Alaska Bluegrass Cruise UPDATE
Band Schedule for Alaska Bluegrass Cruise (click here)
Hi Everyone, These are some Updates for the Alaska Cruise.
- Hotel's Complimentary Shuttle from Airport to Hotel is not free. It is $5 per person and will be charged to your room #.
- Seattle Express's contact info has changed. Matt is no longer working there, so Paige is now the contact. Her phone # is 567-429-8676.or email at info@seattleexpress.com. They will sign everyone up at the hotel for the next morning's shuttle and shuttle from Pier back to airport or hotel. The will accept credit card only.
- I created a button with link for you to see the Music Schedule. Please click on button. Note: you will get a paper copy and a VIP armband when you check in at the Bluegrass table (at Hotel or at Pier)
- Below is the info I sent you 4 weeks ago with Tips and Information about the cruise. SEE YOU SOON! Danny
Please DO NOT REPLY to this Email. This will be the last email contact from me until I see you all on the ship or at the hotel.
This Email is your Bluegrass Cruise Getting Ready Letter. There is less than 2 weeks before we all get together. My wife Christa and I can't wait to sail again with the people who’s been on my other cruises and to meet all you new folks. Please take the time to read this.
I continue to say this. I've been around Bluegrass People all my life and I'm sure you will agree that Bluegrass People are the best people in the World.
With that said, The Bluegrass Cruise is a Private Group on this ship. Everyone who is in this Bluegrass Group has paid extra, good, hard earned money to make this all happen.
So, in advance, I want to thank you for your loyalty, and believing in me to put this Bluegrass Cruise on for you.
Note: Even though you may meet new people on the ship that are outside our group, and it is in our nature as Bluegrass People, to be welcoming to new friends, please, Please, DO NOT invite them into our Concert or Private Rooms. (It would not be fair to the people in our group, who paid extra and they will not be allowed in)
If they are not part of our group, they cannot join us this year. NO EXCEPTIONS. But feel free to give them a Flyer for next year. They can join us in 2026 leaving Port Canaveral Florida January 15-19, 2026.
Below, is a lot of very important information, please read it all and feel free to print it out and keep with your travel documents.
Important: Make sure that your passports, documents, IDs and Medication are with you before you leave your home. Make sure they are with you as you carry them on the ship.
(Do not put them in your checked in luggage!)
If you don't have a passport and you are wondering what other documents, you must use. Go to www.royalcaribbean.com
and search for Documents. (Remember, take this very seriously, you are leaving the country, you must have proper documents to leave and to get back in).
Another Important message from Danny Stewart:
I am a group leader on Royal Caribbean's ship; I am not a travel agent. I am in charge of the Bluegrass Event on this ship only. I am not responsible for any transportation or hotel arrangements; it is your responsibility to follow all rules of the ship and of customs.
Please READ THIS EMAIL IN FULL, it should contain all the information that you will need to know and should be able to answer any questions you have.
Note: A list of phone numbers are in this email that should answer any questions you might have. Please DO NOT REPLY to this Email.
Address of Ship:
We are Cruising out of Port of Seattle Washington on the Anthem of the Seas on August 8, 2025. Address of Ship is: 2001 W Garfield St, Seattle, WA 98199
Starting around June 26th, to do your Online Check In. Plan on doing this between 45 days- 4 days before we sail! (Directions to do this are in this email, it will save you from standing in line at the pier)
go to www.RoyalCaribbean.com/onlinecheckin
If you need online check in help or have online check in questions, please call Royal Caribbean at: 800-398-9819 ext. #1.
If you don't have a computer or printer, have a friend help, or go to a library.
If you don't want to do that, then bring your confirmation to the port with you along with all your other documents. (Passports or birth certificate, etc.) . Stand in line and have them do it for you (I don't recommend you do this, for this may take a while.)
After you do your Online Check In, you can print out your Boarding Passes and Luggage Passes. (If you need more luggage passes, just copy them in B/W and staple to your extra luggage.)
Another Reminder: When you check in your luggage, make sure that your passports, documents, IDs and Medication are with you. (in your hand).
Very Important Note: Do not put your Passport, ID, Boarding Passes or Medication, in your Check in Bags! (You need them on you, to enter on to the ship) Also, if you have an instrument, carry it on, DO NOT CHECK IN YOUR INSTRUMENT.
You can Download to your Phone the Royal Caribbean App on Your Apple or Android. Just Search your Play Store for the App.
Or
To do your Online Check In on your Computer, follow these simple steps
Go to: www.RoyalCaribbean.com/onlinecheckin
1. Fill in Last Name (no apostrophe)
2. Fill in your Reservation #(On your confirmation)
3. Fill in Date of Departure Aug 8, 2025
4. Fill in ship's name Anthem of the Seas
You will need to fill out your Online Check In before 4 days prior to sail date.
You will be able to print out luggage passes and boarding passes.
It is important and your responsibility that all information is correct.
Any changes in your booking will need to go thru Danny Stewart. 570-721-2760
Anthem of the Seas’ address:
Smith Cove Cruise Terminal 91
2001 W Garfield St, Seattle, WA 98199
Parking at the Pier Platinum Parking
Click on link to book your parking spot
https://cruiseseattleparking.com 425-689-3643
Best time to arrive at the port is Friday Aug. 8, 2025 between 10:30am-1:00pm.
We will exit the ship Friday morning, Aug. 15, 2025 around 7:00am-9:30am.
If you need help with:
Online Check In Help 1 800 398 9819 Ext #1
AON Travel Insurance www.travelcruisecare.com or 800 331-2796
Excursions 1800-398-9819 Ext #2
Gifts and Gear 1800 722 5443
Crown Anchor Society 1800 526 9723
Wheelchair or Scooter Rental 877-478-7827
RC Group Dept. 1800-465-3595
Ship's Name Anthem of the Seas
Hotel Embassy Suites 15920 West Valley Highway Seattle WA 98188 425-227-8844
Seattle Express Shuttle $20-22 per person 567-429-8676 (Paige)
Parking at the Pier Platinum Parking https://cruiseseattleparking.com 425-689-3643
Here is a few of Danny's tips to make sure you get the most out of your Bluegrass Cruise.
On Friday, Aug. 8, 2025. Best times to arrive at the port is from 10:30am-1:00 pm.
1. You must come to Bluegrass Cruise Check In Table at the Pier (unless you did your Bluegrass Check In the night before at the Embassy Suites).
Here my wife Christa and Bluegrass Staff will check off your Legal Names, will place a Bluegrass Armband on your arm and give you a Schedule of all the Concerts, and Jams. (You will need to show this Armband on your arm, every time you come into our private events) Your armband must be worn during the whole cruise please and thank you.
2. Then go to Royal Caribbean counter to get your Set Sail Pass Card (your individual ID card, serving as your room key and boarding pass at ports of call, also used to access your Onboard Expense account from the Ship)
Enjoy Lunch, Check into your cabins around 1:30-2:00pm
Dinner is at 5:15pm. You will be seated with your friends you mentioned, when you signed up with Danny (if you are not happy where you are sitting, please go see the Matre D as soon as possible. (Please DO NOT call Danny at this point, since dinning list has been turned into RC weeks ago)
First Show will be at 2:15pm in Music Hall, 3rd Deck Front, (unless schedule changes at last minute)
Concerts:
Concerts will be every day in Royal Theater, 4th Deck Front or 3rd Deck Music Hall
You will need to show your Bluegrass Armband to get in. (Please do not try to enter this room prior to 5 minutes before scheduled show time. There is plenty of room and not a bad seat in the house. Keep in mind if you stand in line to get in; please stand against the wall so people that are in the theater can exit the theater)
When this room is not used by our group, there will be shows in them for the general public of the ship. (Broadway type and Comedy Acts). Feel free to enjoy all the shows the Ship has to offer.
Jams:
Jam Rooms will be announced by MC during concerts. At the time of this email, Exact rooms to have Jams in are not confirmed with the ship. RC told me to talk with Ship crew to confirm locations.
Also feel free to start your own Jams anywhere that you see an empty space. Please practice proper jam etiquette, do not Jam in general populated areas (Most General Public does not want to hear the music that we all love so much. Please Do Not Jam in your cabins, (your neighbour may not want to hear you while they are enjoying their own cruise)
Please do not let your good time ruin someone else's good time.
Trying to schedule the Bluegrass Shows with Royal Caribbean and find Theatre space on such a highly sought after cruise has been a task for me. With so much to consider, (ship’s activities, and ports and trips) in mind I’ve come up with some nice times through out the week.
So, if you have to miss your favorite band for a show because you booked an excursion. Don’t worry about it, these bands are playing for us many times throughout the week.
Exact band times are still being worked out, but below are the concert times to give you a idea of what’s what. Thank you for your understanding in this matter.
Concerts:
Day 1, 2:15pm-5:00pm, ,(cruising)
Day 2, 1:30pm-5:15 pm, (cruising)
Day 3, 8:00am -11am, (Sitka 10am-6pm)
Day 4, 12:30pm-4:30pm, (Skagway 10am-6:00pm) ( Tip: visit Skagway in morning)
Day 5, 9:30am-12:30pm, (Endicott Arms Glacier 5am-10am, Juneau 1:30-9pm)
Day 6, 9:30 am-12:30pm, (Cruising)
Day 7, 2:00pm- 5:00 pm (Victoria BC 5pm-10pm)
Workshops:
Exact Room for Instrument Workshops will be announced by MC and in schedule. Workshops will happen on some mornings between 8-9am.
The MC will announce any changes or additions to the Bluegrass Schedule throughout the Cruise.
There is a Bluegrass Cocktail Hour on Day 7 at 4pm. (Free drinks for 1 hour)
Note: Check with ship and listen to MCs, there could be time changes
There are 2 Formal Nights which will be on Day 2 and Day 6. These are the nights to really dress up and get some nice photos. You don't have to if you don't want to, but if you dress up, you will not feel out of place. ( You always have the choice to eat at the Wind Jammer Café if you want to stay in your shorts.)
The Dining Experience is always something to look forward to. You will be served by waiters and waitresses. Dressing nice is usually what everyone does.
Bluegrass Early Dining will be at 5:15 pm every evening, Your Dining Room and Table # will be on your Set Sail Pass card. (I've asked the Ship to seat people with their friends) Dining Arrangements are done. (They were made on the info that everyone gave me as they signed up.) Please DO NOT call Danny about dining at this point.
When you get your Set Sail Card, Your Dining Table # will be on your card. If your friend’s Table number does not match your table number, Go see the Maître D as soon as possible and work it out with him. (Do not see Danny for this)
If you are not happy sitting or where they put you, Go to the Maître D as soon as possible and ask him to move you. (Do not see Danny for this)
Note: Bluegrass Cruise T-Shirts and Cruise Wear will not be sold on the Ship. You can order them through a vendor of ours Muckles Ink, Order soon and they will send it to your house so you can wear it on the cruise.
ALL ORDERS PLACED BEFORE MIDNIGHT ON JULY 13th GUARANTEED TO BE IN YOUR HANDS BEFORE THE CRUISE
Click on Link Below to Place your T-shirt Order:
https://www.mucklesink.com/shop/category/muckles-rallies-danny-stewart-s-bluegrass-cruise-171
Night Before Jam and Pre Bluegrass Registration: 5:30pm -8pm Thursday, August 7, 2025. At The Embassy Suites Seattle-Tacoma. There will be Jamming and Pre Registration for the next day’s cruise. There is a 1.5 hour cocktail party starting at 5:30pm that will go on to 7:00pm for hotel guest.
This is the time to purchase any Cds or merchandise from the bands. Note: Royal Caribbean may not allow the bands to sell any merchandise on the ship . So this may be your only chance to buy someof the band’s recordings. Please support them, they are working hard for you.
Embassy Suites Seattle-Tacoma International Airport 15920 West Valley Highway Seattle WA 98188 is offering us the Rate is $289 plus tax.
This includes a 1.5 hour reception (open bar) during “Night Before Jam”, and free Full Breakfast the next morning. They also offer free shuttle from Seattle Airport to Hotel.
Seattle Night Before Hotel and Jam
Embassy Suites Seattle-Tacoma International Airport 15920 West Valley Highway Seattle WA 98188 is offering us the Rate is $289 plus tax. This includes a 1.5 hour reception 5:30 – 7pm (open bar) during “Night Before Jam”, and free breakfast the next morning. They also offer a $5 shuttle from Seattle airport to the hotel.(not from Hotel to Pier though)
Booking Link:
https://www.hilton.com/en/book/reservation/deeplink/?ctyhocn=SEATUES&groupCode=CES90E&arrivaldate=2025-08-07&departuredate=2025-08-08&cid=OM,WW,HILTONLINK,EN,DirectLink&fromId=HILTONLINKDIRECT
Shuttle from Hotel to Port. Shuttle from Port to Hotel or SeaTac Airport
Seattle Express will be at the hotel on August 7th at 5:30- 7pm to sign people up for the Shuttle to the Ship. The rate will be $22 per person one-way and $40 per person round-trip. They will take only credit card when booking. Pick up time choices at the hotel on August 8th to go to the ship are at 8:45am, 10:15am, 11:15am or 12:00pm. The round-trip rate is good for the return on August 15th going back to the SeaTac Airport or any SeaTac Airport area Hotel. On the return trip our first shuttle departs the pier at 7am and they depart every 15-20 minutes after that.
Any question, please direct them to Paige at Seattle Express. Call 567-429-8676 or email info@seatleexpress.com
Shuttle from Hotel to Cruise Terminal Friday August 8, 2025
You can sign up for your Next Morning Shuttle at the Hotel (during the Night Before Jam, Aug 7,2025 ) There will be sign up table with a representative from Seattle Express (shuttle company) to set you up.
One-way transfer from the Embassy Suites by Hilton Seattle Tacoma International Airport to the Royal Caribbean Cruise Line $22 per person or $40 round trip Sign up for your shuttle time: 8:45am, 9:45am, 10:30am, 11:15am, 12:00pm
Shuttle from Cruise Terminal to Airport 7:00-11am Friday August 15,2025
One-way transfer from the Royal Caribbean Cruise Line Terminal to the Sea-Tac.
When you exit the cruise terminal proceed to Bus Lane “R” and check in with our coordinator, Paige.
$22 per person First shuttle departs the pier at 7:00am and they run every 15 minutes up to 11am. Please call 567-429-8676 or email info@seattleexpress.com with any questions or concerns.
I hope this letter answers your questions that you may have.
I can't wait to see you all on the ship. Thank you, all so much for making this another successful Bluegrass Cruise.
God Bless You.
Danny & Christa Stewart
Important message from Danny Stewart:
I am a group leader on Royal Caribbean's ship, I am not a travel agent, I am in charge of the Bluegrass Event on this ship only, I am not responsible for any transportation, it is your responsibility to follow all rules of the ship and of customs.
PS, Important: Make sure that your passports, documents, IDs and Medication are carried on the ship with you. (Do not put them in your check in Bags)
Seattle Night Before Hotel and Jam
I have confirmed a Hotel in Seattle for the “Night Before Jam”.
Embassy Suites Seattle-Tacoma International Airport 15920 West Valley Highway Seattle WA 98188 is offering us the Rate is $289 plus tax. This includes a 1.5 hour reception 5:30 – 7pm (open bar) during “Night Before Jam”, and free breakfast the next morning. They also offer a $5 shuttle from Seattle airport to the hotel.(not from Hotel to Pier though)
Booking Link:
https://www.hilton.com/en/book/reservation/deeplink/?ctyhocn=SEATUES&groupCode=CES90E&arrivaldate=2025-08-07&departuredate=2025-08-08&cid=OM,WW,HILTONLINK,EN,DirectLink&fromId=HILTONLINKDIRECT
Shuttle from Hotel to Port. Shuttle from Port to Hotel or SeaTac Airport
Seattle Express will be at the hotel on August 7th at 5:30- 7pm to sign people up for the Shuttle to the Ship. The rate will be $22 per person one-way and $40 per person round-trip. They will take credit cards when booking. Pick up time choices at the hotel on August 8th to go to the ship are at 8:45am, 10:15am, 11:15am or 12:00pm. The round-trip rate is good for the return on August 15th going back to the SeaTac Airport or any SeaTac Airport area Hotel. On the return trip our first shuttle departs the pier at 7am and they depart every 15-20 minutes after that.
Any question, please direct them to Paige at Seattle Express. Email info@seattleexpress.com or call her at 567-429-8676.
Click on links to find out important information on latest protocols in place:
https://www.royalcaribbean.com/the-healthy-sail-center/getting-ready-to-cruise
https://www.royalcaribbean.com/faq/questions/if-need-an-rt-pcr-test-before-i-cruise-where-should-i-go
The information below is for people who are already booked in our group.
Note : This is a Private Group, all Bookings Must go through Danny Stewart 570-721-2760
Important Phone Numbers (only call after you are booked through Danny Stewart's Productions).
Royal Caribbean Special Needs 800-513-4515
AON Insurance (Royal Caribbean) 800-797-4516 or 800 -453- 4022
Royal Caribbean 1800-465-3595 press #5
Florida 2026 Bluegrass Cruise Night Before Jam:
Note: On Wednesday, January 14, 2026. Come down a day early. The Hilton Cocoa Beach Ocean Front is giving us space to have a Pre-Cruise Jam (6pm-9pm). Picking and Jamming the night before the Cruise is always a great way to start off your Bluegrass Cruise Experience.
There will be Only 60 rooms available this year at this hotel, this will be where we have the Jamming and Early bluegrass check In. There are other hotels that welcome our group also. All the info is below, book now, they will sell out fast!
Hotel #1 (the main hotel)
The Hilton Cocoa Beach Ocean Front, 1550 North Atlantic Avenue, Cocoa Beach, Florida, 32931-3268 is offering us a great rate as usual.
The Hilton Cocoa Beach Oceanfront looks forward to hosting you during your event Danny Stewart’s Bluegrass Cruise! When booking your room reservation online please be sure to follow the link listed below. This special group page will ensure the contracted rate of $218+ tax per night for a City View King / Double Queens or $238 + tax per night for a Coastline View King / Double Queen Room with complimentary self-parking for the duration of your stay and cruise. The special group rate also includes complimentary wi-fi.
Booking Steps:
1. Reservation Website: Danny Stewart's Bluegrass Cruise 2026
2. Click on Book a room
3. Enter your Arrival/Departure Dates and the number of guests in the room
4. Confirm Reservation with Contact Details and Credit Card
Telephone Booking Steps:
1. Reservation Telephone: 1-866-580-7402
2. Provide the group code: BG2026
3. Provide your Arrival/Departure Dates and the number of guests in the room
4. Confirm Reservation with Contact Details and Credit Card
Florida Shuttle Info
BTM Transportation is our preferred shuttle company. You may use whoever you like. This is our suggestion.
Please click on link below to reserve your shuttle, From Airport to Hotel, From Hotel to Port, From Port to Hotel or Airport
https://airportshuttle.link/bluegrass-cruise-shuttle
Thanks, Danny