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Holland America Ships

Holland America Information

About

While other cruise lines are launching new ships with state-of-the-art amenities and features, Holland America Line recently revamped and unveiled the 38,000-ton Prinsendam, built in 1988 and about half the size of even Holland America's own new builds, representing the company's commitment to maintaining tradition overall.

This is not to say that Holland America isn't innovative. The line has integrated contemporary cruising's most important new features, including Internet cafés, boutique alternative restaurants, indoor/outdoor pools for year-round use, and concierge service for upper-level accommodations. Children’s facilities, particularly on Maasdam, which the line is positioning as its family-oriented ship, are being enhanced fleet wide. But Holland America also strictly maintains its odes to tradition with set-seating dining, elegant afternoon tea, ballroom dancing, and on-ship tennis courts.

After Cunard line, Holland America possesses the most storied history in the industry: Its first ship, the 1,684-ton Rotterdam, first set sail on a voyage between Holland and New York in 1873.

Holland America has carved out a niche as the theme-cruise expert. There's everything from country and western to big band to bridge. There’s also its extensive "University at Sea," which offers a variety of programs ranging from those focused on professional continuing education, with course credits, to those oriented toward life enhancement.

Holland America Line has recently changed its "tipping not required" policy. Beginning in April 2004, each passenger will be charged $10 per day for cabin and wait staff gratuities. In addition, a 15 percent service charge will be added to each beverage order. Passengers may adjust gratuities any time during the cruise by speaking to Front Desk personnel.

Holland America is moderately priced and is competitive with comparable lines like Royal Caribbean.

Onboard Atmosphere

One of the nice things about Holland America's onboard ambience is that its arty, colorful ships, though all carrying an individual decorating theme, have a pleasant consistency. Daily activities—such as wine tasting, fitness workouts, and art tours—are fairly identical, whatever the ship. Afternoon tea is an elegant highlight. The dining room operates on a set schedule—for dinner, anyway. There are two seatings, and passengers are assigned to a table. Every voyage features a crew show where crew members sing and dance, and it’s always wonderful.

On the opposite hand, Holland America is lavishing state-of-the-art extras on its newer ships, where highlights include a high balcony to oceanview cabin percentage, cyber cafés (the line offers an all-you-can-surf deal, which varies based on itinerary and cruise length), and Java coffee cafés. Odyssey is a marvelous alternative restaurant (on newer ships, from Rotterdam onward). Cabins are generally quite roomy.

Evening entertainment is fairly understated, consistent with the Holland America experience. The pre-dinner cocktail reception is generally the liveliest time. However, there are numerous entertainment options, from disco dancing in the Crow's Nest, to flicks in the cinema, to Vegas-style revues in the main theater.

Fitness options include spas, run by Steiner, and generously sized fitness facilities. There's a gorgeous indoor/outdoor pool, a just-smaller-than-regulation tennis court and volleyball area, and a wraparound promenade deck that, in the early morning, is the most popular part of the ship for speed walkers.

Of all the mass market lines, Holland America still attracts an age 50-plus core passenger base. However, the line has made a concerted effort to appeal to families and younger cruisers, particularly on Alaska and Caribbean itineraries during summer, and on week-long, as opposed to two-week-plus, voyages.

Special Programs

Children's program
While Holland America will never rival Disney for breadth and depth of its programs, Maasdam, which sails the Caribbean year-round, is a good, solid choice for families. That ship has dedicated children's areas with computers, a disco, and drink stations. Otherwise, few ships, aside from new builds debuting after December 2002, have dedicated children’s facilities, though still offer “Club Hal” programming, particularly during summer and other school holiday periods. Highlights include, in Alaska for instance, a "Just for Kids" shore excursion which emphasizes more active endeavors. Regardless, "Club Hal," the line's children’s program, is divided into three age groups: ages 5–8, 9–12, and 12+.

Past guest program
This multi-tiered past passenger program includes an onboard cocktail party, lapel pin recognition, Mariner newsletter (three times a year), and a small gift on each cruise. Past passenger status on Holland America extends to frequent cruiser benefits offered by Carnival Corporation members, such as Carnival, Costa, Cunard Line, Seabourn, and Windstar. If you're looking for deeper discounts on Holland America's most competitive itineraries (Alaska and the Caribbean), you won't do any better as a Mariner. The best discounts really apply to the less popular voyages.

Our cruise line reviews are provided by CruiseCritic.com, an award-winning cruise community, giving you objective, unbiased information to help you choose the right cruise.

Booking your cruise

The information below is from Holland America Line and is subject to change by Holland America Line at any time and without notice. The details shown are for informational purposes only. We are not responsible for any errors and/or omissions resulting in pricing, inventory, or content discrepancies.

Deposits : The per person, per cruise deposit requirements to secure reservations and Cancellation Protection Plan amounts are listed with the cruise fares in the Holland America brochure. Deposits are generally due within 5 days after reservation date. Cancellation Protection Plan, if desired, must be paid for at time of deposit.

DEPOSIT AND FINAL PAYMENT REQUIREMENTS: The per-person, per-cruise deposit requirements to secure reservations and Cancellation Protection Plan costs are listed with the cruise prices.

A deposit is required within seven days of cruise booking. Cancellation Protection Plan, if desired, must be paid for at time of deposit; see Cancellation Protection Plan and Additional Baggage Protection for details.

Final payment is due no later than 75 days prior to departure. In most cases, we are able to provide you with travel documents, including your cruise contract, approximately 30 days prior to departure. Travel documents, however, are issued only after final payment has been received by Holland America.

Fares, Port Charges, Non-Discountable Amounts, Taxes and Surcharges: Holland America reserves the right not to honor any published prices that it determines were erroneous due to printing, electronic or clerical error. Fares quoted are those currently in effect. If cost factors dictate the need for fare increases, Holland America Line may do so at any time prior to departure. Passengers can cancel (without paying a cancellation fee) rather than accept a fare increase. This right does not apply to increases in Taxes or to surcharges, as described below.
Your cruise fare includes either a "Non-Discountable Amount" or "Port Charges." That portion of the fare is both non-commissionable to travel agents and not subject to reduction in the event of a percentage discount promotion, 2 for 1 promotion or otherwise. The term "Port Charges" as used by Holland America refers to amounts, other than Taxes, paid to private or public agencies or entities, or expenses otherwise incurred, incident to the ship entering, leaving, docking, anchoring and/or remaining in port.
In addition to your cruise fare, you will also be charged an amount for Taxes. That term, as used by Holland America, refers to certain taxes, fees and charges imposed by governmental or quasi-governmental authorities, including port authorities, relating to any aspect of your cruise or tour. If governmental action results in any element of Taxes exceeding the estimates used by Holland America for purposes of computing the quoted amount, Holland America reserves the right to pass through the extra amount. Similarly, Holland America reserves the right to impose or pass through fuel surcharges, security surcharges or similar incidental surcharges. No right of cancellation exists under either of these circumstances.

Airport Taxes: Some countries impose an arrival or departure tax, which cannot be included on an air ticket. In most cases this is paid by each passenger upon check-in and may have to be paid in the local currency.

Canceling your cruise

Cancellation Policy: For most cruises and tours, a full refund (except for amounts paid for Cancellation Protection Plan) will be made for written cancellations received by Holland America, 300 Elliott Ave. West, Seattle, WA 98119 at least 76 days before the date on which you are to commence travel (by air, rail, sea or otherwise). Passengers who cancel after that date for any reason, including medical or family reasons, are subject to the following per-person cancellation fees:

Holland America Line cancellation charges (per person)

All cruises
Days Before Departure Charges per person

More than 75 days...............................................No penalty (full refund)
46-75 days..........................................................Deposit amount
16-45 days..........................................................50% of total fare
Fewer than 16 days.............................................100% of total fare (no refund)

For certain cruises and tours, different cancellation policies apply. Please consult the brochure for your cruise or tour to confirm the applicable cancellation policy. Given that the resale of cancelled space will likely result in a lost opportunity to sell other space, these fees are due regardless of resale. Fees incurred as a result of cancellation cannot be applied to future bookings. Refunds will normally be made to your travel agent. Travel agents may impose their own cancellation fees. Agency fees of any nature are a matter to be decided on solely by the agency and passengers.

Name changes require the prior approval of Holland America and may not always be possible. Cruise and CruiseTour Contracts are nontransferable. Name changes and departure date changes are considered reservation cancellations and are subject to cancellation fees.

Before you sail

MEDICAL SERVICES / PREGNANCY: Each Holland America ship is equipped with limited medical facilities that are staffed by a physician and registered nurses. The physician is an independent contractor. There will be a fee charged for all medical services and medications obtained on board. If you become ill during the voyage and the physician is unable to care for your needs on board, you will be transferred to medical facilities on shore. If your condition will require that you have special medical apparatus or assistance on board, Holland America must be made aware of that at time of booking in order to determine whether they can accommodate your needs. If you are using prescription drugs, please bring an adequate supply with you and keep them in your carry-on luggage. Due to the limited medical facilities on the ships, Holland America will not accept reservations for women who will be 24 or more weeks pregnant at the time their cruise with Holland America concludes.

IMMIGRATION AND IMMUNIZATION: For cruises beginning and ending in U.S. ports, government-issued photo identification together with an original or certified copy of your birth certificate or your naturalization certificate is acceptable. Non-U.S. citizens must have a valid passport and any necessary visas. Please verify carefully the existing identification requirements for your particular travel situation. 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. You are also responsible for securing necessary visas and immunizations. Information on visas, if applicable, is provided to travel agents by Holland America. Information on visas may also be obtained by contacting Zierer Visa Service at 1-866-788-1100. As to immunizations, please check with a travel medicine specialist or local health department for specific recommendations and/or requirements. Additionally, you may find some helpful information on the U.S. Centers for Disease Control Web site at www.cdc.gov/travel or call toll free at 1-877-FYI TRIP. Some countries have special requirements for minors (under 18) who are not traveling with both parents. Please discuss this with your travel agent.

Medical Facilities and Services: Each Holland America Line ship has an on board infirmary staffed by a total of four qualified medical professionals - one licensed doctor and three nurses. While not a full-service hospital, the infirmary is well equipped to handle most emergencies and routine medical procedures.
A customary fee will be charged to your shipboard account for physician/nurse services and medications dispensed (with the exception of Meclizine for seasickness, Tylenol and aspirin). If you become ill or injured during the voyage and your diagnostic and/or care needs exceed the capabilities of the infirmary, you will be transferred to medical facilities ashore. Please note that Medicare and many health insurance plans DO NOT cover the cost of medical care at sea, in foreign countries, or for air evacuation. Passengers are encouraged to obtain travel medical insurance prior to travel in order to be reimbursed for services rendered.
If you have a chronic medical condition, please bring a recent report from your physician. The medical staff on board is not available for daily care, unless you are hospitalized in the infirmary. You must be able to care for yourself, including dressing, eating and attending the ship's safety drills. If you are unable to function independently in these areas, you must bring a caregiver with you. Because of the limited medical facilities, women who will be 24 or more weeks pregnant during the course of their travel are not permitted to participate in the cruise. Please provide a medical note from your physician stating your expected due date and medical fitness to travel.
Keep medication close at hand in your purse or carry-on bag. Be sure to bring enough prescription medicine to last throughout your cruise, as it may not be available on board or in some of the countries visited.

Immunization: Please contact your local physician, Health Department and/or travel medicine clinic to discuss immunization requirements for all countries on your itinerary. You may also check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Web site at: www.cdc.gov. Click on Travelers' Health and then Vaccinations. It is also a good idea to bring along a record of your immunizations, as requirements for immunizations may change.

Identification Requirements:

IMPORTANT: Passengers arriving at embarkation without proper documentation may not join the voyage and will not be entitled to a refund.
The following documents are required for U.S. and Canadian citizens:

Europe, Panama Canal/Coastal, Asia, South America or Prinsendam cruises: A passport valid for the duration of the cruise and necessary visas; expired passports are not acceptable.

Alaska, Caribbean, Mexico, Hawaii, or New England: Either:

1) A valid passport; ~or~
2) Picture identification issued by an official government agency AND an original or certified copy of birth certificate; ~or~
3) Picture identification issued by an official government agency AND a U.S. naturalization certificate.

Please note: Although passports are not required for some cruises, we highly recommend that you carry one while traveling.

Non-U.S./non-Canadian citizens must have a valid passport and any necessary visas. Please verify carefully the existing identification requirements for your particular travel situation. 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.

Visas: Some countries require that you obtain official authorization (called a visa), before entering their country. Usually, there is a fee required. You are responsible for obtaining any necessary visas. If your itinerary requires a visa prior to boarding, Holland America Line will send a visa information kit to your travel agent. The visa kit will have information for U.S. and Canadian citizens. Citizens of other countries should contact the nearest representative embassies or consulates for the proper information. All passengers should keep themselves advised of changes in government requirements. If you have questions about visa requirements, call Zierer Visa Service at 866-788-1100 or 954-791-1530 or send an E-mail message to: hollandvisainfo@zvs.com.

Shipboard life

Gratuities:

Gratuities: Holland America Line has recently changed its "tipping not required" policy. Beginning in April 2004, each passenger will be charged $10 per day for cabin and wait staff gratuities. In addition, a 15 percent service charge will be added to each beverage order. Passengers may adjust gratuities at any time during the cruise by speaking to Front Desk personnel.

Passengers with Disabilities: Holland America does not discriminate against persons on the basis of disability. Holland America seeks, to the extent feasible, to accommodate passengers with disabilities. Holland America offers a limited number of cabins designed to be wheelchair and scooter accessible.
Certain ship transfer operations (i.e., during tendering and at the gangways) may not be fully accessible to wheelchairs or scooters. When a ship is unable to dock, passengers are taken ashore on smaller boats called tenders. Some passengers with limited mobility may find it difficult to embark or disembark the ship at certain times while at dock or while tendering due to steep gangways and steps, particularly during low or high tide.
For persons not capable of walking on their own, the use of a wheelchair will be the primary mobility assistance aid for getting on and off the ship. In some situations, mobility assistance will involve carrying passengers. Situations may occur in which mobility-impaired passengers may not be able to go ashore at the time they desire or are unable to go ashore at all in certain ports. For the safety of all concerned, the Captain shall make the final determination regarding the carrying of mobility-impaired passengers and their mobility assistance device (wheelchair, scooter, walker, etc.), taking into account all appropriate matters including, but not limited to, weather conditions, ship's location, weight of the passenger, etc. The Captain will try to reasonably accommodate passenger needs.
Passengers must also be aware that certain third party transfer and shore excursion facilities may not be fully accessible to passengers with disabilities. Although Holland America endeavors to make sure other companies providing transfers and shore excursions comply with legal requirements, they cannot guarantee all of these companies are able to provide facilities that are accessible to persons with disabilities. For detailed, up-to-date information on accessibility issues involving shore excursions, Holland America strongly recommends visiting the Shore Excursion Office on board.
In limited situations (either on board or ashore), where an individual with a disability would be unable to satisfy certain specified safety and other criteria, even when provided with appropriate auxiliary aids and services, Holland America may find it necessary to ask the individual to make alternative travel arrangements. Passengers who are unable to care for their basic needs (e.g. dressing, eating and attending safety drills) MUST have a capable traveling companion. It is essential that Holland America be notified of any special medical, physical or other requirements you may have as soon as possible.

Wheelchairs: Due to a limited number of wheelchairs on board, passengers who require the use of a wheelchair should plan to bring their own rather than relying on the availability of Holland America's equipment. Wheelchairs and scooters must be stored inside the cabin. Holland America's wheelchairs are for on-board use only and are not allowed off the ship.

Complimentary Wheelchair Requests: Holland America has a limited supply of wheelchairs onboard each of our ships. In order to accommodate our passengers, we reserve the wheelchairs for embarkation and disembarkation assistance in the pier facility only, emergency situations and time-to-time usage only. We are unable to confirm the exclusivity of a wheelchair to a specific individual for the entire duration of a cruise. Additionally, wheelchairs from the ship are not allowed to be taken off the ship for shore excursions or land tours.
For those passengers participating in a cruisetour, it is important to know that complimentary wheelchairs will not be available on land. Our service offices in Alaska do not have access to wheelchairs for passengers except in the case of an emergency. Wheelchair assistance that is requested for airports must be done directly through the airline. Holland America does not arrange for wheelchair assistance at airports.
If a passenger requires regular use of a wheelchair, Holland America respectfully asks they you bring your own wheelchair or rent one to bring along with them. Two companies that frequently provide wheelchair services for Holland America's passengers are:

CareVacations-STARS Phone: 877-478-7827 Fax: 780-986-8332 E-mail: stars@carevacations.com

Scoot Around Phone: 888-441-7575 Web site: www.scootaround.com

Passengers are also free to select a different provider. Please be advised that we do not endorse specific service providers. Consequently, passengers assume the entire risk of utilizing these third party services subject only to whatever terms or arrangements are made by the passenger or on the passenger's behalf with the service provider.
Refund issues must be dealt with solely between the passenger and the service provider.

Oxygen: Passengers who need continuous oxygen for chronic conditions must make their own arrangements prior to travel. Contact your travel agent for more information. Also, bring the service company's address and their local contacts in foreign countries, as applicable. Holland America does permit Oxygen to be brought on board our ships for personal use. However, our ships are not equipped to provide passengers with these services other than on an emergency basis in the Ship's Infirmary. There are companies, however, that regularly provide supplemental Oxygen and/or Oxygen equipment for cruise ship passengers. Two supply companies that frequently provide these services for Holland America's passengers are:

Advanced Aeromedical Phone: 800-346-3556 E-mail: aeromed@pilot.infi.net

CareVacations-STARS Phone: 877-478-7827 Fax: 780-986-8332 E-mail: stars@carevacations.com

Passengers are also welcome to make arrangements with their own personal service provider.

Please be advised that all Oxygen and Oxygen equipment arrangements are the responsibility of the passenger and the third party provider. We do not endorse specific service providers. Consequently, the passenger assumes the entire risk of utilizing these third party services subject only to whatever terms or arrangements are made by the passenger or on the passenger's behalf with the service provider. Refund issues must be dealt with solely between the passenger and the service provider.

Holland America requests that all passengers who require the use of Oxygen and/or Oxygen equipment advise our Access and Compliance Department once all arrangements have been finalized, in order to properly notify the ship.

Pets: With the exception of qualified service animals for passengers with disabilities, animals or pets are not allowed on board our ships.

Service Animals: Holland America welcomes service animals aboard. As you may be aware, an itinerary may or may not include ports of call that have very specific and strict requirements that need to be met prior to a service animal being allowed off of the ship. Please be advised that it is the passenger's responsibility to research each of the ports of call and the requirements of the local governments for a service animal. The best places to obtain specific information on required documentation and immunizations are the U.S. Department of Agriculture, local customs offices in the specific ports and your local veterinarian. All documentation and immunization requirements are established by government authorities and not by Holland America. If a service animal does not have the proper documentation of proof of vaccinations or if there are local quarantine requirements, the animal can be denied the right to leave the ship. In this case, the passenger will need to remain onboard in order to take care of your service animal.

Special Diets and Meals: Kosher*, Passover Seder dinner, gluten-free, salt-free, fat-free, baby food, diabetic and other special dietary needs can be accommodated only if Holland America is notified in advance. To arrange special diets, please contact the Ship Services Department at -800-541-1576 at least 45 days prior to departure. While we shall do our utmost to fulfill all requests, some requests may be impossible to fulfill. Holland America reserves the right to substitute products when specified brands are not available. An additional charge, including shipping and handling, may be applied. Reconfirm any special requests with the Maître d' after you board.

*Kosher meals are prepared off the ship in a kosher kitchen, frozen and brought to the table sealed in their original containers. There is no kosher kitchen on board nor does Holland America have kosher dishes, utensils, pots or pans on the ship.

Flight and hotel information

Flight Information: Holland America is pleased to offer their Fly Cruise plan featuring transportation from a number of cities to your cruise, as well as transfers between the airport and ship on sailing day. You may take advantage of the Fly Cruise plan, which is offered at an additional charge to your cruise fare. Certain conditions and restrictions apply. If you purchase air transportation independently from Holland America Line, you will be responsible for any and all expenses incurred when joining the vessel in progress.

Air Changes/Refunds: Changes to existing reservations initiated by passengers will result in a rescheduling charge if the changes are made after the final payment due date. Airline tickets are issued based on fares which are highly restrictive and often cannot be reissued or exchanged for another carrier or routing.
Once ticketed or anytime within 60 days of travel, a fee of US$50/C$75 (plus the amount of any airline imposed cancellation charge) will be assessed for passengers who delete the Fly Cruise Plan from their booking.

The maximum refund for unused air tickets will not exceed the air add-on paid to Holland America. There are no partial refunds. Due to changing airline tariffs, your tickets may reflect fares higher or lower than Holland America's air add-on amounts. The difference is neither chargeable nor refundable.

Air Taxes/Surcharges: The quoted air fares include Passenger Facility Charges assessed by airports and segment taxes. International arrival and departure taxes assessed in foreign countries (the amount of which may be charged in the currency of the foreign country and is subject to change) are not included.

Airline Service Requests And Baggage Charges: Passengers traveling with other passengers who originate from different cities or who request the Fly Cruise plan at a later time may not receive routing on the same flights. We cannot confirm seat assignment requests or requests for special meals or other special services unless specially mentioned in this website. Each airline has its own baggage allowance policy. You are responsible for any excess baggage charges imposed by airlines.

Airplus Service®: AirPlus Service is available for Fly Cruise passengers who wish to travel to or from their (dis)embarkation port on dates other than those usually booked, who have specific airline/flight and time requests, or who wish to travel in business or first class. These services will be furnished only under the condition that the booking is on deposit.
Requests should be submitted at the time of initial payment to assure proper consideration. All requests are subject to availability and are not guaranteed. If confirmation is possible, a non-refundable service charge and additional airline costs incurred will be assessed. A service charge will be assessed for each additional request that is confirmed. Confirmed requests to fly in early or fly out late forfeit the associated airport transfer.

Email: Airsea_Web_Airplus@hollandamerica.com

Baggage: Baggage allowance is governed by airline regulations. Excess baggage charges are the responsibility of the passenger. We assume no responsibility for loss, damage, or delay while baggage is in the custody of airlines.

Liability And Relation With Airlines: We reserve the right to use the carriers, routing, and fare structure of our choice, and to utilize commuter and/or charter air service without prior notice. As the airfares we use are based on capacity controlled, promotional, and group fares, we may limit or close sales without prior notice at any time. If, due to any cause beyond our control, we are unable to arrange for air travel or the air travel we arrange is unavailable or otherwise fails to materialize, our sole liability will be limited to refunding the air add-on amount paid to us. We assume no liability for any acts or omissions of any airline, including, without limitation, those involving cancellation of flights, schedule changes, re-routings, damage to or delay or loss of baggage, flight delays, equipment failures, accidents, pilot or other staff shortages, overbooking or computer errors. The liabilities and obligations of an airline to you, and your rights against an airline, are subject to any and all terms and conditions of the airline's ticket and tariffs and all applicable governmental laws and regulations.

Overnight Hotel Accommodations: It may be necessary to overnight passengers en route to or from their cruise due to airline schedules and/or availability. The cost of hotel accommodations may or may not be included in the air add-on amounts; if not, it is the responsibility of the passenger. Passengers are always responsible for meals and items of a personal nature. Hotels will be selected by Holland America and may not be at the port of dis/embarkation. Transfers between airport and hotel are included only for passengers participating in our Fly Cruise Plan.

Terms and conditions

Cruise and CruiseTour Contract
HOLLAND AMERICA LINE
300 Elliott Avenue West
Seattle, WA 98119

Cruise line reviews are provided by CruiseCritic.com, an award-winning cruise community, giving you objective, unbiased information to help you choose the right cruise.

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