Rugby World Cup 2023
FAQ's

Travel

What time do I need to book my flights for?

Flight times need to be booked based on the Embark and Debark times of the ship. Please ensure guests have factored in transfer times from the airport when choosing flight times.

EMBARKATION: Flights should arrive 3 hours prior to embarking the ship.

DEBARKATION: Flights should depart 5 hours after departing the ship.

What time is check-in (Embark) and out (Debark)?

Check-in times vary depending on whether the ship is departing port for sailing that day. As a rule of thumb, the check-in window lasts for 8 hours. Please refer to the schedule at the back of the document for specific times on each day. It is important to note that if guests have not checked in within the specified check-in window, they will not be allowed on board.
All guests must check-out (Debark) by 9am, the morning of departure, as cabins have to be turned around.

Do I need travel insurance?

We would strongly urge any person travelling abroad to take out travel insurance. Online comparison websites are a useful tool to start. An example of a comparison website can be found here - https://www.comparethemarket.com/travel-insurance/

Cruise Port Terminal Parking

Whilst there is a car park at the ferry terminal, space is limited and cannot be guaranteed. Charges will apply, please refer to the Cruise Terminal Website for parking rates and how to book - https://www.croisiere-mpct.com/parking. There are some additional comparison websites that provide information on Car Parking around the Port of Marseille region - https://parclick.com/parking/park-near-the-old-port-of-marseille .

Brexit and Travel Information

Check to see if your passport will still be valid

If you have a British passport;
- You will need to have at least six months left on your passport before it expires.
- Your passport must have been issued within the last 10 years. You can use the Government’s passport checker (https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice) to see if you need to renew your passport (even if it has six months or more left on it).
- If your passport is burgundy or has ‘European Union’ on the cover, you can still use it after 1 January 2021 as long as it has enough time left on it. Otherwise, you may not be able to travel to most EU countries.
- To check your passport is valid for travel for where you're planning to visit, click here (https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice).
- If you need to renew or replace your passport, click here (https://www.gov.uk/renew-adult-passport).

What times can we check-in and embark the ship?

Arrival at the Cruise Terminal: For your comfort and convenience, we recommend that guests who have not completed their Online Check-In arrive at the cruise terminal no later than two (2) hours prior to the scheduled embarkation time printed on your cruise documents. Guests who have completed their Online Check-In should arrive at the terminal no later than one (1) hour prior to the scheduled embarkation time printed on your cruise documents. We STRONGLY recommend guests complete their Online Check-In at least four (4) days prior to sailing.

Final Boarding Time: In order to facilitate the embarkation process, the processing of your eDocs, and to comply with new government regulations governing departure manifest, all guests are required to complete check-in at the cruise terminal and be onboard the ship no later than one hour prior to the departure time noted on their cruise documents or they will not be permitted to sail. Please note that guests who have not filled out their Online Check-In must arrive at the port two (2) hours prior to sailing.

Joining or debarking the ship at any time outside of the published embark/debark port is not permitted for the following reasons:

Itineraries are subject to change without notice.
Violation of the Passenger Vessel Act (Jones Act), if applicable.
Approval to embark or disembark mid-cruise may be allowed only in cases of emergencies. Please note that embarking or disembarking mid-cruise may result in a violation of the Passenger Vessel Act (Jones Act), resulting in a fine starting at $798 per person.

Boarding Time in Ports of Call:
In all ports of call, it is also the guest's responsibility to be back onboard the ship no later than one (1) hour prior to the ship's scheduled departure time. Please be aware that shipboard time may differ from the port of call and it is the guest's responsibility to follow the shipboard time. In the event a guest misses the ship, it will be the guest's responsibility to pay all expenses incurred to rejoin the ship.

What time do we need to debark the ship on check-out day?

All guests are required to check-out and debark the ship by 09:00 on the day of debarkation.

How can I book a transfer from the airport to the pier?

Norwegian Cruise Line offers ground transfers between the airport and the pier and vice versa. To arrange for transfers, have your airline documentation ready, log in into your myNCL account (an option to purchase your transfer will appear in Step 4 of your Online Check-In) or give us a call at 0333 2412319 at least 4 days prior to sailing.

Match Transfers

Matchday Transfer Information

Your matchday transfers are included in your package with us. Below you can find transfer times and the process from start to finish. Our wonderful team will be there every step of the way to assist with anything you might need.
We recommend that you arrive at the stadium at least 1.5 hours before kick-off.

Marseille Games

Transfers to the stadium will begin 8 hours before kickoff is expected. This allows you to get to the city anytime and get immersed in the game day atmosphere.
We have arranged for coaches to transport you from the ship to the closest metro station. From here, it is just a quick journey to the stadium. We will have our guest experience team on the coaches and at each metro station to give you directions on each stage of your journey.
We’ll then have exactly the same process in reverse for your return journey running until 1am.

Nice Games

For matches taking place in Nice we will have a coach transfer from the ship to the stadium. This journey takes roughly 1.5 hours and we will leave the ship around 4 hours before kickoff. Fear not though! We will be supplying food, drinks & entertainment for your journey and our guest experience team will be travelling with you.

Embark/Debark Processes

The process of boarding a cruise ship is like checking into a hotel which has airport security regulations.

In the coming weeks you will be invited to create an account with NCL and download their app to follow their online check-in. After you have completed the online check in process on the NCL app you will be issued with an e-check in document. This document along with your passport is what you will need to pass through the security when you initially arrive at the cruise port.

Once you have passed through the first security check, you will be directed around to the terminal for official check-in. This area looks very similar to an airport and you will be expected to go through similar checks. Here you will hand over any checked luggage to the porters who will ensure it is delivered to your cabin. Please be aware that this process can sometimes take a few hours depending on how many guests are checking in so please ensure you have any essential items packed within your hand luggage (we recommend packing your valuables, a change of clothes, a swimsuit and suncream in here).

Once you have checked in on the app, you will be given a luggage label which can either be printed at home or the porters can print this for you at the terminal. This should be clearly displayed on your luggage so they can quickly deliver your luggage to the correct room.
At the check-in stage you will also go through a health check. This is typically just a few standard questions to ensure you are fit to sail! If they do have any concerns, the ship doctor will do a quick evaluation.

You will be given your keycard which gives you access to your room as well as acts as your dining & drinks cards throughout your stay. This card is also your method of signing yourself on and off of the ship as well as your ticket onto all matchday transfers. You must retain your keycard on your person at all times.

Finally you will be escorted up the gangway onto the ship and your Rugby World Cup journey will officially begin!

Other points:
- Norwegian Epic has European plug sockets in all cabins and guest areas so please make sure you bring the correct adapters for your electronic devices.
- Guests are prohibited from bringing alcohol on board the ship. If you purchase alcohol at the airport, at one of our ports-of-call or on board the ship then it will be safely stored for you and you will be able to collect it from a designated area on either the last night of your cruise or the morning of debarkation.
-In all our ports-of-call it is your responsibility to be back onboard the ship no later than one hour prior to the ship’s scheduled departure time. In the event you miss the ship, it is your responsibility to pay all expenses incurred to rejoin the ship

ONBOARD

Dietary requirements

If you have any food allergy or a dietary requirement please contact Guest Services on hello@weareignite.co.uk or 020 3965 9492. Obtaining the product for many of these requests requires 30-days' notice prior to sailing, and we want to ensure that we are able to fulfil your request. We cannot guarantee Kosher Meal requests made within 30 days of sail date. For the protection of all of our guests, it is not permissible to bring aboard any food items that would require preparation by the ship's staff, or food items that would require cold storage in our kitchen facilities.

Entertainment

There will be a wide range of Entertainment and Activities whilst onboard, ranging from but not limited to, Live Podcast The Good, The Bad, The Rugby Podcast, Q&A sessions with Ex-Rugby Players and TV Personalities, Music and Sports. Please refer to your Freestyle Daily Newsletter for a full timetable.

Food and beverage

All guests have a Premium Beverage Package and Complimentary Dining Package as standard.

Beverages (up to the value of $15. Guest to pay the difference between $15 and the cost if higher than $15):
- Beer – bottled & draught
- Wine by the glass
- Cocktails
- House Spirits
- Champagne by the glass
- 20% off bottles of champagne and wine
- Unlimited soft drinks and juices (excluding bottled water) Upgrade to the Premium Plus Beverage package for $35 per day (all guests in cabin must upgrade)

Food:
- Garden Café (Buffet style service offering breakfast, lunch and dinner)
- The Manhattan Room (Main Dining Area consisting of modern and classic dishes)
- Shanghai’s Noodle Bar & Restaurant (Asian fusion dining)
- O’Sheehan’s Bar & Grill (Casual dining from burgers to ribs. Only restaurant to be open 24/7)
- Spice H20 (Outdoor dining)
- Taste (Chef’s signature dishes)
- The Haven Restaurant (Exclusive Restaurant for Haven guests only) Upgrade to a dining package for Specialty Dining (includes meals at Steakhouses, Teppanyaki, La Bistro, La Cucina). Example - 2 meal Specialty Dining Package for $89pp.

New Port Laws in Italy now prevent the sale of spirits whilst in an Italian Port. Beers and Wines are still available.

Is there a dress code?

There is no dress code in the stadiums and Rugby apparel is welcome. For information regarding ship apparel please click here: https://www.ncl.com/uk/en/faq#!#what-clothes-should-i-pack

Will there be Wi-Fi available?

All guests will have access to unlimited Wi-Fi on one device whilst onboard the ship. Wi-Fi upgrades are available, please refer to the Upgrades & Extras (include link) for prices. Wi-Fi in the stadiums is usually free of charge but can be very before, during and after a match. Please check with the stadium direct for further information.

What is the security and safety policy?

Onboard the Ship - Entry on board your ship will require passport or other photographic identification. Safety and security are everyone's responsibility. Should anyone become aware of unsafe or possibly illegal behaviour during their cruise, they should immediately report this to the ship's Security Staff or other ship management. This may be done through ship's telephone system by dialling 911 or by seeking the assistance of a crew member. All guests are expected to adhere to the NCL Guest Conduct Policy. This can be found here - https://www.ncl.com/uk/en/faq/guest-conduct-policy . This policy details the list of prohibited items onboard the ship.
Match Days - Entry to a stadium requires a valid match-day ticket. Please check with each stadium's individual website for a full list of prohibited items and security policies.

Is smoking allowed on the ship and in the stadium?

Cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, cigars, pipe smoking and vapor smoking devices are only permitted externally on deck 15 mid-ship, port side (limited area) and Spice H2O, starboard side. Pipes and cigars are only permitted in the Cigar Lounge. Please refer to the each stadium's individual website for their smoking policy.

I live in the UK, would my data roaming work in another country?

Please refer to your individual mobile phone networks Terms & Conditions.

Who should I contact about accessibility requirements?

For full details of accessibility on board EPIC, please complete a Guest Special Needs Request Form online via NCL's website - https://www.ncl.com/uk/en/about/accessible-cruising. Please also contact the Guest Services Team on hello@weareignite.co.uk so that we can make suitable arrangements for Match Day Transfers. For full details of accessibility at each stadium, please refer to the individual stadiums Accessibility Policy.

Where can I buy RWC 2023 official merchandise?

There will be an Official Rugby World Cup 2023 merchandise shop on board the ship, open every day. Merchandise can also be purchased from the Official stores at the Stadium, the pop-up store in Marseille or online from the official merchandise provider, https://shop2023.rugbyworldcup.com/

Is Kosher & Halal dining available?

Norwegian Cruise Line offers Kosher dining options during your cruise with advanced notice. Simply contact their reservations experts at 1-800-237-7030 at least 30 days prior to your sail date and they will make note of your dining preference. NCL does NOT carry Halal food onboard and are unable to accommodate this request.

What shore excursions are available whilst I'm onboard

A full list of available excursions can be found on your NCL Mobile App or onboard at the NCL Shore Excursions Desk. Alternatively please contact our Guest Services on hello@weareignite.co.uk for further information.

Will the Duty-Free Shops and Casino be open

Current sailing laws stipulate that shops and casinos can only be open and operate in international waters and not when in port. Please refer to your itinerary for days when at sea, when the shops and the casino will be open.

Can I bring corporate gifts for my guests?

Corporate gifts may be provided, however, please be advised that a full list of prohibited items can be found here (https://www.ncl.com/uk/en/faq#!#what-prohibited-board) and it is therefore necessary to advise Guest Services in advance with all requests. Please do not assume that gifts can bought along.

Will I need to carry proof of ID around with me?

Please ensure you have your cabin key card with you at all times. This is your proof of ID when getting on and off the ship whilst in port. It is also advised that when going ashore in Italy, that you carry your Passport or National ID card.

Will I require an electrical adapter for the plug sockets?

Yes you will need a US or a European plug or adapter to be able to use the electrical sockets on board the ship.

Paying for onboard expenses

All shipboard expenses are charged to your Onboard account. Sign up when you check in, establishing your method of payment with Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, JCB Card, Diner's Club. You may also use your debit card however please be advised that NCL obtain pre-authorisation, as they do for all Credit Cards, and some banks hold these funds for up to 30 days. The maximum initial pre-authorisation amount for all credit and debit cards is $300. Cash can also be used as a method of payment to settle your account with an initial deposit paid in advance.

Using your debit or ATM card

Norwegian does not recommend the use of a debit card as payment for your onboard folio.Please be advised that multiple holds will be placed on your debit card account based on your onboard purchases.After settling your onboard folio, these debit card holds may remain on your account up to 30 days after the cruise ends.To avoid overdraft charges from your bank, please make sure that you have enough available funds in your account during this hold period.Norwegian will not be responsible for overdraft charges resulting from holds placed on Debit Card accounts.

Traveller's Check / Cash Procedures

A cash deposit may be placed on your onboard account in the following amounts:

7 day cruises - $300 USD per person
Less than 7 days - $150 USD per person
More than 7 days - $450 USD per person

Once you have exceeded the deposited amount, your account will be closed to further charges. You can deposit as much money as often as you'd like throughout the cruise, however, refunds cannot be made until the day of disembarkation for any excess.

**Personal checks will not be accepted, nor can they be cashed on board.

What items are prohibited from being brought on board the ship?

A full list of prohibited items can be found here - https://www.ncl.com/uk/en/prohibited-items.

Is there a gym or spa?

Use of the gym is included within your package. If you are wishing to use the Spa facilities, you will be required to purchase a Spa Package at an additional charge.

MATCH DAYS

Can I take bags into the stadiums?

It is advised that only essentials are taken on match-days. Every stadium will have a list of prohibited items and policies on bag/luggage size, security has the right to refuse admittance if deemed necessary.

List of prohibited items

- Luggage
- Bottles >500ml
- Helmets
- Pyro items
- Lasers
- Flags (under 70cm)
- Weapons
- Umbrella

RWC2023 Ticket Terms and Conditions re children

All children, regardless of age, must be in possession of a valid ticket to have access to the venue. There are no reduced prices for children. Access to the stadium will be prohibited to minors aged under 16 unless accompanied by an adult. FRANCE 2023 advises parents against taking children aged under 3 years old to the stadiums. For safety and security reasons, parents are advised not to hold young children on their lap. Please refer to Rugby World Cup FAQ's - https://tickets.rugbyworldcup.com/en/faq

If I exit the stadium during the match, can I come back inside?

No, once access has been gained into the stadium, re-admittance is not permitted.

Ticket allocation

We operate a fair ticket allocation policy. Guests are allocated the best available match tickets for their package in order of receipt of full payment. Match tickets ordered under one booking number will wherever possible be seated together. Seats will be allocated in close proximity to the Tournament. You will find out your exact seat number at the point at which you receive your match tickets. These details cannot be disclosed prior to delivery.

Ticket delivery

RWC2023 Official Match Tickets will be e-tickets.

Where can I get a match-day programme?

Match-day programmes will be available for all Match-day ticket holders in their cabins the morning of the match free of charge.

Match-day contact

Guest Services will be on hand to assist with any issues on all match days. They can be reached by calling: 020 3965 9492.

When and how will I receive my match tickets?

Please note we are expecting e-tickets for every match of the RWC 2023 tournament. Approximately 1 week before the Tournament starts ticket distribution will commence. Priority will be given to early stage matches i.e. pool matches. For orders for the later end of the Tournament e.g. the knockouts, tickets will be dispatched approx. 1 week prior to the game. Dispatch will only take place for orders paid in full.

Would the tickets be under my name or also under my guests' names?

Each e-ticket will require each individuals name.

Luggage

It is advised that guests only bring essentials on match days and do not bring large bags. Every stadium and hospitality facility will have a list of prohibited items with policies on luggage size and security has the right to refuse admittance. It is not advisable to leave personal belongings in the public areas whilst on board the ship and at the stadiums; guests do so at their own risk.

SERVICE CHARGES & PORT TAX

Port Tax

Port Tax will be applicable on all purchases (F&B) whilst in French, Spanish and Italian Ports and Waters. Spanish VAT 21%, Italian 22%, French is 20% always subject to change at any time.

What is the onboard service charge?

The reason there's a fixed service charge is an important one: The Crew (as are the crew from other lines) are encouraged to work together as a team. Staff members including complimentary restaurant staff, stateroom stewards and behind-the-scenes support staff are compensated by a combination of salary and incentive programmes that your service charge supports.

How much is the charge?

US$15.63 per person per day regardless of your cabin type.

What If there is a service issue?

Guest satisfaction is of the highest priority. Norwegian Cruise Line has a structured guest satisfaction program designed to handle any concerns about service or on-board product quickly and efficiently. However, in the event a service issue should arise during your cruise please let on-board guest services desk staff know right away, so that they can address these in a timely manner. It is our goal to reach a satisfactory solution to any issue when it happens and make sure our guests can focus on enjoying their cruise. Service Charges are not refundable and cannot be disputed.

MISCELLANEOUS

Change personal details

To make any changes to your booking please contact the Guest Services Team on hello@weareignite.co.uk.

The event has been postponed/cancelled, can I receive a refund?

Please refer to the Terms and Conditions on our website

The event has not been cancelled but I no longer wish to travel – can I have a refund?