How To Move To A Different Date On Holland America Line: What Holland America Line Guests Should Know for 2026
Here's what Holland America Line guests need to know about moving your booking to a different date, in plain English.
Moving to a different sailing works the same way as a date change once you're past final payment, falling under the standard cancellation terms: 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.
Since moving your booking to a different date can vary by cabin category and sail date, an advisor at +1-800-406-8495 can confirm exactly what applies to your booking. Because these details get updated periodically, checking the current version on the cruise line's own site before you rely on it is always the safer move. That detail alone can save some back-and-forth later.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I move to a different date on Holland America?
Contact the cruise line or your travel advisor with your confirmation number - moving to a new date before final payment is usually simple, while moves closer to departure may incur standard cancellation fees. It's worth double-checking this against your own confirmation email, since promotions occasionally add extra flexibility beyond the standard rule. Not a bad idea to keep that in your back pocket.
Can I move to a completely different itinerary, not just a different date?
Yes, though that's typically treated as a full rebooking rather than a simple date change, since pricing and availability reset. Since this can vary slightly by sailing date, it's worth a quick check against your specific departure before you make other plans around it. That's the short version, at least.
Will I lose my deposit if I move to a different date?
If your deposit was refundable, it typically transfers to the new date; non-refundable promotional deposits usually don't carry over. This tends to be handled a little differently for bookings made directly with the cruise line versus through a third-party agency, so checking your paperwork helps. That's the short version, at least.
Is there a limit to how many times I can change my date?
Most lines don't set a hard limit, but each change made after final payment is generally subject to cancellation fees, so repeated changes can get expensive. It's worth double-checking this against your own confirmation email, since promotions occasionally add extra flexibility beyond the standard rule. Easy to overlook, but it's worth a mental note.
Does moving to a different date affect my loyalty points?
No, your accumulated loyalty status stays with your guest profile regardless of which specific sailing you end up taking. If you booked as part of a larger group, some of these terms can apply differently to the group organizer than to individual cabins. That detail alone can save some back-and-forth later.
Who can help me find a better date for my Holland America cruise?
Call +1-800-406-8495 and our advisors can check alternative dates and pricing. It's generally faster to sort this out well before your final payment date than to wait until the week of departure. Small thing, but it matters if you're planning around it.
Is moving to a different date the same process as a full rebooking?
It can function similarly - if you're inside the cancellation penalty window, a date change might be treated the same as canceling and rebooking under current pricing. If your itinerary includes a charter or repositioning sailing, terms can differ from a standard published route, so it's worth asking specifically. Easy to overlook, but it's worth a mental note.
Does Holland America charge a rebooking fee for date changes made early?
Many lines allow free or low-cost date changes when requested well before the cancellation penalty window opens, though this varies by cruise line and fare type. Keeping a screenshot or PDF of your booking terms at the time you paid is a smart backup if a policy detail is ever disputed later. Small thing, but it matters if you're planning around it.
Can I move my sail date to a completely different year?
Generally yes, as long as the itinerary is still offered and inventory allows, though pricing will reflect the new sailing's current rates rather than your original booking price. Keeping a screenshot or PDF of your booking terms at the time you paid is a smart backup if a policy detail is ever disputed later. Not a bad idea to keep that in your back pocket.
Will my deposit carry over to a new date?
If your original deposit was refundable, it typically transfers to the new date; non-refundable promotional deposits are usually forfeited when moving to a different sailing. Keeping a screenshot or PDF of your booking terms at the time you paid is a smart backup if a policy detail is ever disputed later. Easy to overlook, but it's worth a mental note.