can you bring alcohol on holland cruise

• 1-855-932-1711
• My Account Hello Credits My Account Log out

Frequently Asked Questions

Know Before You Go        2024 Alaska Tour Tips  (PDF)       Accessibility        News & Advisories

Can I bring alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages onboard?

Revised Policy effective June 1st, 2021

Guests are not allowed to bring alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages on board for consumption or any other use except as follows:

Guests 21 years and older may bring Wine and Champagne onboard, however a corkage fee of USD $20.00 (which is subject to change without notice) will be applied to each bottle (max 750 ml in volume or less). Limitations apply. Wine brought in quantities deemed to be excessive by the vessel or security will be refused.

Wine purchased during company-sponsored shore excursions that visit local wineries are exempt from the on-board corkage fee (offer limited to one bottle of wine per person).

For voyage that depart from and return to Australia and/or New Zealand, this policy applies to guests 18 years and older. 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.

Items such as sodas, energy drinks or other non-alcoholic items are not allowed on board in any form. Plastic water bottles are not allowed. However, an allowance of six liters, twelve (12) cans or cartons (500 ml in volume or less) or six (6) cans or cartons (1 liter in volume or less) of water are allowed per stateroom.  Any amount in excess of this allowance will be not be allowed onboard. Water in plastic bottles will not be allowed onboard in any quantity, including in ports of call. Guests will be asked to discard open beverages in plastic containers prior to boarding.    

All checked and carry-on luggage will be scanned and any prohibited items, including alcoholic/nonalcoholic beverages will be removed, confiscated, and discarded.  If your luggage is locked, the lock may be removed by security or, alternatively, the luggage will be held by security until you can be present for an inspection and any items in question further identified and/or surrendered.  Holland America Line shall not be responsible for any loss, cost, disappointment or damage of any kind as a result of any luggage lock removal, alcoholic/nonalcoholic items, or other prohibited items removed and discarded in violation of the policy. You agree to surrender alcoholic beverages that are purchased duty free from the ship's gift shop, or at ports of call, to Holland America Line, which will be delivered to your stateroom just prior to disembarking the voyage. Any wine or champagne supplied by the Holland America Line to you is not subject to a corkage fee.  Purified or distilled water in factory-sealed containers (including plastic containers) for use in conjunction with medical device(s) are allowed in checked luggage and must be packed with the device(s). Distilled/purified water in factory-sealed containers (including plastic containers) for the reconstitution of infant formula is allowed in checked luggage for staterooms with infant bookings. Limitations apply. Allowances are subject to change without notice and remain subject to situational assessments by both security and the vessel.

An 18% Service Charge is automatically applied to all Beverage Purchases, Bar Retail Items, Specialty Restaurant Cover Charges and all For Purchase A La Carte Menu Items. Local Sales Taxes Applied where required.

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.

Are transfers included?

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 your ship as well as from your ship to select major airports. Transfers operate on the day of embarkation and disembarkation only and 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.

In addition, we offer transfers between select city center locations and Holland America ships in Amsterdam, Barcelona, London, Rotterdam, Rome and Sydney, as well as between airport and hotel in Anchorage and Fairbanks.

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 happens if it rains on my destination wedding day?

If the weather is unsuitable for an outdoor ceremony, alternate arrangements will be made at the discretion of the coordinator.

What about medications & prescriptions?

Pack enough medication. Refill your medicine prescriptions sufficiently 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.

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 Guest Accessibility 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 Guest Accessibility Department.

To board the ship, your service animal must have current vaccinations. Records confirming the vaccination status should be provided to our Guest Accessibility 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 Guest Accessibility Department via email at  [email protected] .

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 dining venues, from the elegant Dining Room to the casual Lido Market.
• A familiarization tour of the vessel upon arrival.

What are the boarding procedures?

Your assigned check-in time is printed on the Boarding Pass page in your Express Docs. Please note that 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.

Your stateroom keycard will be delivered to your stateroom. 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 is the guideline on face masks?

Masks on board are recommended but not required indoors or outdoors. We highly recommend guests wear a mask in the World Stage and other entertainment areas, casino, spa treatment rooms, Club HAL and during other congregate events. Masks are required to be worn during the entire embarkation and debarkation process and on transportation during any Holland America Line organized shore excursions, on tenders to and from ports, and in the onboard Medical Center.    When going ashore guests must be prepared to follow all local guidance regarding masks and physical distancing. The status of local guidelines will be shared with guests prior to disembarkation at the destination.   Health experts advise that guests use a higher-grade mask while indoors (such as KN95 or surgical masks) that have two or more layers, completely cover the nose and mouth, fit snuggly against the side of the face and have a nose wire. Please note that visors and face shields will not be accepted as a substitute for a face mask. Holland America Line will be providing complimentary surgical mask(s) on board with replacements available upon request.

How should I pack for Alaska?

The experts at Holland America Line, the most experienced Alaska travel company, have some tips on packing when you're headed north on a cruise or cruisetour.

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: Dressy 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. 

Dressy 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.  

The number of Dressy Nights on your cruise depends upon the duration of the voyage. The number of Dressy 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.

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.

• 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 Internet Packages :

• Surf (most popular): US $29.99. (Surf your favorite sites including e-mail, news, sports and more. May not allow for audio/video calling and streaming.)
• Premium: US $34.99 (From e-mail to streaming, receive the highest volume of data. Supports audio/video calling and streaming where coverage allows.)
• Stream: US $45.99 (Stream your favorite movies and shows right from your Netflix, Disney+, Prime, Max, and other accounts.)

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.

Holland America Line does not publish webcam information online.

Does Holland America Line offer onboard programs for kids or teens?

Yes, we offer supervised, age-appropriate games, sports and activities on board for kids and ‘tweens while teens can enjoy an exclusive venue and special events.

Do you offer any discounts for kids?

For parties larger than two adults planning to travel in the same stateroom, our reduced fares for kids or extra guests beyond the first and second guest per room offer an exceptional value. Fares vary by departure date and stateroom category purchased, and during select promotions they may be free. (Whether cruise fares are reduced or free for these additional guests per stateroom, the cost of taxes, fees and port expenses per person still applies.)

On board, children 12 or under receive half off in our specialty dining restaurants or can select items from a special kids’ menu for free.

Many of our award-winning shore excursions also offer reduced pricing for kids. 

Do you have staterooms that accommodate families?

Our staterooms and suites come in an array of sizes and configurations to fit your family. Family-friendly options include sofa beds, Murphy beds and connecting rooms. Nieuw Statendam and Koningsdam also feature dedicated family staterooms with beds for five guests, extra closet space and two bathrooms — one with a bathtub, shower, sink and toilet and one with a shower and sink.

To learn more about family cruises with Holland America Line here .

For help finding your ideal stateroom, please call us at 1-855-932-1711.

What are my beverage package options?

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.

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.

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.

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.

What childcare & youth programs are available?

Holland America Line has a youth program for guests ages 3-17. Each ship is staffed with professional Kids Counselors dedicated to making sure children have a great time. Some of the fun-filled activities include arts & crafts, special parties, sports on deck and much more.  An activity schedule for each age group can be found on the Navigator app once on board.

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$250 per bag, per guest up to a maximum of two bags per guest for sailings 14 days or less, or up to a maximum of three bags per guest for sailings 15 days or longer.  Holland America Line's baggage policy is further detailed in the baggage section of your Cruise Contract. Additional coverage is available with the purchase of a Holland America Line Standard or Platinum Cancellation Protection Plan .   

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.

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.

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.

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

Special Needs at Sea

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 Guest Accessibility 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.

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

We recommend booking your flight arrangements through Holland America Line's Flight Ease®.  Benefits include customized flight choices, competitively priced fares, and late arrival protection should you experience delays, along with the support of our team along the way.  It's the easy, hassle-free way to travel to and from your cruise. For more information,  click here .

Ground 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. For more information, see Are Transfers Included .

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.

View our  safety and security videos . 

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

Are religious services available?

In order to serve the spiritual needs of our guests, we provide the following services. 

Catholic: Mass is held daily.

Protestant: An interdenominational service is held Sunday mornings, led by the congregation.

Jewish: A Shabbat Service is held Friday evenings, led by the congregation. On Grand & Legendary Voyages, a minister and rabbi will accompany the resident priest to host services.

How do I protect my vacation investment?

Protect your cruise vacation investment with our Cruise Protection Plan . Our Standard Cancellation Protection Plan (CPP Standard Plan) will allow you, for any reason, to provide written cancellation up to 24 hours prior to the start of your scheduled travel (sea, land and/or air) arrangements made by Holland America Line and receive a refund equal to 80% of the eligible amounts paid (90% if you purchase our CPP Platinum Plan). To add our Cancellation Protection Plan to your new or existing cruise booking, please call us at 1‐877‐932‐4259. NOTE: CPP Standard is available to all guests, regardless of residency (excluding permanent residents of the United Kingdom). CPP Platinum is not available to residents of New York State, Quebec, British Columbia, Puerto Rico or the United Kingdom.

If I require oxygen and/or dialysis during my cruise, may I still travel?

With the removal of the Enhanced Protocol designation on sailings, Medical has given approval to lift the requirement for denial of guests who require oxygen cylinders or are undergoing hemo dialysis treatment on all voyages. Guest using any form of oxygen or undergoing any type of dialysis treatment are allowed on any sailing now and should be advised to submit an SRI to Guest Accessibility for review per standard practice.

How can I arrange onboard gifts?

Make a Holland America Line cruise even more special for your friends and family by surprising them with an onboard gift. Choose from more than 100 items, including a festive bottle of sparking wine, specialty dining package, bouquet of flowers or an onboard credit.

Purchase an Onboard Gift

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.

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.  

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

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. An 18% Service Charge is automatically applied to all Beverage Purchases, Bar Retail Items, Specialty Restaurant Cover Charges and all For Purchase A La Carte Menu Items. Local Sales Taxes Applied where required. All adults of legal drinking age for the respective itinerary that are booked in the same stateroom must also purchase the package. The Elite package has a daily limit of 15 alcoholic beverages with a menu price of $15 or less. Unlimited non-alcoholic beverage. The Signature package has a daily limit of 15 alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks with a menu price of $11 or less. The Quench Beverage Package is limited to 15 non-alcoholic drinks daily. 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 can also order Beverage Packages, Champagne and other onboard gifts for any guest booked on a Holland America Line cruise.  

Order Online Now

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

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

What is the difference between a wedding coordinator, shoreside coordinator and onboard coordinator?

The wedding coordinator is the first person you’ll talk to when you call Royal Ocean Events. They will assist you in choosing a package and completing your contract. From  there, they will help you design all the details for your event. You may contact your wedding coordinator by email or schedule a phone appointment. Once onboard, your  ship’s wedding coordinator will execute all the details of your Symbolic At Sea ceremony in accordance with your contract. If you have chosen an Ashore or Anchors Away  ceremony your shore-side coordinator will assist on the day of your ceremony to ensure all the details per your contract flow smoothly.

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, 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 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, full laundry and valet services are available on all of our ships.

Are visitors allowed on board?

Due to customer and security concerns, we have a "no visitor" policy on board our ships, and regret any inconvenience this may cause. However, you can make a Holland America Line cruise even more special for your friends and family by surprising them with an onboard gift. Choose from more than 150 items, including a festive bottle of sparkling wine, specialty dinner, luxurious spa treatment, bouquet of flowers or an onboard credit.

What about same-sex ceremonies?

Same-sex legal weddings are currently offered ashore, in U.S. ports and in ports abroad, where legally permissible. However, symbolic same-sex ceremonies can be  performed at sea or at select ports of call. Please contact your wedding coordinator for a current list of applicable ports.

Can the captain perform our wedding?

The captain can perform your Symbolic at Sea ceremony once on board the ship. The Captain cannot perform legal ceremonies.

To learn more about weddings with Holland America Line click here .

What are your emergency phone numbers?

At some point in your travels you may experience an emergency. With this in mind, the following emergency phone numbers are available for your use. Representatives are on hand to assist you in any way they can, including assistance with travel delays and contacting loved ones. During our regular business hours, please call: 800-426-0327.

Representatives are available from 5:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday (Pacific Time). Outside of these hours and during holidays, please call 1-800-628-4771 or 1-206-286-3294.*

*This number is for emergency use only; please do not call unless you are experiencing an emergency of a critical nature.

Additionally, you can call the ship directly from the shore. We recommend that you use this for the most critical emergencies only: Connecting to a Holland America Line vessel at sea is simple by using  Ship Dial Service . A credit card is required for all inbound phone calls to a ship. The rate is $USD16.00 per minute and billing begins at the time specified. Please have the ship's name, your party's name and stateroom number before you call. Instructions:

1. Dial 1-800-993-5483 (US). From outside the U.S. access 1-321-837-6106. 2. Listen to the announcement. 3. Listen to the menu and select the number that corresponds to the ship you are calling. 4. If you receive a busy signal or message, please hang up quickly and try your call again.

Please print this page and give it to whomever you wish for dialing instructions.

Where can I find updates about voyages that have been modified or cancelled?

View the  Cruise Updates page  for the latest announcements.

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.

What about telephone, fax & mail usage?

Telephone: Ship to Shore

Direct ship-to-shore telephones are provided in each guest stateroom. You may easily place a call to friends, relatives or business associates during your cruise, reception permitting.

All phone calls, whether inbound or outbound, are charged a satellite tariff. Outbound calling rates are posted near your cabin telephone and will be billed to your on-board account. These charges are applied to ALL calls including calls to 800, 877 and 888 numbers. Please do not use a credit card or phone card; your on-board account will be billed in addition to the cost of the phone card or charges to your credit card. Collect calls are not possible from the ship.

Telephone: Shore to Ship

Connecting to a Holland America Line vessel at sea is simple by using Ship Dial Service . A credit card is required for all inbound phone calls to a ship. The rate is $US16.00 per minute and billing begins at the time specified. Please have the ship's name, your party's name and stateroom number before you call.

Instructions:

• Dial 1‐800‐993‐5483 (US). From outside the U.S. access 1‐321‐837‐6106.
• Listen to the announcement.
• Listen to the menu and select the number that corresponds to the ship you are calling.
• If you receive a busy signal or message, please hang up quickly and try your call again.

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.

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.

Do you have hotel & vacation packages?

Let us handle the details.  Build your entire vacation, including flights, ship transfers, excursions, and all your hotel needs before or after your cruise, all with one hassle-free phone call.

Enjoy a seamless experience from ship to shore with a high-quality EXC City Stay or Overland Package before or after your cruise, and shore excursions to immerse yourself in your ports of call. These shore excursions, hotel stays, and even Flight Ease™ air travel, can be coordinated by our Personal Cruise Consultants to best complement your journey.

Does Holland America Line offer a Best Price Guarantee on shore excursions?

Holland America Line does offer a Best Price Guarantee for shore excursions. Guests who book shore excursions and then find an identical tour available through a third party will receive a 110% refund of the price difference, in the form of a non-refundable onboard credit. Group shore excursions are excluded from this program. For questions about shore excursions Best Price Guarantee, please contact 800-363-9660 or email us at [email protected] .

What is Flight Ease®?

We are pleased to offer  Flight Ease®,  the easiest way to book flights for your cruise vacation.

Flight Ease® delivers what cruise travelers are looking for: specially negotiated low prices; a convenient, worry-free way to book air travel; late-arrival protection; the freedom to change your flights – with no change fees; and you can earn frequent flier miles with participating airlines.

Flight Ease® is an air booking website similar to other automated sites but designed with your cruise vacation in mind. Flight search options include choice of round trip or one way travel, economy or premium classes, maximum number of stops, airline, and layovers en route if desired. Flight availability and pricing is displayed in real time, along with flight departure and arrival times and duration. Seat selection maps and airline baggage policies and fees can also be accessed where available.

Flight Ease® benefits

Choices:  You may customize your air itinerary with your preferred travel dates, airport, airline, flight, and aircraft cabin class. Select from Flexible or Restricted fares*. Confirm your preferred flights as early as 330 days prior to your return or as late as 4 days before departure. Your flight selections will be confirmed immediately.

Savings:  Our Flexible Fares are competitively priced and often lower than pricing found on other sites – with added benefits not found elsewhere. With Flexible fares, you may change your flights without change fees at any time prior to your cruise final payment date.

Late arrival protection:  In the event your flights are delayed or cancelled by the airline on the day you are en route to or from your cruise, our staff is ready to assist you, 24/7. We’ll even take care of any flight changes if needed to join the voyage at the next available port of call.

Support:  Should you need assistance with your flight selections or during your air travels, you may rely on our support to ensure worry-free travel. Contact your Travel Advisor or call our support line at 1-800-628-4771.

*Flight Ease® offers two booking options:

Flexible Fares  - For those who want greater flexibility. Payment for air travel will be due with your cruise final payment. Provided you have not requested early ticketing, Flexible fares can be changed or cancelled without change fees at any time prior to your cruise final payment due date. After the cruise final payment due date, fees up to the full cost of the ticket may apply.

Restricted Fares  – For those who are sure of their plans. These non-refundable, but generally lower rates, require full payment for the air reservation at time of air booking. Changes to Restricted air reservations will result in cancellation of the entire air booking and cancellation fees up to the full cost of the ticket. Air prices are nonrefundable (no money back).

Flight Ease® Terms and Conditions

Flexible Fares:  Payment is required by the cruise final payment date or at time of booking if created after the cruise final payment date. Provided you have not requested early ticketing, no change fees will be charged for changes and cancellations made prior to the cruise final payment due date. After you make full payment, we reserve the right to pass any price increases to you for charges resulting from increases in airline fuel or other surcharges or government-imposed taxes or fees. 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. Tickets are nontransferable and name changes are not allowed. In some instances, name corrections will not be permitted and will require cancellation and rebooking of flights.

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 entire 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.

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 flight taxes and fees. 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. Other charges may be directly assessed by airlines or airports and are the responsibility of the guest.

Government Issued Identification:  For security reasons, first and last names on an air booking must match the government-issued identification used for boarding. For guests with Holland America Line’s Flight Ease® plan, name spelling corrections may result in a higher air rate, loss of space and/or change fees. Visit tsa.gov for more details.

Viewing Your Air Information

You may review your air itinerary by logging into “My Account” or “Manage My Bookings” at www.hollandamerica.com.

Please verify the spelling of your full name and date of birth to make sure it matches the identification document that you will be presenting at the airport, for example your passport or driver's license. You do not need to include suffixes on your airline reservation. Contact your travel advisor or our support line at 1-800-628-4771 if you require assistance with name corrections.

The following flight options can be managed by logging into “My Account” or “Manage My Cruise” at www.hollandamerica.com.

• Changes to your already confirmed flights (change fees and differences in fare may apply)
• Seat assignment requests
• Meal restrictions/requests
• Mobility requirements
• TSA information
• Frequent flyer information

Additional travel needs can be requested directly with the airline using your air confirmation code to access your flight reservation.

Seat Assignments

Seat assignments are controlled by the respective 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. Holland America Line has no control over seat assignments. We recommend that guests contact the airline(s) directly once you receive your air confirmation if you require assistance to request specific seats. Seat assignments are not guaranteed and are subject to change at the discretion of the airline without notice due to schedule changes, equipment changes or other unforeseen circumstances. 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.

Airline Baggage Charges

Once you have booked your flights, 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. We assume no responsibility for loss, damage, or delay while baggage is in the custody of 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 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.

Air Changes/Cancellations

Changes to the air booking may require cancellation and rebooking of flights at the current available rate. Provided you have not requested early ticketing, no change fees will be charged for changes and cancellation made to Flexible Air prior to the cruise final payment due date. Cancelling your cruise/cruisetour booking for any reason will cancel any air bookings associated with the booking, and fees will be applied if applicable. Contact our support line at 1-800-628-4771 if you require assistance with changes.

Late Arrival Protection

If you have booked your air travel through Holland America Line and experience delays on the day you are en route to your cruise due to an airline service disruption, such as a flight delay, cancellation, or re-route, that will cause you to miss your original port of embarkation, Holland America Line will work with the airline to find reasonable alternate flights to the next appropriate port at no additional air cost to the guest. Contact our support line at 1-800-628-4771 to request assistance.

Factors taken into account in determining the appropriateness of a port of call include, but are not limited to:

• where in the original itinerary the port is located
• airport / port infrastructure
• visas and other legal documentation that may be required
• application of the Passenger Services Act to the new itinerary
• comparability of cost, flight connections, and travel time required (any unused value on the original air ticket will be used to offset the cost of the new air ticket)

Note: 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.

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, to the extent permitted by applicable law, 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.

Overnight Hotel Accommodations

It may be necessary for guests to overnight en route to or from their cruise due to airline schedules and/or availability. If necessary, the cost of hotel accommodations is not included in the air price. Guests are always responsible for meals and items of a personal nature.

Ground Transportation

Ground 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.

For more information, see details in the FAQ  Are Transfers Included ?

How do I check in online?

For your convenience, and to expedite your departure, we encourage all our guests to utilize the online check-in procedure and start the process as soon as possible. During online check-in, you can securely submit your Immigration, Disembarkation and credit card registration forms. For the most accuracy onboard your ship, please complete the process at least 30 days prior to your departure. If you begin the process and cannot finish due to insufficient information, you may return to complete it at your convenience prior to departure. For a more in-depth look at the check-in process, check out our video walk-through .

When you check-in online, you'll be able to take advantage of the following benefits:

• Boarding Pass : To help expedite embarkation we recommend you do not print your boarding pass until 7-days prior to embarking on your cruise. This will allow time for the boarding barcode to be added to the left side of your boarding pass. (Keep in a safe place along with your cruise documents.) You may also use our Holland America Line Navigator app to access your digital boarding pass once Online Check In has been completed.

To complete Online Check-in for each guest, you will need:

• Full legal name
• Passport, visa or permanent resident card
• Home address
• Home telephone number
• Emergency contact information
• Return flight information
• Credit card you wish to use for onboard purchases

Additional Questions

For a more in-depth look at the check-in process, check out our  video walk-through . For questions and/or help with your Online Check-in forms, please email Holland America Reservations or call 1-800-207-3545. Please be aware that Holland America Line cannot print or fax a guest's Express Docs or Boarding Pass. 

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:

We recognize that for some people, a larger scooter may be essential. If you believe you need a larger scooter, please contact our Guest Accessibility 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.

Scooter Tips and Reminders (PDF)

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.

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 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. Follow this link to view the Tender list by port.

As to tenders, with the exception of the Volendam , 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 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.

Learn more 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

What is the timing of shore excursions?

Shore excursion departure times coincide with the ship’s schedule as well as other tours, enabling you to take multiple tours if desired with worry-free return to the ship. In the very rare event that your tour is late and the ship must leave, we will arrange at our expense to get you to the next port of call. With independently booked tours, you are responsible for rejoining the ship at the next port of call.

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.

Learn more about family cruises with Holland America Line .

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.

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. 
• Dressy 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 “Dressy” 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. “Dressy” still implies festive or dressy without misleading guests to bring attire the majority of guests don’t wear. 

Q: What about ladies’ dressy 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 Dressy 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 Dressy 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. On Grand Voyages we also add an occasional Formal night where formal attire is required in table service restaurants.

What are shore excursions?

Shore excursions are available through our partnerships with local suppliers and guides, in the majority of ports we visit. They cover an amazing array of places, landmarks, activities and experiences — from wildlife encounters in the Outback and salsa lessons in Havana to wine-tastings on a French estate and zip-lining in the Costa Rican rainforest. We offer something for every interest, taste and capability level.

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 premium 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 Room Service
• The Terrace Grill on deck
• Late-night snack; Chocolate Dessert Extravaganza
• Explorations Café featuring pastries and espresso drinks
• Tea service on port days

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.

How do I print a boarding pass?

You can print your boarding pass after Online Check-In is complete. The green Print Boarding 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 15 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.

What do I need to know about cruising to Alaska?

Download our Alaska PDF for all you need to know about visiting Alaska in 2024, including packing advice and tips for cruisetours, as well as identification requirements. For 2025, please check back closer to the sailing date.

Does Holland America Line offer accessible shore excursions?

Holland America Line is committed to providing safe, easy, and accessible accommodations for all persons with disabilities, to the extent that is feasible. The tours are graded according to their relative level of activity. The activity icons that appear at the beginning of each tour description provide a general idea of the level of activity to expect. It is important to keep in mind that tour operators are subject to the laws of their own country with respect to accommodating the needs of guests with disabilities. In most foreign countries, the laws are not as stringent as those in the United States. We cannot guarantee that all are able to provide facilities that are accessible to individuals with disabilities and third party shore excursion facilities may not be fully accessible to guests with disabilities. For detailed information on accessibility of shore excursions, we strongly recommend contacting our shore excursions reservations department well in advance of embarkation at 1-888-425-9376 (or locally at 206-626-7320). Once onboard, please visit the shore excursions office.

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.

Passport to Health

In this video, health experts offer helpful information on getting the right immunizations for safe and healthy travel.

Watch the Passport to Health video .

Do you offer gifts & 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.

Make a Holland America Line cruise even more special for your friends and family by surprising them with an onboard gift. Choose from more than 100 items, including a festive bottle of sparkling wine, specialty dining package, bouquet of flowers or an onboard credit.

Learn more about the Greenhouse Spa and Salon. To order Greenhouse Spa products online, visit  www.timetospa.com .

Who operates shore excursions?

What if there is an emergency.

View the EMERGENCY Contact section in the Contact Us page for emergency phone numbers and telephone options to/from the ship. Share and review this information prior to leaving for your vacation.

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 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 stateroom, 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 accessible bathrooms along with an accessible route and clear floor space on only one side of the bed in a stateroom configured to provide one bed and between the beds in a stateroom 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. Fully Accessible and Fully Accessible Single Side Approach bathrooms in guest staterooms will provide one of three types of bathing facilities: roll-in shower, transfer shower, or accessible bathtub.

Roll-in Showers  provide the turning space necessary for a wheelchair to maneuver within the showering area. Transfer Showers  provide the maneuvering clearance alongside a shower stall to allow for transferring to the shower bench from a wheelchair. Accessible Bathtubs  provide the maneuvering clearance alongside a bathtub to allow for transferring to a seat in the bathtub from a wheelchair. Details regarding accessible rooms on each ship are listed below and can be found on each ship’s Deck Plan.

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. Suites SA7057 and SY5002 have wheelchair access on the right side when facing the bed. 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 shower with no threshold, 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.

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.

• Nieuw Amsterdam

Fully Accessible These rooms provide wide interior & exterior doors, wheelchair access to both sides of the bed, and an accessible shower with grab bars, shower seat, accessible shower controls, and hand held shower head. Suites SA7058 & SA7057 and staterooms J1074, J1069, K1012, K1011 have a roll-in shower.

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.

Suites SY5001 and stateroom VB6001 have wheelchair access on the right side when facing the bed. The queen bed can be converted upon request to two twin beds if full compliance is not needed.

Suites SY5002 and stateroom VB6002 have wheelchair access on the left side when facing the bed. The queen bed can be converted upon request to two twin beds if full compliance is not needed.

Stateroom I8033 has wheelchair access to twin beds on the left and right side. The beds can be converted upon request to a queen-size bed if full compliance is not needed.

Ambulatory Accessible Unless noted otherwise, these rooms provide wide interior & exterior doors, a shower with no threshold, 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.

Stateroom J1063 is ambulatory accessible with narrow doors, a step up into the bathroom and a low threshold into the shower.

Nieuw Statendam

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

Suites SA7094, A6150, A6148 and staterooms VA8147, VA8145, V5055, V5054, V5052, VH4107, VH4096 are fully accessible with a roll-in shower.

Staterooms VA8134, VA8132, I7108, I6116, I5112, V5057, C1134, C1123, C1121 are fully accessible with a transfer shower.

Fully Accessible – Single Side Approach These rooms provide wide interior & exterior doors, wheelchair access to one side of the bed, and an accessible shower with grab bars, shower seat, accessible shower controls, and hand held shower head.

Staterooms I7099, I6131, I5133 have wheelchair access on the left side of a queen bed when facing the bed and a transfer shower. The bed can be converted upon request to 2 twins if full compliance is not needed.

Staterooms V5175, V5152, VH4146, VH4167 have wheelchair access between two twin beds and a transfer shower. The beds can be converted upon request to a queen-size bed if full compliance is not needed.

Stateroom C1125 roll-in have wheelchair access between two twin beds and a roll-in shower. The beds can be converted upon request to a queen-size bed if full compliance is not needed.

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.

Fully Accessible These rooms provide wide interior & exterior doors, wheelchair access to both sides of the bed and accessible bathing facilities with grab bars, accessible seat, accessible controls and hand held shower head. These rooms have 2 twin beds convertible to a queen-size bed unless otherwise noted below. Accessible bathtub only: Suites SC6175 & SC6164

These suites have a king-size bed convertible to 2 twin beds.

Bathtub with separate accessible transfer shower: Suite SS6108, SY5002 & SY5001

SY5002 & SY5001 are set up with queen bed only to meet compliance spacing. The bed can be converted upon request to 2 twins if full compliance is not needed.

Roll-in Shower: Staterooms J1074, K1011 & K1012

Fully Accessible – Single Side Approach These rooms provide wide interior & exterior doors, wheelchair access to one side of the bed and accessible bathing facilities with grab bars, accessible seat, accessible controls and hand held shower head. Bathtub with separate accessible transfer shower: Suite SY8068 This suite is set up with queen bed only to meet compliance spacing with wheelchair access on the right side when facing the bed. Bed can be converted upon request to 2 twins if full compliance is not needed.

Roll-in Shower: Staterooms VB6003, VB6004, C1082, C1081, D1100, I-8037

VB6003 is set up with queen bed only to meet compliance spacing with wheelchair access on the left side when facing the bed. The bed can be converted upon request to 2 twins if full compliance is not needed.

VB6004 is set up with queen bed only to meet compliance spacing with wheelchair access on the right side when facing the bed. The bed can be converted upon request to 2 twins if full compliance is not needed.

C1082, C1081, D1100, I-8037 are set up with 2 twin beds only to meet compliance spacing with wheelchair access between the beds. The beds can be converted upon request to a queen-size bed if full compliance is not needed.

Ambulatory Accessible These rooms provide wide interior & exterior doors, a shower with no threshold, 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.

Fully Accessible These rooms provide wide interior & exterior doors, wheelchair access to both sides of the bed and accessible bathing facilities with grab bars, accessible seat, accessible controls and hand held shower head. These rooms have 2 twin beds convertible to a queen-size bed unless otherwise noted below. Roll-in Shower and bathtub: Suites SC6175, SC6164, SS6108, SY5002 and SY5001. Roll-in Shower: Staterooms VB6004, VB6003, J1074, K1012, K1011

Fully Accessible – Single Side Approach These rooms provide wide interior & exterior doors, wheelchair access to one side of the bed and accessible bathing facilities with grab bars, accessible seat, accessible controls and hand held shower head. Bathtub with separate roll-in shower: SY 8068 has wheelchair access on the left side when facing the bed. Roll-in Shower:C1082, C1081, D1100, I-8037

C1082, C1081, D1100, I-8037 are set up with 2 twin beds only to meet compliance spacing with wheelchair access between the beds. The beds can be converted upon request to a queen-size bed if full compliance is not needed

Ambulatory Accessible Staterooms VA8032, VA8031, VA6049, VA5140, VA5137, VA5054, VA5051, VA4132, VA4131, H4090, H4089, VA4052 provide wide interior & exterior doors, a shower with no threshold, grab bars, shower seat, accessible shower controls, and hand held shower head. Staterooms J1067 and J1063 have a step up into bathroom, threshold into the shower, and standard interior and exterior door sizes.

Fully Accessible These rooms provide wide interior & exterior doors, wheelchair access to both sides of the bed, and an accessible shower with grab bars, shower seat, accessible shower controls, and hand held shower head. Transfer Shower: Suite A6150 and staterooms VA8149, VA8147, VA8134, I-7099, I-6131, V5175, V5152, I-5133, V5055, V5054, VH4165, VH4144, VH4105, C1134, C1123, C1121

Roll-in Shower: Suites SA7094 & A6148, and staterooms VA8132, I-7108, I-6116, I-5112, V5057, V5052, VH4094, C1125

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, B8103 and staterooms K11049, VB11040, VQ10033, VE8142, VD7049, K6185, VC6158, V5048, V5051, FB1172, E1175 are ambulatory accessible.

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

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 shower with no threshold, 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.

Fully Accessible These rooms provide wide interior & exterior doors, wheelchair access to both sides of the bed and accessible bathing facilities with grab bars, accessible seat, accessible controls and hand held shower head. These rooms have 2 twin beds convertible to a queen-size bed unless otherwise noted below. Roll-in Shower and bathtub: Suites SC6175 & SC6164. These suites have a king-size bed convertible to 2 twin beds.

Bathtub with separate accessible transfer shower: Suite SS6108, SY5002 & SY5001.

SY5002 & SY 5001 are set up with queen bed only to meet compliance spacing. The bed can be converted upon request to 2 twins if full compliance is not needed.

Ambulatory Accessible These rooms provide wide interior & exterior doors, a shower with no threshold, 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.

Fully Accessible These rooms provide wide interior & exterior doors, wheelchair access to both sides of the bed and accessible bathing facilities with grab bars, accessible seat, accessible controls and hand held shower head. These rooms have 2 twin beds convertible to a queen-size bed unless otherwise noted below. Roll-in Shower and bathtub: Suites SC6175 & SC6164 These suites have a king-size bed convertible to 2 twin beds. Bathtub with separate accessible transfer shower: Suite SS6108, SY5002 & SY5001 SY5002 & SY 5001 are set up with queen bed only to meet compliance spacing. The bed can be converted upon request to 2 twins if full compliance is not needed.

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.

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 flight numbers, departure and arrival times shown on your ticket and provide a telephone number contact. (Reconfirm international flights 72 hours prior to your departure from home.)

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 ticket information 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 onboard our vessels. Your travel advisor, however, may assist with these arrangements.

Viewing Your Air Itinerary

 Additional travel needs can be requested directly with the airline using your air confirmation code to access your flight reservation.

What if I need to change or cancel my flights?

Cancelling your cruise/ cruisetour booking for any reason will cancel any air bookings associated with the cruise/cruisetour booking, and fees will be applied if applicable.

Flexible Fares:  Provided you have not requested early ticketing, no change 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 and name changes are not allowed. In some instances, name corrections will not be permitted and will require cancellation and rebooking of flights.

Will travel insurance be provided? Can I purchase independent coverage?

Given the current global travel and health environment, all booked guests are strongly encouraged to purchase travel insurance prior to departure to protect against losses. For eligible guests, CPP Platinum insurance that provides a broad range of benefits, including for COVID-19-related expenses, subject to the plan terms. Guests can also purchase third-party travel insurance as well and should check with the provider for specific details on their coverage terms and policies. While highly recommended, travel insurance is not required to cruise.

Can I bring my pets on 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 Guest Accessibility 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.

SAFETY ADVISORY: Samsung Galaxy Note 7

SAFETY ADVISORY : Samsung Galaxy Note 7

Recently, Samsung announced a global “stop sale” and voluntary recall and exchange program on certain Galaxy Note7 smartphones. Such phones, with particular lithium-ion batteries, can overheat and catch fire, posing a burn hazard. As such, please be advised that all guests in possession of a Samsung Galaxy Note7 smartphone must take the following precautions, pursuant to the safety advisory notice recently issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration.

• Turn off the device
• Disconnect the device from any charging equipment
• Disable all applications that could inadvertently activate the device (e.g., alarm clock)
• Protect the power switch to prevent its unintentional activation
• Keep the device on your person or nearby in carry-on baggage (Do not place in checked baggage)

As our guest, please follow the above precautions while traveling on any of our ships, and if possible, please refrain from taking these devices with you on board.

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 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. For guests with life-threatening food allergies, we ask that guests provide detailed information to our Guest Accessibility Department by completing a Special Requirements Information (SRI) Form. Guests should indicate on this form which foods may potentially cause a severe reaction.

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 Guest Accessibility 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 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.

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

What if a member of the wedding party or a guest has special needs?

Wheelchair, restroom and changing room accessibility vary by ship and by port. Contact your wedding coordinator for location specifications.

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.

How and when do I pay my deposit?

Deposits are required and are generally due within five days after you’ve made your reservation. 

The per person, per cruise deposit requirement will be advised at time of booking. A second deposit is required for all Grand Voyages.

You may want to take advantage of Holland America Line's Cancellation Protection Plan (CPP) because it is designed to help protect your vacation investment from loss. Be it illness, family matters, unforeseen work events - anything, CPP enables you to cancel your vacation plans before you leave for any reason and receive a refund. CPP is available on Holland America Line Cruises and Land+Sea Journeys and is offered as a Standard Plan or a Platinum Plan.  If desired, CPP may be purchased at time of deposit or at any time prior to the date on which cancellation fees begin to accrue. Payment is due at time of purchase and is non-refundable. NOTE: CPP Standard is available to all guests, regardless of residency. CPP Platinum is not available to residents of New York State, Quebec or Puerto Rico.

Final payment is generally due no later than 90 days prior to departure although some cruises have different final payment date requirements. Please consult the Holland America Line brochure for the final payment date applicable to your cruise. Once final payment is received by Holland America Line and Online Check-in is completed, travel documents with your vacation details will be available approximately 15 days prior to your voyage date. Travel documents, however, are only issued after final payment has been received by Holland America. Travel advisors should make checks payable and send to:

Holland America Line Attn: Cash Applications 450 Third Ave. W Seattle, WA 98119

Payment by American Express, VISA, MasterCard, Discover Card, JCB, UnionPay, and Diners Club is accepted.

Please note: For credit card payments made in Australian Dollars (AU$), a charge of 1.1% will be applied. The charge does not apply to payments made by debit card.

For faster processing, please include a confirmation number on your check.

Travel advisors please note that MCOS will not be accepted.

Travel advisors or consumers outside the U.S. and Canada should make payment by wire transfer or passenger's credit card.

Wire Transfer Information:

• US FUNDS: BENEFICIARY - HOLLAND AMERICA LINE N.V. US Bank of Washington 1420 Fifth Avenue, 11th Floor Seattle, WA 98101 Routing #19-10 ABA# 125 000 105 Swift Code: USBKUS44SEA Account # 153595240877
• CANADIAN FUNDS: BENEFICIARY - WESTMARK HOTELS OF CANADA LTD. DBA: HOLLAND AMERICA LINE NV 450 THIRD AVENUE WEST SEATTLE, WA 98119 BANK OF AMERICA NA, CANADA BRANCH 181 Bay Street, Suite 400 Toronto, ON M5V 2V8 Routing/Transit #: 024156792 Swift Code: BOFACATT Account # 48613202
• EURO FUNDS: BENEFICIARY - HOLLAND AMERICA LINE N.V. JPMorgan Chase Bank, London Sort code: 60-92-42 Swift: CHASGB2L Account # 23585110 - for Bookings Correspondent Bank: JPMorgan A.G. Frankfurt, Germany Swift: CHASDEFX Favor: JPMorgan Chase Bank, London
• EURO FUNDS (Dutch Bookings Only): BENEFICIARY - HAL SERVICES B.V. JPMorgan Chase Bank, Amsterdam 3035 Strawinskylaan, 1077 ZX Amsterdam Swift: CHASNL2X Account # 0671132881 - for payments within The Netherlands IBAN Account # NL87CHAS0671132881 - for International payments Favor: JPMorgan Chase Bank, Amsterdam

Please send a proof of payment to  [email protected]  per wire transfer/transaction to make sure your (deposit) payment is correctly and received and applied on your booking(s).

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.

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 visa advisory 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 and Mexico. 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 certified copy from an authorized authority 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 or certified copy from an authorized authority.

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.

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 Guest Accessibility 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.

What are the cancellation policies for shore excursions?

Cancellations for pre-paid tours are allowed up to 3 days prior to cruise embarkation and will be refunded to the credit card used for the purchase. If within 3 days of embarkation, all changes/cancellations must be done onboard the ship and refunds will be applied to your onboard account. If the credit is not fully utilized during the cruise, the balance will be paid to that passenger by the ship's Purser at the end of the voyage. If cancellation occurs onboard after the cancellation deadline for specific shore excursions, a 100% cancellation fee will apply. The ship's shore excursions office will be able to advise you of the cancellation deadline applicable to each tour. Optional shore excursions during the land portion of a Land & Sea Journey are non-refundable within 3 days of your Land & Sea Journey departure date. Group shore excursions cancelled within three days prior to embarkation (sail) date are nonrefundable. Custom tours may have different cancellation deadlines which will be stated in the proposal. In the rare instance that tours are cancelled by Holland America Line or the tour operator, the full amount will be refunded within four to six weeks after the voyage ends.

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.

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.

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 Guest Accessibility Department at:

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

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 .

The ADA Responsibility Officer for Holland America Line is Paul McClelland, Vice President Governance and Ethics & Compliance Officer.

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.

What kind of holiday celebrations can be enjoyed on board?

We celebrate a variety of holidays on board and offer special holiday voyages on every ship in late December. Leave the cooking, cleaning and stress behind and join us on an unforgettable cruise over the holidays!

For Christmas, there are festive decorations; caroling and singalongs; Catholic Mass and interdenominational services; and a special visit from Santa Claus. During each night of Hanukkah, a celebration and candle lighting is held for Jewish guests, and latkes are served daily for lunch in the Lido Market. And on New Year’s Eve we ring in the New Year with festive dining, sparkling wine toasts, live music and dancing — it’s truly a Dressy Night to remember. 

To learn more about Holiday Cruises with Holland America Line click here

Are shore excursion prices the same for children and adults?

Children's prices, where applicable, will be listed on the individual tours shown for each destination featured on the web site. These prices generally apply for children aged 12 and under. Children 13 and over will be charged full adult fare on tours. Lap children aged 2 and under may be allowed to accompany parents or guardians on some tours at no charge. Generally, lap child rates are not available on flights, watercraft and modes of transportation other than motor coaches and taxi vans. 

What activities are available on board the ship?

There's so much to see and do onboard. Our award-winning Up Close presentations showcase the unique stories and culture of the places we visit. Every cruise has a Sports Director who offers Pickleball instruction for players of all experience levels as well as a variety of other activities to keep you moving. To stimulate your creative side, our Art & Craft Instructors host classes for painting, coloring, folding origami and more. Put your knowledge to the test at daily trivia sessions or cheer along at an evening game show. Pamper yourself with one of many signature spa treatments or salon services at the Greenhouse Spa & Salon®. Take a class or work out in the Fitness Center or take a relaxing dip in our pools and hot tubs. Those looking for some casino action can find games for all levels of experience as well as complimentary lessons. At Kids Club, children ages 3 to 12 can enjoy an array of exciting activities while supervised by professionally trained staff. 

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.

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

Learn more about this unique Dutch celebration and prepare to get your orange on.

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!

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.

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  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 Flight Ease® program. Please note that this is a U.S. government regulation over which Holland America Line has no control.

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 are my luggage delivery options?

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. TSA approved airline representatives will take your luggage directly from the ship and deliver it to your outbound aircraft. You will then claim your luggage when you arrive at your final airport destination.

Luggage Direct is available in selected departure ports and for selected ships, detailed below. Once onboard, a letter explaining the eligibility requirements will be sent to you.

Holland America Line is offering Luggage Direct in:

• Fort Lauderdale
• Los Angeles
• Vancouver (canceled for 2014 Season)

On the following eight (8) vessels only:

Please note the following general information about Luggage Direct:

• Cost is $19 per person at all ports
• Airline assessed baggage fees will be applied to guests' onboard account - fees vary by airline and all pricing is communicated directly from the airline to our partner company, BAGS, Inc. These fees are collected onboard and are then distributed to the airlines.
• Guests are able to check no more than 2 pieces of luggage per person.
• Upgrade Requests, Seat Assignment Requests, and Flight Changes cannot be accommodated onboard.
• There are restrictions established for each homeport city. Restrictions include: participating airlines, earliest and latest flight times, and citizenship requirements.
• All flights must be Domestic (inclusive of U.S. Territories).

Luggage Forward®

Luggage Forward® is the premier provider of luggage delivery worldwide. With just one call to Luggage Forward, our exclusive luggage delivery partner, your luggage will be picked up at your home and delivered to your onboard suite. No more checking luggage at the airport. No more excess luggage charges. And no more baggage claim. You can just board your flight and meet your Holland America Line ship. And for US residents, traveling internationally, Luggage Forward even handles customs clearance for you. For more information visit luggageforward.com/hollandamerica or call Luggage Forward directly. From the US dial 1 877-466-2247, from the UK dial +44 (0)203-375-4769 or +1 617-482-1100 if calling from any other location.

We do not require that our Guests participate in a baggage service, however for your convenience we do offer two recommended options for luggage delivery services.

How do I book shore excursions?

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. Shore excursions may be booked and prepaid online up to three days before sailing. Your Digital Tour Tickets will be available under My Account in Navigator. Please download the Navigator app prior to boarding. You will also be able to request tours on the ship at the shore excursion Office.

Many tours have limited availability, and booking tours in advance reduces the chance of disappointment. All tour bookings are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.  Prices are subject to change without notice. Tours are booked and paid with a credit card and a confirmation will be sent to your email address.

If a tour is sold out, many tours offer a waitlist option. If a tour is waitlisted and space becomes available, an email notification will be sent to you at which time you will have 72 hours to book and confirm the tour.  Your credit card will be charged once you have confirmed your tour.

Can I still cruise if 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 Guest Accessibility Department at 800-577-1731. Or email them to  [email protected] .

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

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 Guest Accessibility 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.

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.

Is smoking allowed on board?

All Holland America Line's public areas, staterooms, suites, and verandahs are non-smoking* areas with the exception of designated smoking areas and casinos on select ships.  

*Smoking (including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, vaping devices, and e-cigarettes) is only permitted in designated smoking areas.

Designated Smoking Areas

Eurodam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Noordam, Oosterdam, Westerdam, Zuiderdam

• Sea View Bar area*

Koningsdam, Nieuw Statendam, Rotterdam, Zaandam

• Casino-smoking is allowed in designated areas for active players and only when outside of 12 nautical miles from the Netherlands
• Sports Deck, outside Crow's Nest
• Casino-smoking is allowed in designated areas for active players an only when outside of 12 nautical miles from the Netherlands

*In the Sea View bar area, the smoking section should be away from the bar and any outdoor dining. Onboard management has the flexibility to designate specific areas (port/starboard) adjacent to the Sea View bar. Visible signage must be placed in the smoking area.  Please comply with ship signage.  

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

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 Dressy Nights women usually wear a suit, cocktail dress or gown and men wear a jacket and tie, dark suit, or tuxedo.

In the event of unexpected travel delays and emergencies, please remember to bring additional prescription medication for at least 2 weeks beyond the length of the cruise. Also bring a list of the names, strengths and dosages of all medications in case refills are required.

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 for younger guests, such as Kids Club. Plus, kids and families love the wide selection of food choices available when dining on board Holland America Line ships.

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.

Do you offer babysitting on board?

Babysitting service is not offered on board.

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.

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 Security screening area that may be dangerous and that should not be allowed onboard.

• All firearms  including non-firing weapons. An exception to this rule is 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.
• Stun Guns,  Tasers or any other electroshock device.
• 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 1.25 cm (½ inch) at widest point). 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, (unless specifically authorized for personnel who in the normal course of their duties on board the ship require to be in possession of a knife with a more substantial blade i.e. Gallery Staff and Deck Ratings).
• Flick knives, gravity knives, switchblades or lock knives. Small locking pocket-knife with blade lengths less than 6.35 cm (2 ½ inches) and widths ½ inch or less are allowed. 
• 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 whereby 24 hours’ notice is provided.
• 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).
• 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.
• 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.
• 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, acid, turpentine, spray paint, chlorine, bleach, spray paint 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. (The exception is when permitted for company sponsored events when approved in advance by Fleet Security).
• Any other item made, adapted or intended for use as a weapon.
• Hookah and Water Hookah Pipes , candles and incense, strike-anywhere matches.
• Items brought on board the vessel and not supplied by the Company containing any kind of heating element, such as but not limited to: immersion heaters, heating blankets, flat irons, water heaters, coffee machines with heating / hot plates, etc.
• 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
• 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.
• Bicycles, including electric 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).
• Boats/canoes/kayaks.
• Exception : if the cooler is larger and contains baby food/formula, kosher food/special dietary 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), Segway’s (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, multi plug box outlets/adaptors, power strips/extension cords with surge protectors.

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.

Will boarding times be assigned to guests?

Guests will be assigned a check-in time to report to the terminal, which will be provided approximately 14 days prior to sailing. Please download the  Navigator mobile app for access to tour digital boarding pass and more. In order to ensure a smooth embarkation process we ask guests to arrive no earlier than 20 minutes prior to their assigned check-in time.

What is there to do during days at sea?

Cruises feature extensive on-board enrichment programs and activities every day. Play board games with friends, 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 art and craft classes, pickleball instruction and tournaments, bridge play and team trivia to name a few. It's entirely up to you.

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.

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. Explore more possibilities on our Cruise Destinations page and experience the world with Holland America Line.

What are the EZPAY Payment installment options? 

Holland America Line's EZpay option makes it a breeze to budget for a dream cruise vacation and pay it off over time. Once you’ve made a deposit, set up EZpay and the rest of your cruise balance will be spread over equal, automatic monthly payments with no interest charges or additional fees. 

EZPay options are available in specific markets. To set up EZPay, please contact your travel advisor or Holland America Line at

• United States/Canada: 1-877-SAIL-HAL (1-877-724-5425)
• Australia: 1300‐987‐322
• United Kingdom: 0344 338 8605

What are the benefits of EZpay?

EZpay gives you the flexibility to pay for your cruise at your own pace. Budget your payments over time, with the convenience of a single set-up and the ability to opt out at any time without penalty. You can also add extra funds to any payment and the remaining balance will be recalculated into equal amounts.

What cruises are eligible for EZpay?

Nearly all of Holland America Line’s worldwide itineraries are eligible for EZpay, as long as they are not within the final payment deadline.

When can I sign up for EZpay?

Once your deposit has been made, you can sign up for EZpay any time a month or more in advance of your final payment date.

When will my credit card be charged each month?

You have the option to choose what day of the month you would like your credit card to be charged. Your credit card will automatically be charged each month on that day, and you will receive an email confirmation.

The credit card on file and payment day of the month can be updated at any time.

Are there any additional fees for using EZpay?

No, there are no additional fees associated with EZpay. You’ll pay the same amount for your cruise, spread over time!

May I bring guests to my wedding? If so, is there a limit?

For shipboard ceremonies, the maximum will depend on the capacity of the venue. For shipboard ceremonies taking place on the first day of sailing at the port of  embarkation, up to 100 of your guests (out of your 150 total guest allotment) may be “non-sailing guests” that attend the ceremony but depart the ship before it sets sail. For shore-side ceremonies, you may add guests, but capacity may be limited, depending on the location. Additional transportation, entrance and site fees will apply. Contact your wedding coordinator for specifics.

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.

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. View the complete list of  prohibited items .

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 Line's liability will not exceed US$250 per bag, per guest up to a maximum of two bags per guest for sailings 14 days or less, or up to a maximum of three bags per guest for sailings 15 days or longer.  Holland America Line's baggage policy is further detailed in the baggage section of your Cruise Contract. Additional coverage is available with the purchase of a Holland America Line Standard or Platinum Cancellation Protection Plan. 

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 alternate 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. Air/Sea representatives are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 365 days a year. This number is 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.

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.

Will my kids be able to go on shore excursions with Holland America Line? 

Yes, you’ll find a range of experiences to suit the interests and activity levels of everyone in your family. Our family-friendly shore excursions give you new ways to discover destinations together.

Click to learn more about family cruises with Holland America Line .

What do I need to know about using Express Docs?

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 45 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 45 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 45 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 45 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 45 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 45 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.

Reviewing Your Air Information Please verify the spelling of your full name and date of birth to make sure it matches the identification document that you will be presenting at the airport, for example your passport or driver's license. You do not need to include suffixes on your airline ticket. Flight options can be managed by logging into your cruise profile at www.hollandamerica.com.

Flight options include:

Some flight options can also be managed directly with the airline locator to acess your flight details.

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.

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 Guest Accessibility Department prior to their cruise, to evaluate and determine what the child's specific needs will be and how best to accommodate those needs.  Kids Club 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.

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.

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 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 B.B. King’s Blues Club or Rolling Stone Lounge; treat yourself to exciting shows featuring award-winning talent on the World Stage; try your luck in the casino; or enjoy a cocktail while singing along to your favorite song in Billboard Onboard. You can also relax in the privacy of your stateroom and enjoy a curated selection of over 150 on-demand movies. The choice is yours.

Is there a customized brochure of shore excursions available for a specific cruise?

To download a voyage specific eBrochure, go to www.hollandamerica.com and select Already Booked then Book Shore Excursions. You will be prompted to enter your Email or Mariner ID along with your password. Go to Explore Shore Excursions then select Download Personalized eBrochure.

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 are the benefits of booking on board?

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 Line's Cancellation Protection Plan , 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.)

Can I use my credit card on board?

All onboard purchases and services in US Dollars 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 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 card for $30 per person per cruise day. 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 $30 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. Please keep in mind to change travel settings for your credit card to ‘World’ prior to the start of your cruise, even if your cruise is within Europe.

If you do not want to use a credit card, on the day of boarding, you will need to visit Guest Services and deposit $30 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.

At the end of your cruise, you will be able to retrieve a final statement from Navigator, 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.

Please Note:  There is not an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) available on board.

Do you have cribs, high chairs and other infant / toddler items available on board?

A limited number of cribs, high chairs and booster chairs are available on board at no charge. For safety reasons, all infants sleeping in a crib must weigh 30 pounds or less, with a maximum height of 34 inches. Cribs will be supplied with sheets and a blanket and do not require bumpers, as they have mesh siding. In addition, we have select infant supplies available for purchase by advance order, including diapers, baby wipes, formula and baby food.

We recommend requesting a crib at booking or by contacting Ship Services at (800)541-1576. For additional requests and advance orders, please fill out our Infant Request Form and email it to

HAL_Ship_ [email protected].

REQUESTS MUST BE RECEIVED NO LATER THAN 90 DAYS PRIOR TO SAILING

We cannot guarantee fulfillment of any items ordered less than 90 days prior to sailing. 

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. 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$250 per bag, per guest up to a maximum of two bags per guest for sailings 14 days or less, or up to a maximum of three bags per guest for sailings 15 days or longer. Holland America Line's baggage policy is further detailed in the baggage section of your Cruise Contract.  Additional coverage is available with the purchase of a Holland America Line Standard or Platinum Cancellation Protection Plan. Your travel advisor can provide you with additional information if you are interested in this option.

Will I still be able to enjoy the buffet?

Yes, our teammates will serve you at all times. Line monitors will also manage guest flow.

What about upgrades?

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

Is there crew appreciation (gratuity/tip)?

Crew Appreciation is a daily (adjustable) amount added to your onboard account and pooled in order to recognize the many team members throughout our fleet who contribute to the guest experience. For all sailings departing prior to February 14, 2024 as well as the 2024 Grand World Voyage and the 2024 Grand Australia & New Zealand Voyage, the daily Crew Appreciation is $16.00* per guest per day for non-suite stateroom guests and $17.50* per guest per day for suite guests. For sailings departing on or after February 14, 2024, the daily Crew Appreciation is $17.00* per guest per day for non-suite stateroom guests and $19.00* per guest per day for suite guests. The Crew Appreciation charge is paid to Holland America Line team members and represents an important part of their compensation. An 18% service charge is automatically applied to all beverage purchases, bar retail items, specialty restaurant cover charges, all for-purchase a la carte menu items, and all Spa & Salon services. Local sales taxes are applied where required.

*The charges are subject to change without notice.

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.

Regulatory Framework

Visa service provider.

Holland America Line provides guests with the following link to CIBTvisas as a service to assist with any visa requirements and/or the collection of necessary documents:  https://cibtvisas.com/hollandamericaline . 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 CIBTvisas. Applications and additional information may be downloaded from their website.

You can also reach them by phone:

U.S. & Canada residents: 866-935-8472

Netherlands residents: 0800-2524632

Germany residents: 800 3202233

Australia residents: 1300 964 164

United Kingdom residents: 0800 1218239

Belgium residents: 0902 150 45

Singapore residents:  6603 1096

Spain residents: 902 113 829

Switzerland residents: +41 (0) 22 884 18 70

France residents:  0144107272

You can also reach them by email:  [email protected]

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.

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! Choose from 2 elegant designs: Holland America Line Luggage Tag Store

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.

Are there any vaccination requirements?

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. 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. As a courtesy, Holland America Line provides some information as to necessary travel documents and visas. 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. You may also contact your travel advisor, CIBTvisas or other local visa services for assistance in determining which visas will be required for your specific cruise based on your nationality.   For CIBTvisas contact information visit Visa Service Provider

Grand Voyages

If you are sailing on a Holland America Line Grand Voyage please visit Essential Information (hollandamerica.com  for visa information.

Traveling to the United States

If you are a foreign national entering the United States you may require a visa or ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) if you are a national of a country eligible for the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).

We suggest that guests visit  www.cbp.gov/travel/international-visitors/esta  for additional information regarding the ESTA and VWP. ESTA eligible 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.

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. 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

Where are kids allowed on board the ship?

We have a variety of entertainment options, daily activities and dining venues for everyone in your family to craft their ideal day. However, there a few age restrictions on board.

Guests must be 18 or older to use our SeaView Pool and 16 or older to use the fitness center, hot tubs and steam rooms. Children wearing any type of diaper, including swimming diapers, or who are not toilet trained are not allowed into the swimming pool and whirlpool areas.

Children are welcome at our World Stage shows but must be accompanied by a parent/guardian and must be 18 or older to sit in the first two rows. 

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.
• 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.

• 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

Is there a minimum age for cruising on Holland America Line?

Infants must be at least six months of age at the time of embarkation. On longer cruises, such as transoceanic, South America, Asia, South Pacific or Hawaii voyages, infants must be a minimum of 12 months of age at the time of embarkation.

Guests under 21 years of age must be accompanied by a parent, guardian or chaperone who is at least 21 years old. One adult chaperone is required for every five people under the age of 21.

To confirm the minimum age for a cruise, please call 1-855-932-1711. 

How far in advance do I have to book my Symbolic at Sea Ceremony?

All ceremonies at sea must be booked at least 60 days prior to sailing but we strongly encourage you to book as far in advance as possible. Additional fees may  apply if booking within 60 days.

What are my suite amenities?

Suite Features

Queen-size bed: Vista suite, Signature Suite 1

King-size bed: Signature Suite 1 , Neptune Suite, Pinnacle Suite

Sofa/Murphy bed for one extra guest 2 : Signature Suite, Neptune Suite 1

Sofa/Murphy bed for two extra guests 2 : Signature Suite 1 , Pinnacle Suite

Spacious verandah: Vista Suite, Signature Suite, Neptune Suite, Pinnacle Suite

Floor-to-ceiling glass doors: Vista Suite, Signature Suite, Neptune Suite, Pinnacle Suite

Large sitting area: Vista Suite, Signature Suite, Neptune Suite, Pinnacle Suite

Whirlpool bath: Vista Suite 1 , Signature Suite 1 , Neptune Suite, Pinnacle Suite

Living area: Pinnacle Suite

Dining area: Pinnacle Suite

Verandah Whirlpool: Pinnacle Suite 1

Complimentary mimosa with in-suite breakfast: Neptune Suite, Pinnacle Suite

Complimentary laundry, pressing and dry cleaning: Neptune Suite, Pinnacle Suite

Welcome glass of sparkling wine at dinner on embarkation day: Neptune Suite, Pinnacle Suite

Premium in-room dining breakfast menu: Neptune Suite, Pinnacle Suite

Premium bathrobes: Neptune Suite, Pinnacle Suite

Exclusive tote bag: Neptune Suite, Pinnacle Suite

Suite Amenities and Complimentary Services

Binoculars for use during your voyage: Vista Suite, Signature Suite, Neptune Suite, Pinnacle Suite

Fresh flowers: Vista Suite, Signature Suite, Neptune Suite, Pinnacle Suite

Choice of firm, medium or soft pillows: Vista Suite, Signature Suite, Neptune Suite, Pinnacle Suite

No-host mini-bar: Vista Suite, Signature Suite, Neptune Suite, Pinnacle Suite

Expanded line of Elemis Revitalise-Me bath amenities: Neptune Suite, Pinnacle Suite

In-suite coffee/espresso machine: Neptune Suite, Pinnacle Suite

Bose® SoundLink® Mini Bluetooth® audio system: Neptune Suite, Pinnacle Suite

Priority Access

Cocktail party with the Neptune Lounge Concierge: Neptune Suite, Pinnacle Suite

Club Orange private dining venue: Neptune Suite 1 , Pinnacle Suite 1

Breakfast in the Pinnacle Grill5: Neptune Suite 1 , Pinnacle Suite 1

Priority check-in/disembarkation: Neptune Suite, Pinnacle Suite

Priority boarding for tendered ports: Neptune Suite, Pinnacle Suite

Priority dining and seating requests: Neptune Suite, Pinnacle Suite

1 On select ships.

2 Not all suites within each category feature accommodations for extra guests.

3 Whirlpool baths are not available in Signature or Vista suites on Nieuw Statendam or Rotterdam, or in Vista suites on Koningsdam.

4 Club Orange private dining venue is open for breakfast and dinner on Koningsdam, Nieuw Statendam and Rotterdam. Neptune and Pinnacle suite guests on all other ships receive priority seating in the Dining Room for breakfast and dinner with an expanded menu.

5 On Koningsdam, Nieuw Statendam and Rotterdam breakfast is available for Pinnacle and Neptune suite guests in the Club Orange private dining venue.

What is Onboard Credit and how can I use it?

Onboard Credit is spending money to use on our ships. If you receive an Onboard Credit, you can use it for almost anything on board, including a pampering massage or other spa service, specialty restaurant meals, shore excursions, coffee and alcoholic beverages, and boutique purchases, like clothing or jewelry. Onboard Credit may be used to pay for Crew Appreciation, Service Charges and Additional Tip.  Depending on the type, the Onboard Credit may not be refundable at the end of your cruise. Only non-promo Onboard Credit can be used for cash withdraws and Casino play (cash/chips).

How do I know what routes are accessible on board?

For individuals using a wheelchair or scooter, accessible route maps for each ship are available by selecting the links below:

Eurodam Koningsdam Nieuw Amsterdam Nieuw Statendam Noordam Oosterdam Volendam Westerdam Zaandam Zuiderdam

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.

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.

Are there any age restrictions for shore excursions?

Guests under 18 years of age will not be able to participate in shore excursions unless accompanied by a parent or responsible adult 21 years of age or older. Children's prices, where applicable, are listed on the individual tours shown for each destination featured on HollandAmerica.com. These prices generally apply to children aged 12 and under. Children 13 and over are charged full adult fares on tours. Children aged two and under may be allowed to accompany parents or guardians on some tours at no charge, though this is not typically the case with excursions that include flights, watercraft or modes of transportation other than motor coaches and taxi vans.

What if I need to cancel my cruise reservations?

Refunds (except for amounts paid for CPP) will be made in accordance with the following Cancellation Policy for written cancellations received prior to the date on which you are to commence travel by air, rail, sea or otherwise.

For bookings made in the United Kingdom, Gibraltar, Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey and Isle of Man, submit written cancellations to Holland America Line, 100 Harbour Parade, Southampton.SO15 1ST or [email protected] .

For bookings made in the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Finland, Sweden, Norway, Iceland and Denmark, submit written cancellations to Holland America Line, Otto Reuchlinweg 1110, 3072 MD, Rotterdam or [email protected] .

For bookings made in Australia, submit written cancellations to Holland America Line, Level 5, 465 Victoria Avenue, Chatswood, NSW, 2067 Australia or [email protected] .

For bookings made in the United States and all other countries not listed above, submit written cancellations to Holland America Line, 450 Third Avenue West, Seattle, WA 98119 or [email protected] .

Cancellation fees apply to the entire cruise booking, including cruise fare, air add-ons, ground transfers, pre-cruise and post-cruise hotel and tour packages. Guests who cancel within the dates shown below for any reason, including medical or family reasons, are subject to the following per-person cancellation fees: View Cancellation Policy

If you have purchased a specially priced promotion that is 100% non-refundable from the point of payment, you are not entitled to any refund, payment, compensation or credit whatsoever of your gross fare if you cancel your booking.

Given that the resale of cancelled space will likely result in a lost opportunity to sell other space, these fees are due regardless of resale. Fees incurred as a result of cancellation cannot be applied to future bookings. Refunds will normally be made to your travel advisor. Travel advisors may impose their own cancellation fees. Agency fees of any nature are a matter to be decided on solely by the agency and guests.

Name changes require the prior approval of Holland America Line and may not always be possible. Cruise contracts are nontransferable. Name changes and departure date changes are considered reservation cancellations and are subject to cancellation fees.

updated 05/11/2022

What are your 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.

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.

Is there a dedicated resource I can speak with about shore excursions?

 The shore excursion reservation office is available to assist you Monday-Friday, 7 AM to 4 PST. Guests may call 1(888)425-9376 to speak directly with an agent.

What requirements must be completed prior to boarding?

It's now easier than ever to prepare for your cruise. Follow the steps listed in our  Prepare for Your Cruise Checklist  to get ready for your cruise vacation.

What are the current COVID-19 Health Protocols?

There are currently no known required Health Protocols regarding COVID-19. If there is a Health Protocol change for any of our destinations, we will send guests and travel advisor partners an Emergency Notification via email. For more information, please visit Travel Well . 

Holland America drink packages: Cost, inclusions and what to know before you buy

Beverage packages aren't for everyone, but they can be a nice way to give your cruise vacation a more luxurious, all-inclusive feel. If you're sailing Holland America , drink packages are available as optional add-ons to your cruise fare. Choose from four different packages, ranging from a simple soda package to an option that includes premium alcoholic beverages.

Sorting out the differences between the packages and understanding what you are actually paying for can be confusing. Most cruisers want to know what exactly they're getting with each drink package and whether or not the packages will save them money.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

If you're considering a Holland America drink package for your next cruise, here's everything you need to know before making your purchase.

What's included in Holland America drink packages?

Holland America alcohol packages aren't the only drink packages available. The line offers two nonalcoholic packages and two options with alcoholic beverages.

All packages allow you to order beverages at most bars, restaurants, entertainment venues and poolside. Exceptions include self-serve draft beer where available and drinks in the Chocolate Seduction and Honor Bar. Packages do not include drinks consumed from in-cabin minibars, ordered from room service or purchased on Half Moon Cay. All packages except the Coca-Cola package have quantity limits.

Related: Cruise ship drink packages: A line-by-line guide

Coca-Cola package

Sodas are not included in your cruise fare, and passengers may not bring them on board. That leaves soda drinkers with the choice to buy a beverage package, pay per drink or get their soft drink fix in ports of call.

The Coca-Cola package covers fountain drinks from bars and bar servers on all ships in the fleet. Three ships — Koningsdam, Rotterdam and Nieuw Statendam — have Coca-Cola Freestyle fountain machines that allow you to mix and match your flavors at will. Canned soft drinks are not included in the package, but fountain drinks are unlimited.

You might consider this package if you're the person who relies on soft drinks to quench your thirst throughout the day and drink few, if any, cocktails, mocktails, beer, wine or spirits. It works great for tweens and teens who regularly drink soda.

Quench package

The Quench package includes unlimited fountain soft drinks and up to 15 specialty coffees, bottled water (still and sparkling), fresh juices or mocktails per day.

With this package, you can order your favorite coffee each morning at Explorations Café, drink sodas with your lunch, chill with a frozen mocktail by the pool in the afternoon and grab bottled water before you head out on a day of exploring in port— all without worrying about the individual cost.

Quench would be the Holland America drink package for someone who dives into the vacation spirit with beverage treats throughout the day and evening, but mostly enjoys them sans alcohol.

Signature beverage package

The Signature beverage package is the mainstay Holland America alcohol package. It covers beer, wine, spirits and cocktails priced under $11, plus everything from the Quench package. There is a 15-drink limit, whether alcoholic or non, not counting fountain soft drinks.

You can order a drink with a price higher than the $11 maximum and will be charged only the price difference plus gratuity.

The Signature package satisfies the beverage needs of most cruisers. Unless you prefer top-shelf liquor, you'll be fine with this package. Even the quantity limit of 15 drinks takes care of the average cruiser. If you party into the wee hours of the night, you'd have to order a drink from the package every hour and a half almost around the clock to use all 15.

All adults of legal drinking age within a cabin must buy the same alcoholic drink package. If one person does not drink, they can be granted special permission to buy only the Quench package.

Related: The best drinks to order with a cruise ship beverage package

Elite beverage package

For those who want to eliminate some of the limits on their drink package, Elite is the way to go. This package includes everything from the earlier packages but raises the price limit to $15 per drink. That covers premium beer, wine and spirits.

The daily limit is also removed for nonalcoholic drinks. That means you can drink all the fountain drinks, specialty coffee, bottled water and mocktails you want without touching your 15-drink limit on alcoholic beverages, which for most cruisers, means you're not likely to reach the limit at all.

What does a Holland America drink package cost?

Here are the standard Holland America drink package prices:

Coca-Cola package : $9.44 per person, per day ($8 plus an 18% gratuity) for unlimited fountain sodas, including from Freestyle machines on select ships

Quench package: $21.18 per person, per day ($17.95 plus an 18% gratuity) for unlimited fountain sodas and up to 15 nonalcoholic drinks per day

Signature beverage package: $64.84 per person, per day ($54.95 plus an 18% gratuity) for unlimited fountain sodas and up to 15 alcoholic or nonalcoholic drinks up to $11 each

Elite beverage package: $70.74 per person, per day ($59.95 plus an 18% gratuity) for unlimited fountain sodas, unlimited nonalcoholic beverages and up to 15 alcoholic drinks up to $15 each

I was hard-pressed to find any discounts off the advertised Holland America drink package prices. Even in the midst of Black Friday sales, the only beverage-related discount I found was for the line's Have It All package that upgrades your cruise fare to a more inclusive experience by bundling the Signature beverage package with Wi-Fi, specialty dining and shore excursion credit (with the last two based on the length of the cruise).

It should be noted, however, that the Holland America website states drink package pricing as "starting at." That would imply that the prices could increase from time to time, though I could not find anyone who said they had paid more than the posted prices.

Related: The best cruise ship bars

Drink discounts beyond the drink packages

Before you settle on a drink package, know that it's not your only option for discounted alcohol or inclusive pricing. Holland America offers some add-on items that can be used to supplement or entirely replace a drink package under certain circumstances.

The first is an option to purchase a bundle of wines by the bottle called The Sommelier Suite. You can choose from three different wine lists at three different price points. You can then opt to buy four, six or eight bottles from your preferred list.

Prices start at $119 for a four-bottle package on the lowest-priced list and go as high as $329 for eight bottles on the highest-priced list. These prices are advertised as "up to 25 percent off" the menu price before the 18% gratuity.

Frequent cruisers who are members of Holland America's Mariner Society are offered a 25% discount on the Sommelier Suite packages after 75 cruise days and 50% off after 200 cruise days. Even without the Mariner discounts, the package price makes sense for anyone who enjoys wine on multiple nights of their cruise. You can drink the bottles in any restaurant, share them with friends and even take them to your cabin.

Related: How to get free or cheap drinks on a cruise

The final alternative to beverage packages on Holland America is to purchase pay-as-you-go drink cards. These are not discounted but offer the ability to control drink spending or simplify drink accounting by pre-purchasing what is essentially a drink debit card. Funds left on the card at the end of the cruise are refundable to your onboard account.

Holland America cruisers I found on social media report buying the drink cards with cruise line gift cards bought at a 10% discount at some grocery stores and websites, essentially gaining a 10% discount on the drinks they purchase with the drink card. (By the same token, you could use the discounted gift cards to buy your standard drink package, as well.)

You can also purchase gift cards with credit cards, such as the American Express® Gold Card , that give you extra points per dollar spent at grocery stores to get additional value from your purchase.

Is a drink package worth it on your Holland America cruise?

Now that you have the facts, it's time to decide if the packages are worth the price. Remember that free drinks on board include drip coffee, hot and iced tea, water, lemonade, milk and punch, available at meals and drink stations. The ship's water is drinkable, and you can bring a refillable water bottle, which is particularly useful on port excursions.

Fountain soft drinks ordered from a bar are cheap on Holland America at $2.50 (plus tip) each, but that's for a small glass. Serious soda drinkers (me included) could suck down a couple of these in a flash on a hot day in the Caribbean.

Since Holland America does not allow even canned soft drinks to be brought on board at embarkation, this package price seems easy to match for those who regularly drink one or more large sodas at home, especially when cruising in a warm destination. On the three ships offering Freestyle machines, the purchase is definitely a no-brainer.

Related: Are cruise line drink packages worth the price? What to know before you buy

This is my favorite package for making me feel like I'm really on a cruise vacation. I'm a lightweight drinker when it comes to alcoholic drinks, but I can slurp frozen mocktails (which average around $8 each) all day long on a sea day.

Since the package also includes unlimited soft drinks, you can have soda with your hamburger at lunch, followed by a virgin mudslide for dessert if that's what makes you happy. Add in the bottled water, which is the only part of any drink package you can take with you to Half Moon Cay, and it all starts to look quite convenient.

If you drink one specialty coffee per day at around $4.50, two or three of the skimpy fountain sodas, and at least one mocktail per day, you'll top the $17.95 package price without even counting the bottled water, which can be as high as $4.50 for sparkling brands.

Holland America's main alcohol package packs in quite a bit for the money, allowing you to enjoy a nice combination of nonalcoholic and alcoholic drinks. At $54.95, if you don't drink anything but the $11 drinks allowed by the package, you'd need to drink five per day to break even.

But factor in a specialty coffee every morning, some bottled water on port days and a soda now and then, and your break-even alcoholic drink tally drops to three or four. If that looks like your typical cruise consumption, you'll at least break even on this package.

The best way to get this package, however, might be by purchasing what Holland America calls the Have It All package , which includes not only the drink package, but Surf Wi-Fi, shore excursion credit ranging from $100 for a six- to nine-night sailing up to $300 for cruises longer than 21 nights, and at least one specialty dining night. It is not available on every cruise, but when it is, the $55 price per person, per day is an incredible bargain, essentially throwing in freebies on top of the beverage package.

This package bumps up the price by a mere $5 per day over the Signature package, so if you prefer premium alcohol in your cocktails, or if the beer and wine on the Elite list are more to your liking, you'll cover the difference with just a handful of drinks. It's your vacation, why not splurge a little, right?

I found cruisers on social media who said you can upgrade to the Elite package from the Signature bought within the Have It All package. They said as long as nobody in the cabin has ordered a drink on the Signature Package, it can be upgraded at embarkation at any bar.

Is a Holland America beverage package right for you?

Drink packages are a personal preference. You can certainly cruise with Holland America without one, combining drinks included in the cruise fare with a pay-as-you-drink routine for everything else. If that's what you are most comfortable with, you can easily keep an eye on your drink expenditures using the cruise line app or checking your daily expenses on the in-room interactive TV screen.

You can also earn a discount by buying bottled wine packages or paying with discounted Holland America gift cards.

If, however, you prefer to pay for as much of your cruise experience upfront as possible and not worry about the spending once you are on board, the package that most closely matches your drinking habits will be the one that makes your cruise most enjoyable.

Drink packages allow you to pay once and forget about the price of each individual glass. Even the tipping is bundled into the purchase price for you, though you can add additional tips if you wish.

The bottom line is that Holland America drink packages, while not designed to save you a fortune, certainly allow you to enjoy beverages on your cruise in an all-inclusive fashion if that's the vacation experience you'd prefer.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• Top ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

Holland America Line Beverage Policy: Exploring the Drink Options and Guidelines

To begin, let’s take a look at the different types of beverages available on board. Holland America Line offers a comprehensive selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, including soft drinks, juices, coffee, tea, beer, wine, spirits, and cocktails. Guests can enjoy a variety of options throughout the day, from morning until late at night.

It’s important to note that Holland America Line has a beverage package option available for purchase, which can provide great value for those who plan on indulging in a range of drinks throughout their cruise. The beverage package includes unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, and there are different tiers available to suit individual preferences.

To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience, Holland America Line has established some guidelines regarding the consumption of beverages on board. For instance, the cruise line has a minimum drinking age policy, and guests must be of legal drinking age to consume alcoholic beverages. Additionally, there are limitations on bringing personal beverages on board, as Holland America Line aims to provide a wide range of choices for its guests.

For a detailed overview of Holland America Line’s Beverage Policy, please refer to the table below:

| Beverage Policy Guidelines | Details | |:—————————|:——–| | Minimum Drinking Age | Guests must be of legal drinking age (21 years or older) to consume alcoholic beverages. Identification may be required. | | Beverage Package Options | Holland America Line offers beverage packages for unlimited consumption of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Different tiers are available to suit individual preferences and budgets. | | Bringing Personal Beverages| Guests are restricted from bringing personal beverages on board, with exceptions for wine and champagne for special occasions, subject to a corkage fee. | | Non-Alcoholic Options | A variety of non-alcoholic beverages, including soft drinks, juices, coffee, and tea, are available throughout the ship. | | Alcoholic Options | Holland America Line offers a wide selection of beers, wines, spirits, and cocktails to cater to different tastes and preferences. |

It’s important to familiarize yourself with Holland America Line’s Beverage Policy before embarking on your cruise, as it will ensure a seamless experience and help you make the most of the available drink options. For more information and additional details, please visit Holland America Line’s official website [1].

[1]: https://www.hollandamerica.com/en_US/guest-support/faqs/on-board-information/beverage-policy.

What drinks are free on Holland America?

On Holland America Line cruises, guests can enjoy a selection of complimentary beverages as part of their cruise fare. These include tap water, coffee, tea, iced tea, and lemonade. Additionally, guests can indulge in complimentary fruit juices during breakfast hours. It is important to note that while these drinks are included, there may be additional charges for specialty coffees, bottled water, sodas, and alcoholic beverages. For more detailed information on the Holland America Line beverage policy, please visit their official website: https://www.hollandamerica.com/en_US/faq/onboard-experience.

Does Holland America allow you to bring soda on board?

Holland America Line allows guests to bring soda on board their ships. According to their beverage policy, each guest is permitted to bring one case (12 cans) of non-alcoholic beverages, including soda, on embarkation day. The beverages must be in carry-on luggage and cannot exceed 12 inches x 12 inches x 12 inches in size. It is important to note that sodas and other non-alcoholic beverages are also available for purchase onboard at various bars and lounges. For more information on Holland America Line’s beverage policy, you can visit their official website at www.hollandamerica.com.

Does Holland America Signature Beverage Package include bottled water?

The Holland America Signature Beverage Package does include bottled water, providing guests with a refreshing and convenient option during their cruise. With this package, guests can enjoy a wide range of beverage choices, including alcoholic and non-alcoholic options, without worry. Whether you’re sipping on a cocktail by the pool or hydrating throughout the day, the Signature Beverage Package ensures that your thirst is quenched. For more detailed information about the Holland America Line Beverage Policy, please visit their official website.

How much alcohol can you take on Holland America?

Holland America Line has specific guidelines regarding the amount of alcohol passengers can bring onboard their cruise ships. According to their Beverage Policy, guests are allowed to bring one bottle of wine or champagne per person, provided it is carried in their carry-on luggage. Any other alcoholic beverages, including spirits and beer, are not permitted to be brought onboard. However, Holland America Line offers a wide range of beverage options for purchase onboard, including various packages and a comprehensive wine list. These options ensure that guests can enjoy their favorite drinks throughout their cruise vacation. For more information on Holland America Line’s Beverage Policy and drink options, please visit their official website at [insert link to Holland America Line Beverage Policy].

Holland america drink prices 2023

Holland America Line’s beverage policy for 2023 offers an array of drink options to enhance your cruise experience. The policy includes convenient beverage packages tailored to different preferences and budgets. Guests can choose from packages that include alcoholic beverages, non-alcoholic beverages, or a combination of both. The prices for these packages vary depending on the duration of the cruise and the specific package selected. It is recommended to review the official Holland America Line website for the most up-to-date information and detailed pricing. With these beverage options, guests can sit back, relax, and enjoy their favorite drinks while cruising with Holland America Line. For more information, please visit: [official Holland America Line website](https://www.hollandamerica.com/en_US/onboard-experience/onboard-activities/beverages.

Holland America Line is renowned for its exceptional service, luxurious ac modations, and unparalleled cruising experiences. One aspect of the cruise line that often piques the interest of guests is the beverage policy. With a wide range of drink options and guidelines in place, Holland America Line ensures that guests have a memorable and enjoyable experience while maintaining a safe and responsible environment.

When it es to alcoholic beverages, Holland America Line offers a variety of options to suit every taste. Guests can choose from an extensive selection of wines, beers, spirits, and cocktails, all crafted by expert mixologists. Whether you prefer a classic martini, a refreshing mojito, or a local craft beer, there is something to satisfy every palate.

To make the most of your beverage experience onboard, it’s important to familiarize yourself with Holland America Line’s guidelines. The cruise line has implemented policies to ensure responsible alcohol consumption and the safety of all guests. These guidelines include:

1. Minimum Drinking Age: The minimum drinking age onboard Holland America Line ships is 21 years old. This policy is strictly enforced, and guests may be asked to provide identification to verify their age.

2. Beverage Packages: Holland America Line offers several beverage packages that provide unlimited access to a wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. These packages can be purchased in advance or onboard the ship. It’s worth noting that all guests in a stateroom are required to purchase the same package if one person chooses to buy a package.

3. Wine Packages: For wine enthusiasts, Holland America Line offers wine packages that allow guests to explore a curated selection of wines from around the world. From crisp whites to bold reds, these packages offer excellent value for those who enjoy a glass of wine with their meals.

4. BYOB Policy: Holland America Line allows guests to bring a limited amount of wine or champagne onboard for personal consumption. However, a corkage fee will be charged if the bottle is consumed in a public area or dining venue.

5. Non-Alcoholic Options: For those who prefer non-alcoholic beverages, Holland America Line has a wide range of choices available. From refreshing mocktails to specialty coffees and teas, guests can enjoy a variety of flavors throughout their cruise.

It’s important to note that the beverage policies and offerings may vary depending on the specific ship and itinerary. Therefore, it is always advisable to check the Holland America Line website or consult with a travel advisor for the most up-to-date information.

In conclusion, Holland America Line’s beverage policy is designed to enhance the overall guest experience while ensuring responsible consumption and safety onboard. With a diverse range of drink options and guidelines in place, guests can indulge in their favorite libations while enjoying a memorable cruise vacation. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur, a cocktail enthusiast, or prefer non-alcoholic alternatives, Holland America Line has something to satisfy every taste. So sit back, relax, and raise a glass to an unforgettable journey at sea.

For more information on Holland America Line’s beverage policy and offerings, please visit their official website at [1]www.hollandamerica. .

Sources: [1] www.hollandamerica.

Discover Lindblad Expeditions’ Beverage Policy: Enhancing Your Expedition Experience

Hurtigruten Cruises: Unveiling the Beverage Policy for Your Ultimate Cruise Experience

HNA Cruise Company: Unveiling the Beverage Policy for an Unforgettable Voyage

Heritage Expeditions: Unveiling Their Beverage Policy for an Authentic Experience

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises: Everything You Need to Know About Their Beverage Policy

Genting Hong Kong Beverage Policy: Guidelines and Restrictions Explained

G Adventures Beverage Policy: What You Need to Know for an Unforgettable Travel Experience

Fred. Olsen Cruise Beverage Policy: Everything You Need to Know for a Refreshing Voyage

Unveiling Emerald Waterways’ Refreshing Beverage Policy: Enjoy Ultimate Thirst Quenching on Your River Cruise!

Dream Cruises Beverage Policy: Everything You Need to Know for Your Ultimate Onboard Experience

Exploring Disney Cruise Beverage Policy: What You Need to Know

Unveiling Diamond Cruise International’s Beverage Policy: Enjoy a Refreshing and Indulgent Voyage!

Cunard Cruise Line’s Beverage Policy: What You Need to Know

Crystal River Cruises: Unveiling the Ultimate Beverage Policy for Unforgettable River Journeys

CroisiEurope Beverage Policy: Everything You Need to Know for a Relaxing and Refreshing River Cruise Experience

Ultimate Guide to Costa Cruises Beverage Policy: What You Need to Know

Coral Expeditions’ Refreshing Beverage Policy: Enjoy a Wide Selection of Drinks on Your Seafaring Adventure

Ultimate Guide: Compagnie du Ponant Yacht Cruises Beverage Policy Explained

Ultimate Guide: Celestyal Cruises Beverage Policy Unveiled – What You Need to Know

Ultimate Guide: Celebrity Cruises Beverage Policy Explained

Carnival Cruise Beverage Policy: Everything You Need to Know for a Refreshing Voyage

Exploring Captain Cook Cruises’ Beverage Policy: What You Need to Know!

Bohai Cruises: Unveiling the Refreshing Beverage Policy for an Unforgettable Voyage

Unveiling Blount Small Ship Adventures’ Refreshing Beverage Policy: Everything You Need to Know

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Product Highlight

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Nunc imperdiet rhoncus arcu non aliquet. Sed tempor mauris a purus porttitor

Recent Posts

Understanding Windstar Cruises’ Health Policy: Ensuring Safe and Healthy Travel

Exploring Virgin Voyages Health Policy: Prioritizing Passenger Safety and Wellness

Ensuring Passenger Safety: Viking River Cruises’ Comprehensive Health Policy

Ensuring a Safe and Healthy Voyage: Viking Ocean Cruises’ Comprehensive Health Policy

Ensuring Passenger Well-being: Variety Cruises’ Comprehensive Health Policy

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises: Ensuring a Safe and Healthy Travel Experience

UnCruise Adventures: Prioritizing Health and Safety with Comprehensive Health Policy

Ensuring Passenger Safety: TUI Cruises’ Robust Health Policy Explained

Ensuring Safe and Healthy Voyages: True North Adventure Cruises Health Policy

Understanding Tauck River Cruises Health Policy: Essential Information for Travelers

Holland America Alcohol Policy: What to Know before You Go

Published by admin on.

If you’re setting sail on a Holland America cruise, here’s everything you need to know about their alcohol policy.

Adults may bring one bottle of wine or champagne only (no larger than 750ml) in carry-on luggage at the start of the voyage, which is complimentary if enjoyed in your stateroom.

Additional wine or champagne bottles are welcome in carry-on luggage or purchased in port, but will each incur an $18.00 corkage fee. Any other bottles will be stored by Holland America and returned upon disembarkation.

The age of an adult varies depending on location. For voyages departing from and returning to Australia, New Zealand, Europe, China, Hong Kong, Singapore, or Taiwan, an adult means 18 years and up. For voyages departing from and returning to Japan, an adult means 20 years and up. For all other destinations, including the United States, an adult means 21 years and up.

If you’d rather not bring your own, Holland America offers several drink packages including the Elite Beverage Package and Signature Beverage Package. Wine enthusiasts can enjoy the Cellar Master Package, including a choice of five wine bottles, a special winetasting experience, a Pinnacle Grill dinner, and a commemorative Holland America bottle of wine.

The world of cruising is complicated and ever-changing, and your Stellar Travel advisor is the perfect resource to help guide you through it all. Call us today to get started!

Related Posts

Holland america, nieuw statendam: holland america’s new ship sets sail this winter.

Launching in December 2018, ms Nieuw Statendam will be a sister ship to Koningsdam and the second of Holland America’s Pinnacle-class ships. It features a design inspired by the fluid curves of musical instruments. On Read more…

Planet Earth II in Concert: Breathtaking New Show Debuts on Holland America

Hang with lemurs in Madagascar, race with lions in Namibia, brave the waves with penguins – all to the tune of a live orchestra. This is the new and exclusive show debuting on Holland America’s Read more…

“Food Faces” Art Book by Holland America’s Master Chef Rudi Sodamin

The latest culinary creation from Holland America’s Master Chef is a feast for your eyes, not your taste buds. Rudi Sodamin’s new coffee table book is called “Food Faces,” and features more than 150 vibrant Read more…

• CruiseMapper
• Food & Drinks

Holland America Alcohol Policy, Wine

Holland America alcohol policy and wine prices – find out the answer to the "can I bring alcohol on board HAL cruise ships" question. Holland America Line had stated it would change its long-standing alcohol rules of allowing passengers to bring onboard unlimited bottles of wine. The new wine policy implementation date was Jan 31, 2014. Below you will find the official HAL information and find out if the changes have come true.

Holland America alcohol policy

Holland America policy of allowing unlimited soda or bottled water has not yet changed and is still allowed. But can I bring liquor on HAL cruises after all?

• Bringing liquor onboard Holland America vessels at embarkation is not allowed. At voyage's beginning travelers who are 21 years and older can bring on board one bottle of champagne or wine (up to 750ml) in carry-on luggage - if consumed in the cabin, it won't be subject to a corkage fee. Passengers aren't allowed to bring boxed wine, beer, or other spirits and liquors.
• Additional champagne and/or wine in carry-on luggage (no larger than 750ml) are welcome, but incur US$18.00 corkage fee each (subject to change), irrespective of where the bottles are consumed.
• HAL reserves its right to remove alcoholic beverages from passengers' luggage which violates alcohol policy. All found alcoholic beverages will be removed, then returned on voyage's last evening - passengers won't receive monetary compensation.
• Alcoholic beverages (except for champagne and wine), that have been purchased from onboard shops or brought on ship otherwise can't be consumed on ship. Alcoholic beverages (bottles and other containers) purchased in call ports or from onboard shops will be collected, stored for safekeeping, and then returned - delivered to guests' staterooms on the last evening of the voyage.
• HAL cruisers can bring onboard champagne and/or wine that has been purchased in port. It's allowed bringing champagne or wine onboard, but a corkage fee ($18) is applied irrespective of where the bottles are consumed. Alternatively, passengers can choose to have the champagne and/or wine stored and returned at no charge on the last evening of the sailing.
• Holland America Line had stated that from the 31st of January, 2014 passengers were limited to only one bottle per person, per sailing only during embarkation. A new corkage fee for opening a bottle in HAL bars or restaurants of $20 was discussed. Less than six months after announcing the new policy, HAL backtracked on this decision and bowed to pressure from travelers to permit unlimited bottles of champagne and/or wine to be brought on board for a per-bottle corkage fee.
• HAL had been one of the most permissive cruise lines for guests who want to bring onboard their own bottles of wine before changing its alcohol policy.

Holland America drinking age on cruise ships

Holland America drinking age as on most major lines is 21 - for all HAL ships, destinations, liquor. Passengers under 21 years old have to be accompanied by a guardian, parent, or chaperone who is at least 25 years old - one chaperone required for every 5 passengers under 21. Alcoholic beverages on HAL ships will not be served to travelers under age 21.

Purchasing liquor from HAL cruise ships’ duty-free shops and ashore

These will be retained until your voyage's last day. Alcoholic beverages purchased in call ports or from shops onboard will be stored and afterward returned on vacation's last evening.

Beer list onboard Holland America ships

• Draught: Served only on special occasions, accompanied by local specialties. Alaska Amber, for example, is served in Alaska on certain nights; German Rostock Beer is served on Baltic cruises during Bierfest, etc.
• Bottled: Heineken and Budweiser.

Specialty bars on HAL ships

HAL newest venue featuring 3 themed bars is the Mix (on Veendam, Ryndam, Statendam, Rotterdam, Maasdam). The "Champagne" provides twenty different sparkling wine and champagne from around the world, purchased by the bottle or by the flute. The "Martinis" serves 19 Grey Goose cocktails and martinis, and the "Spirits & Ales" specializes in whiskey, brandy, and beer.

Holland America drink packages, prepaid beverage cards

• Holland America offers several beverage pre-paid cards. If you purchase one of them for $45, you will receive beverage purchases that cost $50 toward it. Or pay $90 - receive beverage purchases for $100. Such a discounted beverage card offers an opportunity for savings on a variety of beverages from non-alcoholic beverages, espresso, and soda, to beer, wine, and spirits. For example, if you purchase a pre-paid fountain soda card for $25, you will receive $50 toward fountain soda purchases.
• You will be charged 15% for beverage service which will be added automatically to drinks purchases and deducted from value of the pre-paid card at time of purchase. HAL Pre-paid Beverage Cards cannot be used for daily drink specials or during happy hours.
• Wine onboard HAL can be purchased in advance with pre-paid packages saving to 25% with a beverage service charge of 15% included. Two packages are offered - the Admiral (with prices from $136.00 to $310.00) and the Navigator (prices range from $103.00 to $230.00), both coming with 3, 5 or 7 bottles bundle.
• Holland America offers the opportunity for passengers to purchase liquor or beer packages via room service (to consume in staterooms) for discounted prices. Another chance is to pre-purchase online - the package will be in your stateroom on the day of embarkation. An example of this is the Gin & Tonic package, including 3 cans of tonic water and a 1L bottler of Gin for $37.00. Others include Scotch and Soda, Rum and Coke, Corona 6-pack and Miller Lite Domestic 6-pack for $23.00, and so on.
• Free offer! 4 and 5-star members of Mariner Society have free access to wine tasting complimentary sessions.

Holland America wine packages prices

HAL cruise passenger who violates any of Holland America beverage policy rules may be denied boarding or even disembarked at his own expense. As such violations the line lists:

• a passenger who demonstrates irresponsible behavior
• a passenger who attempts to conceal alcoholic beverages at security/luggage checkpoints
• a passenger who provides alcohol to ship guests under 21 years old
• a passenger who over-consumes.

(NEW) HAL craft cocktails menu

In April 2019, the company introduced fleetwide a new beverage menu with craft cocktails menu with 7 drinks developed by Dale DeGroff (master mixologist).

• Alliance (created by DeGroff and Tony Abou-Ganim) includes the Peruvian Pisco Brandy.
• Flor de Jerez (created by Joaquin Simo, Death & Co, NYC)
• Foggy Boulevardier - features a smoky presentation and Ratafia Cherry Liquor.
• Oaxaca Old Fashioned (created by Phil Ward, Death & Co, NYC and Pegu Club) consists of agave spirits.
• Penicillin (malt scotch whisky cocktail by Sam Ross) consists of Islay whisky, blended scotch with lemon, ginger and honey.
• Red Hook (created by Enzo Enrico, Milk & Honey, NYC)
• Strange Brew (created by Thomas Waugh, Death & Co, NYC) includes IPA brew (India pale ale), Pineapple, and Gin.

Which Cruise Lines Allow You To Bring Alcohol Onboard 2024

Cruise lines a lot of their make money from the alcoholic drinks they sell onboard.  

The relatively high prices can soon add up for some, whether you are drinking at the bars or with your meals.  

Drink packages are available, but for some, the value is borderline depending on how much each guest drinks.

Therefore many passengers want to know how much alcohol they can bring on board each cruise line to maximize any ways of reducing costs.   

Some even go further by attempting to sneak alcohol onto the cruise ship .  Although it’s well worth giving due consideration to the risks and consequences of what can happen if you’re caught sneaking alcohol on the cruise ship .

We have gone through all the leading cruise line’s alcohol policies and covered the main points for each so you know exactly what you can and can’t take onboard.  In some instances, we contacted them directly to get clarification on finer points.

If you are solely interested in the wine allowances, check out our more in-depth “ Can You Bring Wine on Cruise ” page with info for each cruise line, including corkage fees.

Can You Bring Liquor on a Cruise?

As a general rule, no forms of liquor are allowed to be brought on board any cruise ship by guests.  This includes all kinds of spirits and hard liquors.

This is one of the reasons some guests try to sneak their own alcohol onboard using rum runners and liquor bags.  Some even try putting liquor in wine bottles and replacing the cap.

Which Cruise Lines Allow You To Bring Alcohol Onboard?

Most main cruise lines allow guests to bring a small amount of alcohol onboard. 

The exceptions are Costa and MSC cruises which prohibit all alcohol from being taken onboard.

We have summarized the main points of each cruise line’s alcohol policies and provided links to more information if you wish to double-check any finer points or see the latest policies.

Cruise Line Boarding Alcohol Policies

In no particular order, we take a look at the most popular cruise line’s alcohol policies, including when you can bring extra alcohol onboard.

Royal Caribbean Alcohol Policy

Royal Caribbean does not allow guests to bring beer, spirits, or hard liquors onboard.  

Guests are permitted one bottle of wine up to 2 bottles per stateroom.

A royal Caribbean drinks package is available, which may help some guests reduce the costs depending on how much they drink.

Guests often try to work out how to cheat the Royal Caribbean drinks package .   While we don’t encourage cheating, there are certainly ways you can maximize the value. 

Royal Caribbean Alcohol Policy here .

Carnival Cruise Alcohol Policy

Carnival Cruise allows guests to bring on one bottle of 750ml wine or champagne.

They do not allow guests to bring spirits, hard liquors, or beers onboard.

Carnival Alcohol Policy here .

Princess Cruises Alcohol Policy

Princess Cruises allow guests to bring one bottle of wine on board for free but will charge you a fee (currently $15) for every other bottle over this.   You will still get charged if you don’t open or intend to open the bottle.

Princess cruises do not allow any other types of alcohol onboard.  That means no beer, spirits, or liquors.

Princess Cruises Alcohol Policy here .

Disney Cruises Alcohol Policy

Disney cruises are one of the few cruise lines that allow guests to bring beer onboard.  You have a choice of whether to bring 2 bottles of wine or 6 beers 12 ounces or under.

Not only can you bring this alcohol allowance on boarding day, you can also take advantage of it at every port of call.

Wine and champagne can be consumed in public areas for a $26 corkage fee.

Beers must be consumed within your stateroom.

You can also buy more alcohol of all kinds and have them put in storage until the last day of your cruise when you must go and collect them yourself.

Liquors or spirits or excess wine and beer purchased in ports of call will be stored until the end of the cruise. Disney Cruise

Disney Alcohol Policy here .

Celebrity Cruises Alcohol Policy

Celebrity Cruises do not allow guests to bring any beer, spirits or hard liquor onboard their cruise ships.

Guests can bring 1 bottle of wine each, up to 2 bottles per cabin.  There is no fee for drinking in your cabin, but there is a corkage fee if you consume in a restaurant or bar.

You can purchase alcoholic beverages in ports of call or in onboard shops and have them stored until the last day of sailing, when they will be delivered to your cabin.

Celebrity Cruise Alcohol Policy here .

MSC Cruises Alcohol Policy  

MSC Cruises have a strict no-alcohol policy for any guests boarding the cruise from embarkation day and any ports of call.   This includes wine, beers, and liquors of all types.  

It doesn’t matter if the alcohol is for dining area use or the privacy of your stateroom. There is simply none allowed.

Alcoholic drinks, including wines, spirits, beer or other liqueurs are available for purchase onboard the Vessel at fixed prices. Passengers are not permitted to bring onboard any such drinks for use during the voyage, whether for consumption in their own cabins or otherwise . MSC Cruise Alcohol Polcicy here under “Alcohol 13.1.”

Viking Cruises Alcohol Policy

Viking Cruises allow guests to bring on as much alcohol as they like onboard.  This includes boarding days and from when you visit any ports of call.

Beers, wines, spirits, and liquors are allowed on board.

Not only can you take alcohol on board, you can also consume it in both your stateroom and in public areas of the ship, including dining areas, without incurring a corkage fee .

In their FAQ’s it states:

Guests may bring alcohol and beverages with them or purchase alcohol ashore at destinations that sell alcohol. Alcohol can be consumed in the guest’s stateroom or in public spaces, including dining venues. There is no corkage fee. Viking Cruises

Holland America Alcohol Policy 

Holland America only allows guests to bring 750 ml of Wine and Champagne onboard. No maximum amount is stated, but they say amounts deemed excessive will be refused.

No beers, spirits, or liquors are allowed to be taken onboard.

Each bottle you bring will be subject to a $20 corking fee.  You can bring one bottle onboard fee free if its purchased from a company-sponsored shore excursion.

Holland America Alcoholic Policy here .

Norwegian Cruise Line Alcohol Policy

Norwegian Cruise does not allow any beers or liquors to be brought onboard.

They do, however, allow an unlimited number of wine and champagne bottles.  Although you will have to pay a corkage fee of $15 for every bottle whether you intend to consume it or not.

Virgin Voyages

Virgin Voyages allow guest to bring two 750ml bottles of wine per cabin.   They do not allow any beer or liquor onboard.

They specifically state you can purchase specialty liquors in ports of call and bring them onboard if you let security know so they can put them in storage for you until the last night of your cruise.

Full info here under “Can I bring alcohol onboard”.

Azamara Cruises Alcohol Policy

Azamara is a Luxury cruise line that lets guest to bring all types of alcohol on board, including wine, beer, and liquors.   No limits are stated, so we can only assume it is within reason.

You may bring your own favourite liquor, beer or wine for private consumption in your suite or stateroom. Azamara Cruises

Azamara Alcohol Policy here under “Corkage Policy”

You can drink your own alcohol in your stateroom, but if you wish to drink in public areas of the ship, such as the dining rooms or bars, you will have to pay a $10 corkage fee.

Other River and Luxury Cruises

Many rivers and luxury cruise line companies do allow guests to bring alcohol onboard.  Often this is because many of them include alcohol in the fare price.  Therefore they don’t lose out by taking your own. If anything, they benefit.

How to Bring Alcohol on a Cruise?

You should typically bring your alcohol on a cruise in your carry-on luggage.   If you have taken a flight and packed your alcohol in your checked luggage at any point in your journey, you will need to take it out and transfer it to your carry-on.

Some cruise lines will confiscate and dispose of any alcohol found in your checked luggage.

Whatever part of your journey you are on, make sure you pack your alcohol safely, so it does not get broken in transit.  Wrapping in a towel and keeping compact in the center of your bags should suffice.  

Related Posts

• Can You Drink on a Cruise at 18?
• Drinking Age In International Waters (for each Cruise Line)
• Do Cruises Water Down Alcoholic Drinks?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is alcohol on cruise ships watered down.

Alcohol on cruise ships is not considered to be watered down.  Cruise lines make a good portion of their revenue from alcoholic drinks, sold individually and via drink packages.  If a cruise line were proven to be watering down drinks, it would risk its reputation.

Remember, if you are ordering a drink, state your preferred brand name. Otherwise, you may be given the cheapest options if you order a generic rum or brandy.  

This also applies to cocktails. Let the bartender know you want them to use the premium brand of your choice.

Another relevant tip is to request the bar-tender go easy on the ice.

Can You Bring Beer on a Cruise?

Of the leading cruise lines, only Disney Cruise allows bottles of beer to be taken onboard.  The limit is 6 bottles per person over the age of 21.

If the passenger takes beer, they can not take any additional wine.  It’s one or the other.

Can You Bring 12 Pack of Beer on a Carnival Cruise?

Carnival cruise does not allow guests to bring any beer onboard the ship.   Beer can be purchased onboard at bars, nightclubs, and restaurants. 

Can I Buy Alcohol in the Ports?

You can often buy alcoholic drinks cheaply in ports in duty-free stores.  However, you generally won’t be able to take these back to your stateroom.  Instead, you will have to let cruise staff know, and they will store them until your leaving day.

Can You Bring a Vape on a Cruise?  (2024)

Can You Bring Curling Irons On a Cruise Ship?

Leave a comment cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Port Overview
• Transportation to the Port
• Uber & Lyft to the Port
• Dropping Off at the Port
• Cruise Parking
• Cruise Hotels
• Hotels with Parking Deals
• Uber & Lyft to the Ports
• Things to Do
• Cozumel Taxi Rates
• Free Things to Do
• Restaurants Near the Cruise Port
• Hotels & Resorts With Day Passes
• Closest Beaches to the Cruise Port
• Tips For Visiting
• Shore Excursions
• Cruise Parking Discounts
• Hotels with Shuttles
• Which Airport Should I Use?
• Transportation to the Ports
• Dropping Off at the Ports
• Fort Lauderdale Airport to Miami
• Inexpensive Hotels
• Hotels near the Port
• Hotels With Shuttles
• Budget Hotels
• Carnival Tips
• Drink Packages
• Specialty Restaurants
• Faster to the Fun
• More Articles
• CocoCay Tips
• Norwegian Tips
• Great Stirrup Cay
• Harvest Caye
• How to Get the Best Cruise Deal
• Best Time to Book a Cruise
• Best Websites to Book a Cruise
• Cruises Under $300
• Cruises Under $500
• Spring Break Cruise Deals
• Summer Cruise Deals
• Alaskan Cruise Deals
• 107 Cruise Secrets & Tips
• Tips for First-Time Cruisers
• What to Pack for a Cruise
• What to Pack (Alaska)
• Packing Checklist
• Cruising with Kids
• Passports & Birth Certificates
• Bringing Alcohol
• Cruising with a Disability
• Duty-Free Shopping
• Cruise Travel Insurance
• Things to Do on a Cruise Ship
• What Not to Do on a Ship
• News & Articles

Everything to Know About Alcohol & Drinks on a Cruise (Costs, Rules, & More)

For many people, it’s not a cruise unless they are enjoying themselves with a drink in their hand. After all, what’s more relaxing than hanging out poolside with a cold beer or tasty cocktail?

Of course, cruise lines are happy to help. Bars are everywhere on a cruise ship, and the alcohol flows freely. But it’s certainly not free. Drinks are big business on a cruise.

So how much will you pay for a drink? What sort of beverages are available? Who can buy a beer or cocktail? These are just a few questions you might have about enjoying alcohol on a cruise. We answer them all (plus roughly a dozen more) for you below.

In This Article...

How much does beer cost on a cruise?

Looking for a brew? Cruise ships will have tons of options, including some like Carnival that even brew their own beer to sell. But if it’s a large, nationally known beer, it’s likely to be on the ship… along with some other options like local beers. Norwegian Cruise Line even has some ships with dozens of beers on tap.

In general, expect prices to be in the $7-9 range, before gratuity. With gratuity, expect to spend about $8-10.50 per beer.

As an example, below is a list of prices and beers from a recent Royal Caribbean cruise. Keep in mind these prices are before gratuity is added on.

• Amstel Light $7.49
• Blue Moon $7.49
• Bud Light $7.49
• Budweiser $7.49
• Coors Light $7.49
• Corona $7.49
• Dos Equis $7.49
• Daura Damm $7.49
• Heineken $7.49
• Michelob Ultra $7.49
• Miller Light $7.49
• Paulaner Weiss $7.49
• Stella Artois $7.49
• Red Stripe (473 ml) $7.99
• Foster’s Oil Can (750 ml) $9.50

Other cruise lines might have prices that are slightly higher or lower but this is a good ballpark. As well, options will vary by cruise line and even from bar to bar on some ships.

How much do cocktails cost on the ship?

Perhaps nothing is as iconic on a cruise ship as sipping a delicious cocktail with an umbrella in it. And cruise lines are happy to oblige. Not only can you get classics like Rum Runners, Margaritas, and Mai Tais, but cruise lines are constantly introducing unique cocktails that you won’t find anywhere else.

In other words, even if you aren’t a big cocktail drinker, there’s likely to be something that you’ll want to sip.

The downside? You definitely have to pay for it. Prices for cocktails on cruise ships usually run about $10-14 per drink, before gratuity . So expect to spend about $12 to $16.50 per beverage when gratuity is added.

Here is a sample menu from a recent Carnival cruise to give you an idea of what’s offered. Just like different restaurants, different bars on the ship will have different drink options:

What should I know about drink packages?

As you can see, the price of alcohol on the ship can be expensive. If you’re looking to save money, the cruise line offer drink packages. These packages offer up all you want for one price. So, for example, a cruise line like Carnival will charge about $55 per day for a package, and for that amount you can simply grab a drink when you’re ready.

Drink packages can be a considerable cost, but make the budgeting much easier.

Before you buy a package, however, there are lots of things to know. For example, if one adult in the cabin buys the package, then all adults normally have to purchase it as well. And if you purchase, you have to buy the package for every day of the cruise.

For a full breakdown, read our guide to cruise line drink packages here .

Is gratuity included on drinks?

If you have a drink package, then you don’t have to worry about gratuity being added when you get something from a bar. The gratuity is instead added onto the daily cost of the package. So a $70 per day drink package will have an 18-20% gratuity charge (the amount varies by cruise line) and actually costs you closer to $85 per day. But when you get a drink, you won’t see any additional charges, for the drink or gratuity.

However, if purchasing a drink without the package, then you will be charged an additional gratuity on the menu price . As just mentioned, this amount varies by cruise line but is normally 18-20%.

So a $10 drink on the menu will actually end up being about $12. An $8 beer would be closer to $10.

One thing to know is that while this gratuity is charged automatically, when you sign the receipt you’ll see a line for an additional tip. You aren’t required or expected to add more unless you want to do so.

What’s the drinking age on a cruise ship?

With cruise ships there are some unique situations that you don’t find with other vacations. For instance, while docked in a country, the ship is bound to the laws of that nation. But when outside their waters, they are not. And then, a ship might visit three or four different countries with different laws during the same cruise.

To keep things simple, ships sailing from the United States have a drinking age of 21 years old . Ships sailing from points in Europe, Asia, and Australia typically have a drinking age of 18 years old.

But local laws in places your ship will visit might have different drinking ages. In some cases, it may be legal for someone to drink in port, but not allowed on the cruise ship. For instance, Mexico and The Bahamas have an 18 year drinking age, but ships departing the United States have a 21 year age minimum.

For more on cruises and drinking ages, you can see our article here .

How do I buy drinks on the ship?

Put that wallet away. To buy drinks on the ship you don’t need cash or a credit card. In most cases you simply hand over your room keycard, which acts as a charge card for your onboard account. (Sometimes you simply give your room number and the staff charges your account that way.)

Once charged, you’ll be presented a receipt to sign for your drink.

Have a drink package? Don’t worry, the bar staff will know when your card is swiped that you have the package. You won’t be charged for the beverage.

Is there a limit to how much I can drink?

There are no set limits on how much you can drink. One exception is that Carnival does limit those with drink packages to 15 alcoholic beverages per day. (It’s not clear if that limit applies to those without the package.)

Still, for the most part you aren’t under any clearly defined limit. That said, don’t expect to continue to be served if you are showing signs of dangerous levels of intoxication. The cruise lines want you to relax, enjoy yourself, and have a good time, but not at the expense of your health or the well-being of other passengers.

What brands of alcohol are available?

There is seemingly an endless number of options when it comes to alcohol brands on a cruise ship. In fact, there are bound to be brands you’ve never tasted or even heard of before, in addition to well-known names.

So will your favorite brand of beer, wine, or liquor be served? That depends.

If your favorite is a popular brand with national presence, then you can expect it to be on the ship. If it’s a lesser-known or regional brand, then the chances are much lower.

For instance, if you’re from Texas then Shiner Bock is a well-known beer brand and served just about anywhere in the state… but not nationally. We have yet to see the brand on a cruise ship unless sailing from Texas.

Major brands of alcohol like Tito’s, Jack Daniel’s, Crown Royal, Maker’s Mark are all widely available. In addition, you will definitely find some lesser-known options as well, but not all.

What time do the bars open and close?

“Cruise time” is a little different from regular time. So if you’re wanting a drink in the morning, that’s no issue. Individual bar schedules will vary, but apart from very late night/early morning (e.g. 3-8 a.m.) you should be able to find somewhere serving, though it may only be one or two spots.

For instance, below is the bar schedule for MSC during a recent cruise:

Can I take my drink anywhere around the ship?

Yes. At first it can seem a little weird walking from a restaurant to the casino to the pool all while carrying a drink in your hand. For those of us used to laws surrounding public display of open containers, it feels unnatural. On a cruise ship, it’s completely ok and commonplace.

Drinks can be taken with you anywhere around the ship. So grab a drink and head to a show, dinner, the pool, casino, or just back to the cabin.

Can I order two drinks/doubles?

Sure, although some lines have rules if you have the drink package. If you don’t have the package, then it’s not a big deal to order multiple drinks at once. In fact, cruise lines often have beer buckets that you can purchase that have 4-6 beers.

Want a drink for you and a friend? Want a double? Just order it, it’s no issue at all.

If you have the drink package, however, then things get a little more complicated. Since these packages are for individuals and not meant to be shared, there are rules that limit the ability to order multiple drinks. For example, Carnival’s package doesn’t allow double shots and you can only purchase one drink at a time, with a five-minute waiting period between drinks.

Is There a Mini-Bar in the Cabin?

Often, but not always. Every cabin will have a small refrigerator, which often doubles as a mini-bar with a number of beers, liquors, sodas, and waters. (We have been on cruises where the refrigerator is empty.)

Want something to drink? Help yourself, but just know you’ll be charged. The menu prices are typically posted on the fridge or nearby. Even if you have a drink package, mini-bar items are excluded.

Can I bring alcohol onboard?

You can’t bring most alcohol onto the ship for drinking during your cruise. So if you wanted to bring a bottle of rum or a 12-pack of beer from home to enjoy while sailing, that’s not allowed. Cruise lines expect you to purchase their bar offerings. They do, however allow you to bring on a bottle of wine or champagne.

If you are in port and find a bottle of something that you want, then you can also buy it and bring it home with you. So if you visit Mexico and pick up a bottle of tequila, you can bring it back with you as you board the ship.

The difference? When you return to the ship the bottle will be taken from you and placed in storage. It will then be returned to you the last night of the cruise to take home. So don’t think you’re going to be able to enjoy it while sailing.

One other thing to note is that some lines — including Carnival and Royal Caribbean — do allow you to bring on some non-alcoholic beverages like sodas and waters. You can find more details here .

Can I buy duty-free alcohol on the ship to mix drinks?

Step on a cruise ship (or head out into port), and you’ll see lots of opportunity for duty-free shopping. Cigarettes and alcohol are the big sellers, and the prices are good for what’s offered.

You might have the idea to bring on mixers and then buy a bottle from the duty-free shop to enjoy on your cruise. Unfortunately, that’s not allowed.

When buying from a duty-free shop, your bottles will be packaged and then stored by the staff until the last day of your cruise. They will then be delivered to your cabin on the last night to take with you as you get off the ship.

What happens if I sneak alcohol onto a cruise?

Given the price of drinks on the ship, you wouldn’t be alone in wondering about sneaking drinks on with you in your luggage as you board.

It’s relatively common that people try this trick. In fact, when boarding you’ll likely find several people having bottles of liquid being closely examined by the security staff during boarding.

In other words, security is on the lookout for smuggled booze. If found, expect it to be removed and likely destroyed. If put it in your checked luggage, you might be called down to retrieve your bag.

The terms and conditions of sailing may give the cruise line the right to not allow you to board if found trying to sneak on alcohol, however, we’ve personally never heard of that happening.

Still, it could lead to some awkward conversations — and losing your alcohol — should you be caught trying to sneak it onto the ship.

How can I save money on drinks?

There’s no question that it can be expensive to drink on a cruise ship. But there are ways that you can drink for less money. Here are a few tips:

Drink in port instead: Ports of call offer a chance to save money on drinks. Many areas near where the ship docks will have cheap(er) drink specials designed to attract the business of cruise passengers. By heading off the ship you can save money versus drinking on the ship.

Look for sales: If you do plan to drink on the ship, be sure to keep an eye out for drink specials. They will often be mentioned in the daily planner that’s delivered to your room each night. Maybe it’s a happy hour at a certain bar or certain drinks that have a discount.

Do the math on drink packages: If you’re a big drinker, then drink packages can save you tons. These packages are also expensive, so if you don’t get your money’s worth, then you could end up spending more than you would otherwise. To help you do the math before buying, check out our drink package calculator here .

More about drinking on a cruise:

• Worth It? Everything About Cruise Line Drink Packages
• Can I Bring Alcohol on my Cruise? Drink Policies for Every Cruise Line
• Cruise Line Drink Package Calculator

Popular: 39 Useful Things to Pack (17 You Wouldn't Think Of)

Read next: park & cruise hotels for every port in america, popular: 107 best cruise tips, secrets, tricks, and freebies, related articles more from author, how to smoke marijuana (legally) while on a cruise, flashback: cruise bar menus from 10 years ago show how much prices have soared, 107 best cruise tips, tricks, secrets, and freebies, worth it complete guide to msc cruises drink packages, worth it complete guide to royal caribbean’s drink package, can i bring marijuana on a cruise.

Is there a alchohol volume % limit for wine? I know you cab not take wine cocktails or fortified wine. But what about reg wine? Thsnks

I’ve never heard of a limit.

LEAVE A REPLY Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

11 Tips Cruise Lines DON’T Want You to Know (But They Aren’t Against the Rules)

Cruise anxiety these facts may calm your biggest fears, revealed: the most expensive carnival cruise you can buy (and cheapest, too), hotels with cruise shuttles for every major port in america, 39 useful things to pack for your cruise (including 17 you’d never think of).

• Privacy Policy
• Terms & Conditions

Alcohol policy by cruise line

Adventure Smith Explorations

Alcoholic beverages other than wine and beer can be purchased with lunch and dinner.

AmaWaterways

Europe: Alcoholic beverages are available at additional cost. During dinner, local wines soft drinks and beer are available on a complimentary basis.

Russia: Alcoholic beverages are available at additional cost. Complimentary wine and beer included with every dinner on board the ship

Vietnam & Cambodia: Complimentary house brand spirits and local beers available during the cruise. Free flowing wine with every lunch and dinner on board. Imported wine and premium alcoholic beverages are available to purchase at an additional cost.

Africa:  Complimentary wine and beer is served with all lunch and dinners on board. Premium alcoholic beverages as well as drinks outside of meal times are available at the bar for additional cost.

American Cruise Lines

American Cruise Lines provides complimentary wine and beer during lunch and dinner service. A complimentary cocktail hour with full bar is hosted each evening before dinner.

American Queen Voyages (formerly American Queen Steamboat Company and Victory Cruise Lines)

Select wines and beer are included with dinner.

The sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages will be limited to Guests who are 21 years or older. American Queen Voyages will refuse and prohibit the sale or service of alcoholic beverages to Guests under the age of 21 years. Guests are kindly reminded to consume alcohol in moderation. American Queen Voyages reserves the right to prohibit and retain all liquor brought aboard the Ship.

Alaskan Dream Cruises

A selection of fine alcoholic beverages, beer and wine are available aboard ship for independent purchase, but not included in your cruise fare. There is a good selection of wine available aboard, and you may purchase a bottle and have the unfinished portion capped and held for you.

A-ROSA Cruises

A-Rosa river cruises include complimentary alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages throughout the ship.

Avalon Waterways

Choice of complimentary wine and beer will be included with dinner on Avalon Europe river cruises. On the Yangtze wine is included with all dinners. On the Mekong complimentary local beer/spirits is available throughout the day and wine is included with dinner.

Should you wish to bring your own wine on board and drink it in the dining room or lounge, the maître d’hôtel or bartender will be happy to serve it to you; a corkage fee will be charged. All inclusive drink packages are also available.

Azamara Club Cruises

The minimum drinking age for all alcoholic beverages on all Azamara ships is 21. However, on ships in Europe and South America, where the legal drinking age is 18, a parent sailing with children between the ages of 18 and 20 may sign a waiver allowing them to consume alcoholic beverages. The waiver may not apply when the vessel is in certain territorial waters. Please note that an individual’s age on the date of sailing determines his or her status for the entire voyage vacation.

Any guest for whom a waiver has been signed must agree to comply with Azamara’s policies. This includes an agreement to not provide alcoholic beverages to any other person, regardless of age. This policy is subject to change without notice.

Azamara Club Cruises® offers a wide selection of international liquors, beer and fine wines onboard. You may bring your own favorite liquor, beer or wine for private consumption in your suite or stateroom. If you wish to consume your liquor, beer or wine in any shipboard restaurant, bar or dining venue, each bottle is subject to a corkage fee of $10.

If you are given a bottle of wine that was purchased from Azamara’s Bon Voyage Gift selection, then no corkage fee will apply. If you are given a bottle of wine from an outside vendor and/or travel professional, and the bottle was not purchased through Azamara’s Bon Voyage selection, then a $10 corkage fee will apply if the wine is consumed in the dining room or other public area. All corkage fees will be added to your onboard account.

Alcoholic beverages purchased from onboard shops will be stored by the ship and delivered to guest staterooms on the last day of the sailing. Alcohol will not be delivered to any guest under the age of 21.

Guests who violate alcohol policies (over-consume, provide alcohol to people under age 21, or demonstrate irresponsible behavior) may be debarked or not allowed to board, in accordance with our guest conduct policy. In such cases, no voyage costs, airfare or any other expenses will be reimbursed.

Azamara reserves the right to revoke or otherwise restrict drinking privileges of any guest, regardless of age. Shipboard personnel may elect, at their discretion, to refuse waivers to 18 to 20-year olds or to withhold alcohol from other guests.

Blount Small Ship Adventures (formerly ACCL)

Complimentary wine and beer is served with lunch and dinner on all cruises.

In addition to serving wine and beer with meals, the company’s popular “BYOB” policy is still in effect.  This unique “bring your own bottle” policy gives guests the freedom to enjoy their preferred beverages without a costly bar tab at the end of the trip.  Mixers, snacks, barware, refrigeration, and bottle storage space are provided around the clock.

Captain Cook Cruises

Captain Cook Cruises has adopted the following House Policy, which provides a framework for the “Responsible Service of Alcohol” which will be monitored and modified on an on going basis:

• In order to prevent underage access and drinking Proof of Age must be provided when requested. The only proof of age that will be accepted are: a current photo drivers’ license; proof of age card; or passport.
•  Persons who are intoxicated will be refused admission to our premises
• Signs will be displayed and refer to intoxication signs in order to support a responsible attitude and meet the requirements of legislation
• Any patron in Captain Cook Cruises premises will be denied service if they are considered to be intoxicated
• Staff and patrons will be educated as part of their policy to ensure that they understand the implications and abide by our responsible service of alcohol policy
• Support and actively promote initiatives to minimize drink driving in order to safeguard the wellbeing of our patrons

In NSW various Acts control the sale and service of alcohol. There are four basic points, which are relevant to responsible serving practices.

• A person shall not sell or supply liquor to a person under the age of 18 years
• A licensee shall not permit intoxication or any indecent, violent or quarrelsome conduct on their licensed premises
• A person shall not sell or supply any liquor to any person who is at the time in a state of intoxication
• Where a person is intoxicated on the licensed premises the licensee shall be deemed to have permitted intoxication on the premises unless they and their employees took all reasonable steps to prevent intoxication on the licensed premises

Carnival Cruise Line

Bringing Alcohol On Board – Embarkation Day:

Guests are prohibited from bringing alcoholic beverages on board. However, at the beginning of the cruise during embarkation day, guests (21 years of age and older) may bring on board one bottle (750ml) of wine or champagne, per person, only in their carry-on luggage.  A $10 corkage fee per bottle will be charged should you wish to consume this wine in the main dining room; $14 corkage fee per bottle in the steakhouse. (A corkage fee is a charge exacted at a restaurant for every bottle of liquor served that was not bought on the premises)

On embarkation day, each guest may bring a small quantity of non-alcoholic beverages on board and only in their carry-on luggage. A small quantity is considered a maximum of 12 bottles and/or cans, 20 ounces each or less.

All alcohol/hard liquor/beer (sealed, unopened bottles/cans), wine/champagne over the allowable 1-bottle per guest (sealed, unopened bottles) or excessive quantities of non-alcoholic beverages (over 12 per person, sealed, unopened bottles/cans) will be confiscated and stored for safekeeping until the end of the voyage. The retained item(s) will be available for collection onboard in a designated location on the morning of debarkation.  Unsealed liquids that are prohibited will be discarded, as well as any unclaimed items left after the voyage, and no compensation will be given in either case.

Large cooler restrictions:

Carnival Cruise Lines does not allow guests to bring large coolers on board its ships. However small, personal-sized coolers, no larger than 12”H x 12”L x 12”W for the purpose of housing small quantities of non-alcoholic beverages and/or medications are permitted as carry-on luggage. Screening and movement of large coolers through embarkation is an impediment to the boarding and security screening process. Therefore, large coolers are not permitted as carry-on or checked luggage.

Ports-of-Call:

Alcoholic beverages of any kind purchased in any Port-of-Call will be retained at the gangway, stored on board and held by Carnival until the end of the voyage.

Gift Shops On Board:

Alcoholic beverages of any kind purchased in the ship’s gift shop will be stored on board and be retained by Carnival until the end of the voyage.

Drinking Alcohol On Board:

The minimum age for the purchase and/or consumption of alcoholic beverages in the bars, lounges and gift shops is 21 years of age.  In the event that Bar/Restaurant/Gift Shop staff are in question that a guest is less than 21 years old, they shall request picture identification, prior to serving the drink or selling the bottle of liquor.

Carnival reserves the right to refuse the sale of alcoholic beverages to anyone.

Celebrity Cruises

No beer or hard liquor may be brought onboard for consumption. If you wish to bring personal wine onboard with you at the beginning of the cruise, you may do so, limited to two (2) bottles per stateroom. When enjoyed in any shipboard restaurant, bar or dining venue, each bottle shall be subject to a corkage fee of $25. The only exception to this policy is on our “Wine Cruises. Those who book a company-sponsored winery tour are permitted to bring two bottles of wine from the winery onboard per stateroom on the day of the tour. When enjoyed in any shipboard restaurant, bar or dining venue, each bottle will be subject to a $25 corkage fee.

If you receive a bottle of wine that was purchased from our Bon Voyage Gift selection, no corkage fee will apply if the bottle is enjoyed in the dining room or any public area. If you receive a bottle from an outside vendor and/or travel agent, and the bottle was not purchased through our Bon Voyage selection, then a $25 corkage fee per bottle will apply if you wish to enjoy the wine in the dining room or any other public area. The fee will be applied to your onboard account.

Alcoholic beverages purchased in ports of call or from onboard shops will be stored onboard and delivered to your stateroom on the last day of the sailing.

Costa Cruises

The minimum drinking age onboard is 21 years old for cruises departing from U.S. ports and 18 years old for cruises departing from non-U.S. ports.

It is strictly forbidden to bring any kind of drink on board in hand or cabin luggage.

Any drink, including items purchased during excursions and visits during the call, will not be admitted on board. Local regional products eventually purchased will be kept in custody by ship officers upon arrival and released at disembarkation.

Cunard Line

No alcohol may be purchased or consumed by any Guests under the age of 18, except when in waters of the U.S., in which case no alcohol may be purchased or consumed by any Guests under the age of 21.  Guests agree not to bring alcoholic beverages of any kind (except wine and champagne) on board for consumption. You must surrender alcoholic beverages that are purchased duty free from the ship’s gift shop, or at ports of call, to Carrier, which will be delivered to your stateroom on the last day of the voyage. A corkage fee of $15.00 U.S.D. per bottle (which is subject to change without notice) will be applied to wine and champagne brought aboard by you and consumed in the ship’s restaurants.

Disney Cruise Line

Alcohol is permitted on board. However, any fragile items (including alcoholic beverages) must be hand-carried on board in the carry-on of an adult Guest – age 21 or older (dimensions can’t exceed 22″ wide, 14″ high and 9″ deep).

Alcohol brought on board may not be consumed in any lounge or public area.

Guests who arrive in the dining room, including Palo and Remy, with a bottle of champagne or wine will be charged a corking fee of $20.00 per bottle.

Please be advised: Disney Cruise Line reserves the right to remove fragile items (including beverages) from checked luggage. In such cases, items will be stored and returned at the end of the voyage. Beverage containers are considered fragile and have previously caused damage in checked luggage. All fragile items must be transported inside carry-on luggage.

The drinking age aboard ship is 21. Valid photo I.D. is required. Disney Cruise Line reserves the right to refuse sale and/or service to anyone.

In recognition of the expectations of our multi-national guests, for roundtrip cruises departing from European countries, where the legal drinking age is lower than 21, a parent or guardian who is sailing with his or her son(s) and/or daughter(s) and/or ward(s) who is between the ages of 18 and 20, may sign a beverage waiver allowing the 18 to 20 year old to consume alcoholic beverages while onboard. Parents or guardians may complete the beverage waiver in the Guest Ticket Booklet or inquire about the waivers upon check-in. Please note: The 18 to 20 year old must comply with all laws and Disney Cruise Line policies related to the consumption and distribution of alcohol in Europe, including among other things, agreeing to not provide alcoholic beverages to any other person, regardless of age. This policy is subject to change without notice.

House wine and local beer served during dinner.

Emerald Waterways

If your Itinerary includes booking on a Emerald “Star-Ship,” all standard beverages are included in the tour price during lunch and dinner while you are on board. This includes beer, wine and soft drinks. It also includes daily replenishment of specific designated cabin minibars. Selected items, such as spirits, and French champagne, are not included and will be subject to an additional charge. Otherwise, beverages will only be included when listed on the Itinerary.

European Waterways

Included is all good regional wines served throughout the cruise, open bar with a large selection of alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages.

Special vintage wines, Premier and Grand Cru wines can be purchased at cost.

Farah Nile Cruises

Alcoholic beverages are not included in your fare.

Festiva Sailing Vacations

Meals aboard include wine and there is an open Standard Bar throughout your charter week. Special Requested Liquors are available at an additional cost.

France Cruises

Included are wines with meals, liqueurs and bar drinks on board.

Fred.Olsen Cruise Lines

It is not permitted to take your own alcohol aboard your cruise ship.

Any alcohol which is purchased whilst ashore will be placed in a secure hold area and will be returned to you at the end of your cruise holiday.

French Country Waterways

During the cruise, you will be offered more than two dozen different wines, representing many of France’s major wine growing districts. Wines are chosen for consideration directly from the properties of the growers, and the final list is selected during an annual tasting of over two hundred, estate-bottled labels. More than half of the wines will bear well-known labels from Grand Cru and Premier Cru vineyards, such as Gevrey-Chambertin, Meursault, and Puligny-Montrachet. You will also be introduced to wonderful vintages from distinguished, family-owned properties whose limited production is rarely sold for export. Drawing from this rich and varied selection, each French Country Waterways cruise offers the perfect opportunity to sample and compare the noble wines of France.

GAP Adventures

There is a bar on board where juice, soft drinks, wine, beer and a basic selection of liquor can be purchased.

Hapag Lloyd Cruises

Passengers are not permitted to take on board alcoholic beverages intended for consumption during the cruise.

Hebridean Island Cruises

House wines and spirits, champagne, beers are included in the cost of the cruise throughout each ship.

Holland America Line (HAL)

Except for wine and champagne, guests cannot bring hard alcohol on board for private consumption. Hard alcohol purchased on board in the duty free shops or in port will be collected, stored for safekeeping and delivered to your stateroom on the last day of the voyage.

Guests can bring as much wine and/or champagne as they choose on board at embarkation or purchased in port. A corkage fee of US$18.00 applies to wine and champagne brought to the shipboard restaurants or bars for consumption. Wine and/or champagne brought on board cannot be consumed in any public venue. If a guest is drinking a beverage carried on board and in a public venue they will be asked to return it to their stateroom.

Room Service 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.

Persons under 21 years of age are not permitted to consume alcoholic beverages.

Hurtigruten

Only alcohol that has been purchased at the restaurant or at the bar may be consumed on board. Alcohol bought in the on board shop or on land must be stored until your return. According to Norwegian law, only persons over the age of 18 may purchase beer and wine. Liquor may only be sold to people over 20 years.

Island Cruises

Alcohol will only be served to adults.

Where the fare paid by a Passenger includes meals on a breakfast only, half board or full board basis, it does not also include wines, spirits, beer, mineral waters or other liquors. These are available for purchase on-board at fixed prices and Passengers are not permitted to take on-board any such liquors for use during the voyage whether for consumption in their own cabins or otherwise.

The Carrier and/or its servants and/or agents may confiscate alcohol brought on-board by Passengers. Such alcohol will be returned to the Passengers at the end of the cruise.

The Carrier and/or its servants and/or agents may refuse to serve a Passenger alcohol or further alcohol where in their reasonable opinion the Passenger is likely to be a danger and/or a nuisance to himself, other Passengers and/or the Vessel.

Lindblad Expeditions

Alcohol is available on the ship for purchase and you’ll have the opportunity to taste craft beers and local wines on board.  The drinking age aboard the ship is 21.

Louis Cruises

Drinks from the bar and the restaurant are available at an additional cost. Minors are not allowed to purchase or consume alcohol.

MSC Cruises

Liquor, including wines, spirits, beer or other liquors are available for purchase onboard the vessel at fixed prices. Passengers are not permitted to take onboard any such liquors for use during the voyage, whether for consumption in their own cabins or otherwise.

The Carrier and/or its Servants and/or Agents may confiscate alcohol brought onboard by Passengers.

The Carrier and/or its Servants and/or Agents may refuse to serve a Passenger alcohol or further alcohol where in their reasonable opinion the Passenger is likely to be a danger and/or nuisance to himself, other passengers and/or the Vessel.

North Star Cruises Australia

Generally BYO drinks are not permitted onboard as the True North operates a licensed bar. However, passengers may be permitted to BYO drinks in instances where the desired drink is not available from the ship’s bar but ONLY with prior written approval. Corkage will be applied to all BYO drinks. Contact the reservation staff at [email protected] for the latest wine list.

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)

Passengers must be 21 years of age or older to purchase or consume alcohol. With the exception of Alaska and Hawaii itineraries, Norwegian permits young adults to purchase and personally consume wine and beer only while onboard and with the consent of an accompanying parent. Authorization will be given only when the accompanying parent completes the Young Adult Alcoholic Beverage Waiver form. This form can be obtained and completed at the Guest Services Desk upon embarkation of the vessel. However, passengers 18 years of age or older are permitted to consume alcoholic beverages when sailing on round-trip European voyages without having to complete the Young Adult Alcoholic Beverage Waiver form.

Please note that with the exception of Wine and Champagne, all guests are prohibited from bringing alcohol on board ships. If you purchase any alcohol at any ports-of-call or in an onboard shop, it will safely stored and either on the final night of the cruise or the morning of debarkation it will be available for pick up in a designated area.

Guests may bring bottles of wine and champagne on board. When bottles are brought on board and served or consumed in any restaurant, public room area or in their stateroom, a corkage fee will be charged according to bottle sizes noted below.

750 ml Bottle: $15.00 1,500 ml Magnum: $30.00

Wine or champagne sent directly to the ship by travel agents, friends, family, etc. or from another retail source, are subject to the same fees. Box wines are not allowed on board.

Norwegian encourages the responsible use of alcohol and accordingly reserves the right to permanently or temporarily revoke the drinking privileges of any guest who violates Norwegian’s Guest Code of Conduct or who is deemed a danger to himself, herself or others by vessel management. Continued abuse of alcohol while sailing and/or violation of Norwegian’s alcohol policy may result in immediate disembarkation.

Oceania Cruises

The sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages will be limited to guest aged 21 years or older. Oceania Cruises will refuse and prohibits the sale or service of alcoholic beverage to guest under the age of 21 years. Guest are reminded to consume alcohol in moderation. Oceania cruises reserves the right to prohibit and retain all alcohol bought ashore for consumption onboard the vessel.

Pandaw River Cruises

Local spirits are free of charge. Only imported spirits and liquors and wines will be charged.  A complimentary daily cocktail will be served made by local spirit.

Paul Gauguin

Complimentary beverages, including select wines and  spirits, served  throughout the ship. Only premium liquors, specialty wines, and certain Cognacs incur an additional charge.

P & O Cruises

There are a variety of bars on board each ship, offering a range of drinks at competitive prices, and drinks can also be purchased in restaurants. P&O Cruises reserves the right to take alcohol at the gangway, if brought on board, to return to passengers at the end of their cruise. It is not the intention to invoke this policy as a matter of course and it will implemented only when it is considered likely that the health, comfort, safety and enjoyment of passenger may otherwise be compromised.

Should you wish to take wine or Champagne on board to consume in a restaurant, you will be charged a corkage fee per item (any size) per occassion.

Should you wish to take wine or champagne on board to celebrate an event, the number of bottles you may take on will be at the port authorities discretion and you will be charged a corkage fee.

It is prohibited to attempt to purchase alcohol for those under 18 in bars and shops on board (21 years in American Waters). 16 and 17 year olds may be brought beer, cider or wine to drink with a meal in the restaurants when accompanied by an adult only. Alcohol purchased ashore by under 18’s will be confiscated at the gangway.

P & O Cruises Australia

P&O Cruises Australia is committed to the responsible service of alcohol. There may be times when they consider it appropriate to refuse the service of alcohol to a passenger for any reason. Passengers must be 18 years or over to purchase or consume alcohol. Government issued photo identification may be requested . Any alcohol purchased ashore will be collected at the gangway for safe keeping and will be returned to you on the last day of your cruise.

Complimentary wines included at lunch and dinner.

Poseidon Expeditions(formerly Expedition Cruises)

Wine offerings include a wide range of fine wines from France, Italy, and Chile. There is also a selection of sprits available in the bar. Alcoholic beverages are not included in the fare.

Princess Cruises

Passengers agree not to bring alcoholic beverages of any kind onboard for consumption, except one bottle of wine or champagne per adult of drinking age (no larger than 750 ml) per voyage, which will not be subject to a corkage fee if consumed in the stateroom. Additional wine or champagne bottles are welcome, but will incur a $15 corkage fee each, irrespective of where they are intended to be consumed. Liquor, spirits or beers are not permitted. Please remember that luggage will be scanned and alcohol outside of our policy will be removed and discarded.

Alcoholic beverages that are purchased duty free from the ship’s gift shop, or at ports of call, will be collected for safekeeping and delivered to the passenger’s stateroom on the last day of the cruise.  A member of the ship’s staff will be at the gangway to assist passengers with the storage of their shoreside alcoholic purchases while our Boutiques staff will assist passengers with shipboard alcoholic purchases.

The legal drinking age of 21 years is always observed onboard and proof of age may be required. All onboard staff are trained to take their responsibility to not serve alcohol to underage passengers seriously. The age restrictions are clearly posted in the bars.

Regent Seven Seas

Guests agree that the purchase and consumption of alcoholic beverages will be limited to Guests who are 21 years or older and no Guest will attempt to purchase or consume such beverages in violation of this policy under any circumstances, either for themselves or others. Carrier will refuse and prohibit the service of alcoholic beverages to Guests under the age of 21 years. Guests are reminded to consume alcohol in moderation and Carrier reserves the right to refuse such beverages to any intoxicated or underage Guest. Carrier reserves the right to prohibit and retain all liquor brought aboard the Ship.

Enjoy a welcome Bottle of champagne and unlimited, complimentary beverages including fine wines, spirits and the daily replenishment of your in-suite mini-bar.

Royal Caribbean International (RCI)

Effective immediately on all sailings, the minimum drinking age for all alcoholic beverages on all Royal Caribbean International is as follows:

The minimum age to consume alcohol on Royal Caribbean International ships on sailings originating in North America is twenty-one (21).

The minimum age to consume alcohol on Royal Caribbean International ships on sailings from South America, Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand is eighteen (18). The minimum age to consume alcohol at all private destinations remains twenty-one (21) without regard to where the sailing originated. The Company retains the right, on rare occasions, to raise the minimum age of alcohol consumption on any sailing when local laws require or permit such a modification.

Guests may bring personal wine and champagne onboard only on boarding day, limited to two (2) 750 ml bottles per stateroom. When consumed in any public area, each bottle shall be subject to a corkage fee of $25.00. Alcoholic beverages that are purchased in ports of call or from onboard shops will be stored by the ship and delivered to guest staterooms on the last day of the sailing. Security may inspect containers (water bottles, soda bottles, mouthwash, luggage etc.) and will dispose of containers holding alcohol. Royal Caribbean’s Guest Conduct Policy may be enforced, up to and including disembarkation, if a guest violates any alcohol policy. Guests under the age of 21 will not have alcohol returned to them.

Guests who violate any alcohol policies, (over consume, provide alcohol to people under age 21, demonstrate irresponsible behavior, or attempt to conceal alcoholic items at security and or luggage check points or any other time), may be disembarked or not allowed to board, at their own expense, in accordance with the Guest Conduct Policy.

Saga Cruises

Alcoholic beverages and wine are not included in the fare but are available for purchase.

Scenic ‘Space-Ships’ now provide All-Inclusive beverages – a generous selection of complimentary fine wines and spirits throughout the ship, including an open bar service in the lounges.  Guests are welcomed on board with Moët & Chandon, which is also available daily at breakfast. Even the beverages in your mini-bar are complimentary.

Sea Cloud Cruises

Table wines are included at meal time.

Persons under 21 years of age are not permitted to consume alcoholic beverages. Complimentary fine wines at lunch and dinner, and open bars throughout the ship.

SeaDream Yacht Club

Open Bar with selected premium brands is included in your fare. Also included is a daily selection of wines to accompany lunch and dinner.

Semester at Sea

Students who are 18 years of age and older are able to drink moderately both on the ship and in port.

Do no pack alcohol to bring onboard.

Passengers must be 21 years of age or older to purchase or consume alcohol. Silversea reserves the right to refuse to serve anyone who in its sole judgment may be under the influence of alcohol or for any reason necessary to preserve the health and safety of passengers and employees.

An extensive selection of fine wines, spirits, champagne are yours to enjoy not only with meals but throughout the ship. Your preferred selections are even stocked in your suite…compliments of Silversea.

St. Lawrence Cruise Lines

Alcohol is available for purchase at the bar.

Star Clippers

Guests are prohibited from bringing alcoholic beverages for consumption on board the ship. Alcoholic beverages purchased in ports of call will be retained and returned at the end of the voyage.

Star Cruises

There is a nominal corkage charge if you bring your own alcoholic beverage to any of the dining outlets. The fare does not include spirits, wines, or beer. Guests must be 18 years or older to purchase or consume alcohol on the Vessel.

Tauck River Cruising

Unlimited complimentary beverages including regional wine, beer, and premium spirits. The legal drinking age aboard the riverboat is 21 years old.

Un-Cruise Adventures (formerly Innersea Discoveries and American Safari Cruises)

Spirits are strictly prohibited, and will be confiscated by vessel crew. This is due to our license and state regulations. Bringing wine on board is permitted under our license, however may be subject to a corkage fee. $20.00 for 750ml and $30.00 for boxes and magnums. Crew will continue to control consumption as needed, including confiscation of wine when required. With our Luxury and Heritage Adventures, premium spirits, wine, and beer are included in your fare. For our Active Adventures, alcoholic beverages range from $4 to $8, with top shelf brands running slightly higher.

Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection

in 2014 fares include unlimited fine wine, beer, spirits. The minimum age required to consume alcoholic beverages onboard all Uniworld river cruise ships is 21 years of age.

Variety Cruises

Wine and alcoholic beverages are not included in the fare.

Viking River Cruises

Complimentary wine and beer are served with lunch and dinner. You may bring local wine aboard and enjoy it with your meals—there is no corkage fee. The minimum drinking age on all Viking River cruises is 21 years of age.

Voyages of Discovery (formerly Discovery World Cruises)

Only alcohol purchased in the ship’s bars and restaurants may be consumed on board. The serving of alcohol may be restricted in certain countries.

Windstar Cruises

Bottles or other containers of beer and other alcoholic beverages purchased in the vessel’s shops or otherwise brought on the ship cannot be consumed on the ship, with the exception of wine and champagne. If the beverages are purchased from the vessel’s shops or at ports of call, they will be collected for safekeeping and delivered to your stateroom on the last day of the voyage. The staff will make arrangements to store the items for you during the cruise. Guests can bring wines and champagne purchased from outside the ship onboard for consumption in their stateroom. For consumption in the restaurants or bars, a corkage fee will be applied to the guest’s onboard account.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

All Things Cruise is dedicated to the joy of travel. Specializing in ocean, river, ultra-luxury, small ship and expedition cruises.

We would love to have you subscribe for travel updates, news and great offers directly from the cruise lines!

Home » Cruise Tips » What You Need to Know About Bringing Alcohol on a Cruise

What You Need to Know About Bringing Alcohol on a Cruise

Can you bring alcohol on a cruise? We break down by cruise line everything you need to know about cruise ship BYOB.

Share this post:

It’s almost hard to envision a cruise without a tropical drink in hand. Letting loose and having a few cocktails or a nice bottle of cabernet at dinner is part of the vacation experience for many. That is why cruise lines sell you wine by the bundle, all-inclusive drink packages , and even bottles of liquor to bring home duty-free from the onboard shops.

But what if you wanted to bring your own booze onboard your next cruise?

On some cruise lines, packing your own alcohol to bring onboard is not allowed. Other ships might permit you to bring a limited amount of your own alcohol in carry-on baggage at embarkation, like two bottles of wine. And some luxury cruise lines look the other way, allowing passengers to bring unlimited amounts of alcohol onboard their ships to consume. It all depends.

We break down what to expect about cruise ship BYOB, including where you can drink your own alcohol onboard, and what happens to rule breakers who attempt to sneak on clandestine liquids.

EXCLUSIVE SAVINGS: Get the Best Cruise Deals Now!

GUIDE TO BRINGING ALCOHOL ON A CRUISE BY CRUISE LINE

Can I bring my own alcohol on a cruise?

Yes and no — the answer depends on the cruise line. It also depends on the type of alcohol. But in all cases, any bottle of beer, wine, or spirits intended to be brought onboard should be unopened and sealed.

The most lenient alcohol policies are typically onboard luxury cruise lines that include alcohol in the price of their cruise fare. Considering the steep price to get onboard, these ships don’t mind if you’re imbibing a special liqueur you found in port or a glass of Champagne from an onboard bar.

Cruise lines that allow unlimited alcohol onboard with no corkage fees include Silversea, Seabourn, Viking Ocean Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas.

Meanwhile, MSC Cruises does not allow any alcohol in guest’s baggage at embarkation — no exceptions.

Each cruise line’s alcohol policy is spelled out in your cruise contract, which you receive when booking. If you don’t want to book without knowing if you can BYO, do a search on the cruise line website (usually you’ll find this under FAQs) or ask your travel advisor.

What kind of alcohol can you bring on a cruise?

Unless you’re sailing on an all-inclusive luxury cruise line, the allowance is typically limited to wine. Many cruise lines allow two bottles of wine onboard at embarkation, but not beer or spirits. For example, Carnival Cruise Line allows one, 750-ml bottle of wine at embarkation. However, no six-packs of beer or handles of spirits like vodka.

Where can I consume my own alcohol on a cruise ship?

Cruise lines that allow passengers to bring their own alcohol onboard typically do so with restrictions. Consumption of your own alcohol is allowed freely in the privacy of your cruise cabin.

Outside of your stateroom, something called a corkage fee usually applies to consumption. A corkage fee is a set fee you pay to partake in your own stash. This applies whether it’s wine at dinner or booze in a lounge. Despite its name, the fee has nothing to do with whether you physically uncork your own bottle, but rather your choice to drink your own alcohol in a public area like a bar or restaurant.

Corkage fees might range from $10 to $15 to consume your own bottle of wine in a restaurant to $25 for enjoying a bottle of your own tequila in the casino. Cruise lines that have no restrictions on bringing your own alcohol onboard also forgo the corkage fees.

What happens to alcohol I’ve purchased in port?

If you’re sailing on a line that allows you to bring your own alcoholic beverages onboard, you’ll be able to bring back a limited amount to your stateroom. If your cruise ship does not permit you to BYOB, you’ll have to check that bottle of rum from Puerto Rico or prosecco from Italy at security upon boarding.

A crew member will typically write a description of the item next to your name and stateroom number. Guests can retrieve these bottles at the end of the voyage prior to disembarkation. Or, there will be a designated pickup location that guests can go to gather their own alcoholic purchases.   

What happens to alcohol I’ve purchased in the onboard shops?

Similar to alcohol purchased off of the ship in port, booze purchased in your ship’s onboard boutiques is also subject to being withheld until the end of your cruise. This is typically arranged with the cashier upon purchase.

What is the drinking age onboard a cruise ship?

Most cruise lines stick to the U.S. drinking age of 21 onboard their fleets. However, some lines lower the drinking age to 18 when sailing from ports outside of the U.S.

Can you get in trouble for bringing alcohol on a cruise?

Any alcohol in your possession beyond the allowed limit may be confiscated or destroyed by security. This rule applies equally to an extra bottle of wine as it does to liquor snuck in through a water bottle or a plastic flask called a “rum runner.” For cruise lines with the strictest alcohol policies, like Royal Caribbean, you might be denied boarding.

After confiscation, there are typically no additional penalties for bringing extra alcohol onboard unless the guest is under the drinking age. If crew continue to find the same guests attempting to sneak banned amounts of liquor onboard, they could be asked to disembark early.

SCORE BIG ON CRUISES THIS YEAR!

Which cruise lines allow you to bring alcohol onboard?

Royal caribbean.

On boarding day, guests may bring onboard two 750-ml bottles of wine/Champagne per stateroom in their carry-on luggage.

Carnival Cruise Line

During embarkation day only, guests may bring one 750-ml bottle of sealed/unopened wine or Champagne per person, in their carry-on luggage. 

Norwegian Cruise Line

Guests may bring bottles of wine and Champagne onboard with no limit.

Celebrity Cruises

Each guest is permitted to bring up to two bottles of wine onboard with them on embarkation day.

Princess Cruises

Each passenger can bring one bottle of wine or Champagne (no larger than 750 ml) onboard per voyage. Any additional bottles of wine can be brought onboard for a $15 corkage fee.

Holland America Line

Guests may bring unlimited bottles of wine or Champagne onboard. But there is a $20 corkage fee for each bottle (maximum size 750 ml), no matter where guests consume it. Quantities of wine deemed “excessive” by ship security will be refused.

Virgin Voyages

Virgin’s sailors are welcome to bring two 750-mL bottles of wine per cabin in carry-on bags. However, any alcohol in checked luggage will be collected pre-sailing and returned once the voyage is complete.

Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line guests 21 years and older may bring a maximum of two bottles of unopened wine or Champagne (no larger than 750 ml) or six beers (no larger than 12 ounces) on board at the beginning of the voyage and at each port of call. These beverages must be packed in carry-on (not checked) bags or luggage.

Windstar Cruises

Passengers may bring aboard two bottles of wine or Champagne (750 ml) per cabin for their enjoyment for a seven-day cruise. They may bring three bottles for an eight-day (or longer) cruise.

Oceania Cruises

Guests may bring up to six bottles of wine or bubbly onboard during their cruise. For lucky guests sailing a full world cruise, the wine limit jumps to 60 bottles per stateroom.

Viking Ocean Cruises

Guests may bring alcohol and beverages onboard with them. Additionally, guests may purchase alcohol ashore at destinations or purchase them from the onboard shop. Guests may consume the alcohol in their stateroom or in public spaces, including the restaurants. There is no corkage fee.

Silversea Cruises

There are no limitations on alcoholic or other beverages that passengers can bring onboard throughout their cruise. Additionally, there are no corkage fees onboard.

Seabourn Cruise Line

There are no corkage fees or limits on bringing wine, beer, or spirits for adults 21 and older onboard a Seabourn cruise.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Passengers are welcome to purchase and enjoy wine, beer, and spirits throughout their voyage with no limits or fees on bringing their own alcohol onboard.

Which cruise lines don’t allow you to bring alcohol onboard?

Msc cruises.

Guests can not bring any alcoholic beverages onboard at embarkation.

Margaritaville at Sea

Guests can not bring any alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages onboard during embarkation. 

BOOK NOW: Get Exclusive Deals on Your Next Cruise!

Do you typically bring alcohol on a cruise? Or, you do opt for a drink package when you cruise? Drop us an anchor below with your tips about bringing alcohol on a cruise?

Related Posts

Cruiseline module – Remove Title

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Sign up to our newsletter!

Hi we are travelling from Australia to Vancouver in September 2023 on Celebrity Eclipse to Alaska , my wife and I are not really big drinkers , and just wanted to know what is considered wine ? I love Port wine and the wife likes fortified/dessert wines , are these permitted onboard or are they likely to be confiscated. Thank you for your help in advance

DB & The Princess

Welcome Aboard! We are Don and Heidi, the husband and wife travel team behind EatSleepCruise.com. We took our first cruise vacation together 13 years ago and have been hooked ever since. Follow along as we share our travel tips, cruise reviews, information on ports of call, and the latest cruise news to help you plan the ultimate cruise vacation. Are you ready to embark on your journey to “sea the world, one port at a time”?

What’s Trending

Contact Us: [email protected]

I tried Holland America's 'Have It All' package. For just $55 a day, my cruise felt way more luxurious.

• I tried Holland America Line 's Have It All package on a recent cruise to Alaska.
• For $55 per person per day, we got complimentary drinks, special meals, and other perks.
• The price was so worth it we already booked this package for future cruises. 

Cruise bookings are predicted to reach record levels this year, and travelers are especially interested in luxurious sailings.

But as many of us know, luxury doesn't always equate to value, even when it comes to upgrades and special packages.

So, on our recent cruise to Alaska, my husband and I put one of many cruise packages to the test: Holland America Line's "Have It All" package, which costs $55 per person per day.

It includes perks like a beverage package, ship credit for shore excursions, onboard WiFi, and dinner at specialty restaurants.

Here's why we found it to be such a great value we're going to add it to future cruises.

The beverage package was great, and it included special drinks without alcohol

The biggest perk of the "Have It All" package was the ability to order drinks without worrying about the bill at the end of the cruise.

Our previous cruises had us drinking only tap water, drip coffee, tea, and an occasional glass of wine with dinner to avoid any sticker shock at the end of the trip. We felt restricted in enjoying our vacation.

Related stories

But this time, we had the freedom to enjoy ourselves. The "Have It All" package we booked came with 15 drinks a day under $11. If you want a drink over $11, you only pay the difference.

The beverage package also covers non-alcoholic drinks. It was perfect for when we wanted espresso drinks for cold Alaska days or a bottle of water for a shore excursion.

The shore-excursion credit helped push us to have more fun

We knew we had to do a whale-watching excursion in Alaska, but didn't consider booking other excursions due to price. Many of the ones we were interested in cost over $100 per person.

But with the package, we each got credits to use toward shore excursions during our cruise. The value of the credit varies depending on the duration of your cruise — ours was less than 10 days, so we each got a $100 credit.

The $200 worth of credits made us feel more comfortable booking an incredible excursion to kayak the wild waters of Sitka.

We probably would've hesitated to book an excursion and missed an incredible experience if we hadn't felt compelled to use the credits in the package.

Specialty dining helped us celebrate our anniversary

Our "Have it All" packages each included at least one dinner at one of the ship's specialty restaurants. If you're on a longer cruise, this package would get you access to more dinners.

We used our credits to eat at the Pinnacle Grill, known for its premium steaks and intimate dining experience. Our anniversary dinner was extra special because of the access to premium dishes unavailable in the main dining room, five-star service, and a luxurious setting.

WiFi kept us connected

The package included WiFi, which really came in handy as we shared photos with friends and family throughout our trip.

We were able to use the internet to search for whatever we needed and research the highlights to visit at the next port of call.

We've already booked the package for future cruises

For less than what a few drinks cost per day, the package helped us relax, have fun, and enjoy each port of call with a shore excursion. Plus, we got to indulge in the ship's specialty restaurants.

We loved it so much we've already purchased this same package for three future cruises.

Watch: While Delta's business is 'extremely robust,' the airline's marketing chief stays focused on the data

• Main content

Legally smoke marijuana while on a Carnival (or any other) cruise

C arnival has recently stepped up its efforts to keep all cannabis products off its cruise ships, adding drug-sniffing dogs in its departure terminals and on its ships.

The cruise line has a zero-tolerance policy, which includes not just smokeable marijuana but also edibles, CBD products and anything else that's a derivative of cannabis.

Related: Carnival Cruise Line forced to make beverage package change

Those rules do not change when cruise ships leave from ports where recreational marijuana has been legalized. All the major cruise lines follow U.S. federal law when it comes to cannabis. 

That means that even people who have valid prescriptions for marijuana from a doctor cannot bring pot and derivatives on board. That's because federal law trumps local law and the penalty for violating the rules can include a fine and/or being kicked off the ship without a refund. 

This has always been the policy for all sailings out of the U.S., but anyone who has a nose and has been on a Carnival Cruise Line ( CCL ) or Royal Caribbean  ( RCL )  ship knows that until recently enforcement has been lax.

That's no longer the case, and while Carnival has been the most vocal about the steps it's taking to keep cannabis off its ships, Royal Caribbean has also stepped up enforcement. 

If, however, you like to legally partake, it is possible to do so on some cruises.

You can smoke pot on a cruise, but not on a cruise ship  

While cruise ships sailing from American ports follow U.S. federal laws in most cases, passengers are not governed by the cruise line when they are in port. 

So while Carnival and Royal Caribbean, as well as the other major cruise lines, use 21 as their drinking age even when traveling to countries where 18-year-olds can legally consume alcohol, those passengers can drink in port.

An 18-year-old can legally drink alcohol in the Bahamas or the Dominican Republic — two common cruise stops. Some countries that cruise ships call on even have 16 as the legal drinking age.

In the case where a port allows passengers under 21 to drink, the cruise line has no say in the matter. If a passenger created a disturbance when boarding, they might be detained, or even not be allowed back on the ship, but an 18-, 19- or 20-year-old won't face any consequences for smelling of alcohol or even being drunk. 

The same logic and rules apply to cannabis.

Some cruise ports have legal cannabis

A limited number of cruise ports are in states, cities and countries with legal recreational cannabis. For a cruise passenger to partake, they need to find a destination that offers not just legal possession of marijuana, CBD and other cannabis-related products but also legal consumption.

In some places that offer legal recreational cannabis, it's not legal to smoke in public. So to stay on the right side of the law, it's important to know whether consumption lounges are available. That's because in some markets the only legal place to smoke is a private residence, which cruise passengers will likely not have access to.

Edibles, however, are more discreet, but it's very important to know the specific local laws to avoid fines or even jail time. 

"Many places that are visited by cruise ships are relaxing restrictions on the drug. For example, it is legal in California, Washington, Alaska, New York, Massachusetts, and other coastal states. Canada as a whole also has legal marijuana," Cruzely reported.

In many of those ports, consumption lounges that cater to cruise passengers have been set up. It's your responsibility as a visitor to know the local rules. 

Cruise passengers must also consume or properly dispose of any cannabis products they purchase before they get back on their ships. Carnival, Royal Caribbean and every other cruise line scan any bags you bring back on and make you go through a security gate.

Getting caught with cannabis can prompt your cruise line to bar you from reboarding, leaving you stranded and responsible for finding your way home.