the ship's pretty massive, so look for Norwegian JOY if you get turned around!
Need an emergency contact number to give your loved ones at home?
If calling from inside the US, they should dial 1.888.NCSHIPS (1.888.627.4477).
From anywhere outside of the US, dial 1.732.335.3280. Let them know the name of the ship is Norwegian Joy.
Please note that with the exception of wine/champagne, all guests are prohibited from bringing alcohol (and any other liquids) on board our ship.
The following corkage fees apply, per bottle, for any wine/champagne brought on board.
750 ml Bottle: USD 15.00
1,000 ml Bottle: USD 20.00
1,500 ml Magnum: USD $30.00
To speed up the process of checking your wine/champagne at the port, print out this form and bring it with you.
HOT TIP: Any Headliner that has purchased an alcohol beverage package is exempt from paying the corkage fees listed above if they decide to bring wine/champagne on their trip!
Smoking is prohibited indoors, in staterooms/balconies, outdoor dining areas, and other various outdoor areas on the ship. This includes regular cigarettes, VAPES, electronic cigarettes, cigars, and pipes. Smoking is currently permitted in the following areas but this list is subject to change while sailing is safety measures are required:
- Casino Smoking Room (Deck 7, Aft)
- Outside of the Cavern Club (Deck 8, MID - Port Side)
- Cigar Lounge (Deck 8, FWD) (Cigars Only)
- Pool Deck (Decks 16 & 17, MID - Port Side)
- Spice H20 (Deck 17, AFT - Starboard Side)
Smoking inside your stateroom/balcony will result in a $250 USD cleaning charge added to your onboard account.
EDSea enforces a strict policy against the use or possession of contraband, paraphernalia, illegal controlled substances, narcotics, including marijuana, THC products including gummies and candies, and any type of weapons or firearms. This policy applies at all times and in all locations, including the port, the ship, the private island, and throughout your sailing. Please be aware that even items considered legal under state jurisdiction may not be allowed.
It’s important to keep in mind that you will be traveling internationally and are subject to Federal laws. During your journey, you will encounter multiple contraband-detecting K9 units and other law enforcement resources. These K9s may be present in the port, on the gangways of the ship during embarkation and disembarkation, and on the private island. Similar to airports, cruise ports are considered locations where your expectation of privacy is limited, and you may be subject to random searches for any reason.
Any individual found in possession of un-prescribed narcotics or prescribed medical marijuana not recognized by local or federal authorities is at risk of arrest and will be removed from the passenger manifest, permanently prohibiting them from sailing with EDSea. Please note that no refunds will be issued in such cases.
If you have federally legal prescription medications with you, they must be stored in their original prescription containers, with the name on the prescription matching the name of the person in possession of the container. Additionally, you should carry ONLY the amount of medication required for the duration of your stay with us.
EDSea travels internationally to the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, a sovereign nation with its own distinct laws and constitutions. Their treatment of persons who are caught with contraband is known to be HARSH. While in the Bahamas, including in Bahamian waters, you will NOT have the same constitutional protections that we enjoy in the U.S. or wherever you call home. Please use common sense and do not put yourself in harm’s way.
Upon return, you will be required to pass through immigration, and law enforcement including Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will be there to greet you along with narcotic detection K9s. They can and will search you and your belongings. The importation or return of certain substances can be a local, state, and federal crime.
Anyone who is caught violating the ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY or disturbs the peace and safety of the ship will be detained or arrested and discharged at the next stop without a refund.
Be on vacation, not on probation!
Pack Your Bags, Baby!
To check in at the Port of Miami and board the ship, you must have proper identification. Do not place these items in your checked bag. Take it with you into the cruise terminal as you'll need to present it at the NCL check-in counter. You will not be allowed to board the ship without proper documentation.
If you printed your E-Docs, have them handy when you arrive at the port. It will help speed up the check-in process!
If you were unable to print your E-Docs before embarkation day, please proceed to the port. You will still be able to board the ship even if you don't have your E-Docs.
NCL POLICY - Casual attire in the buffet and ALL restaurants.
Swimwear is acceptable at the buffet and outdoor restaurants, but a shirt/cover-up and footwear are required.
Check out our helpful packing list to make sure you're all set!
Review what to leave behind while you're packing your suitcase.
I can see the ship!
Check your bags with a porter before you enter the cruise terminal for easier boarding. (You'll need to know your cabin number to hand off your luggage)
There’s a chance your cabin is accessible when you board, but if not, it should be ready by 4:00PM. If you choose not to check your luggage and carry it onto the ship yourself, you will not be able to place it in your cabin until they are open.
Bags may be delivered to your cabin as late as 8:00 pm ET so keep anything important in your carry-on bag (passport, medicine, valuables, etc.).
Please note: Curbside porters are not employees of NCL and it’s customary to tip them $1 per bag.
Once you arrive at Cruise Port of Miami Terminal C, pay attention to the EDSea directional banners/flags to make sure you enter the correct side of the Terminal (East v West). It's based on your CABIN NUMBER. More details to come before we sail.
Once you've made it through the gates of the Security Gods, you'll be directed to complete your IN-PERSON check-in with NCL Port Agents.
Have your travel documents + ID (passport) in your hand when you approach the counter. You'll receive your NCL Keycard during this time. Each Headliner receives one. This keycard will unlock your cabin door, be used to pay for purchases on the ship (with whatever payment method you've linked to your personal account), and will have any details shown if you've purchased a beverage package. It will also inform you of your assigned ASSEMBLY (Muster) Station. See: "Safety Briefing" below for more info about Assembly Stations and the Mandatory Safety Briefing.
Example:
You can keep your shoes on but belts and laptops will need to go into a bin for screening. Also, wine/champagne needs to be taken out. Just like at the airport, throw away open drink containers and empty your pockets.
Keep in mind that any costume or cosplay accessory that looks like a weapon may be seized by security agents, so leave those items at home.
This is also the MEDICATION CHECKPOINT. Please review the ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY above in "POLICIES".
I'm on board, now what?
All Headliners will be required to review the NCL Mandatory Safety Briefing video before sailing so they know what to do in the unlikely event of an emergency. This video briefing will be a part of your online check-in through NCL.
Once on board, immediately report to your assigned Assembly Station with your keycard to check in. Norwegian staff and Sixthman Crew will be on hand to direct you to the proper location. Checking in at this location is required so that you know the PHYSICAL location of where you will need to go if an emergency happens while sailing.
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You will not be permitted to enter your cabin if you arrive at the ship before they have completed the cabin housekeeping services. The ship's crew will announce over the loudspeaker when all cabins are ready and this should happen prior to 4:00 pm.
Remember, should you choose to check your bags outside the cruise terminal, know that they may be delivered as late as 8:00 pm, so keep important items you may need in the meantime on your person.
If you choose to settle your account with cash, a minimum deposit of $150.00 USD will be required during embarkation.
To set up your cash account, please visit Norwegian Guest Services (located in the Atrium, Deck 6, MID) as soon as you board the ship.
Savor (Deck 6) - Traditional Varieties
Taste (Deck 6) - Traditional Varieties
Garden Cafe (Deck 16, FWD) - Buffet
The Local (Deck 7) - Pub Fare
American Diner (Deck 17) - American Grill
Eat at one of these specialty dining restaurants for an additional charge. You can make a reservation on board by visiting the Dinner Reservations Desk on Embark day until 3:00PM or any other day in Garden Cafe (Deck 16, FWD).
NEW: All cruisers on Sixthman events (including Headliners on EDSea) have access to 50% off specialty dining! No action required! When you dine at any specialty dining restaurant on the ship, your bill at the end of the meal will reflect 50% the price of the NCL cover charge per restaurant. See more about the cover charges HERE.
Ocean Blue (Deck 8) - Seafood
Teppanyaki (Deck 6) - Japanese
Cagney's (Deck 8) - Steakhouse
Food Republic (Deck 8) - Global Cuisines
La Cucina (Deck 8) - Italian
District Brewhouse (Deck 8) - Small bites
Other Headliner Things
Blue Shirts:
Event Needs
Yellow Shirts:
Security Needs
Purple Shirts:
Ground Control - Insomniac’s Guardian Angels
White Shirts:
Ship Needs
Any schedule updates and announcements will be posted on sixthman.net/today and you can access this website for free when connected to the ship's Wi-Fi.
QR codes will also be posted throughout the ship which can be scanned to direct you straight to the updated event schedule on your phone!
New location: Visit our official EDSea Merch Store @ The Observation Lounge (Deck 15, FWD).
Ring your stateroom steward at "00", and they will ensure your beds are arranged to your preference before evening turn down.
No problem! Visit Norwegian Guest Services in the Atrium (Deck 6, MID). They're open 24 hours and can replace your keycard.
Pro-tip: Norwegian's guest services team can also let you know your onboard spending balance at any time.
Gift Shops are located on Deck 8, MID. They're stocked with lots of amenities you just can't live without.