New Passport Requirements

Very important! Please read the following information regarding changes to passport requirements. These changes impact U.S. Citizens and non-U.S. Citizens. For more information, please see the U.S. State Department website for passport information. Expired passports are not acceptable.

WE HIGHLY RECOMMEND CARRYING A PASSPORT VALID FOR SIX MONTHS BEYOND THE DURATION OF YOUR TRAVEL.

U.S. and Canadian citizens: Air Travel: As of January 23, 2007, with the implementation of the first phase of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), all persons, including citizens of the United States, traveling between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Bermuda will be required to have and carry a valid passport or WHTI-compliant document to enter or re-enter the United States by air. This is an important requirement for our cruise guests booked on Alaska and Eastern Canada/New England cruise itineraries. In addition, this requirement impacts our Canadian guests that travel by air to or from any of our U.S. embarkation ports. The passport requirement does NOT apply to U.S. citizens traveling to or returning directly from a U.S. territory. U.S. citizens returning directly from a U.S. territory are not considered to have left the United States and do not need to present a passport.

Holland America Line recommends that all guests travel with a valid passport during their cruise. 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.

Land and Sea Travel: Beginning on June 1, 2009, with the implementation of the final phase of the WHTI, in addition to the passport/WHTI-compliant document requirement for air travel, all persons, including citizens of the United States, traveling between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Bermuda will be required to have and carry a valid passport or WHTI-compliant document to enter or re-enter the United States by land or sea.

For more information, please see the 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. Prior to June 1, 2009, the final implementation date, U.S. and Canadian citizens may travel without a passport on itineraries that do not require re-entry to the U.S. by air. In these cases, all U.S. and Canadian citizens must carry the following documents as proof of citizenship for travel within the western hemisphere countries listed above: 1) picture identification issued by an official government agency AND an original or certified copy of birth certificate from the state or province of your birth; or 2) picture identification issued by an official government agency AND a U.S. or Canadian Naturalization Certificate.

For travel outside of the western hemisphere countries U.S. and Canadian citizens must have and carry a passport valid for six months beyond the duration of the cruise.

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

For U.S. or Canadian citizens, if you have questions about visa requirements, you may call Zierer Visa Service at 1-(866)-788-1100 or send an email message to: info@zvs.com or visit their web site: http://www.zvs.com/members (Please use Username: HOLLAND and Password: 67539).

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 http://canada.gc.ca to verify your nationality's requirements.

Schengen visa holders (applies to those EU-member citizens only): New requirements pertaining to proof of medical insurance coverage have been adopted for all Schengen visa holders. This requirement does not apply to U.S. or Canadian citizens. All guests should keep themselves advised of changes in government requirements. If you have questions about visa requirements, call Zierer Visa Service at 866-788-1100 or local 202-745-4470. You may also choose to send an e-mail message to:
info@zvs.com or visit their website at: www.zvs.com.

MACHINE-READABLE PASSPORTS

Effective June 26, 2005, travelers from the 27 countries participating in the United States' Visa Waiver Program (VWP) must have a machine-readable passport to enter the United States.

If you are in possession of a passport issued by any of the 27 countries listed below, please contact the passport issuing authority to ensure that you are in possession of a machine-readable passport.

The 27 countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program include: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Additional information regarding the Visa Waiver Program is available online at www.dhs.gov

Please note that boarding may be denied to travelers from VWP countries that do not have machine-readable passports.

Please check back on our website for future updates.

updated 04/24/2008

New Passport Requirements

Very important! Please read the following information regarding changes to passport requirements. These changes impact U.S. Citizens and non-U.S. Citizens. For more information, please see the U.S. State Department website for passport information. Expired passports are not acceptable.

WE HIGHLY RECOMMEND CARRYING A PASSPORT VALID FOR SIX MONTHS BEYOND THE DURATION OF YOUR TRAVEL.

U.S. and Canadian citizens: Air Travel: As of January 23, 2007, with the implementation of the first phase of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), all persons, including citizens of the United States, traveling between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Bermuda will be required to have and carry a valid passport or WHTI-compliant document to enter or re-enter the United States by air. This is an important requirement for our cruise guests booked on Alaska and Eastern Canada/New England cruise itineraries. In addition, this requirement impacts our Canadian guests that travel by air to or from any of our U.S. embarkation ports. The passport requirement does NOT apply to U.S. citizens traveling to or returning directly from a U.S. territory. U.S. citizens returning directly from a U.S. territory are not considered to have left the United States and do not need to present a passport.

Holland America Line recommends that all guests travel with a valid passport during their cruise. 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.

Land and Sea Travel: Beginning on June 1, 2009, with the implementation of the final phase of the WHTI, in addition to the passport/WHTI-compliant document requirement for air travel, all persons, including citizens of the United States, traveling between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Bermuda will be required to have and carry a valid passport or WHTI-compliant document to enter or re-enter the United States by land or sea.

For more information, please see the 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. Prior to June 1, 2009, the final implementation date, U.S. and Canadian citizens may travel without a passport on itineraries that do not require re-entry to the U.S. by air. In these cases, all U.S. and Canadian citizens must carry the following documents as proof of citizenship for travel within the western hemisphere countries listed above: 1) picture identification issued by an official government agency AND an original or certified copy of birth certificate from the state or province of your birth; or 2) picture identification issued by an official government agency AND a U.S. or Canadian Naturalization Certificate.

For travel outside of the western hemisphere countries U.S. and Canadian citizens must have and carry a passport valid for six months beyond the duration of the cruise.

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

For U.S. or Canadian citizens, if you have questions about visa requirements, you may call Zierer Visa Service at 1-(866)-788-1100 or send an email message to: info@zvs.com or visit their web site: http://www.zvs.com/members (Please use Username: HOLLAND and Password: 67539).

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 http://canada.gc.ca to verify your nationality's requirements.

Schengen visa holders (applies to those EU-member citizens only): New requirements pertaining to proof of medical insurance coverage have been adopted for all Schengen visa holders. This requirement does not apply to U.S. or Canadian citizens. All guests should keep themselves advised of changes in government requirements. If you have questions about visa requirements, call Zierer Visa Service at 866-788-1100 or local 202-745-4470. You may also choose to send an e-mail message to:
info@zvs.com or visit their website at: www.zvs.com.

MACHINE-READABLE PASSPORTS

Effective June 26, 2005, travelers from the 27 countries participating in the United States' Visa Waiver Program (VWP) must have a machine-readable passport to enter the United States.

If you are in possession of a passport issued by any of the 27 countries listed below, please contact the passport issuing authority to ensure that you are in possession of a machine-readable passport.

The 27 countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program include: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Additional information regarding the Visa Waiver Program is available online at www.dhs.gov

Please note that boarding may be denied to travelers from VWP countries that do not have machine-readable passports.

Please check back on our website for future updates.

updated 04/24/2008

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. or Canadian citizens, if you have questions about visa requirements, you may call Zierer Visa Service at (866) 788 1100 or send an email message to: info@ZVS.com or visit their website: http://www.zvs.com/members (Please use Username: HOLLAND and Password: 67539

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 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

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.

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.customs.treas.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.

Online Check-In

We strongly encourage you to expedite your check-in by completing the Online Check-In at least 30 days prior to departure. 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.

Online Check-in will allow you to submit your Immigration Form and print out your Signature Preferred Boarding Pass, which will speed your embarkation process at the pier.

Please use a computer with Internet access and a printer to complete Online Check-in.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Each night a daily program will be delivered to your stateroom announcing the suggested dress for the following evening.

Evening dress falls into two distinct categories: Formal or Smart Casual. Smart Casual can be defined as slacks and sports shirt or sweater for men and skirt or trousers and sweater or blouse 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 cocktail dress or gown and gentlemen usually wear a suit and tie 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. Your formalwear will be in your stateroom when you board.

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.

You will find your luggage tags in the top pocket of your documentation wallet. Please refer to the Arrival Advice section of your Travel Documents book for instructions on when to attach them to your luggage.

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.

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 eleven (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.

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.

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.

Cancellation Protection Plans

CPP Standard Plan

Our Standard Cancellation Protection Plan (CPP Standard Plan) will allow you, for any reason, to provide written cancellation up to 24 hours prior to scheduled cruise or cruisetour departure and receive a refund equal to 80% of the applicable cancellation fee (90% if you purchased our CPP Platinum Plan). In addition, Holland America Line (HAL) automatically assumes an additional US$500 of liability for lost, damaged or delayed baggage of passengers who purchase the CPP Standard Plan still subject, however, to the limitations in our baggage policies. For example, we do not cover losses while baggage is in the custody of airlines. Click here to review our Baggage Policy.

The CPP Standard Plan is not insurance, is administered by Holland America Line Inc., and may not be available for purchase in some locations outside the U.S. and Canada; it provides no rights other than those explained above. For example, it does not protect double-triple-quad occupancy rates should one or more members of your party cancel, nor does it cover expenses or unused services due to trip interruption.

CPP Platinum Plan

Our Platinum Cancellation Protection Plan (CPP Platinum Plan) enables you to supplement the CPP Standard Plan with insurance coverage and travel assistance services as well as increase your refund amount to 90% for cancellations made more than 24 hours prior to departure. The CPP Platinum Plan provides you with the following insurance benefits and services, in addition to the CPP Standard Plan benefits and larger refund:

• Trip Cancellation coverage provides protection if you or a traveling companion must cancel for a covered reason during the 24 hours prior to scheduled departure. The plan reimburses your non-refundable cancellation charges or increased occupancy charges (if a traveling companion cancels) imposed by HAL.
• Trip Interruption coverage provides protection if your trip is interrupted after departure due to a covered reason. The plan reimburses your unused (determined in the case of your cruise or cruisetour on a pro rata basis), non-refundable land or sea expenses prepaid to HAL, airfare paid to return home and certain additional expenses up to $100/day. Maximum benefit is 150% of your cruise/cruisetour cost.
• Trip Delay coverage provides reimbursement for reasonable additional accommodations and traveling expenses incurred to rejoin the trip in progress when you are delayed for more than 12 hours, due to covered reasons. Maximum benefit is US$1,000; not to exceed US$100/day.
• Emergency Evacuation coverage will pay the necessary costs of transportation, medical services and medical supplies if, due to a covered medical reason, you must be transported to medical facilities during your cruise or cruisetour. Maximum benefit is $50,000.
• Medical Expense coverage reimburses up to $10,000 for medical and emergency dental expenses incurred as a result of an injury or sickness that first manifests itself during your cruise or cruisetour.
• You will also receive the following 24-Hour Emergency Hotline Assistance Services, arranged by the CPP Platinum Plan administrator's designated provider: Emergency Cash Transfer Assistance, Medical Consultation and Monitoring, Emergency Legal Assistance, Emergency Medical and Dental Assistance, Lost Travel Document Assistance and Emergency Medical Payment Assistance.

There are no pre-existing condition limitations in the CPP Platinum Plan!

"IMPORTANT NOTE": This is a summary of coverage. Please refer to the Description of 24-Hour Emergency Hotline Services and Certificate of Insurance in the CPP Platinum Plan pamphlet available from Holland America Line which contains the details of assistance services and insurance coverage, terms, conditions, exclusions and other applicable limitations. The CPP Platinum Plan is only available for U.S. and Canadian residents. The CPP Standard and CPP Platinum Plans are optional, must be paid at time of deposit and are non-refundable. The per person, per cruise costs for both plans are listed with the cruise fares. The insurance coverage provided under the CPP Platinum Plan is underwritten by Virginia Surety Company, Inc., under policy #HTP04195 and the CPP Platinum Plan is administered by BerkelyCare, a division of Affinity Insurance Services, Inc. in all states except: AIS Affinity Insurance Agency, Inc. in CA/MN/OK; and AIS Affinity Insurance Agency in NH and NY. Claims are administered by BerkelyCare, a division of Affinity Insurance Services, Inc., in all states except: Aon Direct Insurance Administrators in CA; AIS Affinity Insurance Agency, Inc. in OK; and AIS Affinity Insurance Agency in NH and NY. CA License #0795465. The program provides limited health insurance benefits and does not provide basic hospital, basic medical or major medical insurance as defined by the NY State Insurance Department. The CPP Standard Plan is not insurance and is administered by Holland America Line Inc.

Review Entire Certificate of Insurance

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.

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.

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.

Upgrades

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

Hotel & Vacation Packages

Some of the world's greatest travel highlights are within reach, before or after your cruise. Why not plan a little extra time and extend your experience even further with an expertly guided tour? Or explore at your own pace, with a premium hotel as your home base.

• Alaska
• Asia & Pacific
• Australia/New Zealand
• Canada/New England
• Caribbean
• Europe
• Hawaii
• Panama Canal
• South America
• Grand Voyages