Passenger Shipping Pause 2020
Due to the Coronavirus crisis, Holland America Line suspended its entire fleet’s passenger shipping operations canceling all voyages with pre-scheduled departures in the period March 13, 2020, through June 30, 2021.
Next are listed HAL’s first departures by ship in 2021-2022: ROTTERDAM , NIEUW AMSTERDAM , NIEUW STATENDAM , KONINGSDAM , EURODAM , ZUIDERDAM , NOORDAM , OOSTERDAM , ZAANDAM , VOLENDAM , WESTERDAM .
- All HAL Alaska cruises and Alaskan cruisetours in 2020-2021 were initially canceled, but in 2021 NIEUW AMSTERDAM was rescheduled for Alaskan roundtrips from Seattle .
- Due to Canada’s extended ban on cruise ships, HAL’s Canada and New England 2021 schedule was entirely canceled.
- VOLENDAM’s “World Cruise 2022” from Fort Lauderdale was canceled.
- ZAANDAM’s “World Cruise 2022” was canceled.
- All ship relocation itineraries visiting ports in the USA-Canada were canceled.
- NOORDAM’s Asia 2021-2022 program , OOSTERDAM’s Australia-New Zealand 2021-2022 program , WESTERDAM’s South America 2021-2022 program, and ZUIDERDAM’s Caribbean-Mediterranean 2021 programs were also canceled.
- HAL’s Europe 2021 schedule was canceled.
- ROTTERDAM’s Maiden Voyage was rescheduled from August 1 to Sept 26 and finally Nov 3, despite the on-schedule delivery from Fincantieri .
Holland America Cruise Skips Mexico Stop After Positive Covid Tests
SAN DIEGO A Holland America Line cruise ship was on its way back to port Saturday after Mexican health officials would not allow guests to disembark in Puerto Vallarta following positive Covid-19 tests on board.
The health department of the Mexican state of Jalisco said 21 crew members tested positive for Covid upon arrival in Puerto Vallarta on Thursday.
It said passengers potential exposure meant they would not be allowed to disembark.
Through onboard testing, we have confirmed that a small number of fully-vaccinated crew on Koningsdam tested positive for COVID-19, Holland America said in a statement. All are showing mild or no symptoms and are in isolation. Close contacts have been quarantined out of an abundance of caution.
The cruise line said the ship left Puerto Vallarta following a last-minute notification from authorities that guests would not be allowed ashore.
The ship was expected to return to San Diego on Sunday, the cruise line said.
The ship, with 874 crew members and 1,035 passengers, was on a cruise that included stops in Cabo San Lucas and Mazatlán, the Jalisco health officials said.
They said one crew member was positive Dec. 18, the day before the ship left San Diego. It’s not clear whether the crew member was on board.
Guests are required to show proof of full vaccination and negative Covid-19 tests taken within two days of boarding the ship, according to cruise line health and safety guidelines.
Holland America Line Amends Protocols On Masks And Casino
Holland America Line amends its protocols including a tightened mask policy and no smoking in the casino on sailings through March 2022.
With just a few days to go before Christmas, it is starting to look as though all major cruise lines are making amendments to their protocols. Seattle-based Holland America Line is the next to do so.
The Carnival-owned cruise line has adjusted its requirements for wearing a mask and strongly advises all guests over 16 years of age to obtain a COVID-19 booster vaccine shot if they are eligible. On top of that, the cruise line now also bans smoking inside the casinos. The new guidelines are in place effective immediately onboard all of its ships and will remain in place through March 2022.
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Do Cruise Ships Have Wifi
The short answer is yesbut it differs from cruise line to cruise line.
What follows is a breakdown of the advertised services around Wi-Fi by the cruise line and previous cruiser insights on these services for many cruise lines sailing vacationers are considering.
Royal Caribbean Offers a VOOM Surf Voyage Package you can add to your cruise to stream and stay connected. Depending on if in port or at sea and the number of devices you will be connecting, these packages start at $15.99 for one device for the slower service and go as high as $22.99, but for various itineraries and member levels, there are discounts available.
Overall, users have good things to say about the service, though it does appear there can be some spotty coverage depending on your itinerary.
Celebrity Xcelerate stream is the top-tier package you can add to your cruises on Celebrity for near-constant coverage while cruising. This package is great for those wishing to stream movies and such while underway and seems to have fairly good reviews from previous customers.
The more economy package will be Xcelerate surf for those needing some basic email and messaging services for a more value-added cost.
They also have cafes with printers and full screens and keyboards to facilitate work or other activities.
Check the fine print and ensure that you pick the right package as there are some pre-purchase restrictions that this plan enforces before embarking.
Can You Stream Movies On A Cruise Ship
Wifi is getting better for certain and more readily available. While the speed of an individual cruise ship might be enough to stream movies, you might end up going through your available bandwidth quickly.
Additional charges in most cases will apply for streaming or higher/longer coverage periods and can have a significant impact on the cost of your cruise experience if not booked in advance.
That being said, it is not the same on every ship, and the costs are specific to each cruise line, so dont make assumptions that just because you sail on one two years ago and want to pick a new line, the services may not be the same.
Depending on the destination, cruise ship capabilities, and even your stateroom location, the variances in coverage can be significant.
Look at the cruise line websites and reviewers on popular websites like the CruiseCritic Forums who can be brutally honest on reviewing such amenities. Real-life examples may help you from being frustrated mid-cruise and not enjoying a hard-earned vacation due to slow internet when you are already out to sea.
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Holland America Has A Long History Of Traditional Cruising On Spacious Elegant Midsize Ships
Holland America has a long history of traditional cruising on spacious, elegant midsize ships. The line is known for its gracious service and sophisticated dining, and its fleet sails to ports of call on all seven continents. Décor includes an abundance of fresh flowers, museum-quality art and attention to detail. Work out in the fitness center, take in a movie at the cinema, learn yoga, pamper yourself with a massage, take a class in the state-of-the-art Culinary Arts Center demonstration kitchen or check your email in the Explorations Café. Whatever you choose, there’s an onboard activity for everyone.
Are Holland America Cruises Good For Families
While there are plenty of cruise lines that cater specifically to families, Holland America Line has a reputation for serving a more mature crowd. Of course, age is just a number, and people of all ages can get a lot out of cruising. In fact, a cruise can be a great family vacation or reunion destination.
If youre considering a family or multi-generational cruise, you may be wondering if youre limited to the family-centered cruise lines. Holland America Line offers high-end amenities and destinations to serve serious travelers, but are their cruises good for families?
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Health And Safety Protocols On Holland America Cruises
The following policies have already been implemented across all Holland America’s entire fleet:
Timely safety and hygiene communications
- Guests will find information in the daily program and on their stateroom televisions.
- Tips displayed on onboard digital screens throughout the ship.
- Daily announcements by the Cruise & Travel Director.
Restaurants, bars and lounges
- Hand sanitizer dispensers are in high-traffic locations, including all entrances to all dining rooms and the Lido Market.Guests will find information in the daily program and on their stateroom televisions.
- Lido Market hand sanitizer stations are staffed to prompt guests to either use the sanitizer or use the available hand washing stations.
- All food service stations, including Lido Market, will be staffed. Any self-serve areas that remain, such as condiment set-ups, will be monitored by dedicated personnel. All serving utensils in self-service locations are replaced every 30 minutes.
Housekeeping for staterooms and suites
- Stateroom surfaces and fixtures are thoroughly cleaned up to twice daily with particular attention to bathrooms, handles, and frequently touched surfaces
- Oxivir solution is used as a secondary sanitation method on all touch points after each stateroom is serviced.
Public spaces
Guests with flu-like symptoms
Holland America Bans Smoking In Casinos
Holland America has now followed the rules implemented by Carnival Cruise Line and Princess Cruises ships and banned smoking inside the companys casinos onboard. While smoking itself does not spread COVID-19, the cruise line wants to prevent guests from removing their masks inside the casino.
Guests will now need to smoke their cigarettes and cigars at one of the outdoor smoking areas on the open decks. This measure will be in place until further notice, Holland America says.
The ships affected by the changes this week are MS Rotterdam, ms Nieuw Amsterdam, ms Nieuw Statendam, ms Koningsdam, ms Eurodam, and ms Zuiderdam. Five ships in the Holland America fleet are not operational yet, and will all start operations in the spring of 2022. These are the ms Noordam, ms Westerdam, ms Oosterdam, ms Zaandam, and the ms Volendam.
Fears over outbreaks from Omicron seem to be taken over for the cruise companies. In the last week, major cruise lines such as Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian reported increased health and safety measures onboard their vessels. At the same time, MSC Cruises has had to cancel several cruises in Europe due to new restrictions, and a number of cruise ships have been turned away from ports in recent days.
Feel free to discuss this topic and all things cruise at our new boards. A place where readers can ask questions, help their fellow cruisers and general cruise discussions on cruise lines and ports.
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Smoking Policy On Holland America Cruises
Presently, all indoor areas are designated non-smoking with the exception of:
– Casino – Northern Lights Disco – Seaview Bar – Sports Bar
Great adventure! Chacabuco was beautiful, crusing the fjords was spectacular and that was only 1 of many glaciers we saw. The penguins stops were great Montevideo is truly a beautiful city, smaller than Buenos Aires which is also beautiful. If you have time and $$$, go see Iguasu Falls, we did not. Nadia Miller arranged our whole all inclusive trip, excellently. Thank you!!! Pack light, laundry service on Holland America is quick and either $20 per bag or $100 for unlimited on the whole trip. Thank you, laundry guys!!! Wonderful classical piano and violin duet music 3 times a day!!!!!
Why Choose Holland America
For more than 139 years, Holland America Line has been a recognized leader in cruising, taking you to exotic destinations around the world. If you are looking for some of the most spacious and comfortable ships at sea, award-winning service, five star dining, extensive activities and enrichment programs, and compelling worldwide itineraries, Holland America Line is the right choice for you.Cruises include both popular and less-traveled ports in the Caribbean, Alaska, Europe, Mexico, South America, the Panama Canal, Australia, New Zealand and Asia – as well as unique voyages to the Amazon, Antarctica and extended Grand Voyages.
Round trip from Piraeus August 22, 2021
Relics from the distant past and marvels of the modernera rise to greet you on this 7-day sojourn.
Please Call for Current PricingTo Book: Call 888-AAA-SHIP
Exclusive AAA Member benefits and AAA Vacations ® amenities are available on select sailings or departures and may not be combinable. Amenities can be capacity controlled and subject to change. Terms and conditions apply to partner special offers. Government fees and taxes are not included. Cruise lines reserve the right to impose a fuel surcharge. For full details, ask a AAA Travel Agent. AAA Club Alliance is not responsible for errors or omissions.
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Cruising With Children On Holland America Line
Vacationing with children is always a tricky proposition, but a cruise can make that even more complicated. Being at sea and away from home means there arent many opportunities to back out if the kids arent handling the trip well. That means you need to know exactly what youre getting yourself into before you disembark.
Holland America Line offers a wide variety of destinations that each have family-friendly shore excursions. There are also plenty of dining options to suit even the pickiest of eaters, and spacious family suites with enough beds for everyone.
Heres everything you need to know about cruising with kids on Holland America Line.
Dutch Royal Family Members Serving As Hal Ship Godparents
On October 17, 2021, HAL officially announced the name of the new Rotterdam ship‘s godmother – HRH Princess Margriet Francisca of the Netherlands . Princess Margriet is the 3rd daughter of Queen Juliana Louise Emma Marie Wilhelmina and Prince Bernhard of Lippe-Biesterfeld and is an aunt of Holland’s current monarch Willem-Alexander Claus George Ferdinand .
HAL’s connection to The House of Orange-Nassau started in 1929 when Duke Henry of Mecklenburg-Schwerin godfathered Statendam III . Next are listed the godmothers of HAL liners through the 20th-21st centuries.
Princess Margriet Francisca named 5x liners – Prinsendam I , Nieuw Amsterdam III , Rotterdam VI , Oosterdam , Rotterdam VII .
Queen Maxima Zorreguieta Cerruti named 2x liners – Nieuw Amsterdam , Koningsdam .
Princess Beatrix Wilhelmina Armgard named Statendam IV and/as Queen Beatrix named Eurodam .
Queen Juliana Louise Emma Marie Wilhelmina named Rotterdam V .
Queen Wilhelmina Helena Pauline Maria named Nieuw Amsterdam II .
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Save Up To 40% On Holland America Alaska Cruise Tours
Up to 50% savings is already reflected in our online pricing. Government taxes & fees are additional. Prices are per person, based on double occupancy and do not include government taxes and fees, which are added during step 5 of the online booking process. Rates listed above were valid when posted online and are subject to change, based on the cruise line’s live availability. Offer is subject to change or be withdrawn without notice.
Ultimate Upgrade Event: Free Upgrades & Reduced Deposits
in addition to the Have It All amenities FREE Stateroom Upgrades! »Search for a Holland America Ultimate Upgrade Event cruise Offer valid only on new bookings made December 14, 2021 through February 28, 2022 on select 6-night or longer Summer 2022 – Winter/Spring 2023 cruises/cruisetours departures only. Offers are per stateroom and based on double occupancy, for 1st and 2nd guests sharing a stateroom only. Excludes Grand Voyages and Grand Voyage segments. Offer is capacity controlled and subject to availability. Additional restrictions may apply. We reserve the right to correct all errors.
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A Word Of Caution About Cruise Line Wi
Certain apps, a variety of service options, port of call, and destinations along your cruise can all impact the internet service on a ship.
If these services and having access to friends, coworkers, work, or even social media feeds are important to you, do your research before embarking as not all cruise lines have given their online services the same consideration.
Holland America Line Makes Masks Mandatory
Nearly all major cruise lines have now made masks mandatory onboard their ships the next in line to do so is Seattle-based Holland America Line.
In a notice on the cruise lines website, the company now states that guests are required to wear a mask at all times when inside the vessel. The statement reads as follows:
All guests regardless of age will be required to wear face masks at all times in elevators and in all indoor areas of the ship, except when eating or drinking or in their staterooms. Thisincludes wearing face masks before being seated in all dining venues and Lido Market, while dancing in public lounges and outdoors if in large gatherings and physical distancing cannot be maintained. Guests are recommended to use higher-grade masks indoors that have two or more layers, completely cover the nose and mouth, fit snugly against the sides of the face and have a nose wire.
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The mask mandate is not the only health protocol guests will need to comply with should they wish to sail aboard a Holland America ship.
All guests were already required to be fully vaccinated and provide a negative viral COVID-19 test taken two days before sailing. On top of that, the cruise line also advises guests to obtain a COVID-19 booster vaccination, when eligible, at least seven days before the start of the cruise.
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Holland America Line Rooms
While the standard interior rooms are not well suited to families with children, Holland America Line features four suite options. Three of these the Signature Suite, Neptune Suite, and Pinnacle Suite feature a sofa or murphy bed for one to two extra guests.
The murphy bed folds down from the wall above the queen- king-size Mariners Dream bed. Beside the bed is a wide armchair, and the sofa bed pulls out from that. If youre traveling with two children, the two single beds mean you can keep them separate at bedtime.
The floor-to-ceiling verandah doors flood the stateroom with natural light during the day. They open onto a spacious verandah where you can kick back and enjoy the view of the ocean. This added space makes all the difference when traveling with kids.
When its time for lights out, you can draw the blackout curtains. If youre lucky, the kids might sleep in a little bit longer, and you can enjoy some extra quiet time in the morning. Larger families can also request adjoining rooms for added space and privacy.