Holland America Line Policies: Everything in One Place
This page pulls together the Holland America Line policies our advisors get asked about most - cancellation rules, baggage limits, booking and deposit terms, dining, gratuities, and more. Each topic has its own dedicated page linked below with the full details.
Under Holland America's current cruise contract, cancel 120+ days out and you're fully refunded. From 119-113 days you lose the required deposit amount; 112-76 days brings a 50% charge on the total cruise price; and inside 75 days, no refund is available. Shorter sailings (13 nights or fewer, most non-Asia/Australia/South America routes) run on a tighter schedule with a 90-day final payment deadline.
Because Holland America Line's details can be updated between booking and departure, checking with an advisor before you finalize plans is the safest way to avoid a surprise later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find Holland America Line's cancellation policy?
Under Holland America's current cruise contract, cancel 120+ days out and you're fully refunded. From 119-113 days you lose the required deposit amount; 112-76 days brings a 50% charge on the total cruise price; and inside 75 days, no refund is available. Shorter sailings (13 nights or fewer, most non-Asia/Australia/South America routes) run on a tighter schedule with a 90-day final payment deadline.
Does Holland America Line charge for checked baggage?
Holland America suggests the same widely used guideline as most premium lines: two checked bags per guest, about 50 lbs each, plus a carry-on. Guests are also permitted one bottle of wine or champagne per adult.
How much is the deposit to book Holland America Line?
Deposits scale with cruise length - roughly $700 per stateroom for 3-7 night sailings, up to $3,500 for 25-night-plus voyages - with final payment due 75-120 days before departure depending on itinerary.
Are gratuities included in the Holland America Line fare?
A daily hotel service charge is added automatically to your onboard account, similar in structure to other premium lines, and can be adjusted or removed at Guest Services if you prefer to tip crew members individually instead.
What's Holland America Line's Wi-Fi policy?
Wi-Fi runs through the Surf and Premium bundles, with Surf typically priced from around $18-30/day and the Premium streaming tier closer to $35/day, depending on the ship and promotion.
Who can walk me through all of Holland America Line's policies at once?
Call +1-800-406-8495 and one of our advisors can go through cancellation, baggage, dining, and any other policy questions specific to your upcoming Holland America Line sailing.
How does Holland America Line's check-in process work?
Online check-in is completed through the Holland America Navigator app before sailing, and doing it early speeds up embarkation day considerably.
What documents does Holland America Line require for boarding?
A passport valid 6+ months past your return date is recommended for all sailings and required for international itineraries; closed-loop domestic cruises allow U.S. citizens a birth certificate and photo ID instead.
Does Holland America Line have a loyalty program worth joining?
Mariner Society, which tracks cruise days plus onboard spending. Perks like specialty dining discounts begin around 30 nights, and status is recognized across sister line Princess Cruises.
What's Holland America Line's policy on sailing with kids?
6 months old on the first sailing day for standard itineraries, rising to 12 months for more remote or exotic routings.