PLANNING & ADVICE

Online Check-In

NEW: Online Check-in may now be completed in English, Dutch, Spanish and German.

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.

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

• Signature Preferred Boarding Pass: for speedy embarkation, simply print your pass after completing online check-in. (Keep in a safe place along with your cruise documents.)
• US Direct: For American citizens arriving into Vancouver, B.C., US Direct will significantly expedite your Customs clearance

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

• Full legal name
• Birth date
• 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

To Begin:

• Log into My Account
• Go to Online Check-in

To embark on your cruise please remember to bring the following items:

• Your Signature Preferred Boarding Pass
• Appropriate identification and passport
• Visa and immunization information
• The cruise documents containing your Cruise and/or Cruisetour Contract.

For questions and/or help with completing your Online Check-in forms, please email HAL Reservations or call 1-800-207-3545 or 206-626-7397 (help is available in English). Please be aware that Holland America Line cannot print, email or fax guest's Signature Preferred Boarding Pass.

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

For guests residing in the European Economic Area (EEA), please note that compliance with these requirements may involve sharing the information you provide to Holland America Line with our affiliates and agents and/or to government and enforcement agencies in the U.S. and other countries outside the European Economic Area (EEA) where controls on data protection may not be as strong as the legal requirements in your country of residence. Holland America Line values your privacy and adheres to best practice technology to protect your private information, utilizing Secure Socket Layer (SSL) encryption. Our Privacy Policy is available for your review.

PLANNING & ADVICE

PASSPORT REQUIREMENTS

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. This will enable guests to fly from the U.S. to meet their ship at the first port should they miss their scheduled embarkation and allow guests that must disembark the ship before their cruise ends due to an emergency to fly back to the U.S. without significant delays and complications. Guests are responsible for all costs associated with their travel including but not limited to costs related to arrangements to obtain entry to countries they visit and re-entry to their destination country.

For U.S. and Canadian Citizens only:

Air:

A valid passport is required for all air travel except travel within the United States for US citizens and within Canada for Canadian citizens.

Sea:

For voyages that complete outside the U.S., a passport that is valid for six months beyond the completion date of your travel is required.

For voyages that begin and return to the U.S., all guests must carry one of the following documents:

For a list of approved documents visit: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html#compliant_document

There is an exception for U.S. citizens on CERTAIN closed-loop cruises (a cruise which embarks and disembarks in the same U.S. port) and visits Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and/or CERTAIN SPECIFIC COUNTRIES OF THE CARIBBEAN REGION. Current countries of the Caribbean region for which the exception is applicable are as follows: Anguilla, Antigua, Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, Barbuda, Bermuda, Bonaire, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Curacao, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Haiti, Jamaica, Marie-Galante, Martinique, Miquelon, Montserrat, Saba, Saint Barthelemy, Saint Christopher, Said Eustatius, Saint Kitts, Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Maarten, Saint Martin, Saint Pierre, Saint Vincent and Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, and Turks and Caicos Islands.

Note that if the cruise itinerary includes a country other than Canada, Mexico, Bermuda or any of the Caribbean countries listed above, the exception DOES NOT APPLY.

For travel on closed-loop cruises that are eligible for the exception, U.S. citizens may use a birth certificate AND a valid government issued photo I.D. A PASSPORT IS STILL THE PREFERRED DOCUMENT.

Governmental regulations in some ports require Guests to carry a photo ID in addition to their Ship ID.

Children: U.S. citizen children under the age of 16 will be able to present their birth certificate or other proof of U.S. citizenship, such as a naturalization certificate or citizenship card. Birth certificates can be an original, photocopy or certified original. For more information, please visit www.travel.state.gov/passport or call the National Passport Information Center toll free at 1-877-487-2778 or TDD/TYY at 1-888-874-7793.

Non-U.S./non-Canadian citizens: You must have and carry a passport valid for six months beyond the duration 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.

VISAS

Some countries require that you obtain official authorization (called a visa) before entering the country. Usually a fee is required. You are responsible for obtaining any necessary visas. If you do not hold proper visa documents, you could be denied boarding without compensation. Guests who do not have the proper legal identification, visas and other required documents, will be denied boarding. Each guest’s nationality and status is unique. It is the guest’s responsibility to obtain any necessary legal documents for entry and exit to the countries visited.

For U.S. or Canadian citizens, if you have questions about visa requirements, you may call Zierer Visa Service (a CIBT Company) at 1-866-788-1100 or send an email message to: info@zvs.com or visit their website: www.zvs.com/home.aspx?login=75005

Non-U.S./non-Canadian citizens may be required to hold a Canadian visa when traveling to Alaska or Canada. Please visit the Canadian government website at www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/visas.asp to verify your nationality’s requirements.

PLANNING & ADVICE

Visas

Some countries require that you obtain official authorization (called a visa), before entering their country. Usually, there is a fee required. You are responsible for obtaining any necessary visas.

For U.S. citizens, if you have questions about visa requirements, please visit Zierer Visa Service and Holland America Line Member's Page by clicking here, email them at info@ZVS.com or call them at (866) 788 1100.

For Canadian citizens, if you have questions about visa requirements, please visit Visaconnection at www.visaconnection.biz, email at toronto@visaconnection.biz or call them at (877) 972-8472.

For non-U.S. or non-Canadian citizens, please check with the embassies or consulates of each of the countries in your itinerary regarding visa requirements.

NEW Visa Waiver Program Requirements:
The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) is undergoing changes. The US government plans to implement the Electronic System for Travel Application (ESTA) by January 12, 2009. ALL VWP travelers to the U.S. will be required to have an approved electronic travel authorization via ESTA.

Guests who are citizens of following VWP countries:
Andorra, Austria, Australia, Belgium, Brunei, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Republic of Korea, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.

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

New Canadian visa requirements affecting all Alaska sailings, Alaska tours and Canada & New England sailings that enter Canada:

If you are a NON-U.S. or NON-CANADIAN citizen, you will be DENIED BOARDING without compensation if you do not hold the proper VISA documents! Regardless of what your Consulate official may advise, Canadian officials WILL NOT allow guests to remain onboard while in a Canadian port without proper documentation, so you will be denied boarding if the visa is not presented at the pier at the time of your scheduled cruise departure. To learn more, please visit: http://canada.gc.ca

U.S. citizens are NOT required to obtain a Canadian Visa. To verify if your nationality requires a Canadian visa, please visit the following Canadian immigration website, which may be useful to determine what is required: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/visas.asp

Security and enforcement at the Canada-United States border has been heightened. For this reason, more U.S. and Canadian citizens with past criminal charges or convictions are refused entry 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: http://geo.international.gc.ca/can-am/washington/visas/inadmissible-en.asp

PLANNING & ADVICE

Immunizations

International travelers can take a number of simple steps to avoid potential health problems before and during travel:

• Contact your local physician ideally 4-6 weeks prior to departure.
• It is important to receive current health information on the countries you plan to visit.
• Obtain all necessary vaccinations and preventative medications. It is important to address any special needs.
• Immunizations may be recommended or required for countries visited on your cruise itinerary. If you are traveling to (or transiting through) Africa or South America, for example, you may require a certificate of vaccination against yellow fever. This vaccination can be administered only by a state approved clinic.

It is also a good idea to bring along a record of your immunizations as requirements for immunizations may change.

PLANNING & ADVICE

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 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.

PLANNING & ADVICE

Introducing Holland America Line Express Docs

NEW: Express Docs are now available in Dutch, German, Spanish and English.

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

The Express Docs notification arrives electronically approximately 50 days before departure (after your final payment has been made). Express Docs will be issued for all sailings departing on or after September 25, 2009.

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 will be issued for all Grand Voyage bookings.

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

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

• You may access Express Docs online 24/7 at your convenience, within 50 days of 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 documents reissued with Express Docs.
• While you are online, it is easy to navigate to the Shore Excursions page and view your Personalized Shore Excursion Brochure, as well as book Shore Excursions early.
• 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 — If I am traveling prior to September 25, 2009, can I still choose paper documents?
A — Yes. Voyages departing prior to September 25 will still have the option of choosing either paper documents or Express Docs.

Q — I selected paper documents for travel on or after September 25, 2009. Will I still receive them?
A — All voyages departing September 25 and beyond will receive Express Docs only, with the exception of Grand Voyages.

Q — Are Express Docs available for all cruises?
A — Grand Voyages will retain 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.

Q — How will I know if my booking will receive Express Docs?
A — Your Guest Confirmation includes a box that displays the document style for the booking.

Q — When will my documents be available?
A — With Express Docs, you may access your documents online 24/7, approximately 50 days prior to departure, when your booking is paid in full.

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

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

Q — I have not received the e-mail notification for my Express Docs. Can you re-send it?
A — The email notification cannot be re-sent; however, reminder notices are scheduled to be sent at approximately 30 days and 14 days prior to departure for those guests who have not yet completed their Online Check-in.

If the booking is paid in full and within 50 days of travel, you may go to www.hollandamerica.com and select the links for Online Check-in.

Q — What if I do not have an email address or do not wish to provide my email address?
A — In order for us to provide notification that your Express Docs are ready, we encourage all guests to provide their email address. We will also send a notification to your travel professional.

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 — What do Express Docs look like?
A — Click here to view a sample of 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 now have three convenient ways for you to get your luggage tags:

• A luggage tag page is included in the Express Docs, just click on the bookmark for “luggage tags” to go directly to that page. The tag already includes your name, stateroom and saildate. All you have to do is attach it to your bag.
• Printable luggage tags are available at the Online Check-In start page and include your name, stateroom and saildate. You may select to print up to 9 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 — What do the luggage tags look like?
A — Click here to see samples of the new Holland America Line luggage tags. Click here to see a sample of the new printable luggage tag.

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 — I will be cruising out of Vancouver, am a U.S. citizen or resident arriving at the Vancouver airport on the day of departure and need luggage tags to participate in the US Direct immigration and customs clearance program. How can I get luggage tags?
A — You do not need to request luggage tags. We will be mailing luggage tags for U.S. citizens cruising from Vancouver starting approximately 55 days prior to departure. Guests are considered eligible to participate if they meet ALL of the qualifications detailed on the website at http://www.yvr.ca/guide/around/embarkation/ and MUST complete Online Check-in at least 10 days prior to their cruise departure date.

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

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 sailing 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 booklet that 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.

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 booklet 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.

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 penalties and Cancel Policy fees may apply. If you have any questions at all, please call the travel professional with whom you made your booking.

Q — Is there a deadline for completing the Online Check-in process and accessing my Express Docs?
A — Online Check-in must be completed by three days prior to your departure. You will still be able to print out Express Docs after that time; however, the immigration forms must be completed at the pier.

Q — If I did not fill out my immigration forms online prior to the three day cutoff, do I need to check in early at the pier?
A — We recommend that you arrive at the pier approximately three hours prior to ship sailing 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 cannot be completed by three days prior to sailing, Express Docs will still be available for printing; however, you will need to provide this information at the pier.

Q — Do I need to print the entire Express Docs packet for each person traveling with me?
A — 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 for check-in at the pier. 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?
A — After completing the On Line 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 & 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 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 set up a password.

Q — How do I access my Express Docs?
A — On www.hollandamerica.com, go to the For Booked Guests tab and start the ONLINE CHECK-IN process (see below). Please note that the ONLINE CHECK-IN must be completed in English and using either Internet Explorer or Firefox.

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 PROCEED.

PLANNING & ADVICE

Baggage Allowance

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.

PLANNING & ADVICE

Baggage Insurance

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

PLANNING & ADVICE

Baggage Policy

If Holland America Line, due to any cause whatsoever, is liable for loss of, damage to or delay of your property, the amount of Holland America Line's liability will not exceed US$100 (US$600 for passengers who have purchased Cancellation Protection Plan) unless you have specified to Holland America Line in writing the true value of your property and paid to Holland America Line before departure of the Cruise, CruiseTour or HAL Land Trip, 1% of the value in excess of US$100 or US$600, as applicable. In that event, Holland America Line's liability will be limited to the amount so specified. Please contact the ship's Front Office immediately upon embarkation for forms and additional details; you must have your luggage with you when making these arrangements. Holland America Line's baggage policy is further detailed in the baggage section of your Cruise Contract.

IMPORTANT: Do not pack your passport, medications, cruise documents or airline tickets. Keep them close at hand in your purse or jacket pocket. We also strongly suggest that you carry or otherwise keep with you important items such as perishables, medicine, liquor, cash, credit or debit cards, jewelry, gold, silver, or similar valuables, 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.

PLANNING & ADVICE

Baggage & Luggage Tag Information

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

For guests who have paper documents:

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.

PLANNING & ADVICE

Carry-on Baggage

Use a carry-on bag. Keep your travel documents, identification, medication, jewelry, camera, film, cash and other valuables with you at all times.

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.

PLANNING & ADVICE

Clothing & Dress Code

Clothing & Dress Code The right clothing can make a big difference in the enjoyment of your cruise. First and foremost, dress for comfort. Daily life aboard ship and in ports of call is relaxed and casual. Warmer climates call for clothing made of lightweight, breathable fabrics. For cooler climates, we suggest casual clothes that can be layered easily and possibly a raincoat and waterproof hat or umbrella and gloves. Certain shore excursions may require particular attention to clothing. For example, certain churches or other places of worship may not allow tank tops or short pants. Bring a swimsuit as all of our ships have pools and whirlpools. You may wish to bring more than one outfit for the water. We ask that you wear shoes and a cover-up over a bathing suit when walking through the interior of the ship. If you would like to jog on the sports deck or work out in the fitness center, bring workout gear. Footwear should include comfortable walking shoes for visits ashore and sandals or rubber-soled shoes for strolling on deck.

Evening dress falls into two distinct categories: Formal or Smart Casual. Smart Casual can be defined as slacks and collared shirts for men and casual dresses, slacks and informal evening wear for women. T-shirts, swimsuits, tank tops and shorts are not allowed in the restaurants or public areas during the evening hours. On festive Formal evenings, ladies usually wear a suit, cocktail dress or gown and gentlemen wear a jacket and tie, dark suit or tuxedo. There are approximately two formal nights per week.

In order to complement your fellow guests, Holland America Line asks that you observe the suggested dress code throughout the entire evening.

Formalwear for ladies and gentlemen can be pre-ordered for your use during your cruise by calling Cruiseline Formalwear at 800-551-5091 or make your reservations online. Your formalwear will be in your stateroom when you board.

PLANNING & ADVICE

Packing Advice

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. 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 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. If Holland America Line, due to any cause whatsoever, is liable for loss of, damage to or delay of your property, the amount of Holland America's liability will not exceed US$100 (US$600 for guests who have purchased Cancellation Protection Plan) unless you have specified to Holland America Line in writing the true value of your property and paid to Holland America Line before departure of the cruise or cruisetour, 1% of the value in excess of US$100 or US$600, as applicable. In that event, Holland America's liability will be limited to the amount so specified. Please contact the ship's Front Office immediately upon embarkation for forms and additional details for declaring additional value; you must have your luggage with you when making these arrangements. Holland America's luggage policy is further detailed in the luggage section of your Cruise Contract.

PLANNING & ADVICE

Packing for an Alaska Cruise or CruiseTour with Holland America Line

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

Dinner Dress

There are three smart casual and two formal evenings on every seven-day cruise. Please note, informal wear or formal wear is recommended at the Pinnacle Grill at all times.

Informal nights - sport jackets for men and dress slacks, casual dresses or skirts for women

Formal nights - jacket and tie required or tuxedo suggested for men, cocktail dress or gown for women

Please note: Your daily program will contain a notice of the dress for each evening. Jeans, t-shirts, hats, shorts, tank tops, swimwear and workout attire are not permitted in the dining room or Pinnacle Grill at any time, but are allowed in the Lido restaurant. Not sure what to wear? While on ship, contact the cruise director or other cruise staff at the Front Desk and they will gladly offer advice.

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.

• There are self-serve laundry rooms complete with ironing boards and irons (laundry soap is available for purchase) on all ships but the Vista Class Oosterdam, Westerdam, Noordam and Zuiderdam
• Self-service laundry facilities also are available at many of the hotels at which cruisetour passengers stay

Click Here to display and print a PDF version.

PLANNING & ADVICE

Signature Express Baggage Service

Signature Express Baggage Service 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 certified partners 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.

This disembarkation option allows you to enjoy your final hours in the port at your leisure. Imagine your options: 1) enjoy the sights of the city or 2) stand in a never-ending line at the airport--the choice is yours with Signature Express Baggage Service.

Signature Express Baggage Service 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 Signature Express Baggage Service in:

• Fort Lauderdale
• Los Angeles
• Seattle
• San Diego
• Vancouver (on select dates only)
• Tampa

On the following thirteen (13) vessels only:

• ms Amsterdam
• ms Eurodam
• ms Oosterdam
• ms Maasdam
• ms Noordam
• ms Ryndam
• ms Rotterdam
• ms Statendam
• ms Veendam
• ms Volendam
• ms Westerdam
• ms Zaandam
• ms Zuiderdam

Please note the following general information about Signature Express Baggage Service:

• 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).
• In Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada all flights must be bound for the U.S.

Those guests not participating in the Signature Express Baggage Service should expect the following: Upon disembarking the ship, all luggage will be organized in the disembarkation hall by color/number order. Once you have been invited to exit the ship please come to find your color/number group and claim your bags. There will be a limited number of porters available, but individual carts will not be available. Please exit the building with all family members and luggage, as re-entry is not permitted.

PLANNING & ADVICE

Baggage Delivery Service with Luggage Forward

Now you can have the convenience of having your luggage delivered directly to your stateroom with our Luggage Forward service. With service options ranging from Express to Economy, you can be assured that your bags will meet you wherever you are. The status of each booking can be tracked online, by phone, or on any web-enabled mobile device such as a cellular phone, Blackberry or other PDA.

To book, all you’ll need is the complete pickup address or port, the complete delivery address or port, guest contact information, dates of travel, description of bags, amount of insurance coverage per item and credit card information. Luggage Forward does the rest! www.luggageforward.com/hollandamerica

PLANNING & ADVICE

Cancellation Policies

For most cruises and cruisetours, a full refund (except for amounts paid for Cancellation Protection Plan) will be made for written cancellations received by Holland America, 300 Elliott Ave. West, Seattle, WA 98119 at least 76 days before the date on which you are to commence travel (by air, rail, sea or otherwise). Passengers who cancel after that date for any reason, including medical or family reasons, are subject to the following per-person cancellation fees:

75-57 days before commencing travel: an amount equal to deposit requirement

56-29 days before commencing travel: 50% of gross fare

28-16 days before commencing travel: 75% of gross fare

15 days or less before commencing travel: 100% of gross fare

For certain cruises and cruisetours, different cancellation policies apply. Please consult the brochure for your cruise or cruisetour to confirm the applicable cancellation policy. Cancellation fees apply to the entire cruise booking, including cruise fare, non-discountable amounts, air add-ons, ground transfers, pre-cruise and post-cruise hotel and tour packages.

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 agent. Travel agents may impose their own cancellation fees. Agency fees of any nature are a matter to be decided on solely by the agency and passengers.

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

updated 08/08

PLANNING & ADVICE

PLANNING & ADVICE

Flight Changes/Cancellations

Changes to existing reservations initiated by guests will result in a rescheduling charge of a minimum of US$100 per guest if the changes are made after the final payment due date. Airline tickets are issued based on fares which are highly restrictive and often cannot be reissued or exchanged for another carrier or routing.

PLANNING & ADVICE

Flight Confirmation

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

Viewing Your Air Itinerary
Once you are given your airline reservation code, found in your documents on either the e-ticket or paper tickets, you can view your flights online by clicking here.

Enter your reservation code given to you by Holland America Line, passenger last name and password: hollandamerica

PLANNING & ADVICE

Itinerary Changes

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

PLANNING & ADVICE

Upgrades

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

PLANNING & ADVICE

Booking Shore Excursions

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

Shore excursions may be easily booked online in advance of sailing; simply go to Book Shore Excursions. If tour details are not yet finalized, please check again closer to your departure date. Changes or cancellations may be made online up to 5 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. We recommend that guests with physical limitations review the "Which Tours are Best for You" section of the shore excursion brochure. 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.

PLANNING & ADVICE

Benefits of Booking Onboard

The best time to book your next cruise is while cruising with Holland America Line. Book your next Holland America Line cruise while on board and you will receive up to $200 per stateroom 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 of only $100 per person. (If you choose to take advantage of Holland America's cruise Cancellation Protection this payment will also be due at time of initial deposit.) No additional deposits will be due until final payment. Should you need to cancel your reservation, your reduced deposit will be applicable to another Holland America Line cruise within the next four years. Your reduced deposit will be subject to cancellation penalties if the booking is within the published penalty period.

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 Professional

We appreciate the relationship you have with your travel professional 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 professional extends in addition to your onboard offers.

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

PLANNING & ADVICE

Childcare & Youth Programs

Club Hal® Youth Program

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

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

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

PLANNING & ADVICE

Stateroom Furnishings

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).

You'll also find ample closet and drawer space, individually-controlled air conditioning, a television for viewing CNN, movies and onboard features.

All staterooms are equipped with standard 110 AC and 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, we respectfully request that you do not iron clothing in your stateroom. Ironing facilities are available at the self-service laundry rooms for your convenience on all ships except the ms Oosterdam, ms Westerdam, ms Zuiderdam, ms Noordam and ms Eurodam. In addition, full laundry and valet services are available on all of our ships.

PLANNING & ADVICE

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 Rosenthal 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 Sterling Silver Beef® and fresh seafood
• Luxurious appointments including Bvlgari® china, Riedel® stemware and Frette® 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
• Made-to-order dinner entrees and tableside waiter service in the Lido Restaurant for dinner
• Complimentary 24-hour in-room dining
• The Terrace Grill on deck
• Late-night snack; Chocolate Dessert Extravaganza
• Explorations Café featuring pastries and espresso drinks
• Daily Afternoon Tea service, elevated to Royal Dutch High Tea once per cruise

A master staff and crew

• Enhanced menu design under the direction of Master Chef Rudi Sodamin
• Executive chefs inducted into the prestigious Confrerie de la Chaine des Rotisseurs, an international food and wine society

Signature touches

• Ice cream bar featuring complimentary treats
• Hot hors d’oeuvres during cocktail hour.

Special dietary needs, such as vegetarian, diabetic or gluten-free meals, are easily accommodated with advance requests. Kosher meals and a Health Conscious Dining option are also available. To arrange special meals, please contact the Ship Services Department at 800-541-1576 at least 60 days prior to departure. As You Wish® dining is currently available on each of our ships.

PLANNING & ADVICE

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 noted in your ID guest card. The information will advise you of your seating assignment and table number.

PLANNING & ADVICE

Religious Services

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

Catholic. Mass is held daily.

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

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

PLANNING & ADVICE

Laundry

For your convenience, we offer full laundry and dry cleaning service. You will find laundry bags and price lists in your closet. Self-service laundromats are situated in various locations on board, except the ms Noordam, ms Zuiderdam, ms Westerdam, ms Oosterdam and ms Eurodam . The facility consists of washers, dryers, irons and ironing boards. There is a charge for the use of washers & dryers. For safety reasons, we ask you to refrain from ironing clothes in your stateroom.

PLANNING & ADVICE

Multi-Lingual Staff

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.

PLANNING & ADVICE

Bringing Alcoholic Beverages Onboard

Except for wine and champagne, alcoholic beverages purchased in the vessel's shops or otherwise brought on the ship cannot be consumed on the ship. Bottles and other containers will be collected for safekeeping and delivered to your stateroom on the last day of the voyage.

A corkage fee of US$18.00 applies to wine and champagne brought to the restaurants or bars for consumption.

Room Service offers reduced-price stateroom beverage packages for in-stateroom consumption of alcoholic beverages.

PLANNING & ADVICE

Guests Under 21

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 (25 years of age or older in the case of persons serving as chaperones for approved organized student/youth groups). Alcoholic beverages will not be served to guests under age 21. Due to limited medical facilities on the ships, we will not accept reservations for infants under 6 months old at time of sailing. For transocean crossings, or other itineraries which our Medical Department feel present a significant risk, infants must be a minimum of 12 months of age at embarkation.

Minors under age 18 traveling to certain 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 age 18 must travel with all proper identification requirements in addition to the signed letter of authorization. Minors who are U.S. citizens should have a certified copy of their 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. Your travel agent 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 you are traveling to, please visit the 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. A parent or legal guardian MUST accompany all children under the age of 18 on all tours for safety and liability reasons.

PLANNING & ADVICE

Pets

With the exception of qualified service animals for guests with disabilities, animals or pets are not allowed on board our ships. If you plan to bring a service animal, you must call our Access and Compliance Dept. at 800-426-0327 ext. 4514 or 206-304-5306. You will need to provide health certificate documentation for the animal. Please talk to your travel agent about this requirement.

PLANNING & ADVICE

Smoking

For the comfort of all of our guests, all indoor areas are designated non-smoking with the exception of:

Our ships do not have "nonsmoking" staterooms; however, all rooms are thoroughly cleaned after each cruise to assure the comfort of our guests. All showrooms are nonsmoking during performances.

Cigar and pipesmoking is permitted on the outside decks only.

PLANNING & ADVICE

Visitors

Holland America, upon evaluation of customer and security concerns, has implemented a "no visitor" policy and regrets any inconvenience this may cause. However, friends may easily arrange to send an onboard gift directly to your stateroom. Or you may throw a party of your own for fellow guests. For more information please see Gifts and Special Occasions.

PLANNING & ADVICE

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 888-361-8803, or 206-301-5293.*

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

PLANNING & ADVICE

Internet, Email, Mobile Phones & Webcams

Internet* & Email Access

Guests can connect to the internet on each ship in the Holland America Line fleet, either by accessing a 24/7 wireless connection "hotspot", or utilizing the resources of the Explorations Café or Internet Café located on board. You will be able to receive electronic mail in real-time, via satellite link 24 hours a day, satellite conditions permitting.

Holland America Line has even set up your very own CruisE-mail address for you to use. We also have an Internet Manager on board to assist you. There is a charge for these services.

Your CruisE-mail address (Before August 1, 2009):

Your first initial + last name + your cabin number (with no spaces in between) + @"shipname".cruisemail.net.

Example:

John Smith, in Cabin 38 on the ms Rotterdam, - His CruisE-mail address will be: jsmith38@rotterdam.cruisemail.net

*Some Internet services not available, please contact Ship Services for
further information

Your CruisE-mail address (After August 1, 2009 with the exception of ms Amsterdam):

Your first initial + last name + your cabin number (with no spaces in between) + @cruisemail.net.

Example:

John Smith, in Cabin 38 on the ms Rotterdam, - His CruisE-mail address will be: jsmith38@cruisemail.net

*Some Internet services not available, please contact Ship Services for
further information

Mobile Phones

Through an agreement with Wireless Maritime Services (WMS), a leading provider of maritime cellular service at sea, Holland America Line lets you take advantage of your wireless devices while at sea. Using your own mobile phone and telephone number, you can make and receive calls to and from fellow travelers who are on the ship, as well as friends, family or business associates back home. If you currently have the service through your home provider, you can also send and receive text messages. Other available wireless services include use of PDAs, such as your Blackberry.®

All charges for calls, text and data usage made while on the WMS network are billed at rates similar to international roaming by your home carrier on your regular monthly phone bill.

The use of the service requires compatible wireless/mobile phones or devices and qualified wireless service with a home mobile service provider that has a roaming agreement with Wireless Maritime Services. Please contact your carrier prior to sailing to make sure your plan qualifies and you will have service while at sea. For a complete listing of carriers worldwide go to www.cellularatsea.com.

Availability of service is not guaranteed; it depends on the participation of your home mobile service provider and service permissions. Please also note that some prepaid phone plans are
not supported.

Webcams

Holland America Line does not publish webcam information online.

PLANNING & ADVICE

Telephone, Fax & Mail

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
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.

Instructions:

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

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

PLANNING & ADVICE

Onboard Enrichment

Personal enrichment and hands-on learning can make a vacation and are a hallmark of traveling aboard a Holland America Line ship. Start with the Culinary Arts Center, presented by Food and Wine Magazine. This world-class demonstration kitchen is available on every ship for classes and seminars, taught by our own Master Chefs or culinary guests.

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

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

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

PLANNING & ADVICE

PLANNING & ADVICE

PLANNING & ADVICE

PLANNING & ADVICE

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. It is for this reason that Holland America Line is honored to be a part of Carnival Corp., which received the Society For Accessible Travel & Hospitality's (SATH) "Access to Freedom" award. This award is the highest honor in the travel industry that SATH presents to recognize individuals or organizations that have made the greatest strides in advancing opportunities for persons with disabilities, and for promoting the awareness of, and access for, travelers with disabilities.

Access to Excellence Video      Access to Excellence ebrochure

Mobility Equipment
Holland America Line offers a limited number of staterooms designed to be wheelchair and scooter accessible. There are, however, size and weight guidelines for scooters. If you plan on bringing a scooter on the ship, please contact us at 800-547-8493. 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 these areas 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.

Ship Transfer Options
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 at dock or while tendering 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.

Wheelchairs
For persons not capable of walking on their own, the use of a wheelchair will be the primary mobility assistance aid for getting on and off the ship. Holland America Line has a limited supply of wheelchairs onboard. In order to accommodate our guests, wheelchairs are reserved exclusively for embarkation and disembarkation situations. If you will require regular use of a wheelchair, we recommend that you bring your own wheelchair with you. You may also make advanced rental arrangements prior to your sailing and have a wheelchair delivered directly to the ship. Situations may occur in which mobility-impaired guests 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 the carrying of mobility-impaired guests and 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, etc.

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 also not available for shore excursions.
For additional details on the prearranged rental program, please contact one of the below companies:

Special Needs at Sea
Phone: 800-513-4515
Fax: 800-513-4516
E-mail: info@specialneedsgroup.com
www.specialneedsatsea.com

CareVacations/CruiseShipAssist
Phone: 877-478-7827
Fax: 780-986-8332
E-mail: res@carevacations.com
www.cruiseshipassist.com

Guests must be aware that certain third party transfer and 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 all are able to provide facilities that are accessible to persons with disabilities. For detailed, up-to-date information on accessibility issues involving shore excursions, we strongly recommend visiting the Shore Excursion Office on board.

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. Guests who are unable to care for their basic needs (e.g. dressing, eating, and attending safety drills) MUST have a capable traveling companion. It is essential that we be notified of any special medical, physical, or other requirements you may have as soon as possible, including whether you intend to bring a scooter with you.

Oxygen and Oxygen Deliveries Onboard
The ship is 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 Special Needs at Sea and CareVacations/CruiseShipAssist as the only outside vendors that we will permit to deliver oxygen supplies to the ship. We believe they will meet your on board respiratory needs:

Special Needs at Sea
phone: 800-513-4515
Fax: 800-513-4516
info@specialneedsatsea.com
www.specialneedsatsea.com

CareVacations/CruiseShipAssist
phone: 877-478-7827
Fax: 800-648-1116
csa@carevacations.com
www.cruiseshipassist.com

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

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

More Contact Information

If you require additional information on the ship's facilities or ability to accommodate your needs, please feel free to contact the Access & Compliance Department at 800-547-8493; TTY 800-254-8669; locally at 206-281-3535 ext. 4514 or email us at HALW_Access@hollandamerica.com .

For information regarding the Transportation Security Administration’s Screening Tips for Persons with Disabilities, please visit the Travelers with Disabilities and Medical Conditions section of their website at www.tsa.dhs.gov/travelers/airtravel/specialneeds/.

For information regarding requirements and restrictions of service animals in foreign ports of call, please visit the United States Department of Agriculture’s website.

PLANNING & ADVICE

Planning For Healthy Travel

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

Travelers' diarrhea (TD) is the most common illness affecting travelers. Each year between 20-50 percent of international travelers, an estimated 10 million persons, develop diarrhea. The onset of TD usually occurs within the first week of travel but may occur at any time while traveling, and even after returning home. The most important determinant of risk is the traveler's destination. High-risk destinations are the developing countries of Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.

In areas where chlorinated tap water is not available or where hygiene and sanitation are poor, travelers should be advised that only the following may be safe to drink:

• Beverages, such as tea and coffee, made with boiled water.
• Canned or bottled beverages, including water, carbonated mineral water, and soft drinks.

Norwalk-Like Virus (NLV) can be identified by symptoms of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and sometimes fever. NLV is not an upper respiratory virus such as influenza. NLV typically runs its course in 24-48 hours without serious or long term health effects. It is spread by person-to-person contact. Those travelers with chronic illnesses and those who are immunocompromised are at greater risk.

More detailed information is available at www.cdc.gov

Holland America Line has a comprehensive plan in place which has generally proved effective in limiting the spread of the illness. The plan includes rigorous cleaning protocols and changes in operating practices depending on any onboard illnesses. Any crewmember who becomes ill is immediately isolated.

Have a safe a healthy trip - and remember that the first and best line of defense against illness is to wash your hands regularly and thoroughly!

PLANNING & ADVICE

Immunizations

International travelers can take a number of simple steps to avoid potential health problems before and during travel:

• Contact your local physician ideally 4-6 weeks prior to departure.
• It is important to receive current health information on the countries you plan to visit.
• Obtain all necessary vaccinations and preventative medications. It is important to address any special needs.
• Immunizations may be recommended or required for countries visited on your cruise itinerary. If you are traveling to (or transiting through) Africa or South America, for example, you may require a certificate of vaccination against yellow fever. This vaccination can be administered only by a state approved clinic.

It is also a good idea to bring along a record of your immunizations as requirements for immunizations may change.

PLANNING & ADVICE

Medical Emergencies

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.

PLANNING & ADVICE

Medical Facilities and Services

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 (with the exception of meclizine for seasickness, Tylenol® and aspirin, which may also be obtained at the Front Office). 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.

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.

PLANNING & ADVICE

Medications and Prescriptions

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

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

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

PLANNING & ADVICE

Pregnancy Policy

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

Please fax your letters to our Access & Compliance Department at 800-577-1731.

Or mail them to:
Holland America Line
Attention: Access & Compliance Department 2nd floor
300 Elliott Avenue West
Seattle, WA 98119

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

PLANNING & ADVICE

Currency & Exchange

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 Advance

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.

PLANNING & ADVICE

Deposits and Payments

The per person, per cruise deposit requirements to secure reservations and Cancellation Protection Plan amounts are listed with the cruise fares in the Holland America brochure. Deposits are generally due within 5 days after reservation date. Cancellation Protection Plan, if desired, must be paid for at time of deposit.

Final payment is generally due no later than 75 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. In most cases, we are able to provide you with travel documents, including your Cruise and CruiseTour Contract, approximately 30 days prior to departure. Travel documents, however, are only issued after final payment has been received by Holland America. Travel agents should make checks payable and send to:

Holland America Line
Attn: Cash Applications
300 Elliott Ave W
Seattle, WA 98119

Payment by American Express, VISA, MasterCard or Discover Card is accepted. For faster processing, please include a confirmation number on your check. Travel agents please note that MCOS will not be accepted.

Travel agents or consumers outside the U.S. and Canada should make payment by wire transfer or passenger's credit card. The wire transfer information is as follows:

US FUNDS:
BENEFICIARY - HOLLAND AMERICA LINE PAYMASTER CORP.
US Bank of Washington
1420 Fifth Avenue, 11th Floor
Seattle, WA 98101
Routing #19-10
ABA# 125 000 105
Swift Code: USBKUS44iMT
Account # 153591179640 - for Bookings
Account # 153591179632 - for CPO's, GL's, Other

CANADIAN FUNDS:
BENEFICIARY - WESTMARK HOTELS OF CANADA LTD.
Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC)
400 Burrard Street
Vancouver, B.C. V6C3A6
Account # 46-01718 - for Bookings
Account # 96-18619 - for GL's & Others
Transit 10
Notify: Sally Rohde @ 206-281-0690

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 # NL87CHA0671132881 - for International payments
Favor: JPMorgan Chase Bank, Amsterdam

PLANNING & ADVICE

Fares, Non-Discountable Amount, Taxes, Surcharges

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, as described below.

Your cruise fare includes a "Non-Discountable Amount." That portion of the fare is both non-commissionable to travel agents and not subject to reduction in the event of a percentage discount promotion, 2 for 1 promotion or otherwise.

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 fuel surcharges, security surcharges or similar incidental surcharges. No right of cancellation exists under either of these circumstances.

PLANNING & ADVICE

HOTEL SERVICE CHARGE

Our crew works very hard to make sure that every aspect of your cruise meets the highest standards. This includes those crew members who serve you directly, such as our dining room wait staff and the stewards who tend to your stateroom each day. There are also many others that tend to your care that you may never meet, such as galley and laundry staff. To ensure that the efforts of all of our crew members are recognized and rewarded, a daily Hotel Service Charge of US$11 per passenger is automatically charged to each guest's shipboard account. If our service exceeds or fails to meet your expectations, you are free to adjust this amount at the end of the cruise. The Hotel Service Charge is paid entirely to Holland America Line crew members, and represents an important part of their total compensation package. A 15% service charge is automatically added to bar charges and dining room wine purchases. In terminals, airports, ports of call and on shore excursions, we suggest that you extend gratuities consistent with customary local practices.

PLANNING & ADVICE

Shipboard Account

Our cashless society is designed to make your life on board as simple as possible. When you board the ship, your account has already been activated and you may make purchases by simply showing your guest identification card and signing a receipt. On embarkation day, you will need to register your credit or debit card (Holland America Line Rewards™ Visa®, Visa®, Mastercard®, American Express®, Discover®) in order to use your onboard account for shipboard purchases. Your card will be pre-authorized for US$60 per person for each day for cruises up to 25days and US$30 per person per day for cruises longer than 25 days. At the end of your cruise, you will receive a final statement, and your card will be charged only for the actual amount of your purchases. Please inform your credit or debit card issuer in advance that your card will be used on a Holland America Line ship. This will help prevent delays in obtaining pre-authorization on board. Some banks may keep the pre-authorization in place for up to 30 days. If you do not want to use a credit or debit card, the ship will collect a cash deposit from you at time of boarding in the same pre-authorization amount. Any excess deposit will be refunded to you at the end of the cruise. Travelers checks may be cashed at the front office to make your deposit. Personal checks are not accepted on board.

PLANNING & ADVICE

Airline Delays

From time to time, guests encounter transportation delays in getting to their cruise ship. If it is your day of sailing and this happens to you, please follow these guidelines:

First, advise your airline at the earliest opportunity that you are a cruise guest destined for a sailing that day. Working directly with the carrier is important as the airlines are usually able to arrange alternative flights.

If you believe a delay will cause you to arrive in the port of embarkation less than two hours before the ship's scheduled departure or if you are concerned for any reason that the ship may leave before you arrive, our representatives may be able to advise you of arrangements to minimize disruptions in your vacation plans.

Due to new U.S. government security regulations, we must submit certain guest information to law enforcement authorities at least 60 minutes prior to departure. By providing this information to us in advance, you will enable us to fulfill these government requirements. Please be aware that waiting until embarkation to provide this information may result in vessel delays and, in some cases, may preclude you from sailing. To reduce this risk, please use Online Check-in

Ask the airline to immediately advise our Air/Sea Department, or call us yourself at: 800-628-4771 or 206-286-3294. Air/Sea representatives are available from 7:00am to 5:00pm Monday through Friday and from 7:00am to 3:30pm. on weekends (Pacific Time). These numbers are provided for emergency use only; please do not call the Air/Sea Department unless it is your day of departure and you are experiencing a delay. For information concerning emergency procedures outside of these times, please call 888-361-8803, or 206-301-5293.

All other questions and concerns regarding air arrangements should be directed to your travel agent. 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.

PLANNING & ADVICE

Airport Arrival

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.

PLANNING & ADVICE

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.

PLANNING & ADVICE

Flight Confirmation

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

Viewing Your Air Itinerary
Once you are given your airline reservation code, found in your documents on either the e-ticket or paper tickets, you can view your flights online by clicking here.

Enter your reservation code given to you by Holland America Line, passenger last name and password: hollandamerica

PLANNING & ADVICE

Fly Cruise Plan

We are pleased to offer our Fly Cruise plan featuring transportation from a number of cities to your cruise, as well as transfers between the airport and ship on sailing day. You may take advantage of the Fly Cruise plan, which is offered at an additional charge to your cruise fare. Certain conditions and restrictions apply. In some cases a Home City Motor Coach will be substituted for airline flights. (Some examples of this would be: Seattle to/from Vancouver BC, Ft. Lauderdale to/from Miami or West Palm Beach, Montreal to/from Boston.)

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

Air Changes/Refunds

Changes to existing reservations initiated by guests will result in a rescheduling charge of a minimum of US$100 per guest if the changes are made after the final payment due date. Airline tickets are issued based on fares which are highly restrictive and often cannot be reissued or exchanged for another carrier or routing.

The maximum refund for unused air tickets will not exceed the air add-on paid to us. There are no partial refunds. Due to changing airline tariffs, your tickets may reflect fares higher or lower than our air add-on amounts. The difference is neither chargeable nor refundable.

Air Rates/Taxes and Fees

Air rates will be quoted at the time of booking and are subject to change until the booking is paid in full. The quoted air rates do not include Passenger Facility Charges assessed by airports (US$3 - $27), federal flight segment fees for each flight segment (takeoff and landing) of US$3.30, the September 11 Security Fee of US$2.50 per passenger enplanement (up to a maximum of US$10), and international arrival and departure taxes (US$3 - $100). Air rates do not include local customs, departure or other taxes that may be collected directly from you by applicable government authorities.

Airline Service Requests and Baggage Charges

Passengers traveling with other guests who originate from different cities or who request the Fly Cruise plan at a later time may not receive routing on the same flights. We cannot confirm seat assignment requests or requests for special meals or other special services unless specially mentioned in this website. Each airline has its own baggage allowance policy. You are responsible for any excess baggage charges imposed by airlines. Please contact your airline for baggage restrictions.

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.

AirPlus Service®

AirPlus Service is available for Fly Cruise guests who wish to travel to or from their (dis)embarkation port on dates other than those usually booked, who have specific airline/flight and time requests, or who wish to travel in business or first class. These services will be furnished only under the condition that the booking is on deposit.

Requests should be submitted at the time of initial payment to assure proper consideration. All requests are subject to availability and are not guaranteed. If confirmation is possible, a non-refundable service charge and additional airline costs incurred will be assessed. A service charge will be assessed for each additional request that is confirmed.

Baggage

Baggage allowance is governed by airline regulations. Excess baggage charges are the responsibility of the passenger. We assume no responsibility for loss, damage, or delay while baggage is in the custody of airlines. Please contact your airline for baggage restrictions.

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.

Liability and Relation with Airlines

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

Overnight Hotel Accommodations

It may be necessary to overnight passengers en route to or from their cruise due to airline schedules and/or availability. The cost of hotel accommodations may or may not be included in the air add-on amounts; if not, it is the responsibility of the guest. Passengers are always responsible for meals and items of a personal nature. Hotels will be selected by Holland America and may not be at the port of dis/embarkation.

Transfers

Please refer to Transfers.

PLANNING & ADVICE

Transfers

Hotel Packages

If you have booked both air and hotel accommodations through Holland America, all transfers are included. If you have made your own airline arrangements in conjunction with a Holland America hotel package, you will receive a complimentary transfer between the airport and hotel as long as Holland America Line has been notified of your air schedule at least 21 days prior to arrival.

Purchasing Transfers

Transfers may be purchased from the port city airport to the ship and from the ship to the port city airport on day of sailing only. Transfers are available to Fly Cruise guests and to guests who have independent flight plans. Guests with independent flight arrangements must advise Holland America Line of this information at least 35 days prior to sailing. You may take advantage of our Online Check-In to submit your information, or fax in your information to 800-628-4855 or e-mail us at reservations@hollandamerica.com. We can be reached via phone at 800-426-0327 Monday-Friday 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. PT and 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. PT Saturday and Sunday. Reservations, payment, and flight arrival information are required at least 14 days prior to your sailing date.

Accessible Transfer Requirements

If you have purchased a transfer through Holland America Line or have booked a cruisetour and require a lift vehicle, please have your travel agent advise 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 cruisetour. 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.

PLANNING & ADVICE

Boarding Procedures

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

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

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

IMPORTANT: For this procedure, you will need to present your travel documents, including your Cruise Ticket portion of your Cruise Contract, a completed Immigration questionnaire (one per person), the Bahamian Immigration questionnaire (one per person, if applicable) and the required proof of citizenship. You can expedite your check-in by completing the Online Check-In prior to leaving home.

For more information on this and the documentation you will need to have with you, please see Documentation. 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 12:00 noon.

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!

PLANNING & ADVICE

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.

PLANNING & ADVICE

Disembarkation Procedures

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.

A disembarkation presentation will be given shortly before the end of your cruise. This presentation will outline important procedures regarding customs formalities, baggage handling, travel arrangements, and important information regarding disembarkation. It is essential that at least one member of your party attend this presentation.

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: Please Review the SIGNATURE EXPRESS BAGGAGE SERVICE section, for more detailed information. The Signature Express Baggage service is the most relaxing and hassle free disembarkation Holland America Line offers.

PLANNING & ADVICE

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.

PLANNING & ADVICE

Homeport Motorcoach Arrival

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

PLANNING & ADVICE

Order Onboard Gifts

If you would like to send a bon voyage gift to one of your fellow guests, or set up your own private bon voyage toasting, we invite you to do so. Holland America also offers a variety of gift packages for guests celebrating a birthday, anniversary, honeymoon or other special event. Take a moment to view the Gifts and Special Occasions section of our website. Next, contact your travel agent or our Ship Services Department at:

Holland America Line
Ship Services Department
300 Elliott Avenue West
Seattle, WA 98119
Phone: 1-800-541-1576
Fax: 1-800-207-3547
E-mail: HAL_Ship_Services@HollandAmerica.com

Gift order items include a variety of alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, gift baskets, clothing, gifts for children, casino chips and flowers at very reasonable prices. Packages such as "Renewal of Vows," "Celebrations," "Romantic Voyage" and "Just for Us" include a variety of services and mementos to commemorate your special occasion. Gift orders must be prepaid and received two weeks in advance of sailing. Some last-minute gift orders may be charged to your VISA, American Express, MasterCard or Discover card up to two working days before sailing. However, a US$5.00 non-refundable late handling fee will be added to each order received within five days of sailing.

PLANNING & ADVICE

Signature Express Baggage Service

Signature Express Baggage Service 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 certified partners 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.

This disembarkation option allows you to enjoy your final hours in the port at your leisure. Imagine your options: 1) enjoy the sights of the city or 2) stand in a never-ending line at the airport--the choice is yours with Signature Express Baggage Service.

Signature Express Baggage Service 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 Signature Express Baggage Service in:

• Fort Lauderdale
• Los Angeles
• Seattle
• San Diego
• Tampa

On the following thirteen (13) vessels only:

• ms Amsterdam
• ms Eurodam
• ms Oosterdam
• ms Maasdam
• ms Noordam
• ms Ryndam
• ms Rotterdam
• ms Statendam
• ms Veendam
• ms Volendam
• ms Westerdam
• ms Zaandam
• ms Zuiderdam

Please note the following general information about Signature Express Baggage Service:

• 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).

Those guests not participating in the Signature Express Baggage Service should expect the following: Upon disembarking the ship, all luggage will be organized in the disembarkation hall by color/number order. Once you have been invited to exit the ship please come to find your color/number group and claim your bags. There will be a limited number of porters available, but individual carts will not be available. Please exit the building with all family members and luggage, as re-entry is not permitted.

PLANNING & ADVICE

Transfers

Hotel Packages

If you have booked both air and hotel accommodations through Holland America, all transfers are included. If you have made your own airline arrangements in conjunction with a Holland America hotel package, you will receive a complimentary transfer between the airport and hotel as long as Holland America Line has been notified of your air schedule at least 21 days prior to arrival.

Purchasing Transfers

Transfers may be purchased from the port city airport to the ship and from the ship to the port city airport on day of sailing only. Transfers are available to Fly Cruise guests and to guests who have independent flight plans. Guests with independent flight arrangements must advise Holland America Line of this information at least 35 days prior to sailing. You may take advantage of our Online Check-In to submit your information, or fax in your information to 800-628-4855 or e-mail us at reservations@hollandamerica.com. We can be reached via phone at 800-426-0327 Monday-Friday 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. PT and 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. PT Saturday and Sunday. Reservations, payment, and flight arrival information are required at least 14 days prior to your sailing date.

Accessible Transfer Requirements

If you have purchased a transfer through Holland America Line or have booked a cruisetour and require a lift vehicle, please have your travel agent advise 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 cruisetour. 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.

PLANNING & ADVICE

Visitors

Holland America, upon evaluation of customer and security concerns, has implemented a "no visitor" policy and regrets any inconvenience this may cause. However, friends may easily arrange to send an onboard gift directly to your stateroom. Or you may throw a party of your own for fellow guests. For more information please see Gifts and Special Occasions.