Europe Sailings Questions & Answers

All guests 12 years of age and older must be fully vaccinated on all Holland America Line cruises. For these European cruises the definition of “fully vaccinated” is at least 14 days and no more than 270 days (9 months) since the last dose in the vaccine series of an approved COVID-19 vaccine.  A single booster does is required for guests 18 years of age and older whose final dose of an approved/authorized COVID-19 vaccine is older than 9 months (270 days) to be considered “fully vaccinated”.
 

Children under 5 years of age do not need to be vaccinated. Children between 5-11 years of age may be unvaccinated but will need to go through an exemption process and may be subject to additional testing, fees, and protocols. Holland America Line operates fully vaccinated cruises that meet the U.S. CDC requirement for sailing. As such, exemptions will be very limited.
 

Guests who travel internationally should always ensure they understand all entry and airline requirements to travel (including connecting airports) to and from their home country and the destinations they plan to visit, including where health authorities may require pre-travel COVID-19 testing and booster shots earlier than CDC guidelines. Details continue to be updated regularly; official websites and apps developed by government agencies and tourism ministries are the recommended resources.
 

Failure to provide this evidence will result in denial of boarding. If you are unlikely to be fully vaccinated at the time of departure, please refer to our  Worry Free Promise and Flexible Cancellation policies.

For these cruises the definition of “fully vaccinated” is at least 14 days and no more than 270 days (9 months) since the last dose in the vaccine series of an approved COVID-19 vaccine.  A single booster does is required for guests 18 years of age and older whose final dose of an approved/authorized COVID-19 vaccine is older than 9 months (270 days) to be considered “fully vaccinated”.

Only one booster dose is required to be considered fully vaccinated. We strongly encourage guests to stay up to date on vaccinations based on any updated guidelines, but at this time, a single booster dose will meet all booster requirements for cruising.

Proof of vaccination and the dates given will be required and must be shown at the terminal prior to boarding.   

COVID-19 vaccine boosters are required for guests 18 years of age and older whose final dose of an approved/authorized COVID-19 vaccine is older than 9 months (270 days).  Guests without a booster after this time are not considered “fully vaccinated”. 

Only one booster dose is required to be considered fully vaccinated. We strongly encourage guests to stay up to date on vaccinations based on any updated guidelines, but at this time, a single booster dose will meet all booster requirements for cruising. 

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

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.

Digital or paper records, or QR codes, showing the vaccine type, the date of each vaccine administered, the individuals name and date of birth or other identifier. The EU digital Covid certificate will also be accepted.

During check-in at the terminal, you will be required to show full proof of vaccination. If you are unable to produce the described proof of vaccination, you will be denied boarding without refund, credit, or compensation of any kind.

Given the advanced progress of vaccination programs, and strong expressed preference on the part of our guests, all sailings will be for COVID-19 vaccinated guests only. Policies continue to change and we will continue to monitor and adapt to the latest advice. If our policies change, an update will be shared with booked guests and travel advisors, as well as on the Holland America Line website.

We manage an exemption process for children 5-11 years of age who are not vaccinated. All exemptions must still follow all other requirements for unvaccinated guests. Limited exemptions will be considered. Children under five years old (who are not yet eligible for COVID-19 vaccine) are not required to apply for vaccine exemption. 

To request an exemption, 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

All guests ages five and above will require a medically observed, negative viral COVID-19 test (PCR or antigen) result taken within three days of cruise embarkation for all European cruises except for embarkations in Greece which requires a two day medically observed antigen test or a 3-day PCR COVID-19 test.

Guests that have been approved for a vaccination exemption, including children ages 5-11, will need an embarkation day COVID-19 test performed at the terminal in addition to a negative pre-cruise PCR test result taken within three days before embarkation. Charges may apply. 

Guests who travel internationally should always ensure they understand all entry and airlines requirements to travel from their home country and the destinations they plan to visit. Details continue to be updated regularly; official websites and apps developed by government agencies and tourism ministries are the recommended resources. 

Guests must take a SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) medically observed, viral test that's either an antigen test or a nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT).

• Antigen tests include:
  • Rapid antigen
  • Viral antigen
  • Antigen chromatographic digital immunoassay
  • Antigen chemiluminescence immunoassay
  • Antigen lateral flow fluorescence
• Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAAT) include:
  • Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
  • Reverse transcription real-time PCR (RT-PCR)
  • Quantitative PCR (qPCR)
  • Reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP)
  • Transcription-mediated amplification (TMA)
  • Molecular test or molecular diagnostic
  • Isothermal amplification
  • Droplet digital PCR or digital droplet PCR (ddPCR)
  • Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)

Vaccinated guests may use a medically observed self-test (sometimes referred to as an at-home test) that meets the following criteria:

• The test must be a SARS-CoV-2 viral test (nucleic acid amplification test [NAAT] or antigen test) with Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Please note, antigen tests are accepted for fully vaccinated guests, but not for unvaccinated guests.
• 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. Some FDA-authorized self-tests that include a telehealth service may require a prescription.
• 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.

Holland America Line has partnered with Optum, eMed and Radeas so that vaccinated guests can order an FDA-authorized at-home antigen test kit, shipped to home. These at-home tests include a telehealth service. Please place your order with enough time to be shipped prior to your boarding. Order your Optum test here* (2-pack for $69.99 or 3-pack for $99.99). Order your Radeas single pack for $45 here*. An eMed 6-pack is available for $150 here*.

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

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 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 test kit online here.*  (2-pack for $69.99 or 3-pack for $99.99). An eMed 6-pack for $150 is available here.* 

Radeas offers an at-home antigen test kit ($45 each), which can be ordered and shipped to your door for free in 5-7 business days. The kit includes a telemedicine consultation. Orders can be shipped within one month of your cruise date. Order your 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 the U.S. and 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 charged via credit card at the time of reservation.  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. https://www.docgo.com/cruiseguests*

*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.

Guests ages five and above will require a medically observed, negative viral COVID-19 test (PCR or antigen) result taken within three days of cruise embarkation for all European cruises except for embarkations in Greece which requires a two day medically observed antigen test or a 3-day PCR COVID-19 test.

If a guest brings proof of testing without results to the pier, Holland America Line will test them at no charge. Guests who arrive without a negative test result will experience additional fees, a delayed embarkation and risk denied boarding and subject to quarantine should a positive result be returned.   

Yes, if a negative antigen COVID-19 test is required for re-entry into your home country, Holland America Line will cover the costs of a COVID-19 test which will be conducted onboard before disembarkation. The U.S. no longer requires testing to reentry into the country.

Guests who book a post-cruise stay before traveling home should ensure they meet all testing requirements. If the test provided on board does not meet the requirements for onward travel, additional testing is the responsibility of the guest at their expense.

Exceptions may apply for asymptomatic guests who have tested positive for COVID-19 within 90 days of their embarkation if they are at least 10 days past their COVID-19 infection, are fully recovered with no symptoms and produce documentation of recovery from COVID-19 infection. 
 

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. 
   

Guest 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.

1. Negative, medically observed COVID-19 Test
2. Proof of Vaccination conducted at a minimum of 14 days prior to the beginning of the cruise.
3. Complete vaccination attestation in Holland America Navigator app or online. 
4. Complete your Holland America Line health questionnaire 72-24 hours before you embark on the ship using the Holland America Line Navigator app or online. 
5. Complete your Online Guest Registration at hollandamerica.com as soon as you have booked. 
6. Understand entry requirements for each country visited and complete any Passenger Locator Forms and any pre-travel registrations with those countries.

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.

The terms and conditions associated with reservations on a charter are determined and administered by the organizing charterer. As such, Holland America Line’s standard booking policies, including the Worry-free Promise and certain aspects of TravelWell®, do not apply to charters. Holland America Line does provide non-monetary support to guests who require Covid-related assistance at embarkation or during their cruise. Please contact the organizer for any questions related to your charter booking.

Guests on back-to-back voyages will need to disembark the ship at the end of each voyage, receive a complimentary viral COVID-19 test, and will be permitted to board the ship again once they receive a negative test result. 

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.

Guests who test positive for COVID-19 will be denied boarding on the next voyage, together with their family members and close contacts who are not fully vaccinated. If you, your family members, travelling companions or other close contacts are suspected of having COVID-19, you are entitled to a 100% Future Cruise Credit.

We will closely monitor all guidance and will adapt and evolve this policy accordingly.

Guests are allowed to book pre-cruise  hotels. They must, however, fulfill all requirements for pre-cruise testing as the destination requires.
 

Guests should check for the latest requirements on the destination official government websites to understand what documents and tests may be required upon arrival.

Guests will be assigned a boarding time to embark, which will be provided closer to the sailing date. Physical distancing will be managed in the cruise terminal as guests arrive and check in. Please download the Navigator mobile app for access to your digital boarding pass and more.  For the health and safety of all, guests arriving to the terminal more than 20 minutes prior to their assigned check-in time will be asked to return at their designated time in order to maintain proper controls on capacity.

Assigned check-in times will be processed initially at approximately 50 days prior to the sailing.  Updates will be processed again at 21, 14, 7 and 3 days prior to sailing.  If the time shows "To Be Assigned" it will be assigned with the next update processed for the sailing based on the above cadence of assignments.

All workers will be highly encouraged to be vaccinated.  We will require periodic testing of people working at the terminal, terminals will be sanitized more frequently, and workers will wear appropriate PPE and maintain social distancing.

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

Masks on board are recommended but not required indoors or outdoors*. We highly recommend guests wear a mask in the World Stage and other entertainment areas, casino, spa treatment rooms, youth activity centers and during any other congregate events.

Masks may be required in terminals where local laws take priority or upon circumstances beyond our control to meet government mandates should they occur. 

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.  

Health experts advise that guests use a higher-grade mask while indoors (such as KN95 or surgical masks) that have two or more layers, completely cover the nose and mouth, fit snuggly against the side 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. Holland America Line will be providing complimentary surgical mask(s) on board with replacements available upon request. 

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. 

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. Onboard COVID-19 related medical center care for positive or suspected COVID-19 cases will be free of charge. 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. 

Due to restrictions at some ports, it may be required that guests who have tested positive and their close contacts disembark and continue isolation ashore instead of on the ship. If you’re required to disembark the ship, we’ll work with the local port authorities to secure the most appropriate accommodation for your period of isolation. In some instances, local authorities require isolation take place at a specific hotel, pre-approved to accommodate positive cases of COVID-19.

While we welcome guests who use oxygen concentrators and are undergoing peritoneal dialysis, we are currently unable to accept guests who use oxygen tanks or are undergoing hemodialysis at this time. We remain optimistic that out approach on future sailings will become more flexible.  

If you or any members of your party refuse to comply with our COVID-19 policies and onboard public health measures you may be disembarked at the first available opportunity or will not be allowed to board the ship. Other consequences could include being denied service, required stateroom isolation and being banned from sailing in the future. If you are non-compliant, you will not be entitled to a refund, credit or compensation of any kind and will be responsible for all costs and fines, including (without limitation) travel expenses. If your travel party is impacted and/or they are required or voluntarily choose to leave with you, the same policies will apply to them.

Yes, our teammates will serve you at all times. Line monitors will also manage guest flow.

Our youth program, Club HAL, will operate, but we will not offer food or drink other than water. The Club HAL programs will be geared to the ages of the children on the cruise. All persons (adult guests, children, and team members) inside the youth centers will wear a mask regardless of age or vaccination status.

High-touch surfaces, supplies, toys, and equipment will be sanitized frequently. High-contact sports games and singing activities, such as karaoke and the talent show, will not be offered.

Carnival Corporation has been working with a number of world-leading public health, epidemiological and policy experts to support its ongoing efforts for developing enhanced protocols and procedures for the return of cruise vacations based on the latest knowledge around protection and mitigation.

Every ship has dedicated medical staff (Doctors, Nurses, etc.) operating ship medical centers to serve guests and crew on board.  They are informed on the latest COVID-19 scientific status and trained on all relevant COVID-19 procedures.  

We’re enhancing our shipboard medical capabilities with the necessary staffing, medications, supplies, oxygen, equipment and procedures to triage and treat multiple COVID-19 cases across the full clinical spectrum including intensive care. We’ll also include staff responsible to oversee onboard aspects of public health and outbreak prevention and response.  

The medical staff requirements and equipment on each ship will meet or exceed the guidelines from the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) Healthcare Guidelines for Cruise Ship Medical Facilities.

Fully vaccinated guests will be allowed to interact with guests outside of their immediate family or travel group.