26 Things You’ll Want To Know Before Cruising Holland America

Holland America offers a no-nonsense cruising experience with premium amenities and deluxe packages. It’s a perfect way to relax in style and indulge in culinary pleasures. However, if you are new to the world of cruising, you might have questions on what to expect, and what is included in your cruise fare.

If you picked Holland America Lines(HAL) for your next cruise adventure, here are 26 things you’ll want to know before your set sail. This way, you can really make the most out of your cruise without missing out on any of the fun.

#1 Travel Documents

Travel documents vary depending on the requirements of your nationality and the ports you’re visiting. Regardless, don’t forget to bring all your travel documents otherwise you will be denied boarding and no refunds will be given.

For US citizens, you must bring one or more of the following travel documents for closed-loop cruises:
a. Valid passport with at least 6 months from expiration (Note: This is the recommended travel document for travel on land, air & sea)
b. Passport card
c. State Issued Enhanced Driver’s License
d. Certificate of Naturalization with a government issued photo ID
e. US Birth Certificate with photo ID

#2 Dining and Beverage

Whether you are satisfied with what’s complimentary to your fare, or treat yourself to new culinary heights at specialty dining venues, the choice is yours.

Complimentary Dining Options:

a. Lido Market – Casual buffet dining
b. Dive-In – Burgers and Hotdogs
c. 24 hour in room dining
d. New York Pizza – Thin crust pizza and salads
e. The Dining Room – main dining room (MDR) with dining served a la carte
f. Tea Time – perfect spot for an afternoon cup of tea

Specialty Fine Dining Options:

a. Pinnacle Grill – Steakhouse restaurant
b. Canaletto – Italian fare
c. Tamarind – Pan Asian flavors
d. Rudi’s Sel De Mer – Classic French cuisine
e. Nami Sushi – Japanese restaurant

Specialty Casual Dining Options:

a. Grand Dutch Cafe – cold beer, coffee and snacks
b. Gelato – ice cream parlor
c. Explorations Cafe – fresh pastries and specialty coffee

The Dining Room options:

Choose your dining preferences while doing your online check-in.
a. Pre-Set Scheduled Seating and Dining Times(Early at 5:44pm or Late at 8pm)
b. Flexible Open Dining or “As You Wish”(5:15pm-9pm)

Dining Packages:

These packages help you save you money dining at specialty restaurants.
a. Signature Dining Package

• $35 per person
• Good for one night at the Pinnacle Grill and one night at Canaletto

b. Distinctive Dining Package

• $50 per person
• Good for one dinner each at the Pinnacle Grill, Canaletto & Tamarind

c. Evenings at the Pinnacle Package

• $52 per person
• Two nights at the Pinnacle Grill

Beverage Packages:

a. Signature Drink Package

• $51.69 per day if purchased pre cruise, $57.44 if purchased on board
• unlimited alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages valued at $9 or less

b. Elite Beverage Package

• $63.19 per day whether purchased pre cruise, or on board
• unlimited alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages valued at $15 or less
• On Koningsdam, this also includes the Coca-Cola Freestyle machines

c. Quench Beverage Package

• $17.95 per person per day
• unlimited nonalcoholic beverages and specialty coffees

d. The Coca-Cola Package

• $8 per person per day
• unlimited fountain drinks

e. The Water Package

• 12 one-liter bottles of water for $32

f. Cellar Master Package

• $ 252 per person
• Choice of 5 wine bottles
• Standard and Premium wine tasting
• One dinner at Pinnacle Grill
• Wine accessory gift set
• A Holland America commemorative bottle of wine

Notes: 
a. Prices include 15% gratuity
b. Available for purchase on board on the first 48 hours of cruise only
c. If someone buys the signature or elite beverage package, everyone in the stateroom ages 21 and above must also buy one
d. Maximum of 15 drinks per day. Drinks are served one at a time.

#3 Luggage Tags

Luggage tags are for those who would like to check in their luggages to be delivered to your stateroom. Printable luggage tags are available at the Online Check-In start page. You may select to print as many as you need for your vacation.

Generic HAL luggage tags will also be available for you at the airport or the pier prior to your final check in. Be sure to print your name, stateroom number, and sailing date. Luggages without tags or owner identification may not be loaded on the ship.

#4 Holland America Line Connect

HAL allows you to stay connected via satellite internet with the following WiFi plans:

a. Social Plan

• Limited access that allows you to get connected via Facebook or WhatsApp
• Priced at $14.99 per day, or a discounted $69.99 for a 7-day cruise

b. Surf Plan

• Allows you to check your email or surf the web.
• Priced at $24.99 per day, or a discounted $99 for a 7-day cruise

c. Premium Plan

• High speed internet that allows you to stream videos, music and so much more.
• Priced at $29.99 per day, or a discounted $139.99 for a 7-day cruise

#5 Dress Code

On most evenings smart casual attire is appropriate.

On Gala Nights in fine dining restaurants, collared shirts and slacks are required for gentlemen. For ladies, elegant dresses, skirts, or slacks are all acceptable. Jeans, shorts and T-shirts are only allowed in the casual dining restaurants.

You can pre-order formal wear for gentlemen for your cruise by calling Cruiseline Formalwear at (800) 551-5091 or (305) 252-6565. Your formal wear will be in your stateroom when you board. (Edit: Cruiseline Formalwear is no longer in business so you will have to bring in your own formal wear during formal nights.)

#6 Laundry Services

In your stateroom closet, you will find laundry bags and price lists for HAL’s laundry services.

Onboard coin-operated self-service launderettes consisting of washers, dryers, irons and ironing boards are available on the Amsterdam and Maasdam. Iron and ironing boards are provided at no cost.

For safety reasons, travel irons, and electric water heaters/kettles are not allowed in your stateroom.

#7 Limited Electrical Outlets

All staterooms are equipped with standard 110 AC and 220 AC outlets. All staterooms are equipped with hair dryers. Electrical devices such as small fans, power strips, multi plug box outlets/ adaptors, and extension cords without surge protectors are allowed onboard when used with proper caution.

#8 Ground Transportation

Transfers from the port city airport to the ship and back are available for purchase by calling Holland America Line at (877)724-5425.

For guests who purchased the Fly Cruise Plan and transfers through Holland America Line, Holland America Line representatives will be stationed in the airport baggage claim area or outside the customs area.

Confirmation of transfer reservation and flight arrival information is required at least 14 days prior to their sailing date.

#9 Excursions

Shore Excursions are available to book online up to three days before sailing or by calling (888)425-9376 to book by phone.

For avid cruisers who would like to heighten their cruising experience with a specialized set of excursions available at select ports, there is a number of collections available for you. You can click here for more details.

a. Medallion Collection – exclusive excursions with small groups
b. Encore Collection – showcases hidden gems and inside stories for attractions you’ve already seen
c. World Wonders Collection – focuses on natural treasures, architectural marvels and even the seven wonders of the world
d. Signature Collection – independent travelers who want to customize their time by reserving their own private transportation
e. Cruise with Purpose Collection – cruise with a deeper purpose of giving back and improving our planet

#10 Cruise Cabin Types

HAL offers staterooms with ample closet space, secure safe for your valuables, flat-screen television, and a hair dryer.

Types of Cabins on Holland Ships:

a. Interior Staterooms – cheapest but smallest and without natural light. Perfect for budget cruisers.

b. Ocean View Staterooms– rooms accentuated with gorgeous views of the open sea

c. Verandah and Lanai Staterooms – all the perks of an Ocean View cabin with a private furnished balcony and small sitting areas

d. Suite Staterooms– Holland America has four types of suites differing both in accommodation size and luxury: Vista, Signature, Neptune and Pinnacle.

All suites contain premium duvets, sitting areas and a furnished balcony. Suites can easily accommodate families and larger groups thanks to extra beds or sofa beds.

Neptune or Pinnacle Suite bookings come with private concierge services and the Neptune Lounge, which features a library, a flat-screen TV and refreshments throughout the day.

e. Spa Stateroom or Suite – while similar in size and amenities to rooms in the same category, these rooms earn a “Spa” label thanks to their proximity to the Greenhouse Spa & Salon. Perks include extras like yoga mats and iPod docking stations. Exclusive spa services can be booked for an additional fee.

#11 When & Where Newsletter

When and Where is the HAL’s daily program newsletter. It is sent to your room at night and contains a detailed breakdown of next day’s schedule.

Information it contains:
a. Schedule of onboard activities
b. Times and location of musical performances
c. Onboard dining venue, seating times, dress code and surcharges
d. Special offers and discounts on shops
e. Important announcements
f. Weather forecast
g. Ship’s anticipated arrival time and the time of the last tender back to the ship on port days

#12 Beverages On Board

Guests are allowed to bring in bottled water and soda as long as they carry it on board during embarkation.

Wine or Champagne
Guests 21 years and older may bring one bottle of wine or champagne (no larger than 750ml) onboard in carry-on luggage during embarkation. No corkage fee is charged if consumed in the stateroom. Additional wine or champagne bottles are welcome, but will incur a US$18.00 a corkage fee each, regardless of where they are intended to be consumed.

Purchased Wine or Champagne in Ports of Call
Wine and champagne bottles (no larger than 750ml) purchased in ports of call can be brought onboard and subject to a US$18.00 corkage fee each, regardless of where they are intended to be consumed. Guests can opt to have these bottles stored and returned on the last evening of the cruise at no charge.

All other alcoholic beverages that are purchased in ports of calls as well as all alcoholic beverages purchased from onboard shops will be stored and returned on the last evening of the voyage at no charge.

#13 Infants & Pregnancy

According to HAL policy, “Infants 6 months or younger at the time the cruise commences and women who will be 24 or more weeks pregnant during the course of their travel are not permitted to participate in the cruise.”

Note: Pregnant women must provide a medical note from your physician stating your expected due date and medical fitness to travel.

#14 Muster Safety Drill

Muster Safety Drill is a mandatory drill instigated by the US Coast Guard so guests will know what to do in an emergency situation at sea or when the alarm is sounded. This is done before the ship leaves the dock at the port of embarkation.

Guests will be provided with clear instructions including the following pertinent information:
a. Location of their muster stations
b. Essential actions to take during an emergency
c. How to put on a life jacket

#15 Key Card

Your stateroom key card also serves as your onboard charge card. With the exception of the casino, cash is not accepted for individual transactions on your cruise.

To keep them from getting lost, check out these nautical-themed water resistant badge holders you can use.

Notes:
a. You can register a debit or credit card as part of your online check in. On embarkation day, HAL places an initial hold for $60 per person per cruise day on your card.
b. Alternatively, you can visit Guest Services and deposit $60 in cash per person per cruise day. Excess deposit will be refunded at the end of the cruise.
c. Traveler’s checks may be cashed at Guest Services. Personal checks, however, are not accepted.

#16 Souvenir Photos

At the Photo Gallery, HAL’s talented photographers are available to assist you with all your photographic needs.

Joe Craig Black Label Art Photography
An exclusive portrait service offered by HAL to guests onboard the ship. Sittings are limited, so make sure to book early.

#17 Online Check In

Online check-in must be completed through the website at least 72 hours prior to your sail date.

Note:
If Online Check-in was not completed 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 may be denied boarding.

#18 Hotel Service Charge

HAL charges an automatic Hotel Service Charge of $14.50 per guest per day for non-suite stateroom guests and $16.00 per guest per day for suite guests.
A 15% Bar Service Charge is automatically added to bar and Dining Room wine purchases.

Note: Hotel Service Charges are paid to HAL crew members as part of their compensation.

#19 Luggage Transport Services

Save time and enjoy the perk of not having to handle your bulky luggages when you travel. HAL has the following luggage handling options for guests:

a. Luggage Forward – this option allows you to have your bags picked up at your home and delivered to your stateroom. Upon disembarkation, your bags will be delivered back to your home.

Advantages:

• International service
• No unpredictable checked bag fees
• No risk of airline losing your luggage
• Full money back plus $500 on-time guarantee

To Book: You can book online by clicking here, or call them directly at (877)466-2247.

b. Luggage Direct – this option gives you the extra convenience of receiving your airline boarding passes and checking your luggage in to your flight while still onboard the cruise ship.

TSA-approved partners will take your luggage directly from the ship and deliver it to your plane. You will claim your luggage at your final airport destination.

Advantages:

• Priority disembarkation
• No need to locate your luggage or wait for a porters assistance in the terminal
• Avoid lines at the airport

To Book: You can book online by clicking here, or by calling them directly at (877)847-0045. Cost is US$25.00 per person.

#20 Mariner Society

The Mariner Society is HAL’s loyalty program that rewards you points for each day you cruise and for purchases made onboard. You are automatically enrolled after you book your first cruise.

Mariner Society Reward Tiers:
a. Star Mariner – 2nd cruise up to 29 cruise points
b. 2-Star Mariner – 30 up to 74 cruise points
c. 3-Star Mariner – 75 up to 199 cruise points
d. 4-Star Mariner – 200 up to 499 cruise points
e. 5-Star Mariner – 500 or more cruise points

Click here to know more about the perks of each tier.

#21 Communication

Here are some ways you can communicate onboard HAL ships:

a. Holland America Line Connect

• Simply register through HAL’s Navigator App, select “Paid Internet” and choose between a Voyage and a Daily plan.

b. Fax Service

• Contact the Front Office if you wish to send a fax.

c. Mail Service

• Letters and postcards may be mailed from the ship while in ports of call.
• Stamps can be purchased in port or from the Front Office and charged to your shipboard account.

d. Mobile Phones

HAL has a mobile cell tower while cruising on international waters. This way, you can make calls and send text messages while ‘roaming’. Charges and fees are based on your carrier’s international roaming plan.

Note: If you have AT&T service, you may choose from a selection of packages offering discounted rates for international calls, texts and data while on board. Click here for more details.

#22 Babysitting

Club HAL After Hours offer babysitting services for children 3 years and up between 10pm and 12 midnight. Cost is $5 per hour per child.

At other times and for children under the age of three, limited babysitting is available through the Front Office on a volunteer basis. Cost is $8 per hour for the first child and $5 per hour for each other child.

#23 Boarding

Here’s a quick summary of the boarding process:
a. Complete your online check-in
b. Print your boarding pass
c. At the pier, present your boarding pass and all your travel documents
d. Have your picture taken
e. Take your stateroom key and you’re good to go!

Note: Please remember that you must be on the ship at least one hour before departure.

#24 Seasickness

When you’re on a cruise, getting seasick is a sure way to ruin the cruising experience. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent you from being seasick.

Here’s a few of our recommendations that helps:
a. Scopolamine patch (Prescription – prevents motion sickness)
b. Dramamine (Over the counter but get the less drowsy kind)
c. Zofran (Prescription – helps with nausea)
d. Ginger Pills (Natural way to prevent motion sickness)
e. Seabands (Naturally prevents motion sickness by applying pressure to certain point on your wrist)
f. Choose a stateroom on a lower deck and located mid ship.  Rooms closest to the front or the stern of the cruise ship experience most of the rocking motion.

#25 Club HAL Youth Program

Holland America Line’s Club HAL offers an impressive array of entertainment options and age-appropriate fun for kids and youngsters aged 3 – 17.

Programs include arts and crafts, sports, video game competitions, scavenger hunts, challenging team games and themed parties. To know more about Club HAL, please click here.

#26 Smoking Policy

Smoking is only permitted on certain designated, outside decks. The designated smoking areas for all ships are as follows unless otherwise noted.

Check out HAL’s designated smoking areas by clicking here.

Notes:
a. Cigar and pipe smoking

• Not allowed anywhere inside the ship except for the Oak Room on the Noordam; it is only permitted on the outside decks where smoking is otherwise allowed.

b. Electronic cigarettes and vaping devices

• Permitted in staterooms but are not permitted on stateroom balconies. These devices may be used in all designated smoking areas listed above.

c. Any guest caught smoking inside staterooms will be charged US$250 per day of violation.

To learn more about cruising, check out other articles on our site:

1. 33 Things To Pack For A Cruise Besides Clothes
2. Things to Leave Behind When Packing For Your Next Cruise
3. 18 Hidden Costs That Bump Up Your Cruising Budget