What are the policies for vaccinated guests? What recommendations do you have for guests traveling internationally? Dr. Brenda Barnetson, senior director of clinical services, answers your top questions on health protocols for Holland America Line cruise departures from the U.S. and Europe. For more details about our TravelWell® health protocols, please visit the Holland America Line website.
27
September
2021
VIDEO: Dr. Brenda Answers Your Top Questions on Our Health Protocols
I have a cruise from san diego to mexico jan. 2, 2022, what policies will I have to follow? In jan 2021 I conttracted the covid virus and spent 16 days in a hospital, I have had 2 shots of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. What else besides the card CIGNA gave me will I need?
I am on a cruise from san diego on 2/1/22 and have to travel to san diego on the 1st.I have no idea of how to do a “medically supervised” test while I am traveling to san diego. I checked local firms and they said it takes 2-3 days to get results. Quick “home” tests which give results quickly are apparently not accepted by Holland America. If you don’t do the tests at the pier like other cruise lines I don’t know How I can continue to do business with you as you make it almost impossible
My husband and I both have a Drs exemption of the covid vaccine . We have both had covid and have antibodies to further infection . Are we not allowed to travel on HAL , even if we have a pcr test ?
Myself and husband are both fully vaccinated and also have the booster. When will we be able to cruise as he uses oxygen to sleep and occasionally during the day?
when are going to recognize Canadians with mixed vaccines and/or the az vaccine?
Having life lab test in B C. oct 13 to fly oct 15 to Venice a d boarding .Eurodam Oct 18
Will be tested at the terminal in Venice and is there a fee
Thank you
Hi Peter, here are our current health protocols. We expect 2022 to be released shortly: https://www.hollandamerica.com/en_US/worry-free-promise/travel-well/frequently-asked-questions/faq-for-cruises-from-usa.html
Hi Howard, we do accept rapid tests, so you can do it this way. We also accept medically supervised tests, so as long as you are supervised via zoom or in a drive-thru.
Please call reservations to discuss this, as we do not have authority over this type of exemption at the blog.
Hi Bonnie, please call reservations, as we do not have information on when the ban of portable oxygen will be lifted.
Hi Stewrt, we are following the guideline of the CDC.
My friend and I are sailing on November 27 ,2021 out of Fr Lauderdale. We don’t know what to do . Thursday is Thanksgiving (every thing will be closed ) and Friday is our flight we don’t know when to get our Covid test. Can you please advise. I don’t have a smart phone to zoom.
Please see if your local CVS or Walgreens is open Thursday, and Friday is ok, you can take a rapid test before or after your flight. You also can see if any of our Quest locations are available (in Miami it’s at Walmart, not a Quest facility). https://patient.questdiagnostics.com/no-cost-covid-test
For those of us leaving the ship at the end of our cruise and flying out to another country that requires a COVID test; does the ship provide any testing?
A complimentary antigen or PCR COVID-19 test will be administered to all guests on board on Day 5 or 6 of the voyage. This test fulfills the requirements for onward travel home in most instances where guests board a flight immediately after their cruise.
We are booked on the December 26, 2021 cruise from San Diego on the Konigsdam. This will require us to take a Covid test on either December 24 or 25. Quest Diagnostics is closed on December 24 and 25. We have been unable to find a pharmacy that offers testing on either of those dates. Can you give any advice, other than cancelling this cruise?
My wife and I are taking a 14 day cruise next summer round trip out of Amsterdam. On disembarkation day, we have a return flight to the US at noon. Your current Travel Safe information indicates that Covid testing will be provided onboard on the 5th or 6th day of the cruise. That will not satisfy the 72 hour prior to travel requirement for retuning to the US. Will that on board testing be done on a later day for a 14 day cruise? Please advise.
Your Travel Safe information indicates that the name on the vaccination ID card needs to match that which is listed on our photo ID (passport?). My first name is Thomas on my passport, but shown as Tom on my vaccination card. Will that cause a problem with embarkation? Will I have to have to have my vaccination card issued (if that is even possible)?
Hi Tom, the testing will be conducted as the requirements are needed so you will be ok.
You will be ok. It’s more if your passport name is Thomas and you have Jason on your vaccine card.
Hi Katherine. Holland America Line accepts the results of home tests administered while being supervised online. We have partnered with Optum so that U.S.-based vaccinated guests can order an FDA-authorized at-home antigen test kit, shipped to your door in 3 business days or less. These at-home tests include a personal virtually video-supervised visit with an eMed Certified Guide through telehealth services. These guides will help you properly administer the test and verify the results, within 15 minutes. The lab result report is delivered via email and can be printed or displayed on your mobile device during check-in. Please place your order with enough time to be shipped prior to your boarding. Click to order your kit: https://store.optum.com/shop/products/abbott-binaxNOW-COVID-19-ag-at-home-test-kit-2-pack/?utm_source=carnival&utm_medium=referral&utm_term=&utm_content=2-pack&utm_campaign=travel_ready_covid_test&utm_nooverride=1
An option for COVID-19 testing is through a company called Curative. You will be able to find a location and schedule a service at one of their 10,000 sites. You will get your test at one of their drive-thrus, kiosks, or mobile sites and receive your results digitally in 1-2 days. Please visit https://curative.com/
My family of six sails from Fort Lauderdale on December 30th on Nieuw Amsterdam. My worry is that, particularly with the holidays, the results of our test that is required two days before sailing will not be completed and sent to us.
What happens if we can show that we had the test but have not received results while traveling?
Hi James, if you have proof you were tested within two days, we will test you at the pier, so no worries! Enjoy your cruise.