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 the Book Shore Excursions page under the Plan Your Cruise section of the website. 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.

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 the Book Shore Excursions page under the Plan Your Cruise section of the website. 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.

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.

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

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.

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 and ms Oosterdam. 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.

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.

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 and ms Noordam. In addition, full laundry and valet services are available on all of our ships.

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.

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$15.00 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.

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$15.00 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.

Guests Under 21

Guests under 21 years of age must be accompanied by a parent, guardian or chaperone who is at least 25 years old; one adult chaperone is required for every five people under the age of 21. 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 baptism record for ID. Children over the age of 14 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.

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.

Smoking

For the comfort of all of our guests, designated smoking and nonsmoking areas are available in most lounges. Smoking is not permitted at any time in dining areas. 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.

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.

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.

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.

Internet, E-mail, Mobile Phones & Webcams

Internet* & E-mail 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. In addition, there is dial-up available in staterooms on the ms Westerdam, ms Zuiderdam, ms Oosterdam and ms Noordam.

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: Your first initial + last name + your four (4) digit cabin number (with no spaces in between) + @"shipname".cruisemail.net. For ships without a 4-digit stateroom number, add an extra zero before your stateroom number (i.e. stateroom 038 would be 0038).

Example:

John Smith, in Cabin 0038 on the ms Rotterdam, - His CruisE-mail address will be: jsmith0038@rotterdam.cruisemail.net

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

Mobile Phones

Through an agreement with SeaMobile, a leading provider of satellite-based broadband services, 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, and friends and family who are far away on land. 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 billing for calls made while on the SeaMobile network are billed as a roaming charge on the regular carrier's invoice. Charges appear as "SeaMobile Roaming Charges".

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 SeaMobile.

Availability of service is not guaranteed; it depends on the participation of your home mobile service provider and service permissions. Prepaid phone plans are not supported. If your phone does not work, please check with your home provider. Other restrictions and limitations may apply.

Webcams

Holland America Line does not publish webcam information online.

Telephone, Fax & Mail

Telephone

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. Similarly, friends and family in the U.S. and Canada may contact Holland America ships by direct-dialing the following number:

1-866-HAL-SHIP (1-866-425-7447)
Callers should have the ship name, party name and the cabin number ready before dialing. Those at home may also dial each ship directly by dialing the International Access # (011 from the U.S.), Ocean Code # and Ship #.

Ocean Codes:
Pacific Ocean Region 872 Alaska & Pacific
Atlantic Ocean West 874 Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South America
Atlantic Ocean East 871 Europe, Africa, and Mediterranean
Indian Ocean Region 873

Ship Numbers:
ms Amsterdam 324-437-011
ms Maasdam 130-2513
ms Noordam 324-602-821
ms Oosterdam 324-541-710
ms Prinsendam 324-412-610
ms Rotterdam 324-616-710
ms Ryndam 130-2562
ms Statendam 130-2515
ms Veendam 330-943-511
ms Volendam 324-596-816
ms Westerdam 324-412-810
ms Zaandam 324-644-212
ms Zuiderdam 324-530-410

For example: someone calling from the U.S. to the ms Amsterdam in Alaska would dial: 011-872-324-437-011.

Please note: 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.

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. Additional communication instructions can be found in your travel documents or on board the vessel in your cabin information directory.

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.

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:

CareVacations
phone: 877-478-7827
Fax: 800-648-1116
res@carevacations.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 .

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:

CareVacations
phone: 877-478-7827
Fax: 800-648-1116
res@carevacations.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 .

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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!

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.

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.

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 Paymaster Corporation
P.O. Box C34013
Seattle, WA 98124-1013 U.S.A.

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

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.

Hotel Service Charge

Our crew works very hard to make sure that every aspect of your cruise meets the highest standards. This includes those crewmembers who serve you directly, such as dining room wait staff and the stewards who service your stateroom each day. There are also many others who support their efforts whom you may never meet, such as galley and laundry staff. To ensure that the efforts of all of our crewmembers are recognized and rewarded, a Hotel Service Charge of US$10 per passenger is automatically added to each guest's shipboard account on a daily basis. 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 crewmembers, and represents an important part of their compensation. 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.

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 (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 of your cruise. 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.

Safety and Security Onboard

Holland America Line is totally committed to a comprehensive program to ensure the safety and security of its passengers and ship personnel. During the past two decades, North American cruise lines have maintained the best safety record in the travel industry, and safety standards on cruise ships are stricter and more consistent than in any other segment of the travel industry.

Holland America Line supports and adheres to stringent, internationally-agreed standards for the design, construction and operation of ocean-going cruise ships as set forth by the International Maritime Organization (a specialized agency of the United Nations) in the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention. This document has been ratified and is enforced by virtually all the major "seafaring" nations of the world, including the United States.

The SOLAS agreement prescribes, in great detail, safety specifications in all areas of passenger vessel operations, including design, construction methods and materials, refurbishment standards, life-saving equipment, fire protection, safety training and drill procedures, among dozens of other precautions. All materials from hull steel to upholstery must comply with IMO standards that result from extensive material and type testing by IMO's special technical committee.

Since SOLAS was first drafted in 1948, it has been continually updated and expanded to increase the safety requirements as based on practical experience and/or scientific research. In North America, the cruise industry also cooperates fully with the U.S. Coast Guard, which is empowered by Congress to inspect all foreign-flag vessels operating from North American ports and to issue a Control Verification Certificate, without which a foreign-flag ship would be prohibited from embarking U.S. passengers.

All Holland America ships meet the stringent Dutch standards for safety, in addition to SOLAS. The ships are inspected annually by the flag states and quarterly by the U.S. Coast Guard. In addition, surveyors from Lloyds' Register of Shipping, London, inspect each ship in detail annually and make spot checks at other intervals. Lloyds' is the "classification society" for all Holland America ships and acts for the flag state on many issues. All Holland America ships that visit Canada also are inspected annually by the Canadian Coast Guard.

All of the inspections test all watertight doors, firefighting equipment, fire- and smoke-detecting systems, fire screen doors, communications systems, alarm systems, lifeboats and liferafts, lifejackets and buoys, distress signals and all navigational equipment. These inspections are accompanied by extensive lifeboat, damage control and firefighting drills.

In addition to these required inspections and drills, Holland America Line conducts an ongoing safety program. Boat drills and fire drills for crew and boat drills for passengers take place weekly. Passenger boat drills -- at which attendance is taken and life jackets are worn -- take place in most ports of embarkation before departure and never later than 24 hours after departing the port of embarkation. Watertight doors and fire detection systems are tested daily; other equipment weekly. In addition a safety video covering lifeboat, fire and general safety is aired on the in-cabin television system for passenger viewing.

Crew Training

As part of their education at internationally renowned merchant marine academies, the officers of the Deck and Engine Room Departments receive extensive safety training. They receive additional instruction at the Marine Safety International training center in Rotterdam, The Netherlands. Holland America's marine hotel officers also receive marine safety training. In addition, deck and engine room officers receive practical training at institutes in England and the United States. Officers, petty officers and crew attend firefighting training classes at H.Z. Safety in Flushing, The Netherlands; Den Helder Training Center, Den Helder, The Netherlands; and the Fremont Maritime Services Training Center in Seattle, Wash.

In addition, officers have received crisis management and human behavior training as required by the Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW).

In addition to fire prevention and firefighting training, all crewmembers receive extensive instruction in emergency disembarkation procedures, lifeboat and life raft handling. Courses are given on board all ships for the lifeboat handler certificate. This training includes emergency disembarkation procedures, boat and raft handling, complete knowledge of lifeboat and life raft inventory, and survival at sea measures. SOLAS and the U.S. Coast Guard recognize this certification. The theoretical and practical exams are conducted on board in the English language by inspectors from the Netherlands Shipping Inspectorate. Crewmembers who pass the exams are fully licensed to be lifeboat commanders. All crewmembers also are required to view safety instruction videos on an ongoing basis.

Holland America Line requires all officers, crew and other staff to speak English. In addition, ongoing English language courses are conducted on board all ships to continually improve safety and service levels.

Security

Holland America has a comprehensive on-board security program developed in conjunction with the consulting firm, International Maritime Security Co. of London, England. Ship-specific security plans have been developed. All on-board security officers are professionally trained law enforcement officers. In addition, IMS continually updates Holland America with worldwide security advisories.

A cruise ship is comparable to a secure building with round-the-clock security. Since cruise ships operate in a strictly controlled environment, access can be tightly regulated. Every person on board, including passengers and crewmembers, is placed on an official manifest and may leave or enter the ship only after passing through strict security measures. Ship security measures include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Holland America Line provides photo identification badges to employees.
• Holland America Line does not permit visitors on board ship unless they have pre-arranged permits from Cruise Operations.
• Passengers are provided with guest identification cards (also used for onboard purchases) that are electronically checked before each passenger is allowed to board the ship.
• Hand-carried luggage is X-rayed and passengers pass through a walk-through security screening system prior to embarkation.
• All cabin baggage is also inspected.

In the aftermath of the terrorism attacks of September 11, 2001, in December 2002 SOLAS was amended and the International Ship Security and Port Faculty Code was enacted with an effective date of July 1, 2004 for implementation. Security measures already in place by Holland America meet or exceed the requirements of the Code; and Holland America continually reviews and enhances security procedures to ensure the safest possible travel environment.