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Our commitment to Safety and Security

For more than 140 years, the safety and security of our guests has been our highest priority. Every decision we make starts with that basic rule.

We have a safety culture throughout our organization, both on our ships and within our Seattle, Washington headquarters. It begins with the design and equipping of our ships. We hire the right people, make sure they receive ongoing training, conduct drills and exercises to practice that training, and perform regular audits and inspections. All of this occurs under a comprehensive regulatory system in which multiple governmental authorities oversee every safety aspect of our operations.

In accordance with U.S. legal requirements, we are providing the following link to the U.S. Department of Transportation Cruise Line Incident Reports. 

Can I extend my cruise vacation?

Yes. Holland America Cruise Line features special pre-or post-hotel packages that allow you to extend your vacation in either your port of embarkation or debarkation. Some of the world’s greatest travel highlights are within reach, both before and after your cruise. Why not plan a little extra time and extend your experience even further with an expertly guided tour? Or explore at your own pace, with a premium hotel as your home base.

What can I do in port?

You can explore on your own or take a guided tour (referred to as shore excursions). Holland America Line offers a wide variety of shore excursions to fit your lifestyle, ranging from easygoing activities to high adventure. Search ancient ruins or hunt for shopping bargains. Ride a raft over river rapids or a horse across hills and beaches. Climb a mountain or a pyramid. Or sun and swim at some of the world’s most beautiful beaches. Each of our tours provides the highest level of quality, safety, convenience and value. Once you have booked your cruise, you can easily book your shore excursions online; we recommend you book early for the best selection.

Is motion discomfort a problem?

Rarely. Cruise itineraries ply some of the calmest waters in the world. In addition, stabilizers on modern ships, availability of advance weather information, and development of effective preventative medications have greatly reduced the incidence of motion discomfort.

How do I plan for transportation to and from the ship?

If you have booked both air and hotel accommodations through Holland America Line, transfers are included. If you have made your own airline arrangements in conjunction with a hotel package, you may receive a complimentary transfer between the airport and hotel. For peace of mind, we recommend booking your flights through Holland America Line. Holland America Line’s Flight Ease ® features transportation from a number of cities to your cruise, as well as transfers between the airport and ship on sailing day. It’s the easy, hassle-free way to travel to and from your cruise. Note: Transfers are not complimentary on the land portion of an Alaska Land+Sea Journey.

How can I arrange onboard gifts?

Among the many delights of a Holland America cruise are the thoughtful and unexpected touches that make your cruise vacation especially memorable. With Indulgences, our onboard gift program, we invite guests as well as their friends and family to join us in the spirit of creating special moments.

What should I pack?

Pack as you would for any resort. Cruise vacations are casual by day, whether you’re on the ship or ashore. The suggested attire for most evenings is resort casual; slacks and collared shirts for men, and casual dresses, slacks and informal evening-wear for women. On gala nights women usually wear a suit, cocktail dress or gown and men wear a jacket and tie, dark suit, or tuxedo.

Are there nonsmoking areas?

To better align with guest wishes and health concerns, Holland America Line will implement a new smoking policy beginning in January 2017. Please see below for details.

Smoking Policy beginning January 2017:

Effective with the first sailings for all ships beginning in January 2017, the following smoking policy is in effect:

For the comfort of all of our guests, all staterooms (cabins), showrooms and most other indoor areas are designated non-smoking. No smoking of any kind will be permitted on any stateroom verandah.

The designated smoking areas for all ships are as follows unless otherwise noted:

Sea View (Retreat) Bar/Pool on starboard side only. On Prinsendam, Koningsdam, and Nieuw Statendam, smoking is allowed on the port side only

Sun Bar on Koningsdam and Nieuw Statendam

Sports Deck forward and aft of Crow’s Nest on starboard side on Maasdam, Veendam, Volendam, Zaandam, Rotterdam and Amsterdam

Oak Room on Noordam only, including cigar and pipe smoking

Onboard Zuiderdam, Oosterdam, Westerdam, Eurodam and Nieuw Amsterdam the casinos are non-smoking. Onboard all other Holland America Line ships, smoking is allowed in the casinos except for non-smoking days.

Cigar and pipe smoking is not allowed anywhere inside the ship; it is only permitted on the outside decks where smoking is otherwise allowed.

Electronic cigarettes are permitted in staterooms and suites but not on verandahs or in other public areas of the ship other than designated smoking areas.

Any guest who smokes inside staterooms or on verandahs in violation of our policy will be charged a US$250 cleaning fee per day of violation and will risk being removed from the ship for repeated violations.

Holland America Line reserves the right at any time to modify the smoking policy onboard or alter the locations where smoking is permissible.

What is it like to go cruising?

Cruising really is the perfect way to travel the world. No other vacation experience offers you the all-inclusive convenience and pleasure of multiple destinations, beautiful scenic cruising, wonderful shore excursions, and a wide array of onboard activities.

Holland America Line has a long and proud history of delivering extraordinary vacation experiences, a tradition that began in the Netherlands more than 137 years ago. Today, cruises have a higher percentage of satisfied customers than any other travel experience.

Your mid-sized ship serves as your luxurious hotel, featuring spacious public spaces with fresh floral arrangements and multi-million dollar collections of art and antiques, award-winning restaurants and elegant staterooms—most with ocean views or private verandahs. Most meals and entertainment are included in your cruise fare, which makes a Holland America Line cruise the best vacation value.

How long are cruises?

Cruises can be as long or short as you choose. Cruise itineraries range from two days to 112 days and can vary among long days at sea, short trips to nearby destinations, or more port-intensive trips. Whatever itinerary you choose, and for however long your cruise may be, you will enjoy some of the most spacious and comfortable ships at sea, along with award-winning service, five star dining, extensive activities and enrichment programs, and compelling worldwide itineraries.

Where can I go?

Holland America Line cruises visit over 320 ports worldwide, and practically every destination is accessible by water. You can embark on your cruise vacation from a wide variety of ports close to home, or exciting, exotic locations worldwide. An African safari, a Mexican fiesta, the Alaskan wilderness, a Japanese shrine, a European adventure… the choice is yours.

Is cruising good for families with children?

Cruising is for everyone, and we welcome and cater to families with children. Holland America Line provides youth and teen activities and facilities specifically for younger guests, such as Club HAL, the Club HAL Gameroom, and The Loft. Supervised fun and babysitting services are also available. Plus, kids and families love the wide selection of food choices available when dining on board Holland America Line ships.

How do I plan for an early arrival?

If you’ve purchased a Holland America vacation package or hotel accommodations you will find information in your documents. Be sure to keep your documents on your person or in your carry-on bag so you can access them easily.

What is there to do during days at sea?

Cruises feature extensive on-board enrichment programs and activities every day. Take a self-guided art tour, lounge by the pool, practice yoga or work out in the fitness center, or pamper yourself with a spa treatment and indulge in world-class luxury shopping. You can also choose from a variety of group activities such as cooking and computer classes, basketball, volleyball, bridge and board games to name a few. Or you can do nothing at all. It’s entirely up to you.

What are my dining options?

Throughout your cruise vacation, you may enjoy delicious and innovative menus across a broad range of dining venues. On your Holland America Line cruise you’re free to dine As You Wish®, from a casual bite poolside to a formal five-course affair in our classic main Dining Room, where you can choose traditional pre-set seating or a flexible open schedule. Take advantage of 24-hour room service on your verandah, or enjoy a sophisticated meal in the elegant Pinnacle Grill. The choice is always yours.

What is there to do at night?

Nighttime on a cruise ship can be as engaging or relaxing as you’d like. An energized nightlife beckons: dance the night away in the nightclub; treat yourself to exciting Broadway-style shows featuring award-winning talent; try your luck in the casino; or enjoy a cocktail and live entertainment in one of the many lounges. You can also relax in the privacy of your stateroom and enjoy a movie from our well-stocked DVD library. The choice is yours.

Do I have to participate in the activities?

Every day aboard a Holland America cruise ship brings a wealth of cruise activities and indulgences, along with the freedom to partake in as many — or as few — as you please. On a Holland America Line cruise, you do what you want, when you want. You can do everything or absolutely nothing. It’s your choice. We recommend that you explore our wide-range of activities to find those that appeal to you.

Transportation

What if my flight is delayed?

From time to time, guests encounter transportation delays in getting to their cruise ship. If it is your day of sailing and this happens to you, please follow these guidelines: First, advise your airline at the earliest opportunity that you are a cruise guest destined for a sailing that day. Working directly with the carrier is important as the airlines are usually able to arrange alternative flights. If you believe a delay will cause you to arrive in the port of embarkation less than two hours before the ship’s scheduled departure or if you are concerned for any reason that the ship may leave before you arrive, our representatives may be able to advise you of arrangements to minimize disruptions in your vacation plans. Ask the airline to immediately advise our Air/Sea Department, or call us yourself at 1-800-628-4771 or 1-206-286-3294. Air/Sea representatives are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 365 days a year. These numbers are provided for emergency use only; please do not call unless it is your day of departure and you are experiencing a delay. All other questions and concerns regarding air arrangements should be directed to your travel advisor. For further information on our relationship with airlines, please refer to your Cruise Contract. If you have purchased air transportation independently from Holland America, you will be responsible for any and all expenses incurred when joining the vessel in progress.

Where do I meet my airport transfer?

On days of sailing, Holland America representatives will be stationed in the airport baggage claim area or outside the customs area (depending on local customs regulations), to greet guests and assist those who are eligible to be transferred to the pier. You will recognize our representatives by their Holland America signs. If you don’t see our representatives, please have one paged. Please note: This service is available only on days of sailing.

What about airport taxes?

Some countries impose an arrival or departure tax, which cannot be included on an air ticket. In most cases this is paid by each guest upon check-in and may have to be paid in the local currency.

Should I confirm my flight?

Since arrival and departure times are subject to last minute changes by the airlines, we recommend that you call your airline(s) 24 hours before your initial flight departure to verify all the flight numbers, departure and arrival times shown on your ticket and provide a home telephone number. (Reconfirm international flights 72 hours prior to your departure from home.) Also, please remember to confirm all flights booked directly by your travel advisor. Plan to be at the airline counter at least two hours before flight time for domestic flights and three hours before flight time for international flights. Also, have your identification, travel documents and tickets readily available. Holland America Line cannot confirm or reconfirm flights, seat assignment requests and other special services, such as special meals or wheelchair assistance, from on board our vessels. Your travel advisor, however, may assist with these arrangements once you receive your tickets.

What is Flight Ease?

We are pleased to offer Flight Ease®, featuring transportation from a number of cities to your cruise, as well as transfers between the airport and ship on sailing day. Flight Ease offers convenient booking assistance by one of our experienced Reservations Agents, competitive pricing, 24-Hour assistance and next port protection. If you are interested in greater flexibility when booking an air schedule, our Flexible Fares may be the option you are seeking. If you are sure of your plans and looking for potentially lower air rates, our Restricted Fares may work best for your travel schedule.

Flight Ease® is offered at an additional charge to your cruise fare. Certain conditions and restrictions apply. In some cases a Home City Motor Coach will be substituted for airline flights. (Some examples of this would be: Seattle to/from Vancouver BC, Ft. Lauderdale to/from Miami or West Palm Beach, Montreal to/from Boston.)

If you purchase air transportation independently from Holland America Line, you will be responsible for any and all expenses incurred when joining the vessel in progress.

Air Rates/Taxes and Fees

Air rates will be quoted at the time of booking. Air rates are for e-tickets, per person and include all flight taxes and fees. Other charges may be directly assessed by airlines or airports and are the responsibility of the passenger.

Airline Service Requests and Baggage Charges

Please contact each airline directly to request or confirm meals, oxygen, wheelchair or other airport assistance. Guests travelling with other guests who originate from different cities or who request Flight Ease at different times may not receive routings on the same flights. Once you have booked your flight, please check the airline’s website or contact the airline directly for information regarding baggage fees and other charges. Each airline has its own baggage allowance policy. You are responsible for all baggage fees, including any excess baggage charges imposed by airlines.

Airline Schedule Changes

Airline bookings are subject to flight schedule changes by the airlines. Schedule changes can occur at any time and may affect your flights. Holland America Line is not responsible for airline schedule changes. Holland America Line will try to assist guests affected by airline schedule changes so that flights booked will meet ship embarkation and disembarkation requirements. Any associated costs related to or caused by an airline schedule change is the responsibility of the guest. Changes initiated by guests to flight schedules are subject to applicable costs and fees, and may require cancellation and rebooking of flights at the available rates and space.

Seat Assignments

Seat assignments are controlled by the airlines, but may be requested for most flights in the Flight Ease system based on availability in the airline’s reservation system at the time of booking. Seat assignments are not guaranteed and the airline may change seat assignments. Some airlines charge for seat assignments. Any fees related to seat assignments are collected by the airline directly. Some low-cost fares do not allow pre-assigned seats; guests without seat assignments prior to the flight date will have seats assigned by the airline at check-in on the date of travel.

Liability and Relation with Airlines

As the airfares we use are based on capacity controlled, promotional, and group fares, we may limit or close sales without prior notice at any time. If, due to any cause beyond our control, we are unable to arrange for air travel or the air travel we arrange is unavailable or otherwise fails to materialize, our sole liability will be limited to refunding the air price paid to us. We assume no liability for any acts or omissions of any airline, including, without limitation, those involving cancellation of flights, schedule changes, re-routings, damage to or delay or loss of baggage, flight delays, equipment failures, accidents, pilot or other staff shortages, overbooking or computer errors. The liabilities and obligations of an airline to you, and your rights against an airline, are subject to any and all terms and conditions of the airline’s ticket and tariffs and all applicable governmental laws and regulations. Passengers who are booked by Holland America on a Holland America charter flight are guaranteed a reservation on the cruise ship. If a passenger confirmed on a Holland America charter flight is unable to board the ship due to cancellation or delay of the charter flight, the passenger will receive a full refund for the complete itinerary that includes the cruise fare, charter flight fee, and applicable taxes, fees and surcharges.

Overnight Hotel Accommodations

It may be necessary for passengers to overnight en route to or from their cruise due to airline schedules and/or availability. If deemed necessary, the cost of hotel accommodations is not included in the air price. Hotel options and costs will be communicated to and agreed by guests prior to being confirmed Passengers are always responsible for meals and items of a personal nature.

For some packages, Flight Ease guests may incur an additional air cost due to a stopover.

Hotel Packages

If you have booked your hotel accommodations through Holland America Line, transfers are included between the airport, hotel and ship. Please notify Holland America Line of your air travel schedule no later than 14 days prior to your arrival otherwise we will not be able to transfer you from the airport. If you booked your air travel through Holland America Line, then we already have your schedule.

Purchasing Transfers

Transfers may be purchased between select major airports and the ship and from ship to select major airports on the day of embarkation and disembarkation only, as well as airport to hotel and hotel to airport in Anchorage and Fairbanks. Transfers are available to Flight Ease® guests and to guests who have independent flight plans. Guests with independent flight arrangements must advise Holland America Line of their flight details at least 14 days prior to departure by completing on-line check-in.

Transfers are also available for purchase between select cities such as Amsterdam/Rotterdam, Ft. Lauderdale/Miami, Seattle/Vancouver and Seward/Anchorage connecting to and from Holland America ships. Transfers between select city center locations and Holland America ships are available in Amsterdam, Barcelona, London, Rotterdam, Rome and Sydney.

Reservations and payment are preferred 14 days prior to departure, but available up to 3 days before departure by calling:

US: 800-426-0327 5:00 am to 7:00 pm PT Monday-Friday and 6:00 am to 5:00 pm (Pacific Time) Saturday and Sunday.

UK: 0344 338 8605 9:00 am to 6:00 pm Monday-Friday and 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Saturday. The office is closed on Sunday.

AU: 1300 987 321 8:30 am to 7:00 pm Monday-Friday and 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Saturday. The office is closed on Sunday.

NL: 0800 724 5425 9:00 am to 6:00 pm Monday-Friday and 9:00 am to 4:00 pm Saturday. The office is closed on Sunday.

EU: 00800 1873 1873 9:00 am to 6:00 pm Monday-Friday and 9:00 am to 4:00 pm Saturday. The office is closed on Sunday.

Unused transfers are not refundable.

Accessible Transfer Requirements

If you have purchased a transfer through Holland America Line or have booked a Land+Sea Journey and require a lift vehicle, please have your travel advisor communicate with our Access & Compliance Department at 800-547-8493, as soon as possible, so we can arrange a special transfer or lift equipped motorcoach for your Land+Sea Journey. Please reconfirm any special transfer requirements for disembarkation with the Front Office after you board. For cities of embarkation and/or disembarkation, other than in the United States, wheelchair lift vehicles may not be available. Please call Access & Compliance for detailed information.

What are the boarding procedures?

Embarkation times are printed on the Boarding Pass page on Express Docs. Generally, however, early embarkation will commence at 12:00 p.m. There may be certain exceptions due to local governmental procedures. Due to new port security requirements at Port Everglades in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, we are unable to provide our guests with access to the cruise terminal prior to 11:00 a.m. Keep in mind that you must be on the ship at least one hour before departure, and the gangway will be pulled 30 minutes before sailing

New U.S. government security regulations require us to submit certain guest information to law enforcement authorities at least 60 minutes prior to departure. To meet this requirement, we must have the necessary information in our records at least 90 minutes before departure. If we do not have your information by this deadline, you will be unable to sail. Guests are urged to complete the Online Check-in process before leaving home. Guests who wait to check in at the terminal risk being unable to sail even if they arrive at the terminal before the vessel leaves. You will be responsible for all costs you incur to join the vessel at the next port.

Prior to boarding, you will pass through a security checkpoint. Next, you will be required to complete ship check-in formalities. Please note: Except for wine and champagne, alcoholic beverages may not be brought on board during embarkation or in ports of call. Bottles and other containers will be collected for safekeeping and delivered to your stateroom on the last day of the voyage.

Upon completion of check-in, you will receive a guest identification card equipped with a bar code. This card serves as your identification for security procedures when embarking and disembarking the ship and for making purchases on board. It is also your room key. Please have your card and photo identification ready and available whenever getting on or off the ship, as you will need to scan your card at the optical monitors located at the gangway.

IMPORTANT: For this procedure, you will need to present your travel documents and the required proof of citizenship. If you completed Online Check-In, you will need to present your  Boarding Pass. If you were unable to complete Online Check-In prior to your travel, please allow sufficient time to complete the immigration questionnaire (one per person) at the pier.

For more information on this and the documentation you will need to have with you, please review the FAQs under Cruise Preparation. You may also receive arrival documentation from Immigration when arriving at the airport. Please keep these available for check-in. The Front Office on board may require the collection of passports for cruises that travel from country to country to prepare for immigration formalities. You will receive a passport receipt upon collection of your passport, and will be advised on board when the passports will be redistributed.

When embarkation commences, our previous sailing guests will have just disembarked and we will still be in the process of preparing the vessel for your cruise. We anticipate that your stateroom will be ready at approximately 1:00 p.m. Therefore, we kindly ask you not to visit your stateroom until an announcement that the staterooms are ready has been made via the Public Address system. For security reasons, the loading of luggage, which you checked in at the terminal, will not commence until 1:00 p.m. Your luggage will arrive in your stateroom later in the afternoon, via your cabin steward. Please feel free to relax in the Public and Pool Areas. The Lido Restaurant embarkation buffet and the Pool Grill shall open at 11:30 a.m.

Our embarkation procedures are smooth and easy; you carry nothing but your hand luggage, and everything is beautifully organized so you will have no worries. It is truly a suitable prelude to your carefree holiday. Don’t miss the sail away festivities with our entertainment staff.

What about airport parking?

Park ‘N Fly offers discounted off-airport parking rates through the Park ‘N Fly Network offering service from more than 65 major airports nationwide as well as Port Everglades, Florida.

How do I plan for an early arrival?

If you’ve purchased a Holland America vacation package or hotel accommodations you will find information in your documents. Be sure to keep your documents on your person or in your carry-on bag so you can access them easily.

What about Florida Homeport Motorcoach Arrival?

Guests who are participating in our Florida Homeport Motorcoach Program must make arrangements to be picked up and dropped off at their designated meeting point, as overnight parking is not available. Pick-up/drop-off locations and meeting times are listed in your itinerary.

What are the procedures for disembarkation?

At the beginning of the cruise each guest will receive a disembarkation form that will allow them to coordinate transfers and baggage handling arrangements. Please fill out the form and return it to the Front Office as soon as possible.

Guests in each stateroom receive a disembarkation package near the conclusion of their cruise, which includes luggage tags, an assigned disembarkation time, and details about customs formalities, baggage handling, travel arrangements, and other important information regarding disembarkation.

On the last night of your cruise you will need to place your baggage outside your cabin before you retire. Please do not place your baggage over the emergency floor lighting. Please make sure that the appropriate baggage tags are affixed to your baggage, because the tags include your departing flight information.

Important: Holland America Line recommends that each guest keep all personal identification, airline tickets, customs forms, medications and other important items along with the clothes and shoes he or she intends to wear the last day. Place them in a carry-on bag or keep them with you so you can access them easily. Please remember that important items such as perishables, cash, credit or debit cards, jewelry, gold, silver or similar valuables, securities, financial instruments, records or other valuable or business documents, laptop computers, cellular telephones, cameras, or other video or electronic equipment, hearing aids, electric wheelchairs, scooters, binoculars, film, videotape, computer disks, audio disks, tapes or CDs should not be placed in the baggage you placed outside your stateroom.

On the morning of disembarkation, each guest must have settled their onboard account. Promotional credits are non-refundable. Cash deposits can be made on the last day of the cruise.

The ship’s estimated arrival time at the port of disembarkation is shown on your cruise itinerary.

Generally, the ship is subject to certain government procedural requirements upon arrival. Once completed, all guests will be allowed to disembark. Disembarkation is usually completed within two to four hours after the ship’s arrival. All guests are required to disembark the ship at this time. Outbound flights should be scheduled with plenty of time for transfers from the ship to the airport. The amount of time you allow to transfer from the ship to the airport will depend on the disembarkation port.

Please Note: The Signature Express Baggage service is the most relaxing and hassle free disembarkation Holland America Line offers.

Safety and Security

Regulatory framework

Cruise ship safety is governed by numerous international, federal, state, provincial and local laws and regulations. At the international level, regulation of our industry begins with the International Maritime Organization (IMO), a United Nations agency focused on the safety and security of shipping that is comprised of almost all of the countries in the world that have ships operating under their flags. The IMO, through its many assemblies, committees, boards and administrative offices, sets international standards that all passenger and cargo ships must comply with.

One of the most important set of rules that is established and enforced by the IMO is the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, referred to as SOLAS. SOLAS, which is regularly updated, establishes standards for constructing, equipping, manning and operating all passenger and cargo ships.

In addition to IMO requirements, every ship operates under the maritime laws of a specific country, referred to as the ship’s flag state. The ships of Holland America Line all fly the flag of the country of Netherlands and meet the standards established by that country for its vessels. To ensure that both the IMO and flag state rules are complied with, every ship is also required to be registered with one of the internationally-recognized Classification Societies; in the case of Holland America Line, it is Lloyds Register. The Classification Society carries out a full ship inspection once a year plus does additional surveys of important safety and other ship equipment on a set schedule that ensures this equipment is regularly examined and tested.

There are further inspections conducted by many of the countries that our ships visit. For example, any ship calling in a U.S. port is subject to a semi-annual Control Verification Inspection by the United States. Coast Guard during which almost an entire day is spent by Coast Guard personnel examining our lifesaving, nautical and other operating systems including observing mandatory emergency lifeboat drills. Additional safety, security and health inspections are carried out by other U.S. agencies including Customs and Border Protection, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Department of Agriculture.

Similar inspection programs exist around the world with particularly rigorous inspections performed throughout Europe and South America as well as in Canada, Australia, New Zealand and many other countries. These inspections ensure compliance with both IMO requirements as well, in the case of the United States, with a detailed set of special requirements under U.S. law that apply to ships calling in U.S. ports.

Hiring the right people

Every nautical and engineering officer on our ship has a government license either issued or approved by our flag state that confirms they have met the requirements for their position on the size of ships that we operate. These requirements vary by position and, as would be expected, are particularly rigorous for our senior officers. To obtain a license, they must have graduated from an accredited maritime college.

We try, to the maximum extent possible, to grow people within our company. We operate a comprehensive nautical and engineering cadet program whereby young women and men who are enrolled in maritime colleges are able to spend over a year on our ships supplementing their classroom education with onboard training. People who successfully complete their cadetship are offered positions as junior officers and, so long as they continue to demonstrate their proficiency and upgrade their licenses, promoted through the ranks.

All of our crew are appraised by a senior officer at the end of each sailing assignment. These appraisals form the basis for promotion decisions.

Shoreside, many of our people either have spent years first working on our ships or have other maritime experience. Several members of our management teams have joined us after first serving more than 20 years with the U.S. Coast Guard.

Company audits and inspections

Governmental inspections are always supplemented by internal audits and inspections conducted by internal personnel. Our goal is to identify any potential issues ourselves and address these immediately rather than leave it to regulators.

To ensure that happens, we have appointed a Designated Person who operates under the standards established by the International Management Code for the Safe Operation of Ships and for Pollution Prevention, commonly referred to as the ISM Code. The Designated Person, together with his/her staff, conducts multi-day, annual inspections of every ship. Furthermore, the Designated Person is given 24/7 direct access to our Chief Executive Officer to ensure that the necessary attention and resources can be brought to bear on any serious problem that might be identified.

In addition to our Designated Person inspections, we maintain an Audit Services Department that conducts its own audits and reviews of our ships. These audits include both total ship and focused audits. The results of those audits are reported both to our Chief Executive Officer as well as to a Committee of our parent company’s Board of Directors that was specifically created to ensure that audit findings are timely and effectively addressed by management.

It is also part of our operating practices that our senior management visits and sails on our ships as much as possible. Our senior management team operates under a “trust but verify” philosophy which means going on the ships and ensuring that our practices meet the requisite standards.

We also maintain a rigorous investigation program in our Seattle office that enables us to review safety incidents that need review, determine the root cause and implement corrective measures.

Finally but maybe most importantly, our onboard management teams, starting with the Captain, conduct regular inspections and self-audits throughout the entire ship. We have monthly safety and environmental self-audits that are performed on all of our ships. Furthermore, every senior officer inspects their area of responsibility on a regular basis. Our people understand to never assume that everything is being done as it should be. They are required to check and re-check.

Ship Design

All of our ships comply with and in many cases exceed the applicable SOLAS safety standards. Each Holland America Line ship has a double hull and is constructed with a collision bulkhead located near the bow of the ship to withstand significant impact. Our ships are subdivided into multiple watertight compartments separated by watertight doors that can all be closed from the ship’s bridge as well as at the door itself. The ships can sustain flooding in up to two adjacent compartments and still remain afloat. To maximize fire safety, our ships have sprinkler systems throughout passenger and crew areas together with enhanced fire suppression systems in machinery spaces. In addition, every ship is divided into fire zones that are separated by fire screen doors that can be operated from the ship’s bridge and fire-rated bulkheads in order to minimize the risk of fire spreading beyond one fire zone.

Each ship has several fire teams that drill together so they are prepared to respond to a fire. In these drills, our teams are trained to be assembled, suited up and in place to enter a fire area within minutes of an alarm being sounded. During these drills, the firefighting teams practice implementing plans that have been developed to provide guidance for fighting fires in the different parts of a ship. We also conduct live fire drills at training facilities around the world and have expert trainers on our full-time payroll who regularly visit all of our ships several times during the year.

Every ship has a stand-by emergency diesel generator located on one of the top decks that is automatically connected whenever there is a main engine room failure. The emergency diesel generator is tested regularly and ensures that critical safety systems and lighting can be maintained in the event of a power loss. Every ship is equipped with damage control equipment that enables the ship to effectively respond to a hull breach should that occur.

Holland America Line ships contain the latest safety technology and safety systems including but not limited to:

Structural stability software programs which ensure the weight of fuel, wastewater and other onboard supplies are properly distributed to maintain structural integrity.

State-of-the-art navigational systems:

Global Positioning Systems (GPS) to precisely locate our position on the sea.

Radar to precisely locate other vessels along our path.

Automatic Identification Systems (AIS) that enable our ships to be located and identified should there be a communications failure.

Echo sounders for measuring the depth of water.

Fire safety systems include:

Automated fire detection systems.

Sprinkler systems throughout the ships

Hi-Fog systems in the Engine Room and Incinerators

CO2 or Similar Fire Suppression Systems

Fuel System Shut-Off Valves in the Engine Control Room

Audible smoke alarms in all staterooms and public areas.

Kitchen exhaust fire-suppression systems.

Passenger Emergency Drills

Passenger Emergency Drills take place in the port of embarkation before the ship leaves the dock so that guests know where to go and what to do if an alarm is sounded. During this drill, passengers will be provided clear instructions to be followed in the event of an emergency, including how to find their muster station, the essential actions they must take in an emergency, and the method of donning lifejackets. These drills are mandatory for all passengers and non-compliance may result in disembarkation. A passenger safety video is available for viewing on the guest channel from start of embarkation and continuing until 24 hours after departure.

Training and Drills

With changes in technology and governmental requirements and recognizing that we always need to be ahead of the learning curve when it comes to ship operations, our people attend training courses both ashore and onboard that either we arrange or that are put together by others. We also have a comprehensive Computer Based Training (CBT) program offering hundreds of courses that can be taken whenever time permits.

Our mandatory training includes week-long sessions in an actual simulator. We and our sister companies have developed the Center for Simulator Maritime Training (CSMART) at Almere in the Netherlands, where we have state-of-the-art bridge and engine room simulators. At CSMART, our people are placed in a room that is outfitted with the same equipment as they would find on our ships. With the benefit of large video screens, computer technology and databases that contain maps of ports and other areas of operation, our people are run through simulations of actual conditions and circumstances they could expect to encounter. In this way, they can practice responses to simulated emergencies.

To ensure that training is effective, our people are regularly drilled so that should an actual emergency ever occur, they are ready to respond. These drills include, among others, fire drills, abandon ship drills, lifeboat lowering drills, medical emergencies, and bomb threats.

We hold drills in our Seattle office to ensure that we are prepared to respond should one of our ships require help. Several times a year, we activate our Incident Command Center in Seattle and, for several hours, we deal with a simulated emergency, the nature of which is not disclosed in advance to the participants. During these simulations which are done in conjunction with one of our ships, we have dozens of people in our Incident Command Center going through the kind of stresses and decisions that they would encounter in case of a real marine casualty.

We also hold periodic drills with regulatory authorities. For example, in conjunction with the U.S. Coast Guard, State of Alaska and City of Ketchikan, AK we recently conducted a Mass Rescue Exercise in which we simulated how we would deal with an “abandon ship” scenario in which thousands of people would be brought ashore.

Prohibited Items

The following list is provided to assist in determining what items are not allowed onboard without a valid, lawful reason. This is not an all-inclusive list, and there may be other items found at the checkpoint that may be dangerous and that should not be allowed onboard.

• All firearms including non-firing weapons. An exception to this rule are law enforcement agents acting in an official capacity and certified armed security guards acting in an official capacity (with full permission of the ship’s Master).
• All forms of ammunition, explosive materials and propellants, projectiles of all kinds, cartridges.
• All imitation or replica weapons including de-commissioned weapons, those not capable of being fired and realistic imitation/toy weapons.
• Air/Pellet guns or any other variety of projectile-firing weapon.
• All explosives and explosive device components including but not limited to military, civilian and safety devices, detonators, detonation cords, blasting caps, smoke cartridges, grenades, mines, imitation explosives/devices.
• Fireworks, Flares and Pyrotechnics
• Knives with a blade over 6.35 cm (2 ½ inches), or ½ inch at widest point. This includes bladed weapons, sharp pointed weapons, daggers, sabers, swords, axes, ice axes, hatchets, straight razors (shaving safety razors are allowed), razor blades not in a cartridge, box cutters, ice picks, meat cleavers and utility knives.
• Concealed bladed weapons such as belt buckles knives, cane and umbrella knives/swords, pen knives and credit card knives.
• Recreational Diver’s Knives unless accompanied by other diving/snorkeling equipment and a valid diving ID card/license (must be held in the custody of the Security Officer). Dive knives may be checked out/in by the owner for dive excursions during the cruise.
• Diver’s spears and spear guns/slings.
• Ceremonial knives/swords as well as entertainment props are at times permitted with prior notification from the Fleet Security Department (must be held on-board in the same manner as dive knives).
• Flick knives, gravity knives, switchblades or lock knives. Small locking pocket knives with blade lengths less than 6.35 cm (2 ½ inches) and widths ½ inch or less are allowed.
• Scissors with blades longer than 4 inches.
• Telescopic or regular truncheons/batons/clubs/coshes/nightsticks/billy clubs/blow pipes/ASPs and or any other item made, adapted or intended for use as an offensive weapon.
• Archery equipment including crossbows and bolts.
• Catapults
• Martial Arts Equipment including flails, throwing stars, nunchakus/nunchucks, kubatons, bostaff, etc.
• Knuckle dusters, brass knuckles, or any other item constructed for use as a weapon in hand-to-hand combat.
• Stun Guns, Tasers or any other electroshock device.
• Handcuffs
• Items containing Incapacitating Substances such as gas guns, tear gas sprays, pepper/mace cartridges, phosphorus, acid and other dangerous chemicals that could be used to maim or disable.
• Flammable liquids and hazardous chemicals/substances including gasoline/petrol, cooking fuel, acid, spill able batteries (except those in wheelchairs), phosphorous, oil, lighter fluid (common lighters are permitted), methylated spirits, paint thinners, turpentine, spray paint, chlorine, bleach, and any other dangerous chemicals that could burn, maim, incapacitate or disable.
• Compressed gas bottles/cylinders including propane tanks and aerosol cans (except for personal care or toiletries in limited quantities). Dive Tanks are not permitted, empty or full. Medical gas bottles are allowed in connection with a certified medical condition but cannot be packed in baggage. Oxygen cylinders must be delivered to the Purser’s Office and stored in a designated safe area. Oxygen cylinders are not x-rayed.
• Drones also referred to as Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) or Remotely Piloted Aerial Vehicle (RPA), and any other remote controlled aerial devices/toys.
• Any other item made, adapted or intended for use as a weapon.
• Hookah and Water Hookah Pipes, candles and incense, strike-anywhere matches, clothing irons, heating pads, hot plates, kettles, coffee makers, toasters and other electronic cooking appliances.
• Alcohol in violation of the company alcohol policy.
• All illegal drugs, including medications without proper prescriptions. This includes legal intoxicant synthetic or “designer” drugs also known as “Legal Highs” such as Lysergamides, Opioids, Methoxetamine, Synthetic Cannabis, Betel Nuts or Kava (Cava).
• Medical Marijuana
• Poisons
• Noxious Items
• Baseball bats, hockey sticks, cricket bats, lacrosse sticks, pool cues, ski poles, and skateboards.
• Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRB), Ham radios, transformers, lasers, laser pointers, *electric extension cords with surge protectors.
• Bicycles
• Tools of trade/hobby including any type of hand or power tool. This includes hammers, drills, drill bits, crow bars, saws, power saws, chef/cooking knives/utensils, tools greater than 7 inches in length such as screwdrivers, wrenches and pliers (unless prior authorization is provided by Corporate Headquarters and strict controls are maintained on-board).
• Surfboards – (Boogie boards no longer than 42 inches in length are allowed).
• Coolers, only coolers approximately 12 x 12 x 12 inches in size (holds 6-12 cans of non-alcoholic beverages) are allowed. Guests carrying larger sizes will be directed to return them to their vehicle. If the guest is without a vehicle, the cooler will be destroyed in the same manner as other prohibited items.
  Exception: if the cooler is larger and contains baby food/formula, kosher food/special diet food or medication — these must be hand-carried. Coolers cannot be accepted as checked baggage. Whenever there is doubt an embarkation supervisor or shipboard personnel can be contacted to make the decision.
• Scooters (only permitted if used for mobility), boats/canoes/kayaks, Segways (only permitted ashore if used for mobility limitations – cannot be used onboard the ship ), Heely Shoes, Hoverboards/self-balancing scooters.

*    Electrical devices such as small fans, power strips, multi plug box outlets/adaptors, and extension cords without surge protectors are allowed onboard when used with proper caution.  However, if such devices are determined to pose a hazard they will be removed and returned the last day of the cruise prior to debark.

The above list is not exhaustive. The SSO/Staff Captain are authorized to make a professional judgment as to the legality of any item declared, detected or discovered on board.

Cruise Preparation

Express Docs FAQ’s

Online Check-in can now be completed in English, Dutch, Spanish and German.

Preparing for your Holland America Line cruise is now easier, faster and more convenient. With Express Docs you can access comprehensive, up-to-date information on all aspects of your cruise. You can review your personalized information, print only what you want and have convenient access to everything you need for your cruise in one place. And it’s easy to email — or leave copies of — your itinerary and important information with friends and family. No more waiting for mailed documents.

The Express Docs notification arrives electronically approximately 50 days before departure (after your final payment has been made).

Express Docs are a part of our ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship and conservation.

Q — What is the difference between paper documents and Express Docs?
A — Paper documents are the traditional printed documents presented in the blue pouch and are received in the mail approximately 45-30 days prior to departure. Paper documents are issued only for the Grand World and/or Grand Voyage bookings. All other voyages will receive Express Docs

Express Docs provide the same information in electronic format and are available for you to access at your convenience for each person on the booking. Express Docs are available online 24/7, approximately 50 days prior to departure at www.hollandamerica.com.

Q — What are the benefits of having Express Docs?
A — There are several benefits to having Express Docs:

You may access Express Docs online 24/7 at your convenience, approximately 50 days prior to departure.

You may print selected pages or the entire Express Docs form.

Each person on a booking can have his or her own set of Express Docs.

It’s easy to leave copies of your itinerary with your family or friends.

There is no need to wait for documents to be reissued when you add a package or make a change to your booking.

There is more time to review your itinerary for accuracy.

There is no charge to have Express Docs reissued.

While you are online, it is easy to view your Personalized Shore eBrochure, or customize your cruise itinerary by scheduling shore excursions, dining experiences and spa treatments.

Express Docs are a more environmentally friendly option.

With Express Docs, international guests no longer run the risk of document delivery delays at the border.

Q — Are Express Docs available for all cruises?
A — Grand Voyages will receive traditional paper documents due to the extensive itinerary detail required for these complex and longer voyages. Express Docs are provided for all other cruise products, including Land+Sea Journeys.

Q — When will I be able to access my documents?
A —Once Online Checkin is complete, the booking is paid in full, and the cruise is approximately 50 days prior to departure, you may access your Express Docs online 24/7.

Q — How will I know when Express Docs are ready for my booking?
A —Once the booking is paid in full and the cruise is approximately 50 days prior to departure, Holland America Line will send an email to each guest booked to notify you that Express Docs are ready.

Q — What does the email notification from Holland America Line look like?
A — The email from Holland America Line has the Booking Number in the subject line. A separate email is sent for each booked guest.

Q — I have not received the e-mail notification for my Express Docs. Can you re-send it?
A — The email notification cannot be re-sent; however, reminder notices are scheduled to be sent at approximately 30 days and 14 days prior to departure for those guests who have not yet completed their Online Check-in. If the booking is paid in full and within 50 days of travel, you may go to www.hollandamerica.com and select the links for Online Check-in.

Q — What if I do not have an email address or do not wish to provide my email address?
A — In order for us to provide notification that your Express Docs are ready, all guests must provide their email address to register & complete their online check-in. We will also send a notification to your travel advisor.

Q — Why is a notification sent to each guest booked?
A — It is a requirement that each guest complete the Online Check-in process and review the cruise contract to access his or her Express Docs.

Q — I find some of the wording on my Express Docs is too small on the screen to read comfortably.
A — Express Docs are presented in a .pdf format that can be easily enlarged by clicking on the zoom-in tool in the toolbar.

Q — With Express Docs, how will I receive luggage tags?
A — We have two convenient ways for you to obtain your luggage tags:

Printable luggage tags are available at the Online Check-In start page and include your name, stateroom and departure date. You may select to print up to 10 additional tags at a time.

Luggage tags are available from Holland America Line staff at the pier or at the port city airport. Your luggage will follow normal processing and loading on to the ship from this point.

Q — Why does my luggage tag have a box with a number and letters in it next to the stateroom number?
A — This box indicates the deck number and general location of the stateroom to facilitate delivery of your luggage to your stateroom at embarkation.

Q — Do the luggage tags need to be printed in color?
A — You may print either in color or black and white.

Q — Why are my luggage tags printing with the wrong stateroom number?
A — Sometimes having multiple Adobe files open at the same time can cause information to display incorrectly. If this happens, try closing and reopening the browser. This should correct the problem.

Q — Will Express Docs include flight, hotel and transfer information?
A — Yes, all the required information is contained in Express Docs, including flight itineraries, hotel and transfer details.

For guests with the Flight Ease®, updated flight information is available through the end of flight travel at http://www.hollandflightease.com/. Please use password: hollandamerica (no space)

The Reservation number can be found in your Express Docs on the air travel and arrival information page. Since arrival and departure times are subject to last minute changes by the airlines, we recommend that you call your airline(s) 24 hours before your initial flight departure (72 hours for international flights) to verify all of the flight numbers, and departure and arrival times shown on your ticket. Plan to be at the airline counter at least two hours before flight time for domestic flights and three (3) hours before flight time for international flights. Guests are responsible for arranging special air travel related service requests such as, advance seat assignments, in-flight meal requests, wheelchairs and any other airline services. Baggage fees are the guest’s responsibility. Holland America Line and its onboard staff are not able confirm flights from on board our vessels.

Q — Do I need vouchers for my transfers?
A — Holland America Line has gone voucher-less for most services. There are a few limited services that will still require vouchers. If vouchers are needed, they will be included in the Express Docs.

Q — I have opted for a guarantee stateroom. When will my Express Docs show a stateroom number?
A — Guarantee staterooms may be assigned at any time prior to travel and up until embarkation day. Express Docs will show a stateroom number if it has been assigned but will otherwise show \”To be assigned\”. If you have printed your Express Docs prior to the stateroom assignment, you may wish to check back prior to departure to see if a stateroom has been assigned. Otherwise, there will be staff available at the pier to advise you of your stateroom number as you fill out your luggage tags.

Q — Is information regarding what I should know before I depart for my cruise still available with Express Documents?
A — Yes, the Know Before You Go document provides details on topics such as General Information, Cruise Preparation, Last-Minute Checklist, Arrival Advice, Shipboard Life, and Disembarkation is available online as a link at the bottom of the Online Check-in start page. This can be accessed at any time after the booking has been made. It is also available in the For Booked Guests section of the web site.

Q — Where can I locate information regarding the accessibility I need while on my cruise?
A — This information can be located in the Know Before You Go document available online. Information for guests with disabilities can be found within the General Information section, while details regarding accessible transportation needs for transfers can be found under the Arrival Advice section. You may also find information about accessible cruising in the For Booked Guests section of the website.

Q — If I make a change to my booking, will I be charged a fee to reissue the documents?
A — We will not charge document reissue fees for Express Docs. Your updated Express Docs information will be available online. Air fees and Cancel Policy fees may apply. If you have any questions at all, please call the travel advisor with whom you made your booking.

Q — Is there a deadline for completing the Online Check-in process and accessing my Express Docs?
A —In order to have the most accurate information available onboard your voyage, we recommend that you complete the Online Check-in process at least 30 days prior to departure.

Q — If I did not fill out my immigration forms online prior departure, do I need to check in early at the pier?
A — We recommend that you arrive at the pier approximately three (3) hours prior to ship departure time to allow sufficient time for pier-side check-in.

Q — Can I print out my Express Docs without completing the Online Check-in?
A — We do require that the Online Check-in be completed before the Express Docs can be printed. If the Online Check-in is still incomplete three (3) days prior to ship departure, Express Docs will still be available for printing; however, you will need to provide this information again at the pier.

Q — Do I need to print the entire Express Docs packet for each person traveling with me?
A — To expedite the checkin process at the pier, we recommend that guests print out one full copy of their Express Docs for their party along with the first page and any applicable vouchers for each guest traveling. Guests who are cruising together but have opted for different hotel or tour packages should also print out one full copy of their Express Docs for each traveler.

Q — How do I select only the pages I want to print in Internet Explorer?
A — After completing Online Check-in, your Express Docs will be displayed. Click on the Printer Icon. Under page range you may select which pages you would like to print. Select “All” to print all pages. The “Current View” and “Current Page” options allow you to print just the page that is pictured to the right.You may also select specific pages you would like to print by typing the page numbers in the box next to “Pages”.For example if you just want to print pages 2 and 3. After you select the pages you would like to print, click on the “OK” button to complete printing.

Q — I have a Mac® computer and am having trouble printing my Express Docs. What can I do to get them printed?
A — If you are using an Apple® Safari® browser, you may need to upgrade to a newer version of Safari or install a Firefox® browser. Another option is to install Adobe® Reader® and set it to be the default reader for the Internet.

Q — How do I set up “My Account” with Holland America Line?
A — Go to https://www.hollandamerica.com/ and click the MY ACCOUNT — LOGIN and follow the easy registration process. (See screen shots below)

Q — What information do I need to register?
A — You will need to enter your name, a valid email address and a password.

Q — How do I access my Express Docs?
A — On https://www.hollandamerica.com/, go to the Check-in link and start the CHECK-IN AND BOARDING PASS process (see below).

Q — Where do I enter my Holland America Line Booking Number and Last Name?
A — Once you have clicked on the Online Check-in button, enter the booking number and name in the designated fill-in boxes. (See below) Then click CONTINUE.

Q — Is it possible to check in for both my travel companion and myself at the same time?
A — Yes, check the ‘All Guests’ button, then click the ‘Continue’ button.

Q — I am taking a Land+Sea Journey. Will I receive paper documents?
A — We now provide Journey guests with Express Docs. This allows you the same convenience of accessing your documents online as you have for cruise only bookings.

Q — Will I need vouchers for my Land+Sea Journey?
A — Holland America Line has gone voucherless for most services. If vouchers are needed they will print in your Express Docs.

Q — Do I need special luggage tags for my Land+Sea Journey?
A — You will receive any necessary luggage tags for your land tour while on your tour. For details regarding the Journey luggage program, please refer to the Alaska Land + Sea Journey tips document available at the Online Check-In start page.

Do I need a Visa?

Some countries require that you obtain and carry with you official documentation, called a visa, before entering that country. It is your sole responsibility to obtain and have available the proper travel documents necessary for your travel, including all associated costs related to obtaining your travel documents. Boarding may be denied if you arrive at the pier without the proper travel documentation, and in that case you would not be eligible for a refund.

Visa and documentation requirements vary by nationality and destination. Please review your itinerary and verify your specific travel requirements. Because governmental travel requirements change periodically, you should check with a visa service or the consulate of each country you will visit no later than three (3) weeks prior to sailing to verify travel documentation. If you are booked on consecutive sailings, please insure you are able to obtain all required visas and vaccinations for all ports on your itinerary.

As a courtesy, Holland America provides some information as to necessary travel documents, visas and vaccinations. Guests are still obligated to verify such information with the appropriate authorities. The information provided on this site was correct at the time of publishing and is subject to change at any time.

Multiple Entries: Different ports of call do not constitute a separate entry unless the ship visits a different country in between.

Visa Waiver Program Requirements

The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) allows foreign nationals from certain countries to travel to the United States for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa when they meet all requirements.

All Visa Waiver Program countries are required to hold valid machine readable passports that include specified security features (biometric identifiers) in order to enter the United States. A biometric identifier is an electronic scan of a physical feature, such as an eye, hand, fingerprint, or face. This will allow immigration inspectors to verify your identity. In addition, travelers are required to have an electronic travel authorization via the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). Details on this program as well as the participating VWP countries can be found below.

Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA)

Electronic System for Travel Authorization is an automated system that determines the eligibility of visitors to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program.

ALL VWP travelers to the U.S. will be required to complete an online application and obtain ESTA authorization prior to boarding a carrier by air or sea to the United States. We suggest that guests visit www.cbp.gov/travel/international-visitors/esta for additional information regarding the ESTA.

Guests will need to print and carry their ESTA application response as it will need to be presented at the pier along with your passport. An ESTA will need to be completed for each family member traveling on the cruise. Travelers who have not obtained ESTA approval should expect to be denied boarding on any air carrier bound for the U.S.

Citizens of the following countries (excluding U.S. Permanent Residents) that participate in the Visa Waiver Program must possess an ESTA for entry into the United States: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei Darussalam, Chile, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxemburg, Malta, Monaco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan and United Kingdom*

*United Kingdom – only British citizens with the unrestricted right of permanent residence in England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man are eligible to enter the United States with ESTA.

Note: Citizens of Curacao, Bonaire, St. Eustatius, Saba and St. Maarten (from the former Netherland Antilles) are not eligible to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program, if they are applying for admission with passports from these countries.

Applications may be submitted at any time prior to travel, however, DHS recommends that applications be submitted no less than 72 hours prior to travel. In most cases you will receive a response within seconds:

Authorization Approved

Travel Not Authorized: Traveler must obtain a nonimmigrant visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate before traveling to the U.S.

Authorization Pending: Traveler will need to check the ESTA website for updates within 72 hours to receive a final response.

NOTE: An approved travel authorization will be:

Required for all VWP travelers prior to boarding

Valid, unless revoked, for up to two years or until the traveler’s passport expires, whichever comes first

Valid for multiple entries: and Not a guarantee of admissibility to the United States

For more details please go to the US Department of State’s Visa Waiver Program page.

Schengen Visas

Under the Schengen Agreement, citizens of certain countries will need a valid visa to transit through any country in the Schengen area. There are currently 26 European countries that participate in the Schengen Agreement. The agreement removes all internal border controls between the participating countries. Once you enter a Schengen country, you may travel continuously for up to 90 days within the member countries. A multiple-entry visa will be required if a non-Schengen country is visited in between visits to Schengen countries. Most NON-European nationals will need a Schengen visa to travel within Europe.

The following countries are part of the Schengen Agreement: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, (including Monaco), Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Malta, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

Visa requirements vary depending on the passport under which you are traveling and the countries being visited. Proper travel documentation is required at embarkation and throughout the cruise. We strongly suggest that guests visit https://visaguide.world/europe/schengen-visa/ for additional Schengen Visa information and check with the appropriate embassy or consulate of the countries you will be visiting for specific travel documentation requirements. Be sure to provide the complete itinerary of the cruise so that the embassy or consulate can provide the correct information. Guests may also contact VisaCentral or other local visa service for assistance.

U.S. and Canadian citizens do not require a Schengen visa.

Visas on Arrival

Most nationalities can obtain the following visas onboard when arriving with the ship. Holland America will take care of the procurement of these visas. Generally there is a minimal fee for the visa charged to your shipboard account. However, should the situation be altered by the country being visited, you will be advised at the earliest possible opportunity. Please verify whether the visa on arrival is applicable to your specific nationality:

Cambodia, Jordan, Kenya, Mozambique, Myanmar, Tanzania, Timor-Leste, United Arab Emirates, Vietnam

Visa Processing

Visa processing can vary by destination and submission location. It may also be longer during peak seasons or when embassies are closed. We recommend that you obtain all visas as early as possible to assure you are prepared to travel without interruption.

Traveling to Canada

Affecting all Alaska sailings, Alaska tours and Canada & New England sailings that visit or transit Canada:

Guests who are not citizens of the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia or New Zealand, may require a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) to visit or transit Canada. You will be DENIED BOARDING without compensation if you do not hold the proper VISA documents. Canadian officials WILL NOT allow guests to remain onboard while in a Canadian port without proper documentation.

If you are a NON-US or NON-Canadian citizen and are arriving to Canada by air, you may require an Electronic Travel Authority (eTA) to fly to or transit through Canada even if you do not require a TRV.

To verify whether your nationality requires a Canadian visa or eTA, please contact your local Canadian consulate or visit this Canadian immigration Web site, which may be useful to determine what is required.

Please be aware that the visa for Canada must be obtained regardless of whether you choose to remain onboard or go ashore. If you require a visa it must be obtained in advance. Processing times vary citizenship and may take up to 45 days to process. Without a visa, you will be denied boarding without a refund.

Guests who have committed or been convicted of a crime may not be allowed into Canada. Almost all convictions (including DUI, DWI, reckless driving, negligent driving, misdemeanor drug possession, all felonies, domestic violence [assault IV], shoplifting, theft, etc.) make a person inadmissible to Canada, regardless of how long ago they occurred.

It is recommended that persons who have been charged in the past or who have past convictions obtain the necessary documents before attempting to enter Canada.

To learn more about applying for these documents we strongly recommend you visit the following website for details: Read more about applying for these documents

Traveling to Sri Lanka

An Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is required prior to arrival to Sri Lanka for all guests who wish to go ashore while the ship is in port as well as for guests who will be embarking or disembarking in Sri Lanka. This ETA can be obtained online through the following website: www.eta.gov.lk.

After completion of the application, a print-out of the confirmation must be printed to show immigration authorities upon arrival. A transit visa with single entry for two (2) days is required for most voyages.

Guests visiting on two separate occasions may require a double entry visa available for purchase on the website. Those that do not wish to go ashore in Sri Lanka can remain onboard without the ETA but would not be allowed to go ashore for any reason.

Please Note: The ETA is only valid for 30 days after the date of issue. Guests may need to use internet services onboard the ship if their arrival to Sri Lanka is more than 30 days after their date of sailing.

Traveling to Australia

An ETA (Electronic Travel Authority) or visa is required for Australia and must be obtained prior to sailing. You will be asked to present your Australian ETA or visa at check in so please insure you have a printed copy with you. Please note: The ETA is linked to the passport number used in the application. Please make sure to use the same passport to travel with.

The Australian ETA is not available to all nationalities. Please visit the following website to verify your eligibility for an ETA or if a standard Australian visa must be obtained: https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/trav/visa-1

Traveling to New Zealand

Most guests, excluding Australian and New Zealand passport holders, are required to obtain a New Zealand visa or an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) to visit New Zealand after October 1, 2019. To determine your visa requirements for New Zealand, please visit https://www.immigration.govt.nz/ or download the ETA mobile app. ETA requests may be submitted via the website or app beginning in July 2019.

Most visitors to New Zealand will also be subject to a $35.00 NZD International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL). This fee enables multiple entries into New Zealand and is payable at the time you obtain your visa or ETA.

Guests are required to obtain a New Zealand visa or ETA independently in advance of their cruise and bring a printed copy to cruise check-in. Guests who require one and do not present it at cruise check-in may be denied boarding.

Traveling to Timor-Leste

A visa for Timor is required and must be obtained onboard for a fee for all guests who wish to go ashore. If you do not wish to go ashore you are not required to obtain this visa.

Timor requires that all guests arriving to Timor via the Dili seaport obtain their visa upon arrival, however, due to restrictions and ship processing times, this must be done onboard. Guests do not have the option to purchase their visa in port upon arrival as individual visa applications may create delays in the ships immigration clearance. Visa processing must be done onboard prior to arrival.

Only guests arriving to Timor by land have the option to secure their visa in advance of travel. For more information please visit: http://www.migracao.gov.tl/

Traveling to Brazil

U.S., Canadian, Dutch, German, Australian, New Zealand, Swiss, Austrian, Mexican, Romanian, UK and Japanese nationals do not require a visa for Brazil.

Citizens of countries not listed above should visit their local Brazilian Consulate for proper information. Guests arriving to the airport without proper documentation will not be allowed to board the aircraft. Guests arriving to the pier without the proper documentation will not be allowed to embark the ship and will not be eligible for a refund.

Holland America Line is not able to make visa arrangements en route or upon arrival.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at 1-800-577-1728.

Traveling to Mainland China

We recommend that all guests obtain a visa for China. While there are some visa-free options available, China maintains a complicated visa regime and all requirements must be met. Should you fail to obtain a visa and not satisfy the requirements to enter and exit China visa-free, you could face fines or be denied entry to China.

U.S. citizens eligible for Chinese short term tourist visas can now obtain multiple-entry visas valid for up to 10 years.

Traveling to Hong Kong, China

Hong Kong is not part of Mainland China. Nationals of Australia, Austria, Brazil, Canada, Germany, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Romania, Switzerland, the U.S. and the UK do not require a visa for Hong Kong.

Traveling to India

A visa for India is required whether you choose to stay onboard or go ashore. This visa must be obtained in advance of your voyage and cannot be obtained upon arrival. You will be denied boarding if you do not have the required visa for India.

Guests now have the option to obtain a traditional visa for India or an eTV (Electronic Tourist Visa) for voyages visiting Mumbai, Cochin or Mangalore seaports. The eTV will require two blank passport pages. The traditional Indian visa will require one blank passport page. All guests will undergo face-to-face screening by Indian immigration upon arrival to India.

Guests can apply for an eTV at: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html. You will be able to pay for and process the eTV online. The eTV must be obtained at least 4 days in advance of travel, and cannot be obtained more than 120 days before travel. Guests must bring a print-out of their eTV showing “GRANTED” with them to the pier.

In order to process your visa application, it may be requested that you provide an address of contact in India. Please use the following:

J.M. Baxi and Company
Colaco Building,
Swatantrya Path
Vasco-da-Gama
Goa
403 802
India
Phone: +91 832 2510483

Traveling to Turkey

If you are embarking or disembarking the ship in Turkey, you must have a visa for Turkey prior to arrival.

If your visit to Turkey is mid-cruise, you are considered “in transit” and do not need a visa however you must ensure that your passport is valid for 60 days from the date of arrival to Turkey.

If you are participating in a pre- or post- tour, an Overland Adventure or Overnight tour and are entering the country by land or air during the tour, you will need to arrange for your visa prior to sailing.

Please Note: Nationals from Brazil, Germany, New Zealand, Romania and Switzerland do not require a visa for Turkey.

Traveling to Russia

Nationals of Australia, Austria, Brazil, Canada, Germany, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Romania, Switzerland, the USA and the UK may require a visa for Russia.

If you are not going ashore you are not required to obtain a Russian visa.

If you are participating on a Holland America Line sponsored shore excursion, Holland America Line will provide a blanket visa. This visa covers all nationalities.

If you plan to sightsee independently or wish to go ashore prior to, or after participating on a Holland America Line sponsored shore excursion, you must obtain an individual Russian visa prior to sailing.

Reciprocal Fee for Passengers Entering Chile

The Chilean Government is charging an entry fee for the following citizens entering Chile through the International Airport. Travelers entering by land or sea do not pay this fee.

Fees are subject to change at any time without notice.

Australian Citizens – USD $117
Mexican Citizens – USD $23

This charge is good for the life of your passport. This fee is not a visa.

What do I need to know about customs?

In order to make returning home as smooth and easy as possible, please take note of the following tips. For more information, consult your Customs Agency. Guests returning to the United States can also check the official website of U.S. Customs and Border Protection at https://www.cbp.gov.

Registering Your Valuables

We strongly recommend that you register your valuables with Customs before leaving home. This should be done well in advance of travel at a Customs office near your home. Items that should be registered generally include those not manufactured in your country. If you cannot prove that you owned an item prior to departure, Customs officials may charge you duty to bring it back into your country. Customs pays particular attention to cameras (including special lenses and video equipment), binoculars, radios, laptop computers, foreign-made watches and other similar appliances. Customs officials will not be available at the ship during check-in to register valuables.

Transportation of Currency

You may take as much currency or as many monetary instruments as you wish on your trip. However, if you take out or bring into the United States more than US$10,000, you are required by law to file a report with the U.S. Customs Service. Please remember that many other countries have a similar policy when going ashore and you will be subject to their currency allowances at the current exchange rate.

Customs Allowance

Each U.S. resident is usually allowed a duty-free exemption of US$800; it may be more or less depending upon your itinerary and recent travel outside the country. An additional US$1,000-worth of articles may be brought in and taxed at a reduced flat duty rate. After an absence of seven days or more, Canadian citizens may bring back to Canada up to CA$750 worth of duty-free merchandise, which may include a maximum of 40 ounces of liquor or wine and 200 cigarettes. Guests who are neither U.S. nor Canadian citizens should check with the Customs agency in their country for allowance information before departing. Additional information concerning Customs matters will be provided during your cruise.

Are there any vaccination requirements?

This information is provided as general guidance. Governmental and medical vaccination requirements vary considerably for different areas of the world, and are subject to change at any time. Guests are responsible for verifying the actual requirements and recommendations at the time of sailing. Holland America Line assumes no liability for the guest’s failure to do so.

We recommend seasonal influenza vaccinations for all guests. On sailings that require other vaccinations, such as Yellow Fever or Malaria, it is important to obtain your vaccinations in time for them to take effect (6-8 weeks) prior to sailing. Furthermore, you are strongly urged to seek advice from your primary care physician, the Department of Public Health, the World Health Organization (WHO) or the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to identify any specific vaccination or health precautions required for each port of call on your itinerary.

An international certificate, approved by the World Health Organization, is the best medium for verification that inoculations and vaccinations have been satisfactorily performed, and is accepted by health officials at all ports of call. Failure to have the proper documents may result in refusal of passage by Customs and Immigration authorities.

Do I need a Passport?

Each country has its own entry requirements, and guests assume personal responsibility for having the necessary documents when boarding. Holland America Line highly recommends that all guests carry a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the completion date of your travel. Having a passport will enable you to fly from the U.S. to a foreign port in the event you miss your scheduled embarkation or to fly back to the U.S. if you need to disembark the ship mid-cruise due to an emergency.

Passports are normally surrendered to and held by the pursers on board to facilitate clearances in ports of call. It is prudent to photocopy the identification page of your passport and pack it separately, in case of loss or damage to the original.

Your name on your travel documents (passport, Alien Resident card, birth certificate, etc.) must be identical to those on your cruise documents. Otherwise, proof of name change (e.g. a marriage license) with a valid driver’s license (or other government issued photo ID) must be presented. Any discrepancies may prevent travel.

PLEASE NOTE: In addition, visas or other documents may be required, depending on your citizenship or residency and the itinerary. It is your sole responsibility to obtain all necessary documents for all ports of call on your itinerary. Requirements for your voyage may be found on Holland America Line’s website or by calling your travel advisor, Holland America, or a advisor visa service. Boarding may be denied or fines may be levied against those guests without proper documentation. Payment of any fines levied is the responsibility of the individual guest.

For U.S. and Canadian Citizens:

Travel by Land or Sea: Travel document requirements vary based on cruise itinerary and whether international flights are required. Passports or Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) compliant documents are required for cruises to Alaska, Bermuda, Canada, Caribbean, Hawaii, Mexico and the Panama Canal. U.S. and Canadian citizens ages 16 and above may present one of the following valid WHTI-compliant documents:

Passport (recommended travel document) (valid for travel by air, land and sea)

Passport Card (valid for land and sea border crossings only)

U.S. or Canadian Issued Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) – (valid for land and sea border crossings only, not valid on Yukon Land+Sea Journeys due to air travel included in the journey)*

Other documents approved by the Department of Homeland Security

For a list of approved documents visit: https://www.cbp.gov/travel/us-citizens/western-hemisphere-travel-initiative.

*The EDL driver’s license, or non-driver photo identification, is offered in the U.S. states of Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont and Washington and in the Canadian provinces of British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec, to applicants that can prove identity and citizenship.

Please note the EDL is not the same as an Enhanced (or Endorsed) Commercial Driver’s License.

U.S. citizens on U.S. roundtrip or “closed-loop” cruises: U.S. citizens who board a cruise ship at a port within the United States, travel only within the Western Hemisphere, and return to the same U.S. port on the same ship may present a valid US passport, U.S. Passport Card, Enhanced Driver’s License or Trusted Traveler Program Card such as Nexus, Sentri or Fast Cards.

However, in the absence of any of the documentation listed above, U.S. citizens can present a government issued photo ID, along with proof of citizenship (an original or copy of his or her government issued birth certificate, a Consular report of Birth Abroad, or a Certificate of Naturalization). A passport is still the preferred document.

PLEASE NOTE: WHTI-compliant documents are only acceptable for entry or re-entry into the United States. You may be required to present additional or different travel documents, such as a passport when entering foreign countries, including some countries in the Western Hemisphere.

Birth certificates from Puerto Rico issued prior to July 1, 2010 are not valid forms of proof of citizenship that is accepted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Guests from Puerto Rico either need to present a WHTI-compliant document or a government-issued photo identification with a validated birth certificate issued after July 1, 2010.

Children: U.S. citizen children under the age of 16 traveling on a closed-loop cruise (a cruise in the Western Hemisphere which originates and ends in the same U.S. port) will be able to present their government issued birth certificate or other proof of U.S. citizenship, such as a naturalization certificate or citizenship card to sail. Birth certificates can be an original, photocopy or certified original.

Passport requirement when minors travel with one adult on voyages governed by U.S. Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) (includes travel within Bermuda, Canada, Caribbean, Mexico, United States): When minors are traveling with only one adult 21 years of age or older, Holland America Line requires that all guests must be in possession of a valid passport. Holland America Line has implemented this requirement so that you all remain together should an emergency arise that requires one or more in your party to be disembarked in a non-U.S. port. Holland America Line cannot guarantee that all members of your party will be allowed to disembark with only a WHTI-compliant document or birth certificate.

PLEASE NOTE: If you are not the parent or Legal Guardian of any minor child traveling with you, you must present an original letter signed by at least one of the child’s parents. The letter from the child’s parent must provide contact information and authorize the traveling adult to take the child on the specific cruise.

For more information regarding passports and WHTI-compliant documents, please visit https://www.cbp.gov/travel/us-citizens/western-hemisphere-travel-initiative or call the National Passport Information Center toll free at 1-877-487-2778 or TDD/TYY at 1-888-874-7793.

Travel by Air: Passports are required for all international air travel to and from the United States, regardless of age or citizenship. This includes air travel to and from Canada, Bermuda, the Caribbean and Mexico.

FOR NON-U.S./NON-CANADIAN CITIZENS: Holland America highly recommends that all guests carry a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the completion date of your travel. Please carefully verify the existing identification requirements for your particular travel situation.

In addition, non-U.S. citizens who have previously been admitted to the United States for permanent residence must carry their Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551), commonly known as a Green Card. Resident aliens not in possession of this must obtain one at the nearest office of the U.S. Immigration Service.

Visa Service Provider

Holland America Line provides guests with the following link to VisaCentral as a service to assist with any visa requirements and/or the collection of necessary documents: www.visacentral.com/hollandamerica. Guests may, if they prefer, use another visa service or complete the process on their own. Be sure to advise that you are traveling with Holland America Line and that you are traveling by sea. Your visa requirements may be different to the standard information given for air travel. In addition, you may also miss out on certain discounts given to Holland America Line guests that go through VisaCentral. Applications and additional information may be downloaded from their website.

You can also reach them by phone:

U.S. citizens: 866 788 1100

Canadian citizens: 888 665 9956

Dutch citizens: 070-3150201

German citizens: 030-230959175

Australian citizens: 1902 251 370

United Kingdom citizens: 0207 593 6207

Belgian citizens: 0902 150 45

Singapore citizens: 66031096

Spanish citizens: 902 113 829

Swiss citizens: +41 (0) 31 313 20 20 & +41 (0) 22 884 18 70

French citizens: 08 25 08 10 20

You can also reach them by email: HollandAmerica@VisaCentral.com

Are there restrictions on how much luggage I can bring?

Airlines, limousines and other transfer vehicles have luggage allowance policies which may limit the amount and/or weight of luggage you may take with you and/or impose excess luggage charges. You are responsible for complying with the policies. Please keep this in mind when packing.

Traveler advisory – Baggage fees and other charges may be directly assessed by airlines or airports. Once you are notified of your flight details, please contact your airline.

Do I need Baggage Insurance?

Although we try to handle your bags carefully while they are in our possession, please be aware that Holland America Line cannot guarantee there will be no loss of, or damage to, your luggage or belongings. For this reason, we suggest you purchase luggage insurance before you leave home. Your travel advisor can provide you with additional information if you are interested in this option.

What about Luggage Tags?

For guests who have Holland America Line’s Express Docs:

Free printable luggage tags are available at the Online Check-In start page. You may select to print up to 9 additional tags at a time.

Consider purchasing durable tags that can be used for your vacations for years to come!

For guests who have paper documents:

Luggage tags can be found in your document wallet that you received.

Please Note: Luggage tags will be also available for you at the airport on the day of sailing and the pier prior to your final check in. The luggage tags are clearly marked with your ship name. Please attach a tag to each piece of luggage you will be checking on the cruise. There is a space on the tag for you to print the following information; Name, Stateroom Number, and Sailing Date.

Should I bring a carry-on bag?

Holland America Line recommends that each guest keep all personal identification, airline tickets, customs forms, medications, jewelry, money, credit and debit cards and other high value or important items, along with the clothes and shoes you intend to wear the next day, separate from your tagged luggage. Place these items in your carry-on bag or keep them with you so you can access them easily and keep them secure.

Do not pack your passport, medications, cruise documents or airline tickets in your checked luggage. (Remember that checked luggage might not be accessible at all times.) Keep these items close at hand in your purse or jacket pocket. We also strongly suggest that you carry or otherwise keep with you important items such as perishables, cash, credit or debit cards, jewelry, gold, silver or similar valuables, securities, financial instruments, records or other valuable or business documents, laptop computers, cellular telephones, cameras, or other video or electronic equipment, hearing aids, electric wheelchairs, scooters, binoculars, film, videotape, computer disks, audio disks, tapes or CDs. Holland America Line assumes no responsibility for the items listed above.

How should I pack for the cruise?

Holland America Line cautions against the use of garment bags with hanger hooks protruding from the top. We also suggest that you consider placing articles in clear plastic bags inside your luggage to minimize handling by airport security screeners. Pack shoes on top of other contents in your luggage to expedite the screening process. Finally, make sure that you label the inside of your carry-on and checked luggage with your name and contact information. Bear in mind that the screening process for any point of embarkation is similar to that at an airport. As such, all weapons and dangerous devices are prohibited and may result in denied boarding. For complete, updated information regarding travel, please check the official website of the Transportation Security Administration.

Please Note: Firearms, explosives, fireworks and illegal drugs of any kind are prohibited without exception. For safety reasons hoverboards, drones, or similar devices/toys are not allowed on board our ship.

Important: Do not pack your passport, medications, cruise documents or airline tickets in your checked luggage. (Remember that checked luggage might not be accessible at all times.) Keep these items close at hand in your purse or jacket pocket. We also strongly suggest that you carry or otherwise keep with you important items such as perishables, cash, credit or debit cards, jewelry, gold, silver and other high value or important items, securities, financial instruments, records or other valuable or business documents, laptop computers, cellular telephones, cameras, or other video or electronic equipment, hearing aids, electric wheelchairs, scooters, binoculars, film, videotape, computer disks, audio disks, tapes or CDs. Holland America Line assumes no responsibility for the items listed above. If Holland America Line, due to any cause whatsoever, is liable for loss of, damage to or delay of your property, the amount of Holland America’s liability will not exceed US$100 (US$600 for guests who have purchased Cancellation Protection Plan). Holland America’s luggage policy is further detailed in the luggage section of your Cruise Contract.

Watch packing advice from O, The Oprah Magazine’s Adam Glassman, Creative Director, and Brian Underwood, Beauty Director, as they share their deep knowledge and expertise to ensure that you feel like a packing pro and sail in style on your next Holland America Line cruise.

What are your recommended Luggage Shipping Services?

For your convenience Holland America Line has partnered with two luggage transport services for your convenience. Luggage Direct and Luggage Forward® two different services offering a variety of services with the sole purpose of easing your travel! By taking the handling of your luggage out of the equation you will proceed much quicker through the check-in process and save a considerable amount of time.

1. Luggage Forward

Luggage Forward is a worldwide door-to-door service allowing you to have your bags picked up at your home and delivered to your stateroom. Upon disembarkation, your bags are delivered directly back home.

Luggage Forward offers:

International service

Ability to bypass unpredictable checked baggage fees

No risk of airlines losing luggage

Full money back plus $500 on-time guarantee

Book online at www.luggageforward.com/hollandamerica or call Luggage Forward directly. From the U.S. dial 1‐866‐416‐7447, from the UK dial +44 2033 754769 or +1‐617‐482‐1100 if calling from any other location.

*Expert Advice: Luggage Forward is a great way to avoid lugging formal wear for pre- or post-cruise hotel/land packages — send baggage ahead of you that won’t be needed for that portion of your trip in order to more fully enjoy your journey.

2. Luggage Direct

Luggage Direct offers you the opportunity to receive your airline boarding passes and check your luggage in to your flight while still onboard your Holland America Line ship. Our TSA-approved partners will take your luggage directly from the ship and deliver it to your outbound aircraft. You will claim your luggage when you arrive at your final airport destination.

If you want to make your trip home even easier, sign up for Bags VIP luggage delivery and eliminate having to deal with your luggage completely.* (See section for Bags VIP Luggage Delivery below for details.)

Luggage Direct offers:

Ability to enjoy your final hours in port at your leisure without having to stand in line at the airport.

Avoid lines at disembarkation as you are invited to be the first to disembark

No need to locate your luggage or wait for a porters assistance in the terminal

Avoid lines at the airport — with boarding pass in hand and no luggage to check you can proceed directly to Security.

Luggage Direct is available on most of our vessels when sailing domestically in and out of the following ports:

Anchorage

Fort Lauderdale

Seattle

Copenhagen — NEW — our first international option (available for Lufthansa and SAS Airlines only)

For more information, or to sign up go to www.maketraveleasier.com/Holland or call 1‐877‐847‐0045 to speak to one of our customer service representatives.

Please note the following general information about Luggage Direct:

Cost is $19.95 per person / $29.95 for Copenhagen

Airline-assessed baggage fees will be applied to guest’s onboard account when applicable as per your airlines rules.

Guests may check no more than 3 pieces of luggage per person.

Upgrade requests, seat assignment changes, and flight changes cannot be accommodated onboard.

Restrictions for each homeport city include participating airlines, earliest and latest flight times, and citizenship requirements.

3. Bags VIP Luggage Delivery

Bags VIP luggage delivery allows you to bypass the baggage claim and begin making the most of your vacation right away, without the burden of luggage. With Bags VIP luggage delivery service, you can skip baggage claim and head directly to your ship upon arrival. A Bags VIP agent will retrieve your luggage from baggage claim and deliver it straight to your ship, where it will be waiting in your stateroom.

On the return trip, Bags VIP luggage delivery can deliver your luggage from baggage claim at your destination airport to your home or hotel, just like the service delivered your bags to the ship when you arrived. The service is available in more than 250 U.S. airports. By combining Holland America’s Luggage Direct onboard airline check-in and Bags VIP luggage delivery services, you can check your luggage on the final day of your cruise and not have to deal with it again until it is delivered to your door!

Service starts at only $29.95 for 1 bag and $39.95 for 2!

Luggage will be delivered within four hours from the time the bag arrives at the baggage carousel, or within six hours for delivery destinations more than 40 miles from the airport.

For more information, or to sign up go to www.maketraveleasier.com/Holland or call 1‐877‐847‐0045 to speak to one of our customer service representatives

What if you lose or damage my baggage?

If Holland America Line, due to any cause whatsoever, is liable for loss of, damage to or delay of your property, the amount of Holland America Line’s liability will not exceed US$100 (US$600 for passengers who have purchased Cancellation Protection Plan). Holland America Line’s baggage policy is further detailed in the baggage section of your Cruise Contract.

IMPORTANT: Do not pack your passport, medications, cruise documents or airline tickets. Keep them close at hand in your purse or jacket pocket. We also strongly suggest that you carry or otherwise keep with you important items such as perishables, medicine, liquor, cash, credit or debit cards, jewelry, gold, silver and other high value or important items, securities, financial instruments, records or other valuable or business documents, laptop computers, cellular telephones, cameras, hearing aids, electric wheelchairs, scooters, or other video or electronic equipment, binoculars, film, videotape, computer disks, audio disks, tapes or CDs. (Remember that checked baggage might not be accessible at all times.) Holland America Line assumes no responsibility for the items listed above.

How should I pack for Alaska?

The experts at Holland America Line, the largest and most experienced Alaska travel company, have some tips on packing when you’re headed north on a cruise or Land+Sea Journey.

Southeast Alaska

On an Inside Passage cruise you will be traveling along the protected waterways of Southeast Alaska, also known as “the Panhandle.” The weather here is temperate, with summertime highs usually between 50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit, climbing occasionally into the 70s and 80s.

North Alaska and the Arctic

If you venture farther north you will find the climate to be drier. Summer temperatures in Fairbanks and other parts of the Interior often reach 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. In the Arctic, for those traveling to Prudhoe Bay or Nome and Kotzebue, temperatures are cooler, in the 40s and 50s.

General Packing

Alaska is casual, but be prepared to dress for dinners (see Evening Dress below). The best approach is to bring clothes that can be layered: more layers for cooler, windier weather, fewer layers for warm, dry days.

Be sure to also bring:

A lightweight, waterproof coat or jacket, as well as a sweater or warm vest for strolling the decks of the ship and for glacier viewing

A warm hat and gloves

Women may want to bring two or three pairs of washable slacks or jeans (combined with polo shirts, blouses or light sweaters and accessorized with a belt, scarf or jewelry this basic outfit can be worn just about anywhere. Depending on weather and occasion, add a blazer, cardigan or windbreaker jacket)

Men may want to add an extra pair of slacks, but they’ll find that the same basic dress theme works for them, too (there is no place in Alaska a man cannot go in a sport coat and slacks. Also, a dark suit is appropriate for dinner on board ship)

Sturdy walking shoes for every day use (two pairs are suggested) both leather, to stand up to rain if necessary, and a pair with a good arch support

One or two pairs of dress shoes to accompany your dinner outfit

Evening Dress

Evening dress falls into two distinct categories: Gala Attire or Smart Casual. Most evenings, Smart Casual is appropriate and can be defined as slacks and sports shirts or sweater for men and a skirt or trousers and sweater or blouse for women. Shorts, flip-flops, swimwear, distressed jeans and men’s tank tops are best left to daytime and the poolside.

Gala Nights evoke the grand traditions of cruising as guests dress to impress for special events on board, including a five-course gourmet dinner in the Dining Room. Jacket and tie are appropriate for gentlemen, while ladies wear a cocktail dress or gown. On Grand Voyages, many gentlemen choose formal attire. Formalwear for gentlemen can be pre-ordered for use during your cruise by calling Cruiseline Formalwear at 1-800-551-5091 or (305) 252-6565. For more information, please visit cruiselineformal.com. Your formalwear will be in your stateroom when you board.

The number of Gala Nights on your cruise depends upon the duration of the voyage. The number of Gala Nights for collector voyages is based upon the duration of each individual voyage of the ship.

Exercise Clothes

If you’re a fitness fan or just like to stroll around the decks be sure to pack your exercise clothes. There are aerobics classes on the ships, treadmills, exercise bikes and other equipment in the fitness center on board each ship. The free Passport to Fitness program has the added fun of a reward at the end of the cruise for participating in onboard activities. Be sure to bring your running or aerobics shoes, swimsuit and a cover-up (for lounging, if not for warming up).

Items You Probably Won’t Need

Bulky or winter-weight sweaters or jackets

Rain boots and long underwear (outfitters throughout Alaska provide special gear needed for their activities, such as warm “moon boots” for walking on glaciers, waterproof rainwear, boots and life vests for river rafting or sea kayaking)

Don’t Forget To Take

Be sure to take toiletries and prescriptions for both medication and eye glasses to aid in replacement in the unlikely event they become misplaced

A travel alarm clock (although wake-up calls are offered on all Holland America Line cruises)

Binoculars if you enjoy bird watching or would like a closer look at wildlife and glaciers

Your camera film is available just about everywhere you will visit

Laundry Service

Holland America Line has laundry service, dry cleaning and pressing service on all ships.

Is there a dress code?

A: Yes, some refinements were made to improve consistency and the policy now reads:

Most evenings smart casual attire is appropriate. Shorts, pool/beachwear, distressed jeans and men’s tank tops are best left to the daytime and are not permitted in fine dining restaurants.

Gala Nights evoke the grand traditions of cruising as guests dress to impress for special events on board, including our five-course gourmet dinner in the Dining Room. For gentlemen, collared shirts and slacks are required in all fine dining restaurants.

Q: Why the change from “Formal” To “Gala” night?

A: To many, the “Formal” term was misleading as it implies a specific type of dress (black tie or tuxedo) that has never been a requirement. “Gala” still implies festive or dressy without misleading guests to bring attire the majority of guests don’t wear.

Q: What about ladies’ gala attire?

A: Dressy attire is appropriate. Dresses, skirts, and slacks are all acceptable.

Q: Are a jacket and tie required for men?

A: Jacket and tie is the preferred attire in all fine dining restaurants on Gala Nights, though it is not required. Guests without a jacket and tie were allowed in the fine dining restaurants before the new wording so this is not a policy change.

Q: Are jeans allowed?

A: Jeans without holes, tears or embroidery are welcome on most evenings in all restaurants, but on Gala Nights jeans are only allowed in the casual dining restaurants.

Q: Can I wear shorts in the main dining room?

A: Not at dinner. The dining room is considered a fine dining restaurant and shorts are not permitted.

Q: Is the dress code the same on Grand Voyages?

A: Yes. The policy applies to all Holland America Line voyages.

What if I need to change or cancel my flights?

Prices and availability are not guaranteed until the cruise and air booking are paid in full. Cancelling your cruise/Land+Sea booking for any reason will cancel any air bookings associated with the cruise/Land+Sea booking, and fees will be applied if applicable.

Flexible Fares: No fees will be charged for changes and cancellations made prior to the cruise final payment due date. Changes to the booking may require cancellation and rebooking of flights. The original schedule and airfare may no longer be available, and a new reservation may need to be created at the current available price. If the current available price exceeds the original airfare, the guest must pay the additional charge. Cancellations after the cruise final payment date will incur a fee up to the full cost of the ticket, per ticket. Tickets are nontransferable. In some instances, name changes will not be permitted and will require cancellation and rebooking of flights. Prices are subject to increase prior to the time you make full payment for your air-inclusive cruise or Land+Sea Journey. Prices are not subject to increase after you make full payment except for charges resulting from increases in government imposed taxes or fees. Payment is required by the cruise final payment date or at time of booking if created after the cruise final payment date.

Restricted Fares: Full payment for air reservation is required at the time of air booking. Tickets are nonrefundable. Any changes will result in the cancellation of the air booking. Cancellation of Restricted Air will incur cancellation fees of the full cost of the ticket. The airline may generate a Future Air Credit (FAC) memo in an amount the airline determines. FACs are notations in the booking that show the guest has an outstanding credit with the airline which can be applied to a future Holland America Line air booking with the same airline or redeemed directly with the airline, typically within 365 days. FACs are nontransferable, and nonrefundable. Tickets are nontransferable and name changes are not allowed. FACs only apply to U.S. resident bookings, and are not available to guests who have requested refunds under a Holland America Line Cancellation Protection Plan.

Can I change my itinerary once the cruise begins?

With very limited exceptions (such as our Panama Canal cruises), U.S. law prohibits a person from beginning their cruise in one U.S. port and ending it in a different U.S. port. For this reason, voyages originating and ending in the same U.S. port will not allow embarkation or disembarkation in an alternate U.S. port. If you do not adhere to the cruise itinerary and, as a result, violate this law, any resulting fines (currently US$300/person) will be your responsibility. If the fine is assessed due to a flight delay, we will pay the fine if you were participating in our Home City Air program. Please note that this is a U.S. government regulation over which Holland America Line has no control.

What about upgrades?

Holland America reserves the right to upgrade a guest or guests to more expensive category accommodations at no additional cost.

Gifts and indulgences

Among the many delights of a Holland America Line cruise are the thoughtful and unexpected touches that make your cruise vacation especially memorable. With our onboard gift program, we invite guests as well as their friends and family to join us in the spirit of creating special moments. Imagine the smile caused by a bon voyage bouquet; the pleasure given with a “Well-Being” spa package or the appreciation felt for a prearranged romantic dinner for two at the Pinnacle Grill. With our onboard gifts and shipboard credits, you can let someone special know how much you care. We offer celebration packages, flowers, chocolate dipped strawberries, special wine offerings, beverage packages and cards, spa treatments and keepsakes. We also offer shipboard credit, which allows guests to choose their own gifts once onboard.

All arrangements for onboard gifts and spa treatments can easily be made online before the ship departs. Because the Greenhouse Spa & Salon is such a popular destination, we encourage you to book spa appointments in advance (you can also book appointments once on board). Click the Book Online Now button located below to view and purchase gift options. You must have a Holland America Line account to complete your purchase. If you do not currently have a Holland America Line account, please click Register above.

You may order gifts for yourself or guests booked on any cruise. If ordering for friends or family, all you need is their last name and booking number.

If you need to order via phone, please call Ship Services at 1-800-541-1576.

What do I need to travel to Cuba?

U.S. and international guests must follow certain U.S. regulations with respect to travel to Cuba. Learn more about the latest Cuba travel policy by reading our Q&A, checklist and affidavit.

To travel to Cuba, you must have:

Passport

Travel Affidavit

Cuba Issued Visa – For most guests a tourist visa will be required which Holland America will facilitate at a cost of $75 (this will be added to your onboard account). You will receive your visa at embarkation. Please review the Q&A and our Cuba travel checklist before your scheduled departure.

Should I confirm my flight?

Since arrival and departure times are subject to last minute changes by the airlines, we recommend that you call your airline(s) 24 hours before your initial flight departure to verify all the flight numbers, departure and arrival times shown on your ticket and provide a home telephone number. (Reconfirm international flights 72 hours prior to your departure from home.) Also, please remember to confirm all flights booked directly by your travel advisor. Plan to be at the airline counter at least two hours before flight time for domestic flights and three hours before flight time for international flights. Also, have your identification, travel documents and tickets readily available. Holland America Line cannot confirm or reconfirm flights, seat assignment requests and other special services, such as special meals or wheelchair assistance, from on board our vessels. Your travel advisor, however, may assist with these arrangements once you receive your tickets.

What Dining options are available for kids?

Children are welcome in any of our dining venues. A special kids’ menu is available at each venue, and we can accommodate a variety of dining restrictions and preferences. Our kids’ menu includes favorites such as pizza, chicken strips and mac and cheese, as well as salads, soups and fresh fruit. Menu items from the daily menu are also available in half portions upon request. And if your child is celebrating a birthday on board, ask our dining crew for a special, personal-sized cake!

Children 12 or under receive half off in our specialty dining restaurants or can select items from the kids’ menu for free.

For your convenience, a variety of optional beverage packages are available for sale to accommodate the varied needs of your family. You may purchase these in advance of your cruise or after you embark.

What is the Orange Party and what should I pack for it?

What’s the Orange Party?

Orange is the color most associated with the Netherlands and the House of Orange, Holland’s royal family. In keeping with our proud Dutch heritage, we invite you to a new onboard celebration inspired by the Netherland’s national holiday, King’s Day: The Orange Party. Just wear your favorite orange clothes and accessories, or purchase Orange Party essentials in our shops, and get ready for the time of your life.

What happens at the Orange Party?

Enjoy Dutch-inspired appetizers, beer, cocktails, live music and more, plus a festive display of national pride with a sea of orange!

When and where is the party?

Holland America Line is hosting the Orange Party on board each of our ships on one evening every cruise.

What attire should I pack for the Orange Party?

Pack some orange clothing and/or accessories to wear for this special celebration!

How do I print a Boarding Pass?

You can print your boarding pass after Online Check-In is complete. The green Print Board Pass button will be available only after the following:

All 6 sections of Online Check-In have been completed and indicate a green checkmark;

You have made your final payment more than 24 hours previous;

Your documents have been processed by Holland America Line;

It is less than 45 days prior to sailing

If the Print Boarding Pass button is green, but you’re unable to print, try these solutions:

Open Or Save As

Click once, pause, then click once more. If a box or bar opens at the bottom of the page that reads “Save or Open,” click “Open.” If the messages says “Save or Save As…”click “Save As” and the Open option should display next.

Blocked Browser Pop-Up Windows

After clicking the Print Boarding Pass button, the screen may read “Loading.” Look to the top right corner. There may be a small white box containing a smaller red box that has an X in it. This indicates a pop-up has been blocked. Click the box and an alert will appear saying the following pop-ups have been blocked. Click the blue link and that will open the Boarding Pass to print.

Clear Cache And Cookies

Clearing your browser’s cache and cookies may also correct the issue. If you are using a PC, hold down the Ctrl+Shift+Delete keys. Then select the two boxes that say Temporary Internet Files and Website Files, and the box next to cookies and website data.

To clear cookies using a Mac, click Safari on the Apple menu bar along the top of your screen and select Preferences. Click the Privacy tab. Click the Remove All Website Data button to delete all cookies currently stored by Safari. (To remove only certain cookies, click the Details button, select the cookies you want to remove and click the Remove button. Click Done when you’re finished.)

To clear your cache on a Mac, select Safari on the menu along the top of the screen and choose Preferences. Click the Advanced tab and tick the Show Develop Menu in Menu Bar check box to add the Develop button to the Apple menu. Click the Develop button and choose Empty Caches to clear Safari’s cache.

Shipboard Life

How do I book Shore Excursions?

Our extensive and award-winning shore excursions program helps you make the most of your time in port and provides you with the best transportation and guide services available. Choose from city tours, culinary explorations, shopping outings, outdoor expeditions, cultural activities and more. We recommend you book early for the best selection, as our excursions and tours have limited capacity and fill up quickly.

Shore excursions may be easily booked online in advance of sailing on the Book Shore Excursions page. If tour details are not yet finalized, please check again closer to your departure date. Changes or cancellations may be made online up to 3 days prior to your scheduled cruise departure date. Shore excursion vouchers will be delivered to your stateroom on the day of embarkation. You will also be able to request tours on the ship at the Shore Excursion Office. However, please note that requests are processed on a first-come, first-served basis. Requests for excursions which are fully booked are placed on a waiting list.

We have created a broad range of shore excursions with options available for every desired activity level. Each shore excursion will show a corresponding activity level icon; use the icons as a general guide to the level of activity involved. Please note that wheelchair lift vehicles are not available in some ports. Please check with the Shore Excursion staff on board for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Holland America Line and our local agents have spent much time in the selection of shore excursion tours. Please be aware, however, that although every effort has been made to present you with the best available facilities in the countries we visit, some of these tours may not have amenities such as air-conditioning and toilets on buses.

Please note: No refund or allowance can be made to any guest who might, for any reason (including medical), cancel, deviate from, or otherwise not utilize all of the services scheduled to be provided by any excursion. Guests on any excursion, who elect to leave the automobiles or motorcoaches in the shopping area, or elsewhere, must provide their own transportation, at their own expense, back to the port.

What currency is used on board?

On board our ships, U.S. dollars is the only currency accepted. We also accept U.S. travelers checks. A currency exchange service will be available for selected itineraries, such as our European and World Cruise programs. In most ports of call you may easily exchange your U.S. dollars into the local currency at banks, airports and major hotels. In many countries, you can use your ATM card to obtain local currency. Most locations will accept major credit cards and some will even accept U.S. dollars. If you choose to use U.S. dollars, carry smaller denominations–ones, fives, tens and twenties.

Please note: Foreign currencies cannot be accepted or exchanged by the Front Office.

Cash advances are available at the Front Office. All cash advances are subject to restrictions. A 3% service fee will be added to your onboard account for all cash advances.

Can I use my Credit Card on Board?

All onboard purchases and services are charged to your account by using your stateroom keycard. Cash is not accepted for individual transactions, e.g. bars, the shops, spa, shore excursions. Cash is accepted in our casinos.

Registering a credit or debit card(s) (Visa®, Mastercard®, American Express®, and Discover®) as part of your pre-cruise check-in process activates your keycard. The day you board, Holland America Line places an initial hold on your credit or debit card for $60 per person per cruise day ($30.00 per person per day for cruises longer than 25 days). Once you’ve spent the initial hold amount, we will authorize your card for the total of your onboard purchases to date plus an additional $60 per person per day for the remainder of your cruise. Please note that there may be multiple authorizations throughout your cruise, and that some banks may keep the hold in place for up to 30 days.

If you do not want to use a credit or debit card, on the day of boarding, you will need to visit Guest Services and deposit $60 cash per person per cruise day (applies to all guests 18 years of age and over). Any excess deposit will be refunded to you at the end of the cruise. Traveler’s checks may be cashed at Guest Services. Personal checks are not accepted on board.

You may bring a pre-paid Gift/Rewards Card to pay for your onboard charges. Please bring the prepaid Gift card (with the Visa/Mastercard/American Express and Discover logo) to Guest Services for processing and do not register it online. The card can only be settled for the amount of the pre-paid Gift Card. We cannot process refunds on these cards.

At the end of your cruise, you will receive a final statement, and your card will be charged only for the actual amount of your purchases. Refunds for purchases of onboard products and services will be credited to your onboard account whether purchased prior to or during your cruise. The final amount billed may take up to 24-hours following disembarkation. For questions about how long the hold remains in effect or how your available credit is affected, please contact your card issuer.

Is there a Hotel Service Charge (Gratuity/Tip)?

Our crew works very hard to make sure that every aspect of your cruise meets the highest standards. This includes those crew members who serve you directly, such as Dining Room wait staff and the stewards who service your stateroom each day. There are also many others who support their efforts whom you may never meet, such as galley and laundry staff. To ensure that the efforts of all of our crew members are recognized and rewarded, a daily Hotel Service Charge is automatically added to each guest’s shipboard account.

For all sailings departing prior to December 1, 2018 as well as the 2019 Grand World Voyage and the 2019 Grand South America Antarctica Voyage, the daily Hotel Service Charge is $13.50* per guest per day for non-suite stateroom guests and $15.00* per guest per day for suite guests.

For sailings departing on or after December 1, 2018, the daily Hotel Service Charge is $14.50* per guest per day for non-suite stateroom guests and $16.00* per guest per day for suite guests.

*The charges are subject to change without notice.

If our service exceeds or fails to meet your expectations, you are free to adjust this amount at the end of each segment and/or voyage. The Hotel Service Charge is paid entirely to Holland America Line crew members, and represents an important part of their compensation. A 15% Bar Service Charge is automatically added to bar charges and Dining Room wine purchases. In terminals, airports, ports of call and on shore excursions, we suggest that you extend gratuities consistent with customary local practices.

Is wheelchair assistance available shoreside?

Airports and/or Train Stations

Wheelchair assistance that is requested for airports or train stations must be done directly through the airline or rail station. Holland America Line is not able to arrange for wheelchair assistance at airports or train stations.

Land Tours and/or Shore Excursions

Because facilities in ports around the world vary significantly, wheelchair accommodations may not be available for some land tours and/or shore excursions. Furthermore, many transportation vehicles around the world do not have wheelchair lifts. Thus, it may be necessary for Holland America Line to make alternate transportation arrangements such as a sedan vehicle. This requires that a guest who uses a wheelchair be able to transfer from his/her wheelchair to the front or back seat of a sedan. Additionally, when lift equipped vehicles are available, many do not have the facilities for the safe transport of mobility scooters in the passenger compartment. Therefore if you are using a mobility scooter you may be asked to disembark your scooter and enter the coach by the front steps and ride safely in a regular coach seat, transfer to a provided boarding chair and take the lift onto the coach and transfer to a regular coach seat, or ride the lift on your scooter and then transfer to a regular coach seat. In some cases, it may be possible for your scooter to be stowed in the luggage compartment for use in the ports of call. If your scooter must be stored in the luggage compartment of a motorcoach it may be necessary for someone traveling in your party to load the scooter into the luggage compartment; the policy as to whether or not the coach drivers are able or allowed to provide assistance is that of the Tour Operator and not Holland America Line. The ability to provide assistance may depend on certain factors such as the weight or dimensions of the scooter. If you are unable to transfer from your mobility scooter and alternative arrangements are required, please advise Holland America Line at the time of booking or as far in advance of your sailing as possible. Please be assured this is for your safety.

Due to the limited number of lift-equipped vehicles in foreign locations, guests may incur additional costs for transportation related to airport transfers, shore excursions, and tour/hotel packages. Please note, lift equipped transportation within the United States may be arranged without additional costs. For information on alternative transportation arrangements and associated costs please contact our Access & Compliance Department. Please advise Holland America Line as far in advance as possible of any special needs for transfers. This will help to ensure availability of the appropriate vehicle(s) and for Holland America Line to provide an estimate of additional associated costs.

Guests should be aware that certain third party shore excursion facilities may not be fully accessible to guests with disabilities. Although we endeavor to make sure these companies comply with legal requirements, we cannot guarantee that all are able to provide facilities that are accessible to individuals with disabilities. For detailed information on accessibility of shore excursions, we strongly recommend contacting our Shore Excursions Department prior to embarkation at 1-888-425-9376 (or locally at 206-626-7320) or visiting the Shore Excursions Office on board.

What about cruising for children with special needs?

At Holland America Line we do not discriminate against individuals on the basis of disability. We seek to the extent feasible to accommodate the needs of all individuals with disabilities, including children. However, due to the sensitivity of caring for any child, with or without a disability, we must first determine what the child’s specific needs are so we may properly evaluate and determine the best and safest way to meet the child’s needs. We encourage families to contact our Access & Compliance Department prior to their cruise, to evaluate and determine what the child’s specific needs will be and how best to accommodate those needs.  Club HAL is unable to accommodate children requiring one-on-one care into programming.  Special needs participants who meet eligibility requirements and require one-on-one care must have a parent or guardian present.

What options are available for guests who are deaf or hard of hearing?

To help maximize the cruise experience for our guests who are deaf or hard of hearing, Holland America Line has made the following items available:

Stateroom kits that include a visual and tactile alert for someone knocking at the door, the phone ringing, or an alarm.

Stateroom televisions capable of showing closed captioning (some satellite feeds do not transmit with captioning, so this feature is available only when the signal the ship receives has captioning).

Telephones with amplified sound or an amplification attachment for telephones in staterooms.

Assistive Listening Systems with portable receivers in the show lounges to assist guests who are hard of hearing to hear the shows.

Written safety information and a copy of the lifeboat drill safety speech.

How do I know what routes are accessible on board?

What if I have food allergies?

For guests with food intolerances or allergies that are not life-threatening, please contact our Ship Services Department at (800) 541-1576.

Guests with a variety of severe food allergies sail with Holland America Line regularly. Our galley staff on board is accustomed to and experienced in dealing with these types of needs. The galley itself has many different areas of food preparation, which can help reduce the possibility of cross-contamination. It is important to note, however, that meals are prepared in mass quantities on board, thus there is always the possibility of some cross-contamination. As such, Holland America Line cannot guarantee that a guest will not come in contact with those items. Although our Access & Compliance Department will provide the ship with an advance notice of all food allergies detailed on an SRI submitted to them, it is recommended that guests also contact the Dining Room Manager upon boarding to review the details of these special dietary needs.

Are service animals permitted on board?

Holland America Line only permits service animals on board, defined as those animals that are individually trained to provide assistance to an individual with a disability. We do not permit our guests to bring pets, therapy/companion animals, and other animals that do not meet the definition of service animals. If you have any questions about whether the animal you wish to bring on board is, in fact, a service animal, you may contact our Access & Compliance Department.

Your itinerary may include ports of call that have very specific and strict requirements that need to be met prior to your service animal being allowed off of the ship. Please be sure you understand the requirements for a service animal to disembark in each port of call. The best places to obtain specific information on required documentation and immunizations for your service animal are the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s website, local customs offices in the specific ports, and from your service animal’s veterinarian. All documentation and immunization requirements are established by government authorities and not by Holland America Line. Should you need assistance in locating this information, please contact our Access & Compliance Department.

To board the ship, your service animal must have current vaccinations. Records confirming the vaccination status should be provided to our Access & Compliance Department prior to your departure. We also recommend that you carry the immunization records with you in case they are required at any port of call. If you do not have the proper documentation and proof of vaccinations for your service animal required at a port of call, or if there are local quarantine requirements, your service animal will be denied the right to leave the ship. If your service animal is denied the right to leave the ship in a specific port of call, the staff and crew will work with you to determine what actions may be possible to allow you to visit the port without your service animal. Please note that in your absence, you will need to provide for the care and supervision of your service animal. Except in those circumstances where your service animal has been denied disembarkation, you may not leave your service animal unattended on the vessel or in your stateroom at any time.

Important Information for Service Animals on Australian Cruises
The Australian quarantine authorities have changed their approach regarding service dogs on-board cruise ships. Unfortunately, their new approach makes it practically impossible for us to accept service animals on domestic or roundtrip cruises from Australia. The Department of Agriculture now considers these cruises to be akin to an international voyage and therefore under ‘biosecurity control’. As a company, we are incredibly disappointed with the Department’s new approach, and we have written to the Federal Minister to ask for a return to their previous way of doing things. At this time guests will not be able to travel with service animals on voyages that end in Australia or call upon a port in Australia after visiting a foreign country. Guests sailing on voyages that begin in Australia will be able to sail with their service animal provided the voyage does not return to Australia after visiting a foreign port. Should you have further questions please contact our Access & Compliance Department via email at HALW_Access@HollandAmerica.com.

What are my ship transfer options?

For individuals with limited mobility, the use of a wheelchair will be the primary mobility assistance aid for getting on and off the ship. Certain ship transfer operations (i.e. during tendering and at the gangways) may not be fully accessible to wheelchairs or scooters. When a ship is unable to dock, guests are taken ashore on smaller boats called tenders. Some guests with limited mobility may find it difficult to embark or disembark the ship at certain times while tendering or while docked due to steep gangways and steps, particularly during low or high tide. Also, please note that scooters and wheelchairs which are more than 100 lbs. without the battery are not allowed to be transferred from the ship to tender and/or from tender to shore.

As to tenders, with the exception of the Amsterdam, Volendam, Veendam and Prinsendam, Holland America Line vessels have been retrofitted with a tender-lift system that enables guests to roll directly on and off tenders while remaining in their wheelchairs. However, please be advised that adverse weather conditions such as wind, swells, or extreme tide levels may prohibit the use of the ship’s tender lift equipment. Additionally, some port facilities may not be able to accommodate the lift equipment. If you require the use of this equipment, please speak with the Guest Relations Manager upon embarkation for further details or to coordinate specific arrangements.

Situations may occur in which guests with limited mobility may not be able to go ashore at the time they desire or are unable to go ashore at all in certain ports. For the safety of all concerned, the Captain shall make the final determination regarding whether or not it is advisable to provide assistance to guests with mobility limitations, or to carry their mobility assistance device (wheelchair, scooter, walker, etc.), taking into account all appropriate matters including, but not limited to, weather conditions, ship’s location, weight of the guest or their mobility device, etc.

What options are available for guests who are blind or have low vision?

To help maximize the cruise experience for our guests who are blind or have low vision, Holland America Line has made the following items available:

Screen reader computer software in the Explorations Café that allows guests to navigate the web by listening to the text.

Downloadable daily activities, news, and menus for guests with laptops with screen reader programs. These items may also be downloaded to the screen reader-enabled computer in the Explorations Café.

With 45 days notice, large print or Braille menus describing the inspired cuisine offered across a myriad of venues, from the elegant Dining Room to the casual Lido Restaurant.

A familiarization tour of the vessel upon arrival.

Who do I contact for more information regarding accessible cruising?

For additional information on the ship’s facilities or ability to accommodate guests’ needs that may not be covered in this section, please feel free to contact the Access & Compliance Department at:

Phone:	800-547-8493 (or locally at 206-626-7044)
TTY:	800-254-8669
Email:	HALW_Access@hollandamerica.com

For post sailing questions or concerns please contact our Guest Relations Department at:

Phone:	800-599-8256 (or locally at 206-626-9000 ext. 2290)
Email:	guestrelations@hollandamerica.com

The ADA Responsibility Officer for Holland America Line is Kelly Clark, Chief Ethics Officer & General Counsel.

For information regarding the Transportation Security Administration’s Screening Tips for Persons with Disabilities, please visit the Travelers with Disabilities and Medical Conditions section of their website at https://www.tsa.gov/travel/special-procedures

Holland America Line: Committed to serving everyone

Holland America Line is committed to providing safe, easy, and accessible accommodations for all persons with disabilities, to the extent that is feasible.

Holland America Line is dedicated to offering the finest cruising experience to our guests, including those with disabilities. Our ships provide a quality of service and a variety of accessible features to make your voyage a relaxing and enjoyable experience.

The Importance of Planning Ahead

Holland America Line does not discriminate against individuals on the basis of disability. We seek, to the extent feasible, to accommodate guests with disabilities. However, some needs require adequate time to prepare for a guest’s arrival. It is recommended that guests make every effort to contact our Access & Compliance Department and to submit a Special Requirements Information (SRI) Form well in advance of the departure of their cruise and/or Land+Sea Journey. We recommend submitting an SRI upon booking or a minimum of 45 days prior to departure.

Guests who are unable to care for their basic needs (e.g. dressing, eating, and attending safety drills) MUST have a capable traveling companion. The medical staff on board is not available for daily care unless an individual is hospitalized in the ship’s Medical Center. In limited situations (either on board or ashore), we may find it necessary to ask the individual to make alternative travel arrangements, such as if an individual with a disability is unable to satisfy certain specified safety and other criteria, even when provided with appropriate auxiliary aids and services.

Holland America Line Website Accessibility

Holland America Line welcomes all guests to explore our cruise vacation offerings. Our websites follow the official guidance of the World Wide Web Consortium’s Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). To ensure our websites are as easy to use as possible we incorporate assistive technology including Accessible Rich Internet Applications (ARIA).

Due to web accessibility standards, users may experience slight variations according to the browser used. We recommend that visitors to Holland America Line websites who require screen reader software use specific combinations of screen reader and browser. For Microsoft Windows, NVDA and the Google Chrome browser are recommended. For OSx, MacOS and iOS systems, VoiceOver and the Safari browser (with Safari’s support for keyboard shortcuts enabled) are recommended.

Can I use my personal mobility equipment on board?

For the safety of all our guests and crew and to enhance accessibility, Holland America Line strongly recommends that all personal electric mobility equipment meets the following criteria:

Width:	23′ maximum in order to be accommodated in a standard stateroom, unless collapsible to a width of 23′ or less
Weight:	100 lbs. maximum without battery
Batteries:	Must be Gel or Dry Cell or AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) only

We recognize that for some people, a larger scooter may be essential. If you believe you need a larger scooter, please contact our Access & Compliance Department so that we can discuss your requirements.

For the safety of all guests and crew:

Scooters and other mobility equipment need to be securely stored and charged in the guest’s stateroom; not in hallways or elevator lobbies. Scooters left in hallways and elevator lobbies could restrict people needing to travel through these areas in an emergency, particularly other guests using mobility aids, since they would have no way of getting by a scooter left in a hallway.

Holland America Line is no longer able to provide complimentary wheelchair assistance for any purpose other than embarkation, disembarkation, and emergency situations. Holland America Line wheelchairs are not available for shore excursions or for use on board. If you will require regular use of a wheelchair, we recommend that you bring your own wheelchair with you. You may also make advance rental arrangements prior to your sailing and have a wheelchair delivered directly to the ship for use on board and in ports of call.

Special Needs at Sea and Scootaround are vendors we recommend for delivery of mobility devices. Please contact these vendors directly for pricing and availability. Their contact information is listed below for your information.

Special Needs at Sea

Phone:	800‐513‐4515 (or locally at 954‐585‐0575)
Fax:	800‐513‐4516
Email:	info@specialneedsatsea.com
Website:	www.specialneedsatsea.com

Scootaround

Phone:	(888) 441-7575
Email:	info@scootaround.com
Website:	https://www.scootaround.com/contact-us

Please be advised that all pre-arranged mobility equipment rentals must be made by the guest and the third party provider. Consequently, you assume the entire risk of utilizing these third party services subject only to whatever terms or arrangements are made by you or on your behalf with the service provider. Refund issues must be dealt with solely between you and the service provider. We recommend contacting one of these companies to confirm your arrangements as soon as possible in order to ensure the availability of your specific requests.

Can I receive Oxygen Deliveries on Board?

Guests requiring continuous or intermittent oxygen for chronic conditions must make their own arrangements prior to travel. Holland America Line ships are not equipped to provide guests with these services other than on an emergency basis in the Ship’s Medical Center. For security and safety reasons, we have selected Scootaround and Special Needs at Sea as the only outside vendors that we will permit to deliver oxygen supplies to our ships:

Scootaround

Phone:	(888) 441-7575
Email:	info@scootaround.com
Website:	https://www.scootaround.com/contact-us

Special Needs at Sea

Phone:	800‐513‐4515 (or locally at 954‐585‐0575)
Fax:	800‐513‐4516
Email:	info@specialneedsatsea.com
Website:	www.specialneedsatsea.com

Note: Oxygen and/or oxygen equipment deliveries will not be accepted from any other companies.

Please be advised that all oxygen and oxygen equipment rental arrangements must be made by the guest and the third-party provider. Consequently, you assume the entire risk of utilizing these third-party services subject only to whatever terms or arrangements are made by you or on your behalf with the service provider. Refund issues must be dealt with solely between you and the service provider. We recommend contacting one of these companies to confirm your arrangements as soon as possible in order to ensure the availability of your specific requests.

You are also welcome, however, to bring your own oxygen and/or oxygen equipment from your home. Please note that our staff and crew are not permitted to handle your oxygen and/or oxygen equipment during the embarkation and disembarkation process. Thus, you must be able to handle your supplies if you bring your own. Please contact the Access & Compliance Department prior to sailing if you will require oxygen while on your cruise.

Please Note: In accordance with FAA regulations, airlines have restrictions concerning traveling with oxygen and oxygen containers. It is the traveler’s responsibility to be familiar with and comply with the regulations of the airline they are traveling on.

Do you have accessible staterooms?

Yes, our vessels have specially designed staterooms for guests who require mobility assistive features. If you have not booked one of these accessible staterooms but instead will be using a standard stateroom, you need to know about some limitations that adversely impact maneuverability, especially ingress and egress into bathrooms. For example, bathroom dimensions, doorsills, and the height of bathtubs in standard staterooms are often difficult to negotiate for guests who have mobility limitations. Additionally, standard stateroom doors and hallways may be too narrow for a wheelchair or scooter to maneuver into and out of the stateroom. Note: For safety reasons, these mobility devices must be stored and charged in the guests’ staterooms. There are three types of accessible staterooms on our vessels.

Fully Accessible rooms are designed for use by guests with highly limited or no mobility who require regular use of a wheelchair, scooter, or other similar assistive devices and provide accessible elements including turning space, accessible routes throughout the cabin, and accessible bathrooms.

Fully Accessible – Single Side Approach rooms are also designed for use by guests with highly limited or no mobility who require regular use of a wheelchair, scooter, or other similar assistive devices. These rooms provide an accessible route and clear floor space on only one side of the bed in a cabin configured to provide one bed and between the beds in a cabin configured to provide two beds.

Ambulatory Accessible rooms are designed for use by guests with mobility disabilities who do not require the regular use of a wheelchair, scooter, or other similar assistive devices. These rooms provide some accessible features.

Details regarding accessible rooms on each ship are listed below and can be found on each ship’s Deck Plan.

Amsterdam

Fully Accessible

These rooms provide wide interior & exterior doors, wheelchair access to both sides of the bed, and a roll-in shower with grab bars, shower seat, accessible shower controls, and hand held shower head.

Suites B6228, B6225 and stateroom EE3431 are fully accessible.

Fully Accessible – Single Side Approach

These rooms provide wide interior & exterior doors, wheelchair access to one side of the bed, and a roll-in shower with grab bars, shower seat, accessible shower controls, and hand held shower head.

Right side approach:

Suite SA7058 and C6104, H1805 have wheelchair access on the right side when facing the bed.

Left side approach:

Suite SA7057 and stateroom H1804 have wheelchair access on the left side when facing the bed.

Ambulatory Accessible

These rooms provide wide interior & exterior doors, a roll-in shower with grab bars, shower seat, accessible shower controls, and hand held shower head.

Staterooms HH3433, HH3428, H3394, H3393, E2702, L2700, J2555, J2554, G2500, FF1964, FF1955, G1807, G1806 are ambulatory accessible.

Eurodam

Fully Accessible

These rooms provide wide interior & exterior doors, wheelchair access to both sides of the bed, and a roll-in shower with grab bars, shower seat, accessible shower controls, and hand held shower head.

Staterooms I-8033, VB6002, VB6001, J1074, K1012, K1011 are fully accessible.

Fully Accessible – Single Side Approach

These rooms provide wide interior & exterior doors, wheelchair access to one side of the bed, and a roll-in shower with grab bars, shower seat, accessible shower controls, and hand held shower head.

Right side approach:

Suites SA7057 and SY5002 have wheelchair access on the right side when facing the bed.

Left side approach:

Suites SA7058 and SY5001 have wheelchair access on the left side when facing the bed.

Ambulatory Accessible

These rooms provide wide interior & exterior doors, a roll-in shower with grab bars, shower seat, accessible shower controls, and hand held shower head.

Staterooms VA8119, VA8116, VA8026, VA8025, V6052, V6049, V5140, V5135, V5054, V5051, VA4134, VA4131, H4092, H4089, VA4052, VA4051, D1100, D1099, C1082, C1081 are ambulatory accessible.

Koningsdam

Fully Accessible

These rooms provide wide interior & exterior doors, wheelchair access to both sides of the bed, and a roll-in shower with grab bars, shower seat, accessible shower controls, and hand held shower head.

Suites SA7094, A6150, A6148 and staterooms VA8147, VA8145, VA8134, VA8132, I-7108, I-7101, I-6131, I-6116, V5171, V5152, I-5129, I-5112, V5057, V5055, V5054, V5052, V4167, V4146, V4107, V4096, C1134, C1125, C1123, C1121 are fully accessible.

Ambulatory Accessible

These rooms provide a shower with grab bars, accessible shower controls, and hand held shower head. There is step up into bathroom, threshold into the shower, and standard interior and exterior door sizes.

Suites B8101, SA7092 and staterooms K11049, VB11038, CQ10033, VE8142, VD7049, K6185, VC6158, V5051, V5048, FB1172, E1165 are ambulatory accessible.

Maasdam

Fully Accessible

These rooms provide wide interior & exterior doors, wheelchair access to both sides of the bed, and a roll-in shower with grab bars, shower seat, accessible shower controls, and hand held shower head.

Stateroom CA367 is fully accessible.

Ambulatory Accessible

Suites SA030, B200 & B202 and staterooms K500, G501, G502, C563, FF829, FF831 are ambulatory accessible. They provide a shower with grab bars, accessible shower controls, and hand held shower head. These rooms have a step up into bathroom, threshold into the shower, and standard interior & exterior door sizes.

Staterooms EE390, EE389, G704, G706, G709, G711 are ambulatory accessible. They provide wide interior & exterior doors, a roll-in shower with grab bars, shower seat, accessible shower controls, and hand held shower head.

Nieuw Amsterdam

Fully Accessible

These rooms provide wide interior & exterior doors, wheelchair access to both sides of the bed, and a roll-in shower with grab bars, shower seat, accessible shower controls, and hand held shower head.

Staterooms I-8033, VB6002, VB6001, J1074, K1012, K1011 are fully accessible.

Fully Accessible – Single Side Approach

These rooms provide wide interior & exterior doors, wheelchair access to one side of the bed, and a roll-in shower with grab bars, shower seat, accessible shower controls, and hand held shower head.

Right side approach:

Suites SA7057 and SY5002 have wheelchair access on the right side when facing the bed.

Left side approach:

Suites SA7058 and SY5001 have wheelchair access on the left side when facing the bed.

Ambulatory Accessible

These rooms provide wide interior & exterior doors, a roll-in shower with grab bars, shower seat, accessible shower controls, and hand held shower head.

Staterooms VA8119, VA8116, VA8026, VA8025, V6052, V6049, V5140, V5135, V5054, V5051, VA4134, VA4131, H4092, H4089, VA4052, VA4051, D1100, D1099, C1082, C1081 are ambulatory accessible.

Nieuw Statendam

Fully Accessible

These rooms provide wide interior & exterior doors, wheelchair access to both sides of the bed, and a roll-in shower with grab bars, shower seat, accessible shower controls, and hand held shower head.

Suite SA7094, A6150, A6148 and staterooms VA8147, VA8145, VA8134, VA8132, I7108, I7099, I6131, I6116, V5175, V5152, I5133, I5112, V5057, V5055, V5054, V5052, VH4146, VH4167, VH4107, VH4096, C1134, C1125, C1123, C1121 are fully accessible.

Ambulatory Accessible

These rooms provide a shower with grab bars, accessible shower controls, and hand held shower head. There is step up into bathroom, threshold into the shower, and standard interior and exterior door sizes.

Suites SA7085, B8101 and staterooms K11049, VB11038, VQ10033, VE8142, VD7049, K6185, VC6158, V5048, V5051, FB1172, E1175 are ambulatory accessible.

Noordam

Fully Accessible

These rooms provide wide interior & exterior doors, wheelchair access to both sides of the bed, and a roll-in shower with grab bars, shower seat, accessible shower controls, and hand held shower head.

Suites SC6175, SC6164, SS6108 and staterooms I-8037, VB6004, VB6003, D1100, C1082, C1081, J1074, K1012, K1011 are fully accessible.

Fully Accessible – Single Side Approach

These rooms provide wide interior & exterior doors, wheelchair access to one side of the bed, and a roll-in shower with grab bars, shower seat, accessible shower controls, and hand held shower head.

Right side approach:

Suites SY8068 and SY5002 have wheelchair access on the right side when facing the bed.

Left side approach:

Suite SY5001 has wheelchair access on the left side when facing the bed.

Ambulatory Accessible

These rooms provide wide interior & exterior doors, a roll-in shower with grab bars, shower seat, accessible shower controls, and hand held shower head.

Staterooms VA8032, VA8031, VA6049, VA5140, VA5137, VA5054, VA5051, VA4132, VA4131, H4090, H4089, VA4052, VA4051 are ambulatory accessible.

Oosterdam

Fully Accessible

These rooms provide wide interior & exterior doors, wheelchair access to both sides of the bed, and a roll-in shower with grab bars, shower seat, accessible shower controls, and hand held shower head.

Suites SC6175, SC6164, SS6108 and staterooms I-8037, VB6004, VB6003, D1100, C1082, C1081, J1074, K1012, K1011 are fully accessible.

Fully Accessible – Single Side Approach

These rooms provide wide interior & exterior doors, wheelchair access to one side of the bed, and a roll-in shower with grab bars, shower seat, accessible shower controls, and hand held shower head.

Right side approach:

Suites SY8068 and SY5002 have wheelchair access on the right side when facing the bed.

Left side approach:

Suite SY5001 has wheelchair access on the left side when facing the bed.

Ambulatory Accessible

These rooms provide wide interior & exterior doors, a roll-in shower with grab bars, shower seat, accessible shower controls, and hand held shower head.

Staterooms VA8032, VA8031, VA6049, VA5140, VA5137, VA5054, VA5051, VA4132, VA4131, H4090, H4089, VA4052, VA4051 are ambulatory accessible.

Prinsendam

Fully Accessible

These rooms provide wide interior & exterior doors, wheelchair access to both sides of the bed, and a roll-in shower with grab bars, shower seat, accessible shower controls, and hand held shower head.

Suites SS038, SS039 and staterooms F420, F423, F426, F429 are fully accessible.

Fully Accessible – Single Side Approach

These rooms provide wide interior & exterior doors, wheelchair access to one side of the bed, and a roll-in shower with grab bars, shower seat, accessible shower controls, and hand held shower head.

Right side approach:

Stateroom AA200 has wheelchair access on the right side when facing the bed.

Left side approach:

Stateroom AA201 has wheelchair access on the left side when facing the bed.

Ambulatory Accessible

These rooms provide wide interior & exterior doors, a roll-in shower with grab bars, shower seat, accessible shower controls, and hand held shower head.

Staterooms K225 and K226 are ambulatory accessible.

Rotterdam

Fully Accessible

These rooms provide wide interior & exterior doors, wheelchair access to both sides of the bed, and a roll-in shower with grab bars, shower seat, accessible shower controls, and hand held shower head.

Suites AA7061, AA6223 and stateroom EE3437 are fully accessible.

Fully Accessible – Single Side Approach

These rooms provide wide interior & exterior doors, wheelchair access to one side of the bed, and a roll-in shower with grab bars, shower seat, accessible shower controls, and hand held shower head.

Right side approach:

Suite SA7040 and staterooms CA3331, H1805, CQ6104 have wheelchair access on the right side when facing the bed.

Left side approach:

Suite SA7041 and staterooms CA3333 and H1804 have wheelchair access on the left side when facing the bed.

Ambulatory Accessible

These rooms provide wide interior & exterior doors, a roll-in shower with grab bars, shower seat, accessible shower controls, and hand held shower head.

Staterooms HH3439, HH3428, H3399, H3394, E2709, E2704, E2702, L2696, J2555, J2554, G2500, FF1956, FF1943, G1807, G1806 are ambulatory accessible, a roll-in shower.

Veendam

Fully Accessible – Single Side Approach

These rooms provide wide interior & exterior doors, wheelchair access to one side of the bed, and a roll-in shower with grab bars, shower seat, accessible shower controls, and hand held shower head.

Right side approach:

Stateroom CA331 has wheelchair access on the right side when facing the bed.

Left side approach:

Stateroom CA333 has wheelchair access on the left side when facing the bed.

Ambulatory Accessible

Suites SA030, B200, B202 and staterooms K500, G501, G502, C567, FF829, FF831 are ambulatory accessible. They provide shower only with grab bars, accessible shower controls, and hand held shower head. These rooms have a step up into bathroom, threshold into the shower, and standard interior and exterior door sizes.

Staterooms EE390, EE397, G704, G706, G709, G711 are ambulatory accessible. They provide wide interior & exterior doors, a roll-in shower with grab bars, shower seat, accessible shower controls, and hand held shower head.

Volendam

Fully Accessible

These rooms provide wide interior & exterior doors, wheelchair access to both sides of the bed, and a roll-in shower with grab bars, shower seat, accessible shower controls, and hand held shower head.

Suites B7088, B7087, B6228, B6225 and stateroom EE3429 are fully accessible.

Fully Accessible – Single Side Approach

These rooms provide wide interior & exterior doors, wheelchair access to one side of the bed, and a roll-in shower with grab bars, shower seat, accessible shower controls, and hand held shower head.

Right side approach:

Staterooms C6104 and H1805 have wheelchair access on the right side when facing the bed.

Left side approach:

Suite SA7034 and stateroom H1804 have wheelchair access on the left side when facing the bed.

Ambulatory Accessible

These rooms provide wide interior & exterior doors, a roll-in shower with grab bars, shower seat, accessible shower controls, and hand held shower head.

Staterooms EE3396, EE3391, HH3431, HH3430, E2702, L2700, J2555, J2554, G2500, FF1964, FF1955, G1807, G1806 are ambulatory accessible.

Westerdam

Fully Accessible

These rooms provide wide interior & exterior doors, wheelchair access to both sides of the bed, and a roll-in shower with grab bars, shower seat, accessible shower controls, and hand held shower head.

Suites SC6175, SC6164, SS6108 and staterooms I-8037, VB6004, VB6003, D1100, C1082, C1081, J1074, K1012, K1011 are fully accessible.

Fully Accessible – Single Side Approach

These rooms provide wide interior & exterior doors, wheelchair access to one side of the bed, and a roll-in shower with grab bars, shower seat, accessible shower controls, and hand held shower head.

Right side approach:

Suites SY8068 and SY5002 have wheelchair access on the right side when facing the bed.

Left side approach:

Suite SY5001 has wheelchair access on the left side when facing the bed.

Ambulatory Accessible

These rooms provide wide interior & exterior doors, a roll-in shower with grab bars, shower seat, accessible shower controls, and hand held shower head.

Staterooms VA8032, VA8031, VA6049, VA5140, VA5137, VA5054, VA5051, VA4132, VA4131, H4090, H4089, VA4052, VA4051 are ambulatory accessible.

Zaandam

Fully Accessible

These rooms provide wide interior & exterior doors, wheelchair access to both sides of the bed, and a roll-in shower with grab bars, shower seat, accessible shower controls, and hand held shower head.

Suites B7088, B7087, B6228, B6225 and stateroom EE3429 are fully accessible.

Fully Accessible – Single Side Approach

These rooms provide wide interior & exterior doors, wheelchair access to one side of the bed, and a roll-in shower with grab bars, shower seat, accessible shower controls, and hand held shower head.

Right side approach:

Staterooms C6104 and H1805 have wheelchair access on the right side when facing the bed.

Left side approach:

Suite SA7034 and stateroom H1804 have wheelchair access on the left side when facing the bed.

Ambulatory Accessible

These rooms provide wide interior & exterior doors, a roll-in shower with grab bars, shower seat, accessible shower controls, and hand held shower head.

Staterooms EE3396, EE3391, HH3431, HH3430, E2702, L2700, J2555, J2554, G2500, FF1964, FF1955, G1807, G1806 are ambulatory accessible.

Zuiderdam

Fully Accessible

These rooms provide wide interior & exterior doors, wheelchair access to both sides of the bed, and a roll-in shower with grab bars, shower seat, accessible shower controls, and hand held shower head.

Suites SC6175, SC6164, SS6108 and staterooms I-8037, VB6004, VB6003, D1100, C1082, C1081, J1074, K1012, K1011 are fully accessible.

Fully Accessible – Single Side Approach

These rooms provide wide interior & exterior doors, wheelchair access to one side of the bed, and a roll-in shower with grab bars, shower seat, accessible shower controls, and hand held shower head.

Right side approach:

Suites SY8068 and SY5002 have wheelchair access on the right side when facing the bed.

Left side approach:

Suite SY5001 has wheelchair access on the left side when facing the bed.

Ambulatory Accessible

These rooms provide wide interior & exterior doors, a roll-in shower with grab bars, shower seat, accessible shower controls, and hand held shower head.

Staterooms VA8032, VA8031, VA6049, VA5140, VA5137, VA5054, VA5051, VA4132, VA4131, H4090, H4089, VA4052, VA4051 are ambulatory accessible.

What medical facilities & services are available on board?

Each Holland America ship has an onboard Medical Center staffed by licensed physicians and critical care nurses. While not a full-service hospital, the Medical Center is well equipped to handle most emergencies and routine medical procedures.

A customary fee will be charged for services and medications dispensed. Motion sickness medications are available for purchase onboard. If you become ill or injured during the voyage and your diagnostic and/or care needs exceed the capabilities of the medical center, you will be transferred to medical facilities ashore. Please note that Medicare and many health insurance plans DO NOT cover the cost of medical care at sea, in foreign countries, or for air evacuation. Guests are encouraged to obtain travel medical insurance prior to travel in order to be reimbursed for services rendered.

If you have a chronic medical condition, please bring a recent report from your physician. The medical staff on board is not available for daily care, unless you are hospitalized in the Medical Center. You must be able to care for yourself, including dressing, eating and attending the ship’s safety drills. If you are unable to function independently in these areas, you must bring a caregiver with you. Because of the limited medical facilities, infants 6 months or younger at the time the cruise commences and women who will be 24 or more weeks pregnant during the course of their travel are not permitted to participate in the cruise. If you are pregnant, please provide a medical note from your physician stating your expected due date and medical fitness to travel.

Infants must be at least 6 months of age at the time of embarkation in order to sail. Children must be at least 12 months of age at the time of embarkation to sail on trans-ocean crossings and remote itineraries, where there are more than 2 consecutive sea days.

Keep medication close at hand in your purse or carry-on bag. Be sure to bring enough prescription medicine to last throughout your cruise, as it may not be available on board or in some of the countries visited.

Are immunizations required prior to boarding?

This information is provided as general guidance. Governmental and medical vaccination requirements vary considerably for different areas of the world, and are subject to change at any time. Guests are responsible for verifying the actual requirements and recommendations at the time of sailing. Holland America Line assumes no liability for the guest’s failure to do so.

We recommend seasonal influenza vaccinations for all guests. On sailings that require other vaccinations, such as Yellow Fever or Malaria, it is important to obtain your vaccinations in time for them to take effect (6-8 weeks) prior to sailing. Furthermore, you are strongly urged to seek advice from your primary care physician, the Department of Public Health, the World Health Organization (WHO) or the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to identify any specific vaccination or health precautions required for each port of call on your itinerary.

An international certificate, approved by the World Health Organization, is the best medium for verification that inoculations and vaccinations have been satisfactorily performed, and is accepted by health officials at all ports of call. Failure to have the proper documents may result in refusal of passage by Customs and Immigration authorities.

What if I have a medical emergency while on board?

If passengers become ill or injured during the voyage and the diagnostic and/or care needs exceed the capabilities of the infirmary, passengers will be transferred to medical facilities ashore. Please note that Medicare and many health insurance plans DO NOT cover the cost of medical care at sea, in foreign countries, or for air evacuation. Guests are encouraged to obtain travel medical insurance prior to travel in order to be reimbursed for services rendered.

What about medications & Prescriptions?

Pack enough medication. Refill your medicine prescriptions sufficient for the duration of the cruise. Keep it with you at all times and remember to leave all medication in its original container. It is also a good idea to bring your immunization records and prescription for eye glasses or contacts.

Keep medication close at hand in your purse or carry-on bag. Be sure to bring enough prescription medicine to last throughout your cruise, as it may not be available on board or in some of the countries visited.

Your prescription medication should be kept close at hand in your purse or carry-on bag rather than in your checked luggage. Be sure to bring a sufficient supply of medication and transport it in the original container. It is also a good idea to carry a written list of your medications in case they are lost. The list should include the name of the drug, dosage and times taken. In case of emergency, Holland America will assist in filling prescriptions. However, please note that additional charges will apply.

Prescription medical marijuana is not allowed on board. Possession of marijuana, even if by prescription, is a violation of US law, may be a violation of the laws of countries the ship may visit, and may result in referral to law enforcement authorities. Prescription Marinol, an alternative to marijuana, is permitted on board.

Can I still cruise if I’m Pregnant?

Women cannot have begun their 24th week of pregnancy at any time before or during the cruise. If you are pregnant or sailing with a guest who is pregnant they must provide a physician’s letter stating the expected due date, medical fitness to travel and the pregnancy is not high risk. Please also include your name, booking number, ship and sailing date.

Please fax your letters to our Access & Compliance Department at 800-577-1731. Or email them to halw_access@hollandamerica.com.

We urge you to have the letter faxed in as soon after making your reservation as possible.

How can I travel well?

One of the most important practices in reducing and preventing illness from infections while traveling is washing your hands regularly. Travelers should wash their hands often with soap and water. In absence of running water, the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers is recommended to help prevent disease transmission. This is especially important before and after meals, when participating in activities where you are in contact with surfaces that many others could have touched (i.e., railings, buttons, countertops, etc.), handling money and after using the restroom.

Fax

Facsimile service is available on board. Please contact the Front Office for cost and other information if you wish to take advantage of this service.

Mail

Letters and postcards may be mailed from the ship while in ports of call. Guests may buy stamps in port or purchase them with U.S. cash from the Front Office. All mail is subject to local postal office procedures and rates in the port mailed.

Can I use the internet, mobile phones, or webcams on board?

Internet Access

Guests can purchase and connect to satellite internet 24 hours a day on each ship in the Holland America Line fleet, either by accessing our wireless network or utilizing the workstations located in the Explorations Café. Internet Plans vary in price to accommodate individual needs and are interchangeable between the workstations in the Explorations Café and your wireless device.

Note that satellite connections may be adversely impacted by physical obstacles such as fjords and inclement weather and the speed is notably slower than shoreside connections.

Wireless Internet Service

Each Holland America Line vessel offers wireless access throughout the ship. Guests may use their laptop computer or other wireless internet enabled device to purchase and connect to the wireless internet service on board.

Connect:

Put your device in airplane mode.

Turn Wi-Fi “on” and connect to your ship’s network.

Open your web browser and type “Login.com”.

Within Holland America Line Navigator™, choose “Connect to Paid Internet” from the selection options.

Available Packages:

Social: Per day package, $14.99. (Access the most popular social websites and applications. May not allow for audio/video calling and streaming.)

Surf (most popular): $24.99. (Surf your favorite sites including e-mail, news, sports and more. May not allow for audio/video calling and streaming.)

Premium: $29.99 (From e-mail to streaming, receive the highest volume of data. Supports audio/video calling and streaming where coverage allows.)

Keep in Mind:

Satellite transmissions are inherently slower than shore-side connections.

You’ll find a select number of free sites under “Complimentary Browsing.”

For more information please see the Frequently Asked Questions or one of our Guest Relations team members.

Each package comes with a daily volume of data for a superior experience. Volumes vary by package and subject to change. For a current listing of the daily volume soft caps, see the Internet Plan Selection page.

Powered by The New York Times

The Explorations Café, powered by The New York Times offers a comfortable, coffee house environment where you can purchase and connect to the internet using provided workstations or by using your own wireless internet device, such as a laptop computer, iPad or mobile phone.

AT&T Mobile Packages

Guests with AT&T service may choose from a selection of packages offering discounted rates for international calls, texts and data while on board. Choose from options for calling only, calling and messaging or calling, messaging and data. Click here for complete details on plans and full terms and conditions.

Mobile Phone Service

Holland America, through an agreement with Wireless Maritime Service, proudly offers an advanced roaming network onboard all Holland America ships allowing you to make and receive calls, send and receive text messages and access emails and surf the web while at sea using your own mobile phone and telephone number.

The Wireless Maritime Service system is available for use when the ship is in international waters. When user’s phones pick the shipboard signal, their phone will usually display “cellular at sea”, “Ship Roam”or “901-18”. Depending on the handset and the carrier the user may be required to select “Roam” on the handset.

For frequently asked questions about cell phone service on board, please go to www.wmsatsea.com.

For questions about your service or about billing, please contact your home network customer service.

Webcams

Holland America Line does not publish webcam information online.

What activities are available on board the ship?

Personal enrichment and hands-on learning can make a vacation and are a hallmark of traveling aboard a Holland America Line ship.

Our newest feature is the Holland America Line Digital Workshop powered by Microsoft Windows. Guests will be able to “show and tell” their vacation memories, learning how to share all their digital memories through email, blogging and social networking. Whether you are a novice or an expert, your friends and family can share your experiences, even before you return home.

Every ship boasts a remarkable and extensive art collection, collectively valued at millions of dollars. Art Tour podcasts are available on every ship to guide you in your journey to discover the art onboard your ship.

Travel guides are another feature, providing a pleasant and knowledgeable immersion into the regions visited, to enhance your experience of each port.

Learn about the greenhouse spa and salon

Of all the fascinating places you can visit on a Holland America cruise ship, none rejuvenates and relaxes like the Greenhouse Spa & Salon, featuring heavenly beauty and wellness rituals. Choose the blissful pampering of a facial therapy or let the trained fingers of a massage therapist soothe your muscles while working fragrant oils into your skin. Enjoy therapeutic water treatments as you steam in a thermal suite or bathe in herbs, all the while cruising to exotic destinations and enjoying the indulgences that are a signature feature of luxurious Holland America Line cruises.

Relaxing treatment rooms also offer breathtaking views where guests can enjoy exotic skin, body and hair treatments ranging from hot stone massages and pedicures to hair styling and facials. Facilities include:

A hydrotherapy pool bubbling with warm, therapeutic sea water*

Heated ceramic lounge reminiscent of an opulent Turkish bath**

Private treatment rooms, including couple’s massage rooms

Massage therapy inspired by an exotic blend of cultures — from Hawaiian Lomi Lomi to Chinese Tui Na

The latest exotic skin, body, hair and nail treatments

Knowledgeable, professional therapists trained to guide you through your spa experience

For rejuvenation through exercise, Holland America Line spas offer fitness classes to help you achieve optimum health and vitality. Yoga, Pilates, Indoor Cycling and cardio circuit training are available for participants at all levels. Take advantage of treadmills, stationary bikes, stairsteppers, rowing machines, weights and weight machines. Staffed with professionals, the tranquil Greenhouse Spa & Salon invites guests to embrace sensory indulgence on a luxurious cruise vacation to remember.

To order Greenhouse Spa products online, visit www.timetospa.com.

*available on select ships only

**except ms Prinsendam

Are visitors allowed on board?

Holland America, upon evaluation of customer and security concerns, has implemented a “no visitor” policy and regrets any inconvenience this may cause. However, friends may easily arrange to send an onboard gift directly to your stateroom. Or you may throw a party of your own for fellow guests.

Can guests under 21 Travel alone?

Guests under 21 years of age must be accompanied by a parent, guardian or chaperone that is at least 21 years old; one adult chaperone is required for every five people under the age of 21. Infants must be at least 6 months of age at the time of embarkation in order to sail. Children must be at least 12 months of age at the time of embarkation to sail on trans-ocean crossings and remote itineraries, where there are more than 2 consecutive sea days.

Guests must be 21 years of age or over to purchase or consume alcohol onboard. For voyages that depart from and return to Australia and/or New Zealand, Europe, China, Hong Kong, Singapore or Taiwan, this policy applies to guests 18 years and older. For Voyages that depart from and return to Japan, this policy applies to guests 20 years and older.

Minors under the age of 18 traveling to foreign countries must be accompanied by both parents or have a notarized letter of consent signed by the parent(s) not traveling. If the other parent is deceased or the child has only one legal parent, a notarized statement must be obtained as proof.

All minors under the age of 18 must travel with all proper identification documents in addition to the signed letter of authorization. Minors who are U.S. citizens should have an original, photocopy or certified original of their government-issued birth certificate or another form of proof of citizenship. Children 16 or older are also required to have a photo ID. If traveling outside of the Western Hemisphere, a passport is required for guests of any age. Your travel advisor can provide additional information about this requirement.

Please Note: In an effort to prevent international child abduction, many governments have initiated procedures at entry and exit points. These often include requiring documentary evidence of relationship and permission for the child’s travel from the parent(s) or legal guardian if not present. Having such documentation on hand, even if not required, may facilitate entry or departure. For specific information regarding the country to which you are traveling, please visit U.S. State Department website for country-by-country information.

Parents, guardians and chaperones are responsible for overseeing the conduct of minors in their care. As such, minors may not be left unsupervised on board the ship. Minors should receive the same oversight that would be provided when visiting locations such as a large resort or theme park. A parent or legal guardian MUST accompany all children under the age of 18 on all tours for safety and liability reasons. For activities and programs for children age 3-17, please refer to the CLUB HAL YOUTH PROGRAM section.

Minors Going Ashore

Parents and guardians are responsible for deciding whether or not minors under age 16 are allowed to go ashore without adult supervision. If you want to permit a minor traveling with you to go ashore without an adult companion, please discuss this in advance with the ship’s Security Officer so that they can make a notation of this in our gangway control system software. Absent this approval, our security personnel will generally prohibit minors from leaving the ship without an adult companion although we cannot provide absolute assurances in this regard. It is ultimately the responsibility of parents and guardians to ensure that minors traveling with them act in accordance with their instructions.

Can I bring my pets on board with me?

With the exception of qualified service animals for guests with disabilities, animals or pets are not allowed on board our ships. If you plan to bring a service animal, you must call our Access and Compliance Dept. at 800‐547‐8493 or 206‐626‐7044. You will need to provide proof of current vaccinations for the animal. Please talk to your travel advisor about this requirement.

Can I bring alcoholic Beverages Onboard?

Revised Policy effective July 1, 2016

Each guest 21 years^ and older may bring one bottle of wine or champagne (no larger than 750ml) onboard in carry-on luggage at the beginning of the voyage. This bottle will not be subject to a corkage fee if consumed in the stateroom. Additional wine or champagne bottles (no larger than 750ml) in carry-on luggage are welcome, but will incur a US$18.00 (subject to change) corkage fee each, irrespective of where they are intended to be consumed. Guests are not allowed to bring beer, boxed wine, or other liquors and spirits onboard. Holland America Line reserves the right to remove all alcoholic beverages from any guest luggage that violates this policy. Any alcoholic beverage found will be removed and returned on the last evening of the voyage. Guests will not receive any monetary compensation for alcoholic beverages that were removed from luggage.

^For voyages that depart from and return to Australia and/or New Zealand, this policy applies to guests 18 years and older. Effective July 1, 2016, for voyages which depart from and return to Europe, China, Hong Kong, Singapore or Taiwan, this policy applies to guests 18 years and older, and for voyages which depart from and return to Japan, this policy applies to guests 20 years and older.

Wine and champagne bottles (no larger than 750ml) purchased in ports of call are welcome to be brought onboard subject to a US$18.00 (subject to change) corkage fee each, irrespective of where they are intended to be consumed. Alternatively guests can choose to have these bottles stored and returned on the last evening of the voyage at no charge. All other alcoholic beverages that are purchased in ports of calls as well as all alcoholic beverages purchased from onboard shops will be stored and returned on the last evening of the voyage at no charge.

In-Room Dining offers reduced-price stateroom beverage packages for in-stateroom consumption of alcoholic beverages (a 15% Service Charge on all beverage items and packages with beverages will be added).

Buying Tobacco & Alcohol

A traveler may include up to 100 cigars and 200 cigarettes (one carton) in the US$800 exemption from duty. U.S. residents on State Department-licensed travel to Cuba may no longer bring cigars or other goods back with them from their visit. Additional cigars and cigarettes may be brought into the country, but they will be subject to duty and taxes. Cigarettes may also be subject to a tax imposed by state and local authorities. Bidis — essentially flavored cigarettes — are not generally permitted entry.

Generally, one liter of alcohol per person may be entered into the U.S. duty-free by travelers who are 21 or older, although travelers coming from the U.S. Virgin Islands or other Caribbean countries are entitled to more. Additional quantities may be entered, although they will be subject to duty and IRS taxes.

Is smoking allowed on board?

To better align with guest wishes and health concerns, Holland America Line will implement a new smoking policy beginning in January 2017. Please see below for details.

Smoking Policy beginning January 2017:

For the comfort of all of our guests, all staterooms (cabins), showrooms and most other indoor areas are designated non-smoking. No smoking of any kind will be permitted on any stateroom verandah.

Sea View (Retreat) Bar/Pool on starboard side only. On Prinsendam, Koningsdam, and Nieuw Statendam, smoking is allowed on the port side only. The designated smoking areas for all ships are as follows unless otherwise noted:

Sun Bar on Koningsdam and Nieuw Statendam

Sports Deck forward and aft of Crow’s Nest on starboard side on Maasdam, Veendam, Volendam, Zaandam, Rotterdam and Amsterdam

Oak Room on Noordam only, including cigar and pipe smoking

Onboard Zuiderdam, Oosterdam, Westerdam, Eurodam and Nieuw Amsterdam the casinos are non-smoking. Onboard all other Holland America Line ships, smoking is allowed in the casinos except for non-smoking days.

Cigar and pipe smoking is not allowed anywhere inside the ship; it is only permitted on the outside decks where smoking is otherwise allowed.

Electronic cigarettes are not permitted in staterooms or in other public areas of the ship other than designated smoking areas.

Any guest who smokes inside staterooms or on verandahs in violation of our policy will be charged a US$250 cleaning fee per day of violation and will risk being removed from the ship for repeated violations.

Holland America Line reserves the right at any time to modify the smoking policy onboard or alter the locations where smoking is permissible.

What childcare & youth programs are available?

Holland America Line has a youth program for guests ages 3-17*. Each ship is staffed with a professional Club Hal® Director dedicated to making sure children have a great time. Some of the fun-filled activities include bingo for prizes, arts & crafts, special parties and much more. Each participant also receives a Club Hal® t-shirt. An activity schedule for each age group will be delivered to your stateroom each evening.

Activities are offered for kids (ages 3-7), ‘tweens (8-12) and teens (13-17). The program has an open door policy, which means participants may come and go as they please. All activities are supervised; however, the Club Hal® Director is not responsible for any child if he/she chooses to leave the activity.

*On the ms Prinsendam, youth activities are offered for ages 5-17. All other ships offer youth activities for ages 3-17.

How is my stateroom furnished?

Your stateroom is furnished with a ship-to-shore telephone which enables you to easily call anywhere in the world, 24 hours a day (prices are found in your stateroom directory). No-host mini-bars can be found in every stateroom onboard Eurodam, Koningsdam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Nieuw Statendam, Noordam, Oosterdam, Prinsendam, Westerdam and Zuiderdam and in the verandah stateroom category and higher for all other ships. Holland America Line does not recommend storing medication in any mini-bar. Please contact the ship’s Medical Center for any medication requiring refrigeration.

You’ll also find ample closet and drawer space, individually-controlled air conditioning, a television for viewing CNN, movies and onboard features. All staterooms have safes in the stateroom.

All staterooms are equipped with standard U.S. 110 AC and European 220 AC outlets. If your shaver operates on standard 110 AC, by all means bring it (guests with pre- or post-cruise hotel packages may want to bring converters and/or adapters for their hotel stay). You may wish to bring a travel alarm clock as they are not available in staterooms. Hairdryers are available in staterooms on all ships.

For safety reasons, travel irons, steamers, and electric water heaters/kettles may not be used in your stateroom. You may order hot water from our complimentary In-Room Dining service 24 hours a day. Also, ironing facilities are available at the self-service laundry rooms for your convenience on all ships except the Oosterdam, Westerdam, Zuiderdam, Noordam, Eurodam, Koningsdam, Nieuw Statendam and Nieuw Amsterdam. In addition, full laundry and valet services are available on all of our ships.

What about special dining requests?

Dining requests should be made when you book, in advance of sailing. Upon embarkation you will find a confirmation card in your stateroom indicating your seating assignment and table number (if applicable). Upon embarkation you will find a confirmation card in your stateroom or it will be noted in your ID guest card. The information will advise you of your seating assignment and table number.

Are religious services available?

In order to serve the spiritual needs of our guests, we provide the following services. Your Daily Program will list times and locations.

Catholic: Mass is held daily.

Interdenominational: An interdenominational service is conducted each Sunday and on appropriate religious holidays.

Jewish: A Sabbath Eve is held each week. Anyone wishing to volunteer to lead this service should contact the Cruise Director. A Rabbi is on board for High Holiday services.

Is help available for non-english-speaking guests?

Our experienced, award-winning English-speaking staff and crew will do everything to make your cruise an unforgettable experience. Depending on the ship and itinerary, multi-lingual staff may also be available to assist our guests.

How do I order beverage packages and cards?

Onboard, Holland America Line offers a variety of beverage packages and cards for purchase as gifts or personal use. Guests can purchase individual items, multi-day wine packages or an array of convenient beverage cards (for alcoholic, non-alcoholic or soda fountain beverages).

Try one of our drink packages which offer great value and a convenient way to enhance your cruise experience.

ELITE PACKAGE

Only $59.95 per guest/per day*

Enjoy all the benefits from our Quench and Signature Packages and more! With the Elite Beverage Package you can enjoy all drinks menu priced $15 and under including Dale DeGroff’s Original Cocktails!

SIGNATURE PACKAGE

Only $54.95 per guest/per day*

Our Signature package includes everything from our Quench Package along with your favorite premium beers, spirits, cocktails, and wines by the glass priced $11 and under.

EVIAN™ WATER PACKAGE

12 liter bottles of Evian natural spring water delivered to your stateroom for only $42 per guest* 6 liter bottles only $24 per guest*

QUENCH PACKAGE

(NON-ALCOHOLIC)

Only $17.95 per guest/per day* Quench your thirst with our nonalcoholic package which includes an unlimited variety of premium coffees such as espresso and cappuccino, juices, Coca-Cola™ products, our signature mocktails, Red Bull, and bottled waters 500ml and under.

COCA-COLA™ PACKAGE

Only $8.00 per guest/per day*

The Coca-Cola™ Package includes unlimited fountain sodas for $8.00 per person, per day. On the Koningsdam and Nieuw Statendam this package also includes the Coca-Cola™ Freestyle program with more than 100 unique Coca-Cola™ flavors available.

* Prices are per person per day. Please see your server or bartender for a full list of items included in each package.

A 15% service charge will be automatically applied to your purchase. Beverage packages must be purchased for the entire duration of the voyage.

All adults of legal drinking age for the respective itinerary that are booked in the same stateroom must also purchase the package.

The Signature and Elite packages have a daily limit of 15 alcoholic beverages, which includes all alcoholic beverages with a menu price of $15 or less (Elite Beverage Package), or $11 or less (Signature Beverage Package). The Quench Beverage Package includes unlimited non-alcoholic beverages and bottled waters 500ml and under.

The packages exclude purchases made in the Mini Bar, Honor Bar, Chocolate Seduction, In-Room Dining, beverages purchased on Half Moon Cay and any self-service draft beer.

Freestyle Coca-Cola is currently only available on the Koningsdam and Nieuw Statendam.

Packages are non-transferrable and non-refundable. No sharing is permitted.

Participants may order only one drink at a time and must be of the legal drinking age for the respective itinerary.

Beverage Management reserves the right to revoke the package if misused. Beverage Management reserves the right to refuse service for any reason, including refusing service of alcoholic beverages to intoxicated guests.

You may order gifts for yourself or guests booked on any cruise. If ordering for friends or family, all you need is their last name and booking number.

For information regarding bringing your own alcohol, please refer to the ‘Can I Bring Alcoholic Beverages Onboard?’ section of our FAQ.

If you need to order via phone, please call Ship Services at 1-800-541-1576.

How do I book shore excursions?

Our extensive and award-winning shore excursions program helps you make the most of your time in port and provides you with the best transportation and guide services available. Choose from city tours, culinary explorations, shopping outings, outdoor expeditions, cultural activities and more. We recommend you book early for the best selection, as our excursions and tours have limited capacity and fill up quickly.

Shore excursions may be easily booked online in advance of sailing on the Book Shore Excursions page. If tour details are not yet finalized, please check again closer to your departure date. Changes or cancellations may be made online up to 3 days prior to your scheduled cruise departure date. Shore excursion vouchers will be delivered to your stateroom on the day of embarkation. You will also be able to request tours on the ship at the shore excursion office. However, please note that requests are processed on a first-come, first-served basis. Requests for excursions which are fully booked are placed on a waiting list.

We have created a broad range of shore excursions with options available for every desired activity level. Each shore excursion will show a corresponding activity level icon; use the icons as a general guide to the level of activity involved. Please note that wheelchair lift vehicles are not available in some ports. Please check with the shore excursion staff on board for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Holland America Line and our local agents have spent much time in the selection of shore excursion tours. Please be aware, however, that although every effort has been made to present you with the best available facilities in the countries we visit, some of these tours may not have amenities such as air-conditioning and toilets on buses.

Please note: No refund or allowance can be made to any guest who might, for any reason (including medical), cancel, deviate from, or otherwise not utilize all of the services scheduled to be provided by any excursion. Guests on any excursion, who elect to leave the automobiles or motorcoaches in the shopping area, or elsewhere, must provide their own transportation, at their own expense, back to the port.

What is as you wish dining?

From a festive five-course affair to a quick, casual dinner for two, our As You Wish® dining lets you choose the venues and style that suit you.

The elegant main Dining Room

Luxurious Dining Room, graced with fine art and antiques

Sophisticated china and crisp white table linens

Five-course menus with offerings from classic preparations regionally inspired cuisine to vegetarian options

Your choice of traditional pre-set seating and dining times or a flexible open schedule

The Pinnacle Grill experience

Intimate dining featuring Double R Ranch Beef and fresh seafood

Luxurious appointments including custom-made china, stemware and linens

Extensive wine list featuring many selections rated “Excellent” by Wine Spectator

Other delightful ways to dine

Fresh, cooked-to-order specialties in the Lido Restaurant for breakfast and lunch

Complimentary 24-hour in-room dining

The Terrace Grill on deck

Late-night snack; Chocolate Dessert Extravaganza

Explorations Café featuring pastries and espresso drinks

Daily Afternoon Tea service, elevated to Royal Dutch High Tea once per cruise

A master staff and crew

Enhanced menu design under the direction of Master Chef Rudi Sodamin

Executive chefs inducted into the prestigious Confrérie de la Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, an international food and wine society

Signature touches

Ice cream bar featuring complimentary treats

Hot hors d’oeuvres during cocktail hour

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 60 days prior to departure. As You Wish® dining is currently available on each of our ships.

Are laundry facilities available on board?

For your comfort and convenience we offer full laundry and dry cleaning service on each ship in the Holland America Line fleet. In your stateroom you will find laundry bags and price lists conveniently located in your closet.

Onboard self-service launderettes consisting of washers, dryers, irons and ironing boards are available on the ms Amsterdam and Maasdam. There is a charge for the use of the self-service launderettes and it is coin operated. Iron and ironing boards are provided at no cost.

Please note: For safety reasons, travel irons, steamers, and electric water heaters/kettles may not be used in your stateroom.

What are The Benefits of Booking Onboard?

The best time to book your next cruise is while cruising with Holland America Line. Book your next Holland America Line cruise while on board and you will receive up to $400 per person shipboard credit, good for your next Holland America Line cruise.

Limited time offer, Savings for On Board Bookings Only Book on board and you can reserve your next cruise at a reduced deposit. (If you choose to take advantage of Holland America’s cruise Cancellation Protection this payment will also be due at time of initial deposit.) No additional deposits will be due until final payment. Should you need to cancel your reservation, your reduced deposit will be applicable to another Holland America Line cruise within the next four years. Your reduced deposit will be subject to cancellation penalties if the booking is within the published penalty period.

Double Your Onboard Spending Credit Now you have two ways to receive Onboard Spending Credit on your next cruise. You can purchase a Future Cruise Deposit (FCD) and decide on your cruise later or you can make your booking while on the ship with the Future Cruise Consultant and earn double the Onboard Spending Credit! You will receive a reduced deposit, Onboard Spending Credit up to $400 USD per person and the best available rates. Visit your onboard Future Cruise Consultant for the latest sales and promotions, which are fully combinable with the Onboard Sales Program. You can even make arrangements for family and friends to sail with you on your next cruise, even if they are not currently on board with you. Your Future Cruise Consultant will handle all the arrangements on board and your travel advisor will assist you, and receive full credit for your booking, when you get back home.

Book the Stateroom or Suite You Want When you book on board, you have a much better opportunity of receiving the stateroom or suite that best suits your traveling style; this includes preferred accommodations on our most popular and unique itineraries. That’s because your Future Cruise Consultant has immediate access to Holland America’s reservation system and can view all availabilities on all sailings. The time to reserve your desired stateroom, suite and dining preference is now.

Your booking will be credited to, and finalized by, your preferred travel advisor.

We appreciate the relationship you have with your travel advisor and want to assure you they will be credited for bookings made onboard, just let us know. In addition, Holland America Line will honor any pricing or amenities that your travel advisor extends in addition to your onboard offers.

To book, or for more information, simply visit your Future Cruise Consultant.

(*Not applicable for charter voyages.)

What about fares, taxes & surcharges?

In addition to your cruise fare, you will also be charged an amount for Taxes. That term, as used by Holland America Line, refers to certain taxes, fees and charges imposed by governmental or quasi-governmental authorities, including port authorities, relating to any aspect of your cruise or tour. If governmental action results in any element of Taxes exceeding the estimates used by Holland America Line for purposes of computing the quoted amount, we reserve the right to pass through the extra amount. Similarly, Holland America Line reserves the right to impose or pass through security surcharges or similar incidental surcharges. No right of cancellation exists under either of these circumstances.

Holland America Line reserves the right not to honor any published prices that it determines were erroneous due to printing, electronic or clerical error. Holland America Line shall have the right to refuse or cancel any bookings made at an incorrect price whether or not the order has been confirmed and your credit card charged. If your credit card has already been charged for the purchase and your order is canceled, Holland America Line shall immediately issue a credit to your credit card account in the amount of the incorrect price. Fares quoted are those currently in effect. If cost factors dictate the need for fare increases, Holland America Line may do so at any time prior to departure. Guests can cancel (without paying a cancellation fee) rather than accept a fare increase. This right does not apply to increases in Taxes or to Surcharges.