Get Exclusive Cruise Deals on Summer Cruise Deal With Costa Cruises!
Find a cruise and book cruises direct - no booking fee!
Deal of the Week
Top 10
Group Booking
Koningsdam Useful Information
Explore Useful Things to Know About Koningsdam
Disabled Facilities
- Guests who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing
- Visual and tactile stateroom kits are available for door knocks, phone rings, and alarms.
- Stateroom TVs can show closed captioning when the satellite feed allows.
- Amplified sound telephones are provided in staterooms.
- Assistive Listening Systems with portable receivers are available in show lounges.
- Written safety info and a copy of the lifeboat drill speech are available.
- Guests who are Blind or Have Low Vision
- Screen reader software is available in the Explorations Café.
- Daily activities, news, and menus can be downloaded for screen reader users.
- Large print or Braille menus are offered with 45 days’ notice.
- Familiarization tour available upon arrival.
- Cruising for Children with Special Needs
- Families of children with special needs should contact the Guest Accessibility Department before the cruise.
- Club HAL can’t accommodate children who need one-on-one care. A parent or guardian must be present.
- Personal Mobility Equipment
- Personal mobility devices should be 23" wide or less, unless collapsible.
- Devices should weigh no more than 100 lbs. without the battery.
- Only Gel, Dry Cell, or AGM batteries are allowed.
- Guests needing larger scooters should contact the Access & Compliance Department.
Special Dietary Requirements
- Non-Life-Threatening Food Intolerances or Allergies
- Guests should contact the Ship Services Department at (800) 541-1576.
- Life-Threatening Food Allergies
- Guests must complete a Special Requirements Information (SRI) Form.
- The form should list all foods that may trigger a severe reaction.
- Submit the form to the Guest Accessibility Department before sailing.
- Food Preparation and Safety Onboard
- Galley staff are trained to handle severe food allergies.
- Different food prep areas help reduce the chance of cross-contamination.
- Despite precautions, meals are prepared in bulk, so cross-contact is still possible.
- Holland America Line cannot guarantee complete allergen avoidance.
- Onboard Follow-Up
- Guests should meet with the Dining Room Manager after boarding.
- Review dietary needs and allergy details directly with the dining team.
Age Restrictions
- Minimum Age to Sail
- Guests under 21 must be with a parent, guardian, or chaperone who is at least 21 years old.
- One adult chaperone is required for every five guests under 21.
- Infants must be at least 6 months old at the time of embarkation.
- For trans-ocean crossings and remote itineraries with over 2 sea days, children must be at least 12 months old.
- Alcohol Policy by Region
- Guests must be 21 or older to purchase or drink alcohol onboard.
- For cruises starting and ending in Australia, New Zealand, Europe, China, Hong Kong, Singapore, or Taiwan – the legal drinking age is 18.
- For cruises starting and ending in Japan, the legal drinking age is 20.
- Travel Requirements for Minors
- Minors under 18 traveling internationally must be accompanied by both parents or carry a notarised letter from the absent parent(s).
- If one parent is deceased or the child has one legal parent, a notarised proof is required.
- All minors must travel with the proper ID and authorization documents.
- U.S. citizen minors should carry a birth certificate (original, photocopy, or certified copy) or proof of citizenship.
- Children aged 16 or older also need a photo ID.
- A passport is required for all guests traveling outside the Western Hemisphere.
- International Travel and Child Safety
- Some countries may require documents showing the child’s relationship to the adult and travel permission.
- Carrying these documents can help avoid delays at borders, even if not required.
- For country-specific rules, visit the U.S. State Department website.
- Supervision of Minors Onboard
- Parents, guardians, or chaperones must supervise minors at all times.
- Minors should not be left alone anywhere on the ship.
- Children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian on all tours.
- For youth programs for ages 3–17, see the Club HAL Youth Program section.
- Minors Going Ashore
- Parents or guardians must decide if a minor under 16 can go ashore alone.
- To allow this, speak with the ship’s Security Officer so it can be noted in the system.
- Without prior approval, minors may not be allowed off the ship without an adult.
- The final responsibility lies with the parents or guardians.
Dress Code
- Indoor Dress Requirements
- Shirts or cover-ups and footwear are always required inside the ship.
- Swimwear is only appropriate at the pool or outdoor decks.
- Casual Evenings
- Smart casual is recommended for evenings labeled as Casual.
- Avoid wearing shorts, beachwear, distressed jeans, or men’s tank tops in table service restaurants.
- Dressy Evenings
- Recommended attire includes slacks, skirts, dresses, blouses, collared shirts, and jackets.
- This dress code allows guests to look polished while staying comfortable.
- Changes from “Gala” to “Dressy”
- The term “Dressy” replaced “Gala” to reduce confusion about formal dress expectations.
- Guests are encouraged to dress up without feeling pressured to wear tuxedos or gowns.
- Attire Guidelines for Women
- Acceptable options include dresses, skirts, slacks, and stylish tops.
- There is no requirement for formal wear or evening gowns.
- Attire Guidelines for Men
- Jackets and ties are preferred in fine-dining restaurants on Dressy nights.
- Guests without jackets or ties are still welcome in these venues.
- Jeans Policy
- Neat jeans without holes, tears, or decorations are allowed in all restaurants on most evenings.
- On Dressy nights, jeans are only permitted in casual dining areas.
- Shorts in the Dining Room
- Shorts are not permitted in the main dining room during dinner.
- The dining room maintains a fine dining environment.
- Dress Code on Grand Voyages
- The same dress guidelines apply on all Holland America Line cruises.
- Some Grand Voyages include Formal nights where suits and dresses are suggested.
Smoking and E-Cigarette Policy
- Non-Smoking Areas
- All staterooms (cabins), verandahs, showrooms, and most indoor areas are non-smoking.
- Smoking of any kind is not allowed in these spaces.
- Designated Smoking Areas by Ship
- Sea View Bar area.
- At casino, smoking is allowed for active players only, and only when outside of 12 nautical miles from the Netherlands.
- Cigar and Pipe Smoking
- Not allowed anywhere inside the ship.
- Permitted only on designated outdoor decks where smoking is allowed.
- Electronic Cigarettes
- Only permitted in designated smoking areas.
- Not allowed in staterooms or public areas outside those zones.
- Smoking Violations
- A US$250 cleaning fee is charged per day for smoking in staterooms or on verandahs.
- Repeated violations may lead to removal from the ship.
- Policy Updates
- Holland America Line may change the smoking policy or locations at any time.
Alcohol Policy
- Bringing Alcohol on Board
- Guests cannot bring alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks on board for personal use, with a few exceptions.
- Guests 21 years and older (or the legal drinking age for the region) may bring wine or Champagne onboard.
- A corkage fee of USD 20 per bottle (750 ml or less) applies.
- Large quantities of wine may be refused by ship security.
- Age Rules by Region
- 21+ for cruises from and to most countries.
- 18+ for cruises starting and ending in Australia, New Zealand, Europe, China, Hong Kong, Singapore, or Taiwan.
- 20+ for cruises starting and ending in Japan.
- Shore Excursion Wine Exemption
- One bottle of wine per person bought during Holland America winery excursions is exempt from the corkage fee.
- Non-Alcoholic Beverages
- Plastic water bottles are not allowed on board at all, even from port stops.
- Guests may bring limited amounts of non-plastic water:
- Up to 6 litres
- Or 12 cans/cartons (500 ml or less)
- Or 6 cans/cartons (1 liter or less) per stateroom
- Soda, energy drinks, or other non-alcoholic beverages are not allowed.
- Extra drinks beyond the limit will be discarded.
- Luggage Screening and Confiscation
- All checked and carry-on bags are scanned.
- Prohibited items will be removed and discarded.
- Locked bags may be opened by security or held for inspection.
- Holland America is not responsible for damage, lost items, or discarded drinks.
- Duty-Free Purchases
- Alcohol and tobacco bought duty-free during the cruise or in port must be surrendered and will be delivered to your room at the end of the cruise.
- Wine or Champagne provided by the cruise line is not charged a corkage fee.
- Medical and Infant Exceptions
- Distilled or purified water in sealed containers is allowed in checked luggage if:
- Needed for medical devices
- Needed for infant formula (only for rooms with infant bookings)
- Plastic containers are allowed in these cases only.
- Service Charges and Taxes
- An 18% service charge is added to:
- Drink purchases
- Bar retail items
- Specialty restaurants cover charges
- À la carte food purchases
- Local sales taxes may apply where required.
- Bringing Alcohol and Tobacco into the U.S.
- 1 liter of alcohol duty-free (more if coming from the U.S. Virgin Islands or the Caribbean).
- 100 cigars and 200 cigarettes as part of a US$800 exemption.
- Extra quantities are taxed.
- Cigarettes may be taxed by state and local governments.
- Bidis (flavored cigarettes) are usually not allowed.
- Cuban cigars and goods are no longer allowed for U.S. travelers.
Wheelchair Accessible Room
- Accessible Staterooms
- Ships have specially designed staterooms for guests who need mobility assistance.
- If you have not booked an accessible stateroom and are using a standard one, some limitations may impact movement, especially in and out of bathrooms.
- Standard staterooms may have:
- Narrow hallways and doors
- Difficult bathroom features (e.g., doorsills, bathtub height)
- Types of Accessible Staterooms
- There are three types of accessible staterooms:
- Fully Accessible Rooms
- Designed for guests with no or highly limited mobility.
- Provides features like:
- Turning space
- Accessible routes throughout the cabin
- Accessible bathrooms
- Fully Accessible – Single Side Approach Rooms
- Designed for guests with no or highly limited mobility.
- Features an accessible bathroom and clear space for a wheelchair or scooter on one side of the bed.
- Configurations:
- One bed or
- Two beds with space between them
- Ambulatory Accessible Rooms
- Designed for guests with mobility disabilities who don’t need a wheelchair or scooter all the time.
- Includes some accessible features to assist with movement.
- Types of Bathing Facilities
- Accessible staterooms have three types of bathing options:
- Roll-in Showers – Includes turning space for easy wheelchair access.
- Transfer Showers – Provides clearance beside the shower for transferring to the shower bench from a wheelchair.
- Accessible Bathtubs – Offers space beside the bathtub to allow a guest to transfer from a wheelchair to a seat in the tub.
- Important Notes
- Mobility devices (like wheelchairs and scooters) must be stored and charged in your stateroom for safety reasons.
- Details on accessible rooms for each ship can be found in the ship’s Deck Plan.
Internet/Wi-Fi Access
- Internet Access on Board
- Guests can purchase and connect to satellite internet 24/7 on all Holland America ships.
- Internet access is available through a wireless network on the ship.
- Workstations are available in the Explorations Café.
- Internet plans vary in price and can be used interchangeably between workstations and personal devices.
- Satellite connections may be slower due to physical obstacles (like fjords) or bad weather.
- Wireless Internet Service
- Available throughout the ship for laptops, tablets, and other devices.
- Steps to connect:
- Put your device in airplane mode.
- Turn on Wi-Fi and connect to the ship’s network.
- Open your browser and type “Login.com”.
- In the Holland America Line Navigator™, select “Connect to Paid Internet”.
- Available Internet Packages
- Surf: $24.99 – Ideal for email, news, and sports. May not support audio/video calls or streaming.
- Premium: $29.99 – Supports email, streaming, and audio/video calling. Offers highest data volume.
- Keep in Mind
- Satellite internet is slower than shore-side connections.
- Some sites are available under “Complimentary Browsing”.
- Data volume varies by package and may change.
- Check the Internet Plan Selection page for detailed information.
- The Explorations Café
- Powered by The New York Times, offers internet access in a comfortable setting.
- Use provided workstations or connect your own wireless devices.
- AT&T Mobile Packages
- Guests with AT&T can choose discounted international calling, text, and data packages while at sea:
- Calling only
- Calling and messaging
- Calling, messaging, and data
- Mobile Phone Service
- Wireless Maritime Service provides roaming onboard.
- You can make/receive calls, send/receive texts, and access email and internet.
- Service available in international waters only.
- Phone network may show “cellular at sea,” “Ship Roam,” or “901-18”.
- “Roam” may need to be selected depending on the carrier.
- Webcams
- Webcams are not available for public access onboard.
Service Animals
- Service Animals on Board
- Only service animals are allowed on board.
- A service animal is defined as one that is individually trained to assist an individual with a disability.
- Pets, therapy/companion animals, and other non-service animals are not allowed.
- If unsure whether your animal qualifies, contact the Guest Accessibility Department for clarification.
- Requirements for Disembarking in Ports
- Some ports of call may have specific rules for allowing service animals ashore.
- Understand each port's requirements in advance.
- Recommended sources for information include:
- U.S. Department of Agriculture’s website
- Local customs offices at the ports
- Your service animal’s veterinarian
- Holland America Line does not determine these rules; they are set by government authorities.
- Vaccinations and Documentation
- Service animals must have current vaccinations to board the ship.
- Vaccination records should be submitted to the Guest Accessibility Department before departure.
- Carry vaccination records in case they are required at a port of call.
- If proper documentation or vaccinations are missing, or if local quarantine is required, your service animal may not be allowed ashore.
- If your service animal cannot disembark, crew members will help you find alternatives for port visits.
- Service animals cannot be left unattended on the ship or in your stateroom, except when not allowed off the ship by port regulations.
Drinks Package
- Beverage Packages and Cards
- Holland America Line offers a variety of beverage packages and cards that you can purchase for personal use or as gifts.
- You can choose from individual drinks, multi‑day wine packages, or convenient beverage cards.
- Drink packages offer great value and can enhance your cruise experience.
- Elite Beverage Package — $59.95 per guest, per day*
- All benefits from the Quench and Signature Packages
- All drinks priced at $15 and under
- Dale DeGroff’s Original Cocktails
- Signature Beverage Package — $54.95 per guest, per day*
- Everything from the Quench Package
- Premium beers, spirits, cocktails, and wines by the glass priced at $11 and under
- Quench Beverage Package (Non‑Alcoholic) — $17.95 per guest, per day*
- Unlimited premium coffees (espresso, cappuccino)
- Juices, Coca‑Cola™ products, signature mocktails
- Red Bull and bottled waters (500 ml and under)
- Coca‑Cola™ Beverage Package — $8.00 per guest, per day*
- Unlimited fountain sodas
- On Koningsdam and Nieuw Statendam: access to the Coca‑Cola™ Freestyle program with 100+ flavors
- Important Notes
- Prices are per person, per day.
- An 18% service charge is automatically applied to all beverage purchases, bar retail items, specialty‑restaurant cover charges, and à‑la‑carte menu items.
- Sales taxes may apply where required.
- All adults of legal drinking age in the same stateroom must purchase the same package.
- Package Limits
- Elite Package: 15 alcoholic drinks (menu price $15 or less) plus unlimited non‑alcoholic drinks per day
- Signature Package: 15 drinks (alcoholic or non‑alcoholic, menu price $11 or less) per day
- Quench Package: 15 non‑alcoholic drinks per day
- Exclusions
- Purchases made in Mini Bar, Honor Bar, Chocolate Seduction, In‑Room Dining
- Drinks purchased on Half Moon Cay and self‑service draft beer
- Freestyle Coca‑Cola available only on Koningsdam and Nieuw Statendam
- The packages cannot be shared or transferred; only one drink may be ordered at a time.
- You must be of legal drinking age for your itinerary to use the package.
- If misused, Beverage Management may revoke the package and refuse service; service may be refused if a guest is intoxicated.
- Ordering Packages
- You can pre‑order beverage packages, Champagne, and other onboard gifts for any guest booked on a Holland America Line cruise.