EmailFrequently Asked Questions
- What is Included in the cruise fare? And what's extra?
- How much and who should I tip?
- What is the cancellation policy?
- What if the cruise price drops after I book or I find a better fare?
- Does the ship provide internet access? If so, how much does it cost?
- How can I keep in stay in touch with friends and family on land? Can I use my cell phone?
- What is the dress code?
- Can I bring alcohol on board?
- What kinds of items are not allowed on board?
CRUISE INCLUDES:
Room accommodations
- Mariner's Dream™ beds and premium linens
- Daily housekeeping
- Large, extra-fluffy Egyptian cotton towels
- Lighted magnifying mirrors; massage showerheads; salon-quality hair dryers
- Terry cloth bathrobes
- Elemis Aromapure "Time to Spa" bath amenities
- Televisions with DVD players
- 24-hour room service
- Complimentary shoeshine service
- Complimentary fresh fruit and ice service
Food and Drink
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks)
- Some beverages (non-bottled water, coffee, juices, and teas)
Entertainment
- Broadway-style shows
- Cinema
- Casino
General
- Fitness Center
- The New York Times online edition at internet stations in Explorations Cafe
- Youth Programs
- Club HAL Kids for kids 3-7
- Club HAL Tweens for kids 8-12
- The Loft and The Oasis, for teens 13-17.
- (Only the smaller Prinsendam varies, with programs for kids ages 5-17.)
Not Included (available for EXTRA Charge):
Food and Drinks
- Special reservation-only restaurant
- All alcoholic beverages
- Sodas, bottled mineral water
On-board activities
- Instructor-led Fitness classes (such as Spin, Yoga and Pilates)
- Spa
- Salon
General
- Ship to shore phone calls
- Professional photos
- Internet usage
- Gratuities/service fees (see below section on Gratuity policy)
- Medical services
A daily Hotel Service Charge of US$11 per passenger is automatically charged to each guest's shipboard account. If service exceeds or fails to meet your expectations, you are free to adjust this amount at the end of the cruise. The Hotel Service Charge is paid to Holland America Line crew members, and represents an important part of their total compensation package. A 15% service charge is automatically added to bar charges and dining room wine purchases.
More info on Holland America Line's website here↑ Back to Top
The amount of the cancellation fee depends primarily on one factor: Days until your cruise's departure. The earlier you cancel, the less the fee. However, the specifics vary depending on the length of your cruise and if you are sailing on a holiday.
For example, for a 1 week, 7-night cruise the cancellation fee is:
- None, if cancelled with 76 days or more until departure
- Your deposit amount, if cancelled between 75 and 57 days from departure
- 50% of the total fare, if cancelled between 56 and 29 days from departure
- 75% of the total fare, if cancelled between 28 and 16 days from departure
- 100% of the total fare, if cancelled within 7 days of departure
Cancellation must be submitted in written form and received by Holland America, 300 Elliott Ave. West, Seattle, WA 98119.
More info on Holland America Line's website here
Holland America Line recommends the purchase of a Cancellation Protection Plan.↑ Back to Top
Holland America does not have price protection, if the price lowers you would have to call into the office. It's not a guarantee that they would be able to lower the price.↑ Back to Top
Guests can connect to the internet on each ship in the Holland America Line fleet, either by accessing a 24/7 wireless connection "hotspot", or utilizing the resources of the Explorations Cafe or Internet Cafe located on board.
*Some Internet services not available, please contact Ship Services for further information
More info on Holland America Line's website here↑ Back to Top
Telephone:
Ship to Shore
Direct ship-to-shore telephones are provided in each guest stateroom. You may easily place a call to friends, relatives or business associates during your cruise, reception permitting.
All phone calls, whether inbound or outbound, are charged a satellite tariff. Outbound calling rates are posted near your cabin telephone and will be billed to your on-board account. These charges are applied to ALL calls including calls to 800, 877 and 888 numbers. Collect calls are not possible from the ship.
Shore to Ship
Connecting to a Holland America Line vessel at sea is simple by using DialAShip.com. A credit card is required for all inbound phone calls to a ship. The rate is US$16.00 per minute and billing begins at the time specified. Please have the ship's name, your party's name and stateroom number.
Instructions:- Dial 1-866-HAL-SHIP (1-866-425-7447). From outside the U.S. access 1-732-335-3278. Listen to the announcement.
- Listen to the menu and select the number that corresponds to the ship you are calling.
- If you receive a busy signal or message, please hang up quickly and try your call again.
Please print this page and give it to whomever you wish for dialing instructions.
Fax:
Facsimile service is available on board. Please contact the Front Office for cost and other information if you wish to take advantage of this service.
Mail:
Letters and postcards may be mailed from the ship while in ports of call. Guests may buy stamps in port or purchase them with U.S. cash from the Front Office. All mail is subject to local postal office procedures and rates in the port mailed.
More info on Holland America Line's website here
Cell Phone:
Yes, you can use your cell phone. Note, you will incur roaming charges (T-Mobile $4.99/min, AT&T $2.49/min, Verizon $2.49/min, Sprint $2.49/min, Alltel $2.49/min). Remember to pack your phone charger.
For more questions about your service or about billing, please contact your cell phone provider.
More info on Holland America Line's website here↑ Back to Top
You will need three types of clothing on your Celebrity cruise:
- Casual shipboard attire or day wear depends on the climate of your cruise. For warmer climates lightweight, breathable fabrics. For cooler climates easily layered clothes, raincoat, umbrella, and gloves.
- Port wear depends on the sites you visit. Certain shore excursions may require particular attention to clothing. For example, certain churches or other places of worship may not allow tank tops or short pants.
- Eveningwear falls into two distinct categories:
- Smart Casual
- Men wear slacks and collared shirts
- Ladies wear casual dresses, slacks and informal evening wear
- Formal
- Gentlemen wear a jacket and tie, dark suit or tuxedo
- Ladies wear a suit, cocktail dress or gown
- Smart Casual
There are approximately two formal nights per week.Formalwear for ladies and gentlemen can be pre-ordered for your use during your cruise by calling Cruiseline Formalwear at 800-551-5091 or make your reservations online. Your formalwear will be in your stateroom when you board.
*Holland America asks that you wear shoes and a cover-up over a bathing suit when walking through the interior of the ship.
More info on Holland America Line's website here↑ Back to Top
No beer or liquor may be brought onboard for consumption. However, wine and champagne are allowed on-board. A corkage fee of US$18.00 applies to wine and champagne brought to the restaurants or bars for consumption.
There are several beverage packages offered by Holland America Line:
Soda card: $25 for $50 worth of sodas (can be shared). Given, one can of soda costs $1.95 and one glass of fountain soda costs $1.50, if you plan to drink 13 or more cans, or 16 or more fountain sodas during the cruise - buy this soda card
Nonalcoholic beverage card: $45 for $50 worth of non-alcoholic beverages onboard, such as coffee, tea, soda, bottled water, and nonalcoholic cocktails (can be shared). Buy It: If you plan to drink more than eight cans of soda and eight large bottles of water during your cruise.
Beverage Card: $45 for $50 worth of any beverages onboard, both alcoholic and nonalcoholic. Buy It: If you plan to drink more than 10 glasses of wine or 10 beers; or five glasses of wine or beer and 13 cans of soda during your cruise.
Beverage Card: $90 for $100 worth of any beverages onboard, both alcoholic and nonalcoholic. Buy It: If you'll drink more than 10 glasses of wine or 10 beers, plus 12 cans of soda and six large bottles of water
More info on Holland America Line's website here↑ Back to Top
RESTRICTED ITEMS
Radioactive materials, controlled substances (other than lawfully obtained prescription drugs), firearms and illicit materials are strictly prohibited.
The only animals permitted to accompany you are qualified service animals for passengers with disabilities; you are responsible for complying with governmental health and other requirements as to service animals.
More info on Holland America Line's website here↑ Back to Top
MeetOnCruise: Our Take
Holland America Line (HAL) offers 2 to 114-day cruises to 320 ports of call across all seven continents. This Seatlle-based Cruise Line has Dutch is known for an extensive "Culinary Arts" program with interative cooking demos, and life-enrichment lectures such as workshops for learning video editing and other digital skills. HAL typically attracts older couples and singles and multi-generational families who want a quiet, educational and refined cruise experience. The newer larger ships, however, appeal to a younger demographic.Holland America Line Photos from Members
