Most guests boarding a Holland America Line cruise that are 15 nights or shorter will no longer need to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test beginning Sept. 6. The cruise line is updating its “Travel Well” COVID-19 protocols and procedures to allow vaccinated guests to board without testing, while unvaccinated guests can board with a self-test within three days of sailing. The new protocols do not apply to itineraries for countries where local regulations may vary, including Canada, Australia and Greece.
“Our guests have been excited to return to cruising, and these changes will make it easier for more guests to explore the world in a safe and enjoyable environment,” Gus Antorcha says, president of Holland America Line. “The new, simplified protocols recognize the evolving nature of COVID-19 while still ensuring we protect the health of our guests, team members and the communities we visit.”
All guests on cruises 16 nights or longer will be required to submit a medically supervised COVID-19 test with a written negative result within three days of embarkation. Guests must be vaccinated or request an exemption, and they can continue submitting documents electronically before embarkation for a simple and faster check-in process. Holland America Line recommends that guests visit the TravelWell section of the company’s website for updates before cruise departure, as well as instructions on providing results of a negative test.
For more information about Holland America Line, visit hollandamerica.com.
