Vaccine & Testing FAQs

It is highly recommended that guests are fully vaccinated and boosted (if eligible) at time of sailing.

To find out what vaccine and testing requirements apply to your voyage, click here. Enhanced testing and vaccine requirements may apply to certain itineraries, so it is important that guests check the requirements for their specific booking by using the link above.

We only accept vaccines that are approved or authorized for emergency use by the U.S. FDA, or the World Health Organization, or the European Medicines Agency (EMA). Some countries and regions on the itinerary may only accept vaccines approved by their regulatory agencies.

See  authorized U.S. FDA vaccines

See  authorized World Health Organization vaccines

See authorized European Medicines Agency vaccines

See authorized Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration vaccines

In a two dose vaccine series, we accept mixed vaccines types only if at least 2 doses of an authorized vaccine were administered at least 28 days apart, with the last dose given at least 14 days before sailing.

Guests should check the Health Protocols Look Up Tool to understand which voyages, require vaccination and which voyages do not require vaccination.  If you would like to sail on a voyage that requires vaccination and you would like to have an exemption request reviewed, please call us: 

• North America: 1-800-577-1728 
• Southampton, U.K.: 0344 338 8605 
• Rotterdam Office: 00800 1873 1873 
• Netherlands: 0800 724 5425 
• Sydney Office: 1300 987 322

For exemptions on any itineraries that include Canada or Alaska, the Canadian Government requires medical documentation for Medical Vaccine Exemptions. Guests who have an approved medical exemption from COVID-19 Vaccines are required to bring a letter from a physician. Guests can visit https://travel.gc.ca/travel-covid/travel-restrictions/exemptions#medical-reasons for information on this.

Additional information on entering Canada here: https://travel.gc.ca/travel-covid/travel-restrictions/wizard-start

For exemptions on any itineraries that include Australia, we manage an exemption process for a small number of guests with medical contraindications to the vaccine and for children under the age of 12 (or for sailings to Western Australia – children under the age of 5), subject to regulations of the ports we visit.

Exemptions are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Guests should check the Health Protocols Look Up Tool to understand which voyages, require vaccination and which voyages do not require vaccination.  If you would like to sail on a voyage that requires vaccination and you would like to have an exemption request reviewed, please call us:

• North America: 1-800-577-1728 
• Southampton, U.K.: 0344 338 8605 
• Rotterdam Office: 00800 1873 1873 
• Netherlands: 0800 724 5425 
• Sydney Office: 1300 987 322

For exemptions on any itineraries that include Canada or Alaska, the Canadian Government requires medical documentation for Medical Vaccine Exemptions for any sailing before October 1, 2022. Guests who have an approved medical exemption from COVID-19 Vaccines are required to bring a letter from a physician. Guests can visit https://travel.gc.ca/travel-covid/travel-restrictions/exemptions#medical-reasons for information on this.

Additional information on entering Canada here: https://travel.gc.ca/travel-covid/travel-restrictions/wizard-start

For exemptions on any itineraries that include Australia, we manage an exemption process for a small number of guests with medical contraindications to the vaccine and for children under the age of 12 (or for sailings to Western Australia – children under the age of 5), subject to regulations of the ports we visit. 

Exemptions are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Guests that tested positive for COVID-19 in the 8 to 90 days prior to embarkation should be ready to show evidence of their positive COVID-19 viral test (antigen or PCR) laboratory results at embarkation, in place of any required pre-embarkation tests (if applicable). Guests that do not have laboratory evidence of their positive test will be required to show evidence of a negative test that meets the testing requirements of their voyage.

Exceptions may apply for asymptomatic guests who have tested positive for COVID-19 within 90 days of their embarkation if they are at least 7 days past their COVID-19 infection, are fully recovered with no symptoms and produce documentation of recovery from COVID-19 infection. Guests are required to be on day 8 on their recovery from COVID-19 in order to embark on their cruise.

Documentation of Recovery consists of the following:

• Paper or electronic copies of the positive viral test result from a certified laboratory (dated no more than 90 days ago), or 
• A valid digital COVID-19 Certificate (DCC) or a document issued by a health or government authority showing confirmed previous infection. 

Guests who present these documents will need to go through a secondary screening at the terminal, and boarding will be approved at the medical staff’s discretion.

If you test positive for COVID-19 within 7 days of embarkation, you will be denied boarding. You will be allowed to board if you have completed 7 full days of isolation and have tested negative before boarding.

Yes, onboard team member vaccinations will be in accordance with CDC guidelines.   We’re also actively administering boosters to our crew members.

The following formats are acceptable proofs of a negative COVID-19 test: paper negative COVID-19 test results (original only), digital or emailed COVID-19 test results; or record of COVID-19 testing from a healthcare provider including original digital email notification or personal electronic health record. The negative COVID-19 test result must include:

• Where the test was administered, including information such as the name and contact information for the laboratory or healthcare personnel who performed the test  
• Type of test (indicating it is a PCR or antigen test)  
• A specimen collection date that meets the pre-embarkation testing requirements  
• Guest’s name and either date of birth, age, or passport number 
• A negative test result using words or phrases including:
  • Negative 
  • Undetectable 
  • SARS-CoV-2 RNA not detected 
  • SARS-CoV-2 antigen not detected 
  • COVID-19 not detected 
  • Not reactive 

Test results marked “invalid” are not accepted.

For cruises that allow an at-home, self-administered PCR or Antigen COVID-19 test, guests should take a photo of their test result with their mobile device. Their full names, date and time of test should be written on, or next to the test device result like the below: 

First Name: _____________________

Last Name: ______________________

Date of Birth: ____________________

Date the self-test was taken: ____________________

Self-test type: ___Antigen    ___PCR

Place self-test device below:

For medically observed self-tests:

• The testing procedure must include a telehealth service affiliated with the manufacturer of the test that provides real-time supervision remotely through an audio and video connection. 

• The telehealth provider must confirm the person’s identity, observe the specimen collection and testing procedures, confirm the test result, and issue a report that meets the requirements of acceptable proof of a negative COVID-19 test.

Contact your nearest health center, pharmacy, state health department, or transiting airport to learn more about their availability for COVID-19 testing.

We have partnered with Optum so that U.S.-based vaccinated guests not embarking in Greece 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 no more than two weeks prior to boarding. Order your Optum test kit online here.* or Radeas kit online here.*


Curative provides testing via drive-throughs, kiosks, or mobile sites and receive your results digitally in 1-2 days. You will be able to find a location and schedule a service at one of their 10,000 sites by visiting https://curative.com/.*

Another testing option may be available for fully vaccinated guests who are having trouble getting a pre-cruise testing appointment on select voyages. For voyages departing from Canada through September 30, 2022, we will be able to provide a limited number of antigen tests for fully vaccinated guests only at a cost of $60 per person.  Reservations are required and may be made up to 10 days in advance. Testing will take place on embarkation day at or near the cruise terminal. Test appointments are subject to capacity restrictions and reservations are required. Click here to register.

*You are now leaving the Holland America Line website and navigating to a 3rd party website that is not owned, operated, or controlled by Holland America Line or any of its affiliates.

If a guest brings proof of testing without results to the pier, Holland America Line will test them at no charge except for all cruises that go to Australia. Guests who arrive without a negative test result will experience a delayed embarkation, additional testing fees and risk denied boarding and subject to quarantine should a positive result be returned. The homeport labs will either be in or near our terminals.

For Australia, all guests must obtain a negative pre-embarkation test result to board.  Unfortunately, if you do not receive your test results in time, you will not be permitted to sail, and no refund will be provided in these circumstances. Rapid-Antigen Tests (are readily available at major supermarkets, pharmacies & airports with results back in as little as 15 minutes. These at home, self-administered tests are the quickest way to return a result and are accepted as requirement for embarkation.

Guests that tested positive for COVID-19 in the 8 to 90 days prior to embarkation should be ready to show evidence of their positive COVID-19 viral test (antigen or PCR) laboratory results at embarkation, in place of any required pre-embarkation tests (if applicable). Guests that do not have laboratory evidence of their positive test will be required to show evidence of a negative test that meets the testing requirements of their voyage.

Exceptions may apply for asymptomatic guests who have tested positive for COVID-19 within 90 days of their embarkation if they are at least 7 days past their COVID-19 infection, are fully recovered with no symptoms and produce documentation of recovery from COVID-19 infection. Guests are required to be on day 8 on their recovery from COVID-19 in order to embark on their cruise.

Documentation of Recovery consists of the following:

• Paper or electronic copies of the positive viral test result from a certified laboratory (dated no more than 90 days ago), or 
• A valid digital COVID-19 Certificate (DCC) or a document issued by a health or government authority showing confirmed previous infection. 
  

Guests who present these documents will need to go through a secondary screening at the terminal, and boarding will be approved at the medical staff’s discretion. 

If you test positive for COVID-19 within 7 days of embarkation, you will be denied boarding. You will be allowed to board if you have completed 7 full days of isolation and have tested negative before boarding. 

Anyone reporting or exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms will be reviewed by the shipboard medical staff and tested for SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19). COVID-19 cases will be assessed and treated either in their stateroom, or in a designated area of the Medical Center in a single occupancy ward.

Positive cases that do not require admission to the ship’s medical center, or medical disembarkation, will most likely be moved to a different stateroom for the duration of their isolation. 

If you, your family members, travelling companions or other close contact are quarantined or medically isolated during your voyage because of a positive COVID-19 test or are suspected of having COVID-19, you are entitled to a 100% Future Cruise Credit (FCC) for missed cruise days, including the time in quarantine, for you, your travel party, and any confirmed close contacts.

Given the current global travel and health environment, all booked guests are strongly encouraged to purchase travel insurance prior to departure to protect against losses. If you have purchased a travel protection plan through us, you and your traveling companion may make a claim for a refund under the trip interruption benefit instead of receiving the FCC.

1. Visit Health Protocols Look Up Tool to understand the pre-cruise vaccination and/or testing requirements specific to your booking and voyage.  
2. Complete all required vaccination/testing requirements, as outlined in the Health Protocols Look Up Tool in step 1.   
3. We encourage guests to use VeriFLY, a secure, free digital health application that allows them the ability to easily upload required pre-embarkation information, like their proof of vaccination and/or negative COVID-19 test results. Completing these tasks before check-in will make embarkation a faster and more seamless experience. https://www.hollandamerica.com/en_US/verifly-app.html  
4. Complete your Online Check-in at hollandamerica.com as soon as you have booked, including vaccination attestation and cruise contract.   
5. Complete your Holland America Line health questionnaire 72-24 hours before you embark using the Holland America Line Navigator app or online.   
6. Understand entry requirements for each country visited and bring all necessary travel documents.   
7. Guests that are on a voyage that begins, ends or visits a Canadian port that embarks before October 1, 2022 must also complete ArriveCAN, as required by the Canadian government. 

Guests on back-to-back voyages, ages 5 and above may be required to take a complimentary rapid antigen COVID-19 test before the second voyage. Shipboard medical staff will notify guests of any testing requirements. 

Our current policy is that guests will not need to pack and disembark with luggage for this testing between cruises.  Final details will be confirmed once on board, including when and where to go for testing if required 

We encourage vaccinated guests to use VeriFLY a secure, free digital health application that allows them the ability to easily upload required pre-embarkation information, like their proof of vaccination and negative COVID-19 test results. Completing these tasks before check-in will make embarkation a faster and more seamless experience. Unvaccinated guests or vaccinated guests who are unable to complete the VeriFLY process must present the required COVID-19 documentation at the time of check-in.

If you are unsure what your vaccination or testing requirements are, use our Health Protocols Look Up Tool

Given the current global travel and health environment, all booked guests are strongly encouraged to purchase travel insurance prior to departure to protect against losses. For eligible guests, CPP Platinum insurance that provides a broad range of benefits, including for COVID-19-related expenses, subject to the plan terms. Guests can also purchase third-party travel insurance as well and should check with the provider for specific details on their coverage terms and policies. While highly recommended, travel insurance is not required to cruise.

Masks are recommended, but not required, in most onboard venues, though you may need to wear them in select venues or certain situations on your cruise. Mask requirements are clearly designated through signage and onboard communications.

Masks may be required in terminals where local laws take priority. 

When going ashore guests must be prepared to follow all local guidance regarding masks and physical distancing. The status of local guidelines will be shared with guests prior to disembarkation at the destination. 

For Australia cruises, all guests aged 12 years and older, unless medically exempt, are required to wear a face mark when in a cruise terminal, while embarking or disembarking the ship, and when onboard in areas where physical distancing cannot be maintained. We also recommend face masks are worn onboard while indoors, except while eating or drinking, or when in your own room. Children under 12, excluding toddlers and infants, are also encouraged to wear a mask where practicable. Guests who are unable to wear a face mask due to a medical condition or disability should carry with them a medical certificate or letter signed by a registered health practitioner. 

We recommend guests wash or replace their mask daily and choose a good quality mask. Masks should have two or more layers, completely cover the nose and mouth, fit snuggly against the sides of the face and have a nose wire. Please note that visors and face shields will not be accepted as a substitute for a face mask. 

We’ll provide complimentary surgical masks on board with replacements available upon request. 

Guests using oxygen concentrators or undergoing peritoneal dialysis are welcome on all voyages. Guests using oxygen cylinders or undergoing hemodialysis on voyages with standard protocols is allowed. We are unable to allow guests to use oxygen cylinders or undergoing hemodialysis on sailings with Enhanced Protocols currently.

Guests can explore destinations on their own or on independent third-party tours. This is subject to change at any time; however, we highly recommend you choose shore excursions with Holland America Line as our teams are in contact with local officials who oversee health and safety standards for these guides and tours. 

The ability for guests to go ashore in ports of call is controlled by the governments of the ports we visit based on their individual COVID-19 protocols and requirements, which are quickly evolving and being updated. There are ports that do not allow unvaccinated guests ashore. Guests should consult with the government websites for details on vaccine and testing requirements for the countries they will be visiting. Please be aware that as destination conditions change, you may be required to take a Holland America Line shore excursion to go ashore. 

In Australia, in line with government guidelines, any guest aged 12 years and older who is not fully vaccinated due to a medical exemption, will only be allowed to go ashore at the destinations included in the cruise itinerary if they participate in an organised shore tour. They will not be able to undertake independent shore exploration or activities. Children under 12 years of age who are not fully vaccinated will be able to undertake independent shore activities if they are accompanied by fully vaccinated parent or guardian when going ashore. 

Our Casinos are enhanced with frequent sanitation of all high-touch surfaces, including table game positions, slot machines, and cashier areas. Smoking is allowed in the casino on select ships.