How to Build the Ultimate Vacation, Affordably

Planning a vacation that includes flights, hotels, and a cruise is easier — and more affordable — when travel plans are coordinated together from the start. This guide will walk you through how to select your itinerary, synch air and hotel plans, and reserve shore excursions, seamlessly.

With Holland America’s Flight Ease® platform and Navigator® app, you can bundle the essentials, track your documents, and manage every detail all in one place. The result: fewer moving parts, protected schedules, peace of mind, and more time to Savour the Journey.

Plan your flights, hotel nights, and cruise together so all your travel details are aligned under one umbrella if plans change. Guests enjoy multiple benefits from centralized reservations:

• Streamlined logistics, from airport arrivals to transfers
• Stress-free travel with support if last-minute needs arise
• Coordinated flight times for embarkation windows
• Shore excursions timed to sailing schedules
• Access to negotiated airfares, recommended hotels, and coordinated transfers

Start with where and how you want to explore. Consider the region, season, voyage length, and your onboard interests (culinary programs, live music, spa, or family time). Holland America operates across all seven continents offering variety for first-timer cruisers and seasoned travelers alike. Note that Grand Voyages & Grand World Voyages, Legendary Voyages, and marquee sailings, such as Northern Lights cruises can sell out a year or more in advance, so doing your research well in advance of your trip pays off.

Here are some of our most popular options for a family vacation on a budget:

If you’re looking for a combination land-and-sea package with guided touring, explore Alaska cruisetours for rail travel and time in Denali before or after your cruise.

When it comes to booking air travel, one option is Flight Ease® — Holland America’s flight-booking platform that allows you shop negotiated fares, align flights with your ship’s departure times, and link air travel directly to your cruise reservation for easy management and simplified check-in and transfer arrangements.

If you prefer to book flights on your own, perhaps with frequent flier miles or companion fares for a low-budget approach, simply add the flight details to your booking to coordinate embarkation timing and transfers.

To reduce stress and ensure on-time departures, it is highly recommended to build a cushion around embarkation day with a pre-cruise hotel night and consider a post-cruise stay to linger in your final port. Booking hotels and transfers through Holland America helps ensure:

• Check-in/out times align with flight arrivals and schedules
• Airport and hotel transfers are coordinated under one reservation
• Transfers are included between the airport, hotel, and ship

Because high-demand experiences often sell out, it’s important to book early. This includes popular wildlife, cultural, and small-group tours, specialty dining, and limited-seating events. Relax on board knowing everything on your list is taken care of ahead of time.

To add incredible value to your cruise, consider booking with the Have It All package to save money and enjoy upgrades including the Signature Drink Package, Specialty Dining, Shore Excursion Credit, and Surf Internet Package.

To set yourself up for smooth sailing and expedite embarkation, complete online check-in and accept your digital documents at least 30 days prior to your departure. During check-in, you can securely submit your immigration, disembarkation, and credit card registration forms. You can also receive your Boarding Pass. Please note: Do not print your Boarding Pass until seven days before departure to ensure boarding barcodes have been added.

To complete online check-in, you will need the following information for each guest:

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

During the online check-in process, print luggage tags to secure along with the rest of your cruise documents and attach tags to your bags once you’ve reached the city of embarkation. Do not attach before flights.

Manage your entire cruise experience from the palm of your hand with the Navigator® app — your mobile hub for digital boarding passes, daily schedules, shore excursion tickets, and reservations for dining, spa, and activities.

Download Navigator before your vacation to:

• View your itinerary and onboard account
• Book and manage dining reservations and services
• Retrieve digital excursion tickets and browse daily events

Considering shore excursions and tours for your ultimate vacation? There are several benefits for booking through Holland America. Our local guides across the globe offer expert insights and add deeper context and meaning — from the story behind a historic town square to the best vantage point for wildlife.

Enjoy special access to limited-capacity entries, early openings, or culinary experiences arranged through local partners. Transportation, timing and route planning logistics are handled to maximize your time ashore and reduce the risk of missing all-aboard. In addition, our trusted operators meet rigorous quality and safety criteria, with support from our onboard team if plans change.

Popular shore excursions include:

• Historic walking tours and museum visits
• Culinary tastings, cooking classes, and market walks
• Wildlife viewing, hiking, kayaking, and adventure
• Wine country visits and artisanal producer tours

Our partners are ready to cater to an array of activities that interest you.

Taking a few easy steps early in the planning process can make a budget-friendly family vacation a reality. Book early to secure space and the best choice of stateroom, flights, and limited-capacity tours — this is particularly important for bucket-list sailings and Grand Voyages.

Here’s a quick checklist for your next trip:

• Research and select your cruise and region
• Book flights (preferably via Flight Ease® for protected, flexible options)
• Reserve pre/post hotels and airport transfers
• Pre-book shore excursions, specialty dining, and other immersive experiences
• Complete Online Check-In
• Download Navigator & access your digital boarding pass

For the best availability and pricing, book several months in advance — earlier for peak seasons, Grand Voyages and Legendary Voyages that can sell out a year or more ahead.

You’ll find wildlife viewing, historic walking tours, culinary tastings, small-group adventures, and select experiences with exclusive access to notable landmarks and local experts.

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