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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Please Note: For guests with the Fly Cruise plan, updated flight information is available at View Air Itinerary using guests' name and Reservation number. The Reservation number can be found in your documents on either the e-ticket or paper tickets.

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.

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 am to 7:00 pm PT and 7:00 to 3:30 PT Saturday and Sunday. Reservations, payment, and flight arrival information are required at least 14 days prior to your sailing date. Transfers purchased through Worldwide Shore Services or Gray Line of Alaska are not refundable if missed because of airline delays.

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. If you purchased transfers directly from Gray Line of Alaska please notify them as well. It is advisable to 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.

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.

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.

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 thirty minutes before sailing.

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

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

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

IMPORTANT: For this procedure, you will need to present your travel documents, 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!

Disembarkation

Guests will be requested to complete a disembarkation form at the beginning of the cruise to coordinate transfers and luggage handling with the post cruise arrangements. Please fill out the form and return it to the Front Office as soon as possible.

A disembarkation talk will be given shortly before the end of your cruise, outlining important procedures regarding customs formalities, baggage handling, travel arrangements, etc. It is essential that at least one member of your party attend.

On the last night of your cruise you will need to place your luggage, with the provided luggage tags, outside your cabin before you retire (except Deluxe Verandah Suite guests). Please place your luggage on the opposite side of the emergency lighting so it does not obstruct this safety feature. Keep your baggage tags on your luggage as they contain your departing flight information.

Gather together your personal identification, airline tickets, customs forms, medications and other important items along with the clothes and shoes you intend to wear the next day. Place them in your carry-on bag or on your person so you can access them easily. Please remember that valuables should not be placed in the luggage you place outside your cabin.

After the ship docks, it must be cleared by local authorities before any guests may disembark. You should plan on being able to leave the ship two to three hours after the time of docking indicated on your Cruise Contract. Outbound flights should be scheduled with plenty of time for transfers from the ship to the airport. The amount of time you allow for transferring depends on the disembarkation port.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Porters are salaried employees and tipping is not required.

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
• Tampa

On the following nine (11) vessels only:

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

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

• Guests are able to check no more than 2 pieces of luggage.
• 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.

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. Transfers purchased through Worldwide Shore Services or Gray Line of Alaska are not refundable if missed because of airline delays.

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. If you purchased transfers directly from Gray Line of Alaska please notify them as well. It is advisable to 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.

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.