What do I need to do before boarding a Holland America cruise?
Complete Online Check-In before your sail date, then bring your boarding pass and required travel documents to the cruise terminal.
To help keep embarkation streamlined, Holland America strongly encourages downloading the Holland America Line Navigator app. After Online Check-In, print your Boarding Pass or access your electronic boarding pass in Navigator, then present it at the pier for check-in.
Have these ready at the terminal if you completed Online Check-In:
Express Docs, including your Boarding Pass
Proper proof of citizenship
Applicable visas (if required)
Important requirements
U.S. government security regulations require Holland America to submit certain guest information to law enforcement authorities at least 60 minutes prior to departure
To meet this requirement, the necessary information must be in records at least 90 minutes before departure
If that information is not received by the deadline, you will be unable to sail, and you will be responsible for costs to join the ship at the next port
Ship identification card and getting on board
Your Ship Identification Card will be delivered to your stateroom
For initial boarding after check-in, security will scan your boarding pass. After that, you will use your Ship Identification Card for the remainder of the voyage
Keep your Ship Identification Card and a valid government-issued photo ID available when getting on or off the ship, since you will scan your Ship Identification Card at the gangway for boarding
Embarkation and documents
Boarding begins at 12:00 p.m. (noon)
All guests must be checked in at least 90 minutes prior to the published sailing time
In some countries, passports may be collected temporarily to expedite immigration clearances; details will be communicated on board
Make copies of passport pages before departing, and do not place your passport in checked luggage
Getting settled early
In some circumstances, embarkation may begin as early as 11:30 a.m.
Staterooms are anticipated to be ready at approximately 1:00 p.m. Until then, you are welcome to use public areas, such as bar, lounge, or pool areas
Your baggage is expected to arrive in your stateroom later that afternoon
The Lido Market embarkation buffet and the Pool Grill open at 11:30 a.m.
Alcohol note
There are restrictions on consuming alcoholic beverages brought on board, see the related FAQ for details.