Health Advisory and Travel Safety Procedures

To protect the health and safety of all onboard, we are closely monitoring the evolving situation with respect to COVID-19. Our medical experts are coordinating closely with international health authorities and together, we have developed enhanced screening, prevention and control procedures for our ships to keep guests and crew safe.

These measures include:

1. Any individual who has traveled from or through mainland China, Macau, Hong Kong, South Korea, Iran or lockdown areas within Lombardy and Veneto, Italy within 14 days of the start of their cruise (including transit through their airports) will not be permitted to board the ship.
   • Shipboard staff will be scanning guest passports to verify transit through any of the prohibited areas. Given the serious nature of these circumstances, false responses on pre-boarding documents will result in immediate disembarkation at the next opportunity. Guests who do not disclose travel through prohibited areas may also face additional legal consequences.
2. Any individual who has been in contact with a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19, or a person under monitoring for COVID-19 within 14 days of the start of the cruise, will not be permitted to board the ship.
3. Enhanced pre-boarding screening of all guests and crew, including temperature checks, who have visited any area with apparent community spread and for individuals reporting illness.
4. Standard pre-boarding health reporting for all guests advising them of their obligation to report any illness symptoms.
5. Medical screening for COVID-19 on all individuals who visit our onboard Medical Center with symptoms of respiratory illness.
6. Reporting to local health authorities of all cases of fever and respiratory illness, and any patients with suspected COVID-19 infection.
7. Crew members from China, South Korea or lockdown areas within Lombardy and Veneto, Italy will be delayed from joining any ship until further notice.
8. Enhanced environmental sanitation onboard with a disinfectant that kills coronaviruses within 30 seconds.

As with all respiratory illnesses, particularly during cold and flu season, you can take steps to reduce your risk of illness:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds.
• Supplement hand washing by using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid close contact with people suffering from respiratory illness.
• Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze using a tissue or your bent elbow.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Get vaccinated against seasonal influenza.

Updated information on the illness and travel advice, can be found at the CDC website.

Please be aware that as the situation is changing rapidly, you may be required to undergo additional health screening measures by local health officials before you disembark at any of the ports we visit, and entry requirements are subject to change. If any revisions need to be made to our itinerary due to travel restrictions, or to protect the health and safety of our guests and crew, we will update you as soon as possible.

The above is subject to change at any time based on the interests of health and safety of our guests and crew and any other requirements that may be imposed by local authorities.
*14-days is the accepted standard incubation period of COVID-19 recognized by the WHO and US CDC.

Guest Travel Guidelines

Our team recommends the following routine best practices for travel:

• Purchase travel insurance — It’s always a good idea to purchase Holland America Line’s Cancellation Protection Plan or Platinum Plan which allows you to cancel for any reason, or some other form of travel protection, not only to protect you from any losses stemming from unforeseeable circumstances during your vacation, but to give you confidence to make new plans. This should extend to airfare bookings as well.  Make sure you fully understand any policy you purchase to understand what is and isn’t covered.
• Provide Emergency Contacts — While our intention is to deliver a quality travel experience, in rare circumstances it may be necessary to reach an emergency contact on your behalf. Provide a validated emergency contact & phone number within your booking. The emergency contact should not be traveling with you, but another personal connection.
• Mobile phone instructions — Remember to enable an international travel plan inclusive of voice and data. Cell phone networks vary by country and Wi-Fi is not as available in some destinations. An international plan will enable you to stay connected at a reasonable rate and ensure you can be contacted.
• Pack extra medication — Guests are always encouraged to travel with at least two weeks of extra medication beyond the length of the cruise, when possible, in the event of unexpected travel delays and emergencies. Also bring a list of the names, strengths and dosages of all medications in case refills are required.
• Practice healthy travel habits always — According to the World Health Organization and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, the simplest and most effective way to prevent illness, is to take extra care to practice basic health habits, including:
  • Washing your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds
  • Taking advantage of hand sanitizer wherever it’s available
  • Covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing using a tissue or your bent elbow. And always dispose of the used tissue and wash your hands afterwards
  • Avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth with your hands 
  • Avoiding close contact with sick people

Be aware of latest health advisories and new travel restrictions as they may change with little notice.

 

Last update 7:43 PM PST 03-03-2020