Europe Sailings Questions & Answers

• Negative COVID-19 Test: Holland America Line will administer a complimentary rapid COVID-19 test at the cruise terminal prior to embarkation.  We strongly recommend all guests take a viral test within 3 days of embarkation to avoid travel disruptions associated with a positive result.
  
  
• Proof of Vaccination: It is our guests’ responsibility to comply with our current Holland America Line vaccination policy. Ministry of Health personnel will validate information upon flight arrival so please bring proof of documentation with you. The information provided will be subject to their data privacy policies.   Additionally, using the Navigator mobile app or online check-in, guests will be required to attest that they are fully vaccinated at least 14 days prior to the beginning of the cruise, and bring an original proof of vaccination to cruise check-in.   
  
  
• Passenger Locator Form (PLF): Prior to traveling, guests will be required to complete the Greek (https://travel.gov.gr/#/) and/or Italian (https://app.euplf.eu/#/) government’s PLF, no later than 24-hours prior to arriving in to either country. The information provided will be subject to their data privacy policies. After completing the PLF, you will get confirmation email and a QR code required for entry. Guests are required to bring their physical vaccination card with them.
  
  
• Health Questionnaire: You must also complete your Holland America Line health questionnaire 72-24 hours before you embark the ship using the Navigator mobile app or online check-in. You’ll be asked to complete the questionnaire before leaving home to begin traveling on your vacation, and then reconfirm your answers when arriving at the port.
  
  If you have any symptoms of illness, you will be separated from other embarking guests for secondary medical screening.  Depending on the outcome of the screening, you and your traveling party may be denied boarding. During a secondary medical screening, our medical staff will need to verify your health questionnaire answers, or any corrections, and then consider whether to permit you to embark.  
  
  If you refuse to be tested or screened, or to follow the COVID-19 Protocols, you may be denied boarding and no refund or credit will be issued.      Information provided will be subject to our privacy notice on hollandamerica.com, and shared only as needed with Holland America Line personnel, third parties or local health authorities as part of screening and embarkation-related health protocols.
  

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.

Guests are welcome to book back to back cruises. Both individual 7-day and 14-day Collector Voyages combining two different 7-day cruises are open for booking.

A complimentary antigen or PCR COVID-19 test will be administered to all guests on board on Day 5 or 6 of the voyage. This test is a requirement as part of the EU Healthy Gateways Protocols. This test fulfills the requirements for onward travel home in most instances where guests board a flight immediately after their cruise.   

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.

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.

Yes. Holland America Line is offering post-cruise hotel packages. 
 

You may also book lodging at your own discretion, following local guidelines. Guests must fulfill all requirements for additional testing for onward travel however as the destination(s) may require.  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.   Guests should check for the latest requirements on the destination official government websites to understand what documents and tests may be required for a post-cruise extended stay. 

• Negative COVID-19 Test: Holland America Line will administer a complimentary rapid COVID-19 test at the cruise terminal prior to embarkation.  We strongly recommend all guests take a viral test within 3 days of embarkation to avoid travel disruptions associated with a positive result.
  
  
• Proof of Vaccination: It is our guests’ responsibility to comply with our current Holland America Line vaccination policy. Ministry of Health personnel will validate information upon flight arrival so please bring proof of documentation with you. The information provided will be subject to their data privacy policies.   Additionally, using the Navigator mobile app or online check-in, guests will be required to attest that they are fully vaccinated at least 14 days prior to the beginning of the cruise, and bring an original proof of vaccination to cruise check-in.   
  
  
• Passenger Locator Form (PLF): Prior to traveling, guests will be required to complete the Greek (https://travel.gov.gr/#/) and/or Italian (https://app.euplf.eu/#/) government’s PLF, no later than 24-hours prior to arriving in to either country. The information provided will be subject to their data privacy policies. After completing the PLF, you will get confirmation email and a QR code required for entry. Guests are required to bring their physical vaccination card with them.
  
  
• Health Questionnaire: You must also complete your Holland America Line health questionnaire 72-24 hours before you embark the ship using the Navigator mobile app or online check-in. You’ll be asked to complete the questionnaire before leaving home to begin traveling on your vacation, and then reconfirm your answers when arriving at the port.
  
  If you have any symptoms of illness, you will be separated from other embarking guests for secondary medical screening.  Depending on the outcome of the screening, you and your traveling party may be denied boarding. During a secondary medical screening, our medical staff will need to verify your health questionnaire answers, or any corrections, and then consider whether to permit you to embark.  
  
  If you refuse to be tested or screened, or to follow the COVID-19 Protocols, you may be denied boarding and no refund or credit will be issued.      Information provided will be subject to our privacy notice on hollandamerica.com, and shared only as needed with Holland America Line personnel, third parties or local health authorities as part of screening and embarkation-related health protocols.

Given the advanced progress of vaccination programs, and strong expressed preference on the part of our guests, sailings through December 31, 2021 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.

Our 2021 cruises are available for guests who have received their final dose of an approved COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days prior to the beginning of the cruise and have proof of vaccination. Proof of COVID-19 vaccination and the dates given will be required and will need to be shown at the terminal prior to boarding. 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.

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, including where health authorities may require pre-travel COVID-19 testing. Details continue to be updated regularly; official websites and apps developed by government agencies and tourism ministries are the recommended resources.

At this time, sailings through December 31, 2021 are available to fully vaccinated guests.

Acceptable vaccines are those that have an emergency use authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or will have received emergency use listing from the World Health Organization (WHO).

It is each guest’s responsibility to comply with our current Holland America Line vaccination policy. Prior to the cruise departure, guests will be required to attest that they have received their final dose of an approved COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days prior to the beginning of the cruise and have proof of vaccination. 
 

The following formats are acceptable proofs of full vaccination: original COVID-19 vaccination card, digital COVID-19 certificate (QR code acceptable); or record of COVID-19 vaccination from a healthcare provider including original digital email notification, personal electronic health record, or government Immunization Information System (IIS) record. 

 
The following identifiers for the proof of full vaccination should include your first and last name, a patient identifier such as date of birth, medical record ID, or government ID, type of vaccine (manufacturer), date of all doses administered, lot number, if available, and healthcare professional or clinic site name.  The full proof of vaccination must show that your final dose of vaccine was received at least two weeks (14 days) prior to the beginning of the cruise.  Alternative proof may be required if there are questions and concerns about the proof of vaccination you produce. 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. 

 
Failure to provide this evidence will result in denial of boarding. Information provided will be subject to our privacy notice on hollandamerica.com, and shared only as needed with Holland America Line personnel, third parties or local health authorities as part of screening and embarkation-related health protocols. 

To be considered fully vaccinated, you must have received the full series of a US FDA or WHO authorized COVID-19 vaccine or a combination of authorized vaccines and have received your last dose at least 14 days prior to the day of embarkation.

For cruises departing the United States, the CDC require both vaccines in a 2-dose series to be of the same type. They also accept mixing mRNA vaccines only (each dose is from either Pfizer and Moderna.) No other combinations are considered fully vaccinated.

For cruises outside of the United States, you may be regarded as fully vaccinated if you have received your first dose of AstraZeneca followed by a single dose of mRNA vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna) to complete the 2-dose series.

No.  Guests who have received the full series of a US FDA or WHO authorized COVID-19 vaccine or a combination of authorized vaccines and have received your last dose at least 14 days prior to the day of embarkation are considered fully vaccinated. COVID-19 vaccine boosters are not required at this time, nor is a 14 day waiting period after a booster has been administered.

Regardless of age, all guests on voyages departing through December 31, 2021 must be fully vaccinated in order to sail. Guests should always ensure they understand all requirements to travel for their home country and the destinations they plan to visit. Details continue to be updated regularly and official websites and apps developed by government agencies and tourism ministries are the recommended resources to check for the most current guidance.

It is each guest’s responsibility to comply with our current Holland America Line vaccination policy. Prior to the cruise departure, guests will be required to attest that they have received their final dose of an approved COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days prior to the beginning of the cruise and have proof of vaccination.

Original proof of vaccination will be required at cruise check-in and should clearly show the guest’s name on the vaccination card matching their photo ID, the dates of vaccine doses, and the name of facility administering the vaccination. Alternative proof may be required if there are questions and concerns about the submitted proof of vaccination. 

Failure to provide this evidence will result in denial of boarding. Information provided will be subject to our privacy notice on hollandamerica.com, and shared only as needed with Holland America Line personnel, third parties or local health authorities as part of screening and embarkation-related health protocols. 

All guests traveling to Greece are currently required to complete a Passenger Locator Form and to bring proof of vaccination. 

At the cruise terminal in Greece, Holland America Line will administer a complimentary rapid COVID-19 test prior to embarkation.  We strongly recommend all guests take a viral COVID-19 test (PCR or antigen) within 3 days of embarkation to avoid travel disruptions associated with a positive result.  Proof of a negative test is not required for entry into Greece for all travelers that have completed their vaccination and hold a vaccination certificate. For more details on the requirements to enter Greece, visit https://travel.gov.gr/#/.  

All guests traveling to Italy are currently required to complete a Passenger Locator, bring proof of vaccination and proof of a negative COVID-19 test (PCR or antigen). 

Proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of arrival into Italy is required for entry into the country.  Guests should check for the latest requirements on the destination official government website to understand what documents and tests may be required upon arrival.  https://app.euplf.eu/#/

Guests arriving into Italy must provide proof of pre-arrival negative COVID-19 testing, as required by the Italian authorities, as part of the Re-Open EU recommendations.


For all other European embarkation countries, we strongly recommend all guests take a viral test within 3 days of embarkation to avoid travel disruptions associated with a positive result.  In Greece, Holland America Line will administer a complimentary rapid COVID-19 test at the cruise terminal prior to embarkation.  

No.  Guests who have received the full series of a US FDA or WHO authorized COVID-19 vaccine or a combination of authorized vaccines and have received your last dose at least 14 days prior to the day of embarkation are considered fully vaccinated. COVID-19 vaccine boosters are not required at this time, nor is a 14 day waiting period after a booster has been administered.

Exceptions may apply for fully vaccinated asymptomatic guests that have tested positive for COVID-19 in the 90 days prior to embarkation, and are fully recovered. Guests will need to provide a letter of recovery from their doctor and, laboratory test results that are not older than 90 days.

A complimentary antigen or PCR COVID-19 test will be administered to all guests on board on Day 5 or 6 of the voyage. This test is a requirement as part of the EU Healthy Gateways Protocols. This test fulfills the requirements for disembarkation in Italy.  Additionally, this test fulfills the requirements for onward travel home in most instances where guests board a flight immediately after their cruise.


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. 

A complimentary antigen or PCR COVID-19 test will be administered to all guests on board on Day 5 or 6 of the voyage. This test is a requirement as part of the EU Healthy Gateways Protocols. This test fulfills the requirements for onward travel home in most instances where guests board a flight immediately after their cruise.   

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.

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.

Onboard team member vaccinations will be in accordance with CDC guidelines.

We strongly encourage guests wear face masks when in public spaces indoors. ALL guests will be required to wear a face mask – with no exceptions – in elevators and in designated indoor entertainment areas, all retail shops, and in the casino except when eating or drinking. Guests will also be required to wear face masks prior to being seated in our main dining rooms and in the buffet area, and occasionally in other designated areas where larger number of guests may congregate. As a reminder, masks are required during embark and debark in the terminal, and masks should also be worn during the debarkation process on board. This currently applies to sailings through December 31, 2021, however, guidance will be re-evaluated on an ongoing basis.


Holland America Line is providing a double-layer cloth mask for each guest on board. Guests may also use their own double-layer cloth or paper medical mask. Face coverings such as bandanas, neck gaiters, and masks with exhaust valves are not allowed.  We always recommend guests wash or replace their mask daily and choose a good quality, ideally medical grade, standard mask. Please note that visors and face shields will not be accepted as a substitute for a face mask. 


These new requirements are being implemented to protect our guests and crew while onboard. Several destinations have implemented their own requirements and all guests will be required to follow the protocols in each destination we visit. We expect these requirements will be temporary and we appreciate your cooperation and look forward to welcoming you aboard.

The EU has established a set of protocols  called EU Healthy Gateways and Re-Open EU. While all guests onboard will have been vaccinated; at the moment, EU Healthy Gateways guidelines do not provide full distinction between vaccinated and non-vaccinated guest protocol. We continue to work with authorities on onboard protocols.

Unfortunately, we are unable to accept guests who use supplemental oxygen or are on dialysis at this time for 2021 cruises. This includes guests who use oxygen concentrators. Our medical experts have determined that, for the guest’s own safety, this is the right decision. We’ve had to make some difficult decisions based on general public health guidelines and the overall health and safety of our guests. We remain optimistic that our 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, only now our teammates will serve you at all times. Line monitors will also manage guest flow.

Our 2021 cruises are available to guests who have received their final dose of an approved COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days prior to the beginning of the cruise, regardless of age. 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.

For our Greece cruises, cohort/travel parties encouraged; physical distance from those outside travel party.

Shore excursions offered by Holland America Line are strongly encouraged as local officials oversee health and safety standards for these guides. Independent tours or on-your-own exploration are currently permitted by local authorities.  While on shore, guests are required to follow local health and safety direction and requirements as advised by tour operators which currently include masks, physical distancing and enhanced sanitation guidelines.  Guests are advised that shore excursion operations are subject to change on short notice due to revisions in local health restrictions.

*For our guests who have a mid-cruise port call in Italy, please be aware that the updated local requirements only allow "in-transit" guests who are participating in a Holland America Line shore excursion to go ashore. Self-exploration and independent tours will not be permitted. 
 

You may pre-purchase shore excursions through MyAccount at hollandamerica.com, the Navigator app, and when sailing on board, subject to availability and capacity restrictions.

If you purchased a Holland America Line shore excursion and it is canceled by our company or the tour operator, or if you are denied from joining the tour, your shore excursion payment will be credited to your onboard account.