Holland America Cruises December 2025

Holland America Travel Guide

Holland America Cruises Things To Do

• The refined atmosphere of Holland America Line ships draws interest from older cruise travelers who can also afford to pay the cruise line's higher prices. When you set sail on a HAL ship, you will enjoy a more traditional cruise experience. Therefore, guests onboard like the afternoon tea service and activities that feature ballroom dancing. However, that does not mean the cruise line does not attract families. KId-friendly programs are available online for the younger crowd, 3 to 17 years old. Nevertheless, if you are seeking a more family-friendly adventure, you may want to set your sights on a cruise provider, such as Disney or Carnival. Most families take a HAL cruise during the summer when the kids are on summer vacation from school. Older travelers, who have retired, like to take the world cruises as well as longer excursions. Because the cruise line features life enrichment programs, it draws people who have both creative and intellectual interests and goals.

Holland America Cruises Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the Speciality Dining Options?

  Each ship features a Pinnace Grill, which offers high-end dining services for lunch and dinner. Another popular specialty restaurant is Canaletto, which features Italian cuisine. You have to pay extra for most of the meals in these dining venues. The cruise line recommends that guests make reservations at specialty restaurants before they board the ship. You can make lunch reservations at the Pinnacle Grill during your cruise.

• What Food and Drink Packages are Offered?

  You can save money when cruising if you purchase food and drink packages. For example, the Signature Dining Package covers dining for the evening at the Pinnacle Grill and Canaletto. HAL's Distinctive Dining Package covers one dinner each at the Tamarind, Canaletto, and Pinnacle Grill. You can also opt for the Pinnacle Package, which covers 2 nights at the Pinnacle Grill.

• What is the evening dress code onboard?

  During the evening, guests must follow a dress code in public places on the ship. Two different guest codes are featured: "Gala" or "Smart Casual." On Smart Casual nights, passengers can wear pants (no distressed denim) as well as t-shirts, skirts, or sweaters. During Gala nights, men are required to wear slacks with collared shirts and women may wear skirts, dresses, or dress slacks. Anyone not adhering to the evening dress code cannot enter the restaurants onboard.

• Do you need to make a deposit to book a cruise?

  Yes. You need to make a deposit within 5 days of your reservation to claim your spot. The amount is determined by the cost of the cruise. For Grand Voyages, a second deposit is required.

• When is full payment for cruises due?

  Usually, full payment must be remitted within 75 days of the cruise departure date. However, exact deadlines vary, depending on the cruise.

• What is the average price for gratuities?

  Gratuities average about $15 per person per day.

• How do I avoid a cancellation fee?

  To avoid paying a cancellation fee, you need to cancel your HAL cruise 57 to 120 days before the departure date, depending on the itinerary, time of year, and length of the cruise. If you don't act within this time frame, you will forego your deposit and a certain percent of the fare. The amount you will forfeit will depend on how close the cancellation date is to the departure date. If you buy a Cancellation Protection Plan, it guarantees a refund of 80% to 90% of the amount you have paid for the cruise. You just need to cancel 24 hours before the date of departure. Some plans also add medical coverage and lost baggage.

• What is the best way to get my boarding pass?

  Holland America encourages passengers to use the Online Check-In tool so they can get their boarding pass before embarkation. Otherwise, passengers should check in at the departure port at least 90 minutes before embarkation - the earlier the better.

• What ID should I carry for a cruise that begins and ends in the US?

  A cruise that begins and ends in the U.S. is called a closed-loop cruise. Closed loop cruises require that passengers submit a government I.D., such as a driver's license or resident card, along with proof of citizenship. Usually, a birth certificate can be used to prove citizenship.

• How do I cancel a shore excursion?

  You can cancel a shore excursion up to 3 days before you leave on your cruise trip.