Immigration Questionnaire & Online Check-In: Each individual guest is required to complete the questionnaire in Online Check-In to obtain Express Docs. Please go to our website at hollandamerica.comand complete the Online Check-In process prior to your sail date. After you complete the Online Check-In, your Express Docs including your Boarding Pass will be issued. Please do not forget to print them out prior to leaving home.
Please Note:
- Guests arriving at embarkation without complete and accurate documentation may not join the voyage and will not be entitled to a refund.
- Please complete the Online Check-In process athollandamerica.com72 hoursprior to your sail date. Guests who wait to check in at the terminal risk being unable to sail even if they arrive at the terminal before the vessel leaves. You will be responsible for all costs you incur to join the vessel at the next port.
- If for some reason you have not completed your Online Check-in process at least 3 days prior to departure, you will still be able to print your Express Docs, including the boarding pass, up to the departure date. Guests who have not completed the required check-in prior to departure time are subject to denied boarding.
U.S. government security regulations require us to submit certain guest information to law enforcement authorities at least 60 minutes prior to departure. To meet this requirement, we must have the necessary information in our records at least 90 minutes prior to departure. If we do not have your information by this deadline, you will be unable to sail. Guests are urged to complete the Online Check-in process before leaving home. Guests who wait to checkin at the terminal risk being unable to sail even if they arrive at the terminal before the vessel leaves. You will be responsible for all costs you incur to join the vessel at the next port.
PERSONAL TRAVEL IDENTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
Holland America Line highly recommends that all guests carry a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the completion date of your travel. Having a passport will enable you to fly from the U.S. to a foreign port in the event you miss your scheduled embarkation or to fly back to the U.S. if you need to disembark the ship mid-cruise due to an emergency.
Immigration and administrative rules may require the vessel to collect and safeguard guest passports and guests to complete landing cards prior to some ports of call. Further information will be provided on board.
PLEASE NOTE: It is your sole responsibility to obtain and have available the proper travel documents that are necessary for your travel, including all costs related to arrangements to obtain entry to countries you visit and re-entry to your destination country.
Boarding may be denied or fines may be levied against those guests without proper documentation. Payment of any fines levied is the responsibility of the individual guest.
For U.S. and Canadian Citizens Travel by Land or Sea:
Travel document requirements vary based on cruise itinerary and whether international flights are required. For voyages that are scheduled to end outside the U.S., a passport that is valid for six months beyond the completion date of your travel is required.
Passports or Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) compliant documents are required for cruises to Alaska, Bermuda, Canada, Caribbean, Hawaii, Mexico and the Panama Canal. U.S. and Canadian citizens ages 16 and above may present one of the following valid WHTI-compliant documents:
- Passport (recommended travel document) (valid for travel by air, land and sea)
- Passport Card (valid for land and sea border crossings only)
- State Issued Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) – (valid for land and sea border crossings only, not valid on Yukon Cruisetours due to air travel included in the Journey)
- Other documents approved by the Department of Homeland Security
For a list of approved documents visit:
travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/go/checklist.html
The EDL driver’s license, or non-driver photo identification, is offered in the U.S. states of Michigan, New York, Vermont and Washington and in the Canadian provinces of British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec, to applicants that can prove identity and citizenship. Please note the EDL is not the same as an Enhanced (or Endorsed) Commercial Driver’s License.
U.S. citizens on closed-loop cruises: U.S. citizens on cruises in the Western Hemisphere that originate and terminate in the same U.S. port are required to have proof of citizenship such as a valid U.S. passport or a government issued birth certificate combined with a government issued photo I.D. Other approved proof of citizenship documents such as a passport card, an enhanced driver’s license (EDL) or certificate of naturalization along with a government-issued photo ID are also acceptable. A passport is still the preferred document. PLEASE NOTE –WHTI-compliant documents are acceptable for entry or re-entry into the United States. You may be required to present additional or different travel documents when entering foreign countries, including some countries in the Western Hemisphere.
Birth certificates from Puerto Rico issued prior to July 1, 2010 are not valid forms of proof of citizenship that is accepted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Guests from Puerto Rico either need to present a WHTI-compliant document or a government- issued photo identification with a validated birth certificate issued after July 1, 2010.
Children: U.S. citizen children under the age of 16 traveling on a closed-loop cruise (a cruise in the Western Hemisphere which originates and ends in the same U.S. port) will be able to present their government issued birth certificate or other proof of U.S. citizenship, such as a naturalization certificate or citizenship card to sail. Birth certificates can be an original or certified copy.
PASSPORT REQUIREMENT WHEN MINORS TRAVEL WITH ONE ADULT ON VOYAGES GOVERNED BY U.S. WESTERNHEMISPHERE TRAVEL INITIATIVE (“WHTI”) (includes travel within BERMUDA, CANADA, CARIBBEAN, MEXICO, UNITED STATES)
When minors are traveling with only one adult 21 years of age or older, Holland America Line requires that all guests must be in possession of a valid passport. Holland America Line has implemented this requirement so that you all remain together should an emergency arise that requires one or more in yourparty to be disembarked in a non-U.S. port. Holland America Line cannot guarantee that all members of your party will be allowed to disembark with only a WHTI-compliant document or birth certificate.
NOTE: If you are not the parent or Legal Guardian of any minor child traveling with you, you must present an original letter signed by at least one of the child’s parents. The letter from the child’s parent must provide contact information and authorize the traveling adult to take the child on the specific cruise.
For more information regarding passports and WHTI compliant documents, please visit travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/go/checklist.html or call the National Passport Information Center toll free at 1-877-487-2778 or TDD/TYY at 1-888-874-7793.
Travel by Air: Passports are required for all international air travel to and from the United States, regardless of age or citizenship. This includes air travel to and from Canada, Bermuda, the Caribbean and Mexico.
For Non-U.S./Non-Canadian Citizens:For Non-U.S./Non-Canadian Citizens: You must have and carry a passport valid for six months beyond the duration of your travel. Please carefully verify the existing identification requirements for your particular travel situation, including all destinations. In addition, non-U.S. citizens who have previously been admitted to the United States for permanent residence must carry their Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551), commonly known as a Green Card. Resident aliens not in possession of this must obtain one at the nearest office of the U.S. Immigration Service. Note that while a passport for a Green Card holder is not required to return to the U.S., your destination country requirements may be different. Please verify your documentation requirements prior to sailing, but we highly recommend Green Card holders travel with their passport as an extra precaution.
Please Note: To allow us to expedite immigration clearances in the various countries you will be asked to surrender your passport to our staff upon check-in. Some clearances will require face to face inspections, details will be communicated to you onboard.
Rest assured that your passport will be fully secured by our staff. Regardless, it is always good practice, when traveling, to make copies of your passport pages before departing.
VISAS
Certain countries require that you obtain official authorization(called a visa) before entering the country, and some countries require that you obtain a visa regardless of whether you plan to go ashore in that particular port or not. Usually there is a fee required.
Guests are responsible for verifying and obtaining any necessary travel documents for entry and exit to the countries visited, as these requirements vary depending on the specific port and nationality of the traveler. This includes payment of all costs related to arrangements to obtain entry to the countries you visit. Boarding may be denied or fines levied against those guests arriving at the pier without the proper documentation, and those guests will not be eligible for a refund. Payment of any fines levied is the responsibility of the individual guest. Please note that fees and visa requirements are subject to change without notice.Tourist/visa requirements are determined by passport nationality, not by country of residence.
Visa Service Information:
Don’t put your travel plans at risk; Holland America Line recommends guests utilize a visa service to secure your required documentation. We have partnered with CIBTvisas as a service to assist with the collection of necessary documents. CIBTvisas also provides a concierge service should you wish to have a dedicated Concierge Specialist manage the entire process from start to finish while providing the expertise necessary to ensure your request is approved as quickly as possible. Our dedicated section on the CIBTvisas website can be found at www.cibtvisas.com/hollandamericaline.
You may reach CIBTvisasby phone at:
- U.S. and Canadian residents: 866 935 8472
- Netherlands residents: 0800-2524632
- Germany residents: 8003202233
- Australia residents: 1300964164
- United Kingdom residents: 0800 1218239
- Belgium residents: 0902 150 45
- Singapore residents: 6603 1096
- Spain residents: 902 113 829
- Switzerland residents: 41 (0) 22 884 18 70
- France residents:0144107272
Residents of all other countries should contact the nearest representative embassy or consulate for proper information.
Visa Waiver Program Requirements: The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) allows citizens of participating countries to travel to the U.S. withouta visa for stays of 90 days or less, when they meet all requirements. ALL VWP travelers to the U.S. will be required to have an approved electronic travel authorization via Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). Travelers who have not obtained approval through ESTA should expect to be denied boarding on any air carrier bound for the U.S. If you reside in the UK please visit cibtvisas.co.uk/hollandamerica.
Countries participating in the VWP are: Andorra, Austria, Australia, Belgium, Brunei, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, SanMarino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan and the United Kingdom.
For more details please go to the U.S. Department of State’s Visa Waiver Program page.
Schengen Visa Holders: New requirements pertaining to proof of medical insurance coverage have been adopted for all Schengen visa holders. This requirement does not apply to U.S. or Canadian citizens. All guests should keep themselves advised of changes in government requirements. If you have questions about visa requirements, call CIBTvisas at 1-866-935-8472. You may also choose to send an email message to: hollandamerica@cibtvisas.com or visit their website at https://cibtvisas.com/hollandamericaline.
Cruise Documents: Holland America Line Express Docs Eco- friendly Cruise Documents
Preparing for your Holland America Line cruise is now easier, faster and more convenient than ever. With Express Docs, your cruise documents are available up to 50 days before your cruise departure date, and you can print part – or all – of your Express Docs whenit’s most convenient for you, 24/7. This includes your boarding pass, itinerary, any applicable vouchers, and if you booked air with Holland America Line, air travel information. Your information is encrypted, secure, easily updated and ready to email or print for yourself, family and friends as often as you wish. No more waiting for printed cruise documents.
What’s more, since our eco-friendly cruise documents are delivered electronically, they help save paper and conserve precious fossil fuels.
Visit hollandamerica.com for more information.
To learn more about Holland America Line’s ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship and conservation in all of our operations, visit hollandamerica.com/sustainability.
VACCINATIONS
For COVID-19 Vaccination requirements please visit our lookup tool available athttps://book2.hollandamerica.com/protocols/
Vaccination requirements change frequently. These requirements are established by the countries you are visiting and not by Holland America Line. For this reason, you should contact your local physician, Health Department and/or travel medicine clinic to discuss vaccination requirements for all countries on your itinerary.
Mosquito-borne Illnesses: Malaria, dengue fever, yellow fever and Chikungunya are found in many tropical and subtropical areas of the world. Guests should always travel with appropriate clothing and mosquito repellent with DEET or Picaridin to reduce the risk of mosquito bites. In addition, please check with your primarycare provider or local travel medicine clinic to see what, if any, vaccinations or other measures are recommended for your specific itinerary. Be certain to bring along a record of all your vaccinations. Check with your health care provider at least six to eight weeks prior to departure, as vaccination requirements and recommendations may change.
Yellow Fever: Many Yellow Fever immunization requirements are based on traveling from one “infected” or “endemic” country to another. It is also a good idea to bring along a record of your immunizations, as requirements for immunizations may change.
FAQs
What are the things we should know before going on a cruise? ›
- Research Your Ports in Advance. ...
- Don't Tip Double on Alcohol. ...
- Pack With Space in Mind (and Consider Only a Carry-On) ...
- Take Yourself on a Ship Tour on Embarkation Day. ...
- Board Your Ship As Soon As You Can on Embarkation Day. ...
- Pick a Cabin That Works for Your Cruise Needs.
- What is included in the fare? ...
- Do I qualify for any discounts? ...
- Can I save if I tweak my travel dates? ...
- What are cabins like in the next category up — and down? ...
- What's the best cabin in my category? ...
- What can I book in advance? ...
- What are my options for dinner seatings?
- 8 Tips For Preparing to Cruise in 2022. By Orlando Martinez. ...
- Know the cancellation policies before you book. ...
- Buy travel insurance. ...
- Plan to get a COVID-19 test before your cruise. ...
- Begin the check-in process for your cruise ASAP. ...
- Stay informed. ...
- Boost your family's health. ...
- Bring whatever you need to feel safe and healthy.
Cruise companies and cruise ships negatively impact communities through air and water pollution, economic leakage and tax avoidance, as well as overtourism. Such negative impacts can arise where cruise companies are based, where they pass through, and where they dock.
What items Cannot bring to cruise? ›- Firearms & Ammunition, including realistic replicas.
- Sharp Objects, including all knives and scissors. ...
- Illegal Drugs & Substances.
- CBD Oil / CBD Products.
- Candles, Incense, Coffee Makers, Clothes Irons, Travel Steamers & Hot Plates. ...
- Hoverboards.
- Sweater or Light Jacket. This one is most important for the ladies. ...
- Emergency Contact List. ...
- Identification. ...
- Medication. ...
- Prepackaged Snacks. ...
- Power Strip. ...
- Reusable Water Bottle. ...
- Comfortable Walking Shoes.
What Is The Average Amount of Cash to Bring on a Cruise? On a cruise, most guests bring between $100-$120 in cash per day to be spent on transportation, tips, gifts, food, and shopping. In a survey of 850 cruisers, 71% stated that they took over $100 per person per day when cruising.
What month should you avoid cruising? ›Storms in August and October have a moderate risk of developing into hurricanes while September has the highest risk of all. For these reasons, September is the worst month of the year to take a cruise.
Is it better to be higher or lower on cruise? ›The higher the deck, the better and, often, more panoramic the view. Cabins on top decks aren't always the best on the ship, but many suites and specialty cabin categories are typically located on upper decks.
What months are not good to cruise? ›If this is the only chance you have to cruise, keep in mind that itineraries can change or be canceled depending on the weather. If you dislike large numbers of children, avoid sailing late June through August or during school break times (late December, early January and March through mid-April).
What is the roughest part of a cruise ship? ›
Number one most dangerous place on the cruise ship are defiantly the watertight doors. These Doors are mounted on board a cruise vessel in the crew corridor. Many Crew members have lost their lives trying to pass this doors while they were closing from the bridge.
What Cruise Line has the most accidents? ›The most passenger deaths occurred on Carnival Cruise Lines (29%), Royal Caribbean Cruises (12%), and Norwegian Cruise Line (10%). The highest crew member deaths occurred on Carnival Cruise Line (19%) and Royal Caribbean Cruises (19%).
Which part of the cruise is most stable? ›Lower Decks
This is because this part of the ship, its lowest and most central area, is the most stable during rough sea conditions. A central cabin on one of the lower decks is the best place you can be when you're feeling nauseous. Note that these cabins can feel a bit claustrophobic, though.
The lower and more central you are in a ship, the less roll and sway you will feel. Even if you choose a balcony room, choose a low level and a room closest to the ship's center. The higher decks and cabins at the front (forward) or back (aft) of the ship will rock and roll the most.
How many bags can you take on a cruise? ›The best news about packing is that there is no (reasonable) limit on how much you can bring on a cruise. Most cruise lines “encourage” each passenger to limit luggage to two suitcases, each one less than 50 pounds. In addition, you can also bring carry-on luggage (more on that in a moment).
Do cruises look through your luggage? ›Just like the security screening at an airport, we also screen all luggage our guests bring onboard to ensure everyone's safety. If there is an item in your luggage that is prohibited or is believed to be prohibited, your bag will be taken to a screening location and will be inspected by our Security Team onboard.
What should I bring to wear on a cruise? ›Women can wear casual dresses, skirts and blouses, nice slacks and tops; men wear polo or button-down shirts with slacks. Some cruise lines do allow jeans in the evening; pair them with cute tops and nice shoes. Elegant or formal nights bring out the cocktail dresses, suits, ties and jackets.
What should I bring on my first day of cruise? ›- Extra Bags. A day pack, a bag for dirty laundry, a plastic bag for wet bathing suits, Zip-Loc bags for snacks ... ...
- First-Aid Kit. ...
- Your Favorite (Nonalcoholic) Beverage. ...
- Laundry Alternatives. ...
- Power Strip.
What should I wear on embarkation day? Since you most likely will be doing a lot of walking and standing in line, comfortable shoes are key. Dress casually, and don't be surprised to see tropical wear on Caribbean cruises or even groups in matching T-shirts. Also make sure you check the weather beforehand.
What do most people forget on a cruise? ›- Highlighter for daily newsletter activities. ...
- Towel clips for the deck or beach. ...
- Bug spray. ...
- Nightlight. ...
- Power strip for more outlets. ...
- Sunscreen. ...
- Alarm clock (most staterooms don't have one!) ...
- Water shoes for various excursions/a rocky beach.
How many pairs of shoes should you take on a cruise? ›
With few exceptions, you need to pack only 4-5 pairs of shoes for your cruise.
How can I keep my weight down on a cruise? ›- Balance is key. ...
- Eat off the spa menu. ...
- Eat fresh local seafood. ...
- Avoid the all-you-can-drink package and skip the sugary drinks. ...
- Pack your sneakers and your gym clothes. ...
- Use the track. ...
- Skip the elevator and take the stairs. ...
- Track your steps and set a goal.
Missing the ship at port or booking excursions with outside operators could be costly and risky. If you don't set your phone to airplane mode, you may rack up overseas roaming charges.
What happens if you use your phone on a cruise? ›Do cell phones work on cruise ships? It's a common question with varying answers. Guests are free to utilize their cellular data or connect to our onboard Wi-Fi on any ship. But, please be aware that cellular data used on the ship or in certain ports of call will result in charges from your cell phone provider.
Can you text with Wi-Fi on a cruise? ›Yes, you can make calls, text, and even video chat from a cruise ship. In port, you can connect to local roaming networks. At sea, you can either make calls via a satellite connection or pay for the ship's Wi-Fi (also via satellite) and make Wi-Fi calls, text or video chat via the internet.
How many swimsuits should I bring on a cruise? ›Swimwear: Bring at least 5 swimsuits and 4 swim cover-ups. Dinner Attire: Bring enough smart-casual looks for 10 dinners. For men, that means bringing at least 7 button-down shirts, while women should consider packing at least 7 fashion tops.
How many outfits do I need for a 3 day cruise? ›Depending on the length of your cruise, you'll need about 4 tops. This includes one tank top, a tee, a blouse, and a long-sleeve to keep you warm at night (one of these can double as a pajama top). If your cruise is closer to 3 days, perhaps bring 2 tops and a casual dress so as not to overpack.
What is normal tipping on a cruise? ›Most cruise lines suggest tipping $10 to $12 per day per passenger (not per couple), regardless of age. For a seven-day cruise, this means each cruiser should budget at least $70 for gratuities, or $140 per cabin for two people.
Do you have to dress up every night on a cruise? ›You don't have to dress up at all!
That's right, if you want to wear shorts and tanktops all day, every day of your cruise there is no reason you cannot. Royal Caribbean has a few dress codes that are only for dining in select restaurants. Otherwise, you can wear whatever suits you all the time.
If a storm is threatening the area a ship was scheduled to sail to, cruise lines will reroute the ships if the forecast is severe enough. While cruise ships can typically "outrun" most storms, passengers may still experience rough seas as their ship skirts the edges of a storm.
How often do cruise ships flip? ›
With rigorous safety standards across the board, cruise ships are some of the safest places to spend your hard-earned holiday. The chances of your cruise ship capsizing or sinking are infinitesimally rare. According to the New York Times, only 16 ships have sunk since 1980.
What is the best balcony room on a cruise ship? ›Rear-facing balcony cabins are among the best balcony cabins on any ship. Often, their balconies are bigger than balconies on side-facing cabins and they also feel quiet. There are far fewer balcony cabins at the back of a ship than on the sides of a ship, so you don't hear a lot of noise from your neighbors.
What deck prevents seasickness? ›What's the best stateroom location to avoid motion sickness on a cruise? To reduce motion sickness, choose a stateroom in the middle of the ship on a lower deck. You will feel any sway of the ship less in this section.
What is the lowest position on a cruise ship? ›At the bottom are crew members, who are generally responsible for serving guests. They include servers, bartenders, and cleaning staff.
Does it get cold at night on a cruise? ›And while you might be cruising the Caribbean or some other tropical locale, ship decks can get pretty cold at night when the sun goes down and the wind picks up, so it may be smart to bring a shawl or light jacket.
What time do most cruises leave? ›The majority of cruises leave port at 4 or 5:00 pm. If your cruise leaves at a different time than this, check with your cruise line to see what time embarkation begins. Most cruise ships will begin boarding 4-5 hours before sailaway.
Why are cruises being Cancelled for 2022? ›Unfortunately, there are still cruises being cancelled in 2022 due to Covid-19 and the uncertainty surrounding it. The pandemic has not ended, and some sailings have been cancelled due to too many Covid-19 cases onboard. The good news is that there are not the mass cancellations we saw in 2020.
What do I need to bring on a cruise ship? ›- Bring activity-appropriate clothing and shoes. ...
- Formal Attire. ...
- Bathing Suits and Cover Ups. ...
- Don't Forget to Bring a Sweater. ...
- Bring a Back Pack or Beach Tote. ...
- Bring Sunscreen and After-Sun Lotion. ...
- Bring Your Own Toiletries. ...
- Bring Medications for Upset Stomach and Motion Sickness.
The best news about packing is that there is no (reasonable) limit on how much you can bring on a cruise. Most cruise lines “encourage” each passenger to limit luggage to two suitcases, each one less than 50 pounds. In addition, you can also bring carry-on luggage (more on that in a moment).
What kind of bag should I take on a cruise? ›A simple tote bags is our all round pick for best bag for cruise excursions. A tote bag is perfect for the beach, shopping and sightseeing tours. You can stuff a lot into a tote bag and they're lightweight and easy to pack. Tote bags are also very useful on travel and embarkation days.
What do you wear on cruises during the day? ›
What do you wear on cruises during the day? During the day, you can wear casual attire such as t-shirts, tank tops, shorts, sundresses, and skirts. If you're spending the day at the pool, you can also have lunch or dine in casual pool clothes at the snack bar located next to the pool deck.
Should I carry a purse on a cruise? ›Bring a small purse to hold your cruise card and camera when walking around the ship. I always like to have my camera with me so carrying a small purse means I don't have to always have it in hand.
Do they check your bags before a cruise? ›Just like the security screening at an airport, we also screen all luggage our guests bring onboard to ensure everyone's safety.
What are the 5 things to avoid on a cruise? ›- Misjudge Your Cruise Fare. One of the most important things not to do on a cruise vacation is to neglect the details of your fare, otherwise known as the price of your cruise. ...
- Ignore Cellular Data. ...
- Neglect Travel Insurance. ...
- Under-Pack. ...
- Pick the Wrong Cruise Line.
Non-alcoholic beverages may not exceed 12 standard (17 oz.) cans, bottles or cartons per stateroom. Milk and distilled water brought on for infant, medical, or dietary use are permitted.
How early should you arrive to board a cruise? ›You can show up at any time during that window. Generally speaking, the busiest time for boarding is between noon (when most cruise lines' regular check-in begins) and 2 p.m., so we recommend arriving just before or after that window.
How do you get free stuff on a cruise? ›- Be Brave and Get Onstage for Free Prizes. ...
- A Spa Tour Just Might Come With Free Perks. ...
- Proving Your Cruise Line Loyalty for Free Stuff. ...
- Score Freebies Shopping on Your Cruise. ...
- Win Prizes at Onboard Trivia and Other Games. ...
- Attend an Art Auction for Free Bubbles.