Crew Appreciation & Service Charge Policy

13.1     Holland America Line operates an optional gratuity policy (also known as Crew Appreciation) on all it ships. This optional Crew Appreciation recognizes the efforts of a wide variety of crew members who contribute to the travelers’ experience on board. These crew members are employed in the various departments on board. The usual and recommended optional Crew Appreciation is US $18.00 per day per traveler for non-suites and US $20 per day per traveler for suites.

13.2   A non-refundable Service Charge of 20% of purchase will be automatically added to optional purchases of beverage packages, drinks, dining room and specialty dining, onboard parties, and other elected products, services or amenities provided to Travelers  that are not included in the travel price.  

13.3     If a traveler has prepaid the Crew Appreciation and/or Services Charge as part of an all-inclusive bundled or other applicable package, these monies are fully inclusive and therefore non-refundable or amendable from the time of purchase and confirmation.

13.4     All contributions to Crew Appreciation and Service Charge made by travelers in advance and aboard all ships in the Carrier's fleet will be aggregated after deducting transaction fees for credit card payments. This aggregated amount is distributed during the year to crew members throughout the fleet who interact directly with travelers and/or work behind the scenes during a cruise, including crew members working in the bars, restaurants, entertainment, housekeeping, guest service, kitchens and other outlets, in the form of compensation, including bonuses.