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Great news! Holland America Cruise ships are back in the water! We are your resource for the most up to date information around vaccination & testing requirements, whether you will need a mask, taking shore excursions, and health & safety measurements taken by the cruise line.
The CDC removed its travel warning for cruise ships on December 31, 2022. Holland America Cruise Line will continue participation in the CDC voluntary program through at least April 22nd.
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Need to know Information
Pre-cruise boarding checklist:
- Complete online health questionnaire 72-24 hours prior to sailing using the Navigator mobile app or online check-in
- Negative viral COVID-19 test taken within 2 days of departure
- Vaccine card (Digital or paper records, or QR codes)
- Masks are recommended.
- Shore excursion requirements
- Passport Book or Passport Card, valid for at least six months after your cruise, is recommended.
- No passport? Bring a state-certified U.S. Birth Certificate + a valid Driver's License or picture ID issued by the government for age 16 and older.
- If the name doesn't match, bridging documents are required, like a Marriage Certificate.
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Holland America Health & Safety FAQs
What are the Pre-Cruise COVID-19 Testing Requirements?
Holland America will require ALL fully vaccinated guests to produce a negative, medically observed viral COVID-19 test (PCR or antigen) taken within 2 or 3 days of their embarkation based on being fully vaccinated on cruises through September 30, 2022.
Guests who are up to date with their vaccines may take their test within three (3) days prior to sailing.
- Up to date means a person has received all recommended COVID-19 vaccinations, including any booster dose(s), when eligible.
- If a guest is fully vaccinated but not up to date with their vaccines (i.e., is eligible for a booster but has not received one), they must take their pre-cruise COVID-19 test within two (2) days prior to sailing.
- For guests embarking in the United States, please note that testing in the terminal will not be available so it’s critical that you have your negative test results with you at cruise check-in. We will not be able to accommodate guests without proof of a negative test.
- For guests embarking in Europe, we are conducting mandatory COVID-19 antigen testing at the pier pursuant to the EU Healthy Gateways Protocols. This test will be complimentary, and a negative result will satisfy our new testing requirements.
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Canada and Alaska: For cruises originating from a Canadian port, guests who are up to date with their vaccines or fully vaccinated may take their COVID-19 PCR test within 3-days prior to sailing or an antigen test within 1-day before sailing.
- Within 72 hours of cruise embarkation, ALL guests need to complete ArriveCAN and enter proof of vaccination and travel information to get their ArriveCAN receipt.
- Land first Cruisetours: Guests will be administered a complimentary rapid antigen test before the cruise portion of their package.
- Cruise first Cruisetours: Guests will need to comply with the testing guidance for departures from the U.S. or Canada.
Where can I take a COVID-19 test?
- Guests may take their COVID-19 test at any participating drug store (Walgreens, CVC).
- Schedule an appointment with your medical professional or health department.
- Order an FDA-authorized at-home test kit that include a telehealth service, shipped to your door. Please place your order with enough time to be shipped prior to your boarding. Holland America Line has partnered with Optum and Radeas.
- Curative provides testing via drive-throughs, kiosks, or mobile sites You will be able to find a location and schedule a service at one of their 10,000 sites.
- At Terminal: There will be a limited number of tests at the terminal for $100 per person in Ft Lauderdale and San Diego.
Guests will be administered a complimentary rapid antigen test at the cruise terminal during the check-in process. Holland America strongly encourages all guests to take a COVID-19 test prior to leaving home to avoid travel disruptions associated with a possible positive test result on the day of embarkation Guests may be required to produce a negative COVID-19 test prior to travel. Please check with your airline and the arrival country’s requirements in advance of travel.
Do I need a vaccine to cruise with Holland America?
Holland America 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.
Guests who travel internationally should always ensure they understand all entry and airline requirements to travel (including connecting airports) to and from their home country and the destinations they plan to visit, including where health authorities may require pre-travel COVID-19 testing.
What Proof of Vaccination do I need to provide?
A valid Digital COVID-19 Certificate or certificate/document to include the following information:
- Name, Date of birth
- COVID-19 vaccine product name; manufacturer, number of doses in the series, date of vaccination, country of vaccination, certificate issuer and a unique certificate identifier
- 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.
Which COVID-19 vaccines will be accepted?
Acceptable vaccines are those that are approved, or have an emergency use authorization or listing from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or the World Health Organization (WHO).
- Pfizer: 2 Doses
- Moderna: 2 Doses
- Johnson & Johnson: 1 Dose
- AstraZeneca: 2 Doses
- Sinopharm: 2 doses
- Sinovac: 2 Doses
- Novavax: 2 Doses
Can I have mixed vaccines?
Guests will be considered fully vaccinated if at least 2 doses of an authorized vaccine were administered at least 28 days apart, with the last dose given at least 14 days before sailing.
- Pfizer - 2 Dose Series
- Moderna - 2 Dose Series
- Johnson & Johnson - 1 Dose Series
- AstraZeneca - 2 Dose Series
- Sinopharm - 2 Dose Series
- Sinovac - 2 Dose Series
- Covaxin - 2 Dose Series
- Novavax - 2 Dose Series
Will I need a COVID-19 Booster?
COVID-19 vaccine boosters are required for guests whose final dose of an approved/authorized COVID-19 vaccine is older than 9 months (270 days). Guests without a booster after this time are not considered “fully vaccinated”. Only one booster dose is required to be considered fully vaccinated. We strongly encourage guests to stay up to date on vaccinations based on any updated guidelines, but at this time, a single booster dose will meet all booster requirements for cruising.
Can children sail if not vaccinated?
Children of all ages are once again eligible to sail with Holland America Line. While children are welcome aboard any of our cruises worldwide, all guests ages 5 years and older must be fully vaccinated to sail. Children under 5 years of age will be allowed to sail on all cruises without a vaccine.
Guests should always ensure they understand all requirements to travel to their home country and the destinations they plan to visit.
We do not collect vaccination cards or store proof of vaccination. Those cruise lines that have vaccine requirements to cruise will likely ask for proof at the time of boarding.
Will I be required to wear a face mask?
- Masks are recommended on board but not required. However, masks may be required in certain venues and events. Please pay close attention to onboard signage.
- If masks are required, they must cover the nose and mouth at all times when indoors and outdoors when physical distancing cannot be maintained, as well as during embarkation, disembarkation and when on transportation.
- Face coverings such as bandanas, neck gaiters, and masks with exhaust valves are not allowed. Please note that visors and face shields will not be accepted as a substitute for a face mask.
Can I explore the port destinations independently?
At this time, fully vaccinated guests can explore destinations on their own or on independent third-party tours. This is subject to change at any time; however, it is highly recommended you choose shore excursions that are in contact with local officials who oversee health and safety standards for these guides and tours.
The ability for guests to go ashore in ports of call is controlled by the governments of the ports we visit based on their individual COVID-19 protocols and requirements, which are quickly evolving and being updated. Please be aware that as destination conditions change, you may be required to take a Holland America Line shore excursion to go ashore.
Can I smoke in the Casino?
There is no smoking in the Casino at all times. Casino dealers will wear Personal Protective Equipment including face shields.
Will I still be able to enjoy the buffet?
Yes, the buffet will still be open and available for all guests and will be served by teammates at all times. Line monitors will also manage guest flow.
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Check here for the most up to date information on each Cruise Destination, including vaccination requirements, mask mandates, shore excursions, and insurance requirements.