Age Policy
Age Policy and Minor Travel Guidelines
- For the safety and comfort of all guests, travelers under 21 years of age must be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or chaperone who is at least 21 years old. One adult chaperone is required for every five guests under the age of 21. Alcoholic beverages are not served to guests under 21 in accordance with maritime regulations.
- Due to limited onboard medical facilities, reservations are not accepted for infants younger than six months on non-Transocean sailings or younger than 12 months on Transocean sailings at the time the cruise begins.
Travel Requirements for Minors
- Minors under 18 traveling internationally must be accompanied by both parents or carry a notarized consent letter from the non-traveling parent(s). If one parent is deceased or the child has only one legal parent, appropriate notarized documentation is required. These measures support international regulations aimed at preventing child abduction and may be enforced at ports of entry or departure. Having proper documentation readily available can help ensure smooth travel.
- Parents, guardians, and chaperones are fully responsible for the supervision and conduct of minors at all times. Children may not be left unattended onboard and must be supervised in the same manner as they would be at a large resort or theme park. For safety and liability reasons, all guests under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian during shore excursions.
Minors Going Ashore
Parents and guardians are responsible for determining whether minors under 16 may go ashore without adult supervision. Permission must be arranged in advance with the ship’s Security Officer so the approval can be recorded in the gangway control system. Without this authorization, minors are generally not permitted to disembark without an accompanying adult. Ultimate responsibility for a minor’s actions remains with their parent or guardian.
Dining Information
World-Class Dining on Holland America Line Cruises
- Holland America Line delivers an exceptional culinary experience with a wide variety of dining venues designed to satisfy every taste and occasion. From casual poolside bites to elegant multi-course meals, guests enjoy complete flexibility with As You Wish dining, allowing you to dine when, where, and how you prefer throughout your cruise.
- Whether you’re in the mood for a relaxed meal or a refined evening of fine dining, Holland America Line offers both traditional pre-set dining times and flexible open seating options. Plus, complimentary 24-hour in-room dining lets you enjoy gourmet cuisine from the comfort of your stateroom or private veranda.
As You Wish Dining on Every Sailing
As You Wish dining gives you total freedom to personalize your onboard dining experience. Enjoy anything from a festive five-course dinner to a quick, casual meal—on your schedule and in the setting that suits you best.
The Elegant Main Dining Room
The classic Main Dining Room provides a sophisticated atmosphere inspired by timeless European elegance, featuring fine art, antiques, and crisp white table linens. Guests dine on Rosenthal china while enjoying thoughtfully curated five-course menus that include classic favorites, regionally inspired dishes, vegetarian selections, and modern culinary creations. Choose between traditional assigned dining or a flexible open seating schedule.
Pinnacle Grill Fine Dining Experience
For an elevated culinary evening, Pinnacle Grill offers an intimate, upscale dining setting showcasing premium Sterling Silver Beef, fresh seafood, and chef-driven specialty menus. Elegant details such as Bvlgari china, Riedel stemware, and Frette linens enhance the experience, while an award-winning wine list features selections recognized by Wine Spectator. Signature dining events include An Evening at Le Cirque and Taste of De Librije by renowned chef Jonnie Boer.
Additional Dining Options to Enjoy
Guests can also savor freshly prepared, cooked-to-order dishes at the Lido Restaurant for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Other highlights include complimentary 24-hour room service, late-night snacks such as the Chocolate Dessert Extravaganza, pastries and espresso at Explorations Café, casual favorites at the Terrace Grill, and daily Afternoon Tea—transformed into the Royal Dutch High Tea once per cruise.
Culinary Excellence at Sea
Holland America Line’s dining program is guided by Master Chef Rudi Sodamin, with executive chefs who are members of the prestigious Confrérie de la Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, an international culinary and wine society. Signature touches such as complimentary ice cream bars and hot hors d’oeuvres during cocktail hour further enhance the onboard experience.
Special Dietary Accommodations
Special dietary needs—including vegetarian, gluten-free, diabetic, kosher, and health-conscious dining options—are easily accommodated with advance notice. Guests are encouraged to coordinate special meal requests through their travel advisor at least 60 days prior to sailing. With As You Wish dining available on every Holland America Line ship, guests can expect a refined, flexible, and unforgettable culinary journey at sea.
Fuel Surcharge Policy
- Holland America Line has eliminated fuel surcharges on all cruise voyages, providing guests with greater transparency and value when booking their cruise vacation. For reservations that fall within the final payment period, any previously applied fuel supplement will be returned to guests as a shipboard credit. For bookings made outside the final payment period, the fuel surcharge will be removed entirely, and guests will receive an updated final payment amount reflecting the adjustment.
- Holland America Line reserves the right to reinstate a fuel supplement should global fuel costs significantly increase. A fuel surcharge may be reintroduced if the price of light sweet crude oil, as listed on the NYMEX, rises above $70 per barrel.
Payments / Refunds
Deposits & Payments
Standard deposits range from $350 to $2,900 USD per person depending on the itinerary, length, and category. Reduced deposit promotions of $1, $25, $99, or 50% off are frequently available. For standard cruises departing in 2027 and beyond (or booked on/after September 29, 2026), final payment is due exactly 120 days prior to departure. Grand World Voyages, Grand Voyages, and segments also require final payment 120 days prior. Bookings made inside the 120-day window require immediate full payment. Standard deposits are fully refundable if cancelled 120+ days prior. Restricted rates (such as Super Sale or Early Advantage fares) are 100% non-refundable from booking.
Cancellation & Refunds
Cancellation penalties are assessed based on standard and Grand/World schedules.
120 or More Days Prior to Departure
- Standard Refund (Departing 2027 & Beyond): 100% refund (standard deposit returned)
- Grand/World Refund & Penalty: 100% refund (full deposit returned)
119-113 Days Prior to Departure
- Standard Refund: 75% refund (25% cancellation penalty)
- Grand/World Refund & Penalty: 100% refund minus required deposit
112-91 Days Prior to Departure
- Standard Refund: 75% refund (25% cancellation penalty)
- Grand/World Refund & Penalty: 50% refund (50% cancellation penalty)
90-76 Days Prior to Departure
- Standard Refund: 50% refund (50% cancellation penalty)
- Grand/World Refund & Penalty: 50% refund (50% cancellation penalty)
75-61 Days Prior to Departure
- Standard Refund: 50% refund (50% cancellation penalty)
- Grand/World Refund & Penalty: 0% refund (100% cancellation penalty)
60 Days or Less / No-Show
- Standard Refund: 0% refund (100% cancellation penalty)
- Grand/World Refund & Penalty: 0% refund (100% cancellation penalty)
Smoking Policy
Holland America Line maintains a primarily smoke-free environment throughout its ships to ensure guest comfort and safety. At this time, all indoor public areas are designated non-smoking, with limited exceptions noted below.
Designated Indoor Smoking Areas
Smoking is permitted only in the following indoor venues on select ships:
- Casino on Eurodam, Koningsdam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Nieuw Statendam, Rotterdam, Volendam, Zaandam, and Oosterdam
- Northern Lights Disco on Eurodam, Oosterdam, Noordam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Westerdam, and Zuiderdam
- Seaview Bar (excluding Maasdam, Ryndam, and Statendam)
- Sports Bar
- Crow’s Nest (excluding Eurodam, Oosterdam, Noordam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Westerdam, and Zuiderdam)
- All onboard showrooms are strictly non-smoking during performances.
- Outdoor Smoking Areas
- Smoking is permitted in designated sections of the outdoor decks. Please note that cigar and pipe smoking is allowed only on open-air decks and is not permitted indoors.
Stateroom Smoking Policy
All staterooms are designated non-smoking accommodations. While Holland America Line does not offer smoking staterooms, all rooms are professionally cleaned after each sailing to ensure a fresh and comfortable environment for every guest. Smoking is permitted on private stateroom verandahs, where applicable.
Important Reminder
Smoking is allowed only in clearly marked indoor and outdoor areas. Guests are asked to observe all posted signage and ship policies to ensure a pleasant experience for everyone on board.
Travel Protection
Holland America Line offers a proprietary Cancellation Protection Plan (CPP) which is a cancellation fee waiver program provided directly by the cruise line, featuring no age-based pricing and no pre-existing condition exclusions:
- Standard CPP: Allows guests to cancel for any reason up to 24 hours prior to departure and receive up to an 80% cash refund of eligible prepaid costs (less plan fee).
- Platinum CPP: Allows guests to cancel for any reason right up to departure and receive up to a 90% cash refund. Includes medical ($20,000), evacuation ($50,000), baggage delay ($500)/loss ($3,000), and trip delay ($2,500).
CPP plans must be purchased and paid for before standard cancellation fees begin to accrue (typically 120 days prior).
Tipping Policy
Daily ‘Crew Appreciation’ service charges are automatically added to folios for guests of all ages: Non-Suite staterooms (Interior, Oceanview, Veranda) are charged US$18.00 per guest, per day; Suite accommodations (Pinnacle, Neptune, Signature, Vista Suites) are charged US$20.00 per guest, per day. These charges are discretionary and can be adjusted (increased, decreased, or removed) onboard at Guest Services prior to settling accounts. Daily tips can be prepaid, and are included as standard in the packaged ‘Have It All’ promotional fares. An automatic 20% service charge is added to all beverage purchases, specialty dining, and a la carte menu items. An automatic 18% service charge is added to spa and salon services.
Dress Code
Onboard daytime wear is casual and relaxed. Shoes and cover-ups must be worn over swimwear when in the ship’s interior. In the evening, the dress code is “Smart Casual.” T-shirts, swimsuits, tank tops, and shorts are not allowed in the restaurants or public areas after 6:00 PM.
Formal Nights
- Holland America features approximately two formal nights per week (Gala/Dressy Nights). For formal evenings, ladies wear a suit, cocktail dress, or gown, and gentlemen wear a jacket and tie, a dark suit, or a tuxedo.
Excursions
- Enhance your cruise vacation by pre-booking your excursions (recommended for most savings and to guarantee availability) via the cruise line app or book while onboard. Space is limited and popular excursions sell out fast!
Why Holland?
Enriching Destinations and Itineraries
Holland America Line is a destination-focused cruise brand, offering carefully crafted itineraries that emphasize longer port stays, overnight visits, and access to culturally rich destinations across Alaska, Europe, Asia, Australia, South America, and beyond.
Award-Winning Alaska Expertise
As a long-standing leader in Alaska cruising, Holland America Line offers glacier-viewing routes, access to Glacier Bay National Park, and exclusive shore excursions that highlight wildlife, nature, and local culture.
Elevated Culinary Experiences
Dining is a hallmark of the Holland America experience, featuring fresh, regionally inspired cuisine, fine dining venues like Pinnacle Grill, and menus designed under the guidance of world-renowned chefs. Flexible As You Wish® dining allows guests to dine on their own schedule.
Elegant, Spacious Ships
Holland America Line ships are known for their classic design, spacious staterooms, and uncrowded atmosphere, making them ideal for travelers who appreciate comfort, elegance, and thoughtful service.
Exceptional Service and Hospitality
With a strong emphasis on personalized service, Holland America’s professional and attentive crew consistently earns high guest satisfaction ratings, creating a welcoming and relaxed onboard environment.
Enrichment and Cultural Programming
Guests enjoy onboard enrichment programs such as destination talks, culinary demonstrations, music performances, and cultural presentations designed to deepen their understanding of each destination.
Live Music and Entertainment Excellence
Holland America Line features high-quality live music venues, including classical, jazz, blues, and contemporary performances, creating a sophisticated yet lively nightlife experience.
All-Ages Friendly with Adult Appeal
While welcoming families, Holland America Line is especially popular with couples, mature travelers, and multigenerational families seeking a calm, enriching cruise atmosphere rather than a party-focused experience.
Thoughtfully Designed Shore Excursions
Shore excursions are curated to highlight local history, nature, and culture, offering authentic experiences ranging from wildlife encounters to culinary and cultural tours.
Strong Value and Trusted Reputation
With decades of cruising experience, Holland America Line delivers excellent value through inclusive amenities, high service standards, and a reputation for reliability that travelers trust when booking through AffordableTours.
FAQ
What is included in a Holland America Line cruise fare?
Your fare typically includes accommodations, meals in main dining venues, onboard entertainment, and a wide range of activities.
Does Holland America Line offer specialty dining?
Yes, specialty restaurants featuring global cuisines are available for an additional charge.
Is Holland America Line suitable for first-time cruisers?
Yes, Holland America’s relaxed atmosphere, attentive service, and clear onboard organization make it an excellent choice for first-time cruisers.
Are gratuities included on Holland America cruises?
Daily service charges are typically added automatically to onboard accounts, though policies may vary by booking and can be adjusted at Guest Services.
Does Holland America Line offer shore excursions?
Yes, the cruise line offers a wide selection of shore excursions designed to showcase local culture, nature, and history at each destination.
Is Holland America Line family-friendly?
Yes, Holland America welcomes families and offers youth programs on many sailings, while still catering strongly to adults seeking a relaxed and enriching cruise experience.
What kind of entertainment is offered onboard?
Entertainment includes live music, stage shows, lectures, cooking demonstrations, and cultural programs that complement the destinations visited.
What destinations does Holland America Line cruise to?
Holland America sails worldwide, including Alaska, the Caribbean, Europe, Asia, Australia, South America, and extended world voyages.
Does Holland America Line offer travel protection?
Travel protection plans are available for purchase and may cover trip cancellation, interruption, medical emergencies, and travel delays.
Who is Holland America Line best suited for?
Holland America Line is ideal for travelers who enjoy destination-focused itineraries, refined dining, cultural enrichment, and a relaxed onboard atmosphere with premium service.
