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Important Travel Details
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Travel Docs and Mandatory Online Check-in
Transfers Athens to Cruise Port
Holland America Cruise Line operates out of Port Piraeus in Athens. If you would like assistance with travel arrangements such as pre-cruise and post-cruise hotels, flights, transfers, bookings, upgrades, extra guests, accessibility, travel insurance, and more, please contact our Travel Agent Diane: diane@luxurytravel-destinations.com, +1 336-749-1219.
START EARLY AND STAY LATE to Enjoy the Magic!When making your travel plans, we recommend that you arrive a few days before the cruise and also stay afterwards. Because, in addition to the private, exclusive shore excursions (just for our group), which we will offer at the ports of call during the cruise, we have also arranged awesome Pre-cruise and Post-cruise shore excursions exclusive to our group:
PRE-CRUISE, on Monday, September 30, on our private, exclusive excursion: "Walking in Plato’s Footsteps," we will explore the Acropolis, Parthenon, and Temple of Poseidon—round trip from/to our hotel in Athens. Legend says both the deities Athena and Poseidon offered gifts to claim the city. At the Acropolis, Poseidon struck a rock with his trident, bringing forth a spring, while Athena offered an olive tree, symbolizing peace and prosperity. The city’s inhabitants chose Athena’s gift, thus naming the city Athens.
POST-CRUISE, on Sunday, October 12, on our private, exclusive excursion: “The Oracle of Delphi,” we will travel to the legendary ancient site of the priestess Pythia, famed for divining the future and consulting in all major undertakings. It is said the god Zeus launched two eagles simultaneously from the two ends of the world, one flying east, the other flying west. The eagles crossed paths above Delphi. Zeus marked the spot with a sacred stone, omphalos ("navel"). Since then, Delphi has been considered the omphalos—"Navel of the Earth.”Book Your Flight
Holland America Line Flight Ease® delivers a convenient, worry-free way to book air travel featuring flight inventory from most airlines, our specially negotiated low prices, the freedom to change your flights with no change fees, and late-arrival protection with 24-hour assistance. In addition, you can earn frequent flier miles with participating airlines. Holland America Line Flight Ease® Benefits.
• Choice: Customize your air itinerary with your preferred travel dates, airport, airline, flight, and aircraft cabin class. Select from Flexible or Restricted fares.* Your flight selections will be confirmed immediately.
• Savings: Flight Ease Flexible Fares* are competitively priced and often lower than pricing found on other sites – with added benefits not found elsewhere. With Flexible Fares, you may change your flights without change fees** at any time prior to your cruise final payment date.
• Late Arrival Protection: In the event your flights are delayed or cancelled by the airline on the day you are enroute to or from your cruise, the Flight Ease staff is ready to assist you, 24/7. Flight Ease will even take care of any flight changes if needed to join the voyage at the next available port of call.
• Support: Should you need assistance with your flight selections or during your air travels, you may rely on the Flight Ease support to ensure worry-free travel. For more information, call the Holland America support line at 1-800-628-4771.
• More Info: For additional details about the Holland America Flight Ease program, please check out this page: https://www.hollandamerica.com/en/us/faq/cruise-transportation-hotels-and-flights/flight-ease Or contact Diane at diane@luxurytravel-destinations.com or +1 336-749-1219 after you have registered for the cruise at www.newearthcruise.com.
TRAVEL DELAYS
If your flight arrives late, after the ship’s scheduled sailing time, due to weather or mechanical problems, contact Holland America’s emergency travel hotline and/or a supervisor at the airline’s ticket counter for assistance in securing hotel accommodations and flight arrangements to the next port on your ship’s itinerary.
• Calling within USA: 1-800-628-4771
• Calling International: +1-206-286-3294In case you miss the departure of your ship at the Port of Piraeus or at any other port in our itinerary due to carrier-caused delays or other insurance-covered reasons, please make sure you have enough travel insurance to cover additional accommodations, meals, and “catch-up” transportation expenses.
For this reason, we highly recommend that you arrive at least one day prior to sailing and stay in a hotel the night before to avoid any possible delays. We offer pre-cruise hotel reservations and we offer travel insurance for guests traveling with a US passport. For Travel Insurance (US citizens only), contact Diane at diane@luxurytravel-destinations.com: 336-749-1219. For other countries, contact a local travel insurance provider.Travel Documentation
Mandatory Online Check-In
CHECKING IN FOR YOUR CRUISE
Every passenger, speaker, and staff must complete Online check-in and get your Holland America Boarding pass before September 27, 2025. There are two parts to Holland America’s check-in process:1) The Holland America Online Check-in is the first step, where you will input your documentation and credit card information.
2) The second part is on embarkation day, October 1. Upon arrival at the Piraeus Cruise Terminal, your documentation will be checked and you will pass through a brief security screening.
NAVIGATOR® APP
Personalize your cruise experience and check in for your cruise with our free mobile-friendly tool. Plan your daily activities, view restaurant menus, make dining reservations, make spa appointments, check your account balance, and more. The Holland America Line Navigator App is your indispensable tool for cruise planning, embarkation, and managing your onboard experience. Before your cruise, download the App on Google Play (click here to download) or on the App Store (click here to download), log in and immediately start using Navigator Watch the following instructional video for downloading and logging into the Navigator App:
Here are instructions in writing:
• Go to your App Store on your mobile device
• Go to Search
• In the search field, type in “Holland America Line Navigator”
• Click “Get” to download
• Once installed, click “Open” to launch Holland America Line Navigator
• Click Login and enter your Email or Mariner ID number and passport
• If your device is compatible, you can select to enable Face or Touch ID for future use
• Click Login If you do not already have a Holland America account, you will need to register for one before using the Holland America Line Navigator App.Watch the following video for instructions:
Here are instructions in writing:
• Click the Navigator App icon to launch the Holland America Line Navigator App
• Click “Login”
• Click “Register”
• Fill in your email, password, legal first and last name, and date of birth.
• Then click “Next”
• Fill in your country of residence and postal zip code. Then select from the dropdown menus to set your security questions.
• You must also click the box to agree to the Terms of Use.
• There is an option selection to receive promotional emails from Holland America Line. Check this box if you are interested.
• Click “Register.”You will then be able to use the email and password you entered to login in the future. If you have questions about the Holland America Line Navigator App, please contact Holland America at 1-855-932-1711.
With the Holland America Line Navigator App, you can keep your cruise itinerary and all onboard activities in the palm of your hand. This video will show you how:
Features of the Navigator App
PLEASE NOTE: Some of the following features will not be available until you are onboard the ship:
• Under the Home tab, you can book flights, check in for your cruise, plan your cruise, get useful info about health, packing, and travel resources.
• Under Plan, review deck plans to help you get where you want to go easily, keep track of daily activities and show times in your daily planner, and view FAQs on shipboard life.
• Under Experiences, you can see the port itinerary, review dining and bar options, make dining reservations at specialty dining, book spa offerings, plus order food, beverages and more at your service.
• Under Connect, you can purchase an Internet WiFi plan, give feedback on Holland America Line, get news and magazines from Pressreader, and use the Complimentary Chat to stay connected with other cruisers.
• Under Account, you can store/retrieve your digital boarding pass for embarkation and check your onboard billing statement. Using your computer rather than Navigator App If you would prefer to manage your reservation on your computer, you can log in to the Holland America website. There you can check in for the cruise, print your cruise documents and luggage tags, plan and book spa reservations, read about cruise preparation, pre-reserve Internet, drink, bottled water, laundry, and specialty dining reservations and packages, and more: https://book2.hollandamerica.com/secondaryFlow/login/bookingYou can use the Navigator App, your Holland America account login via your computer, or your stateroom TV to gain access to your account from your mobile device while onboard without buying an Internet WiFi plan.
MANDATORY ONLINE CHECK-IN
Approximately 45-60 days prior to sailing, you will receive an email from diane@luxurytravel-destinations.com or from divinetravels@aol.com, reminding you of your unique Holland America booking number and asking you to check in for your cruise. If you cannot find the email, you can find your booking number on the Navigator App on your phone, or in the confirmation email you received when you originally registered for the cruise.
During Online Check-in, you will securely submit your immigration, disembarkation, and credit card registration forms. For greatest accuracy onboard your ship, please complete the process 30 or more days prior to your departure. You can either use the Navigator App on your phone for Online Check-in, or you can check in using your computer.
To complete Online Check-in for each guest, you will need:• Full legal name
• Birth date
• Passport, visa, permanent resident card, or other acceptable IDs for boarding a ship.
• Home address
• Home telephone number
• Emergency contact information
• Return flight information
• Credit card you wish to use for onboard purchasesTo complete Check-in with the Navigator App, just open the App, and on the Welcome Page, simply click on “Check in” and follow the instructions.
Your other option is to check in using a browser on your computer. With your booking number and passport on hand, log in to your Holland America Account and navigate to: https://www.hollandamerica.com/checkin#/findBooking
• There are two possible ways to start your check-in process:1) If you have a Holland America Line account, you can log in with your Mariner ID login.
2) On the righthand side, follow the prompts under “Log In with Booking Number.” You will need to enter your Holland America Booking Number that was emailed to you. It is the 6-digit alphanumeric character code. Enter your last name, first name, and answer the validation question, then click “Log In.”
• Select all guests or whichever guest you would like to check-in.
• Follow the instructions. It will take about 10-15 minutes to fully complete your online check-in. There are a few steps you will need to fill out.If you gather the following information in advance, your Online Check-in will go smoothly:
• Guest information
• Passport and Safety Details
• Flight Details
• Emergency Contacts Information (someone not sailing with you)
• Credit card to be registered for Onboard Account
• Summary and Boarding PassExpress Docs (boarding pass, luggage tags, and more) will be available to print approximately 14 days prior to sailing. You will also have access to your mobile boarding pass through the Holland America Line Navigator App, under Wallet. (Insider tip: take a photo or screenshot of the boarding pass so it’s easy to access in the Cruise Terminal, since Internet might not be available at the Terminal).
Do not print your boarding pass until 7 days prior to cruise embarkation. This will allow time for the boarding barcode to be added to the left side of your boarding pass. (Keep in a safe place along with your cruise documents.) You may also use our Holland America Line Navigator App to access your digital boarding pass once Online Check-In has been completed.
You can retrieve your digital Boarding Pass via the Navigator App to expedite embarkation. When you and your party arrive at the Cruise Terminal, you will just need to show your digital or printed Boarding Pass, ID documents, and credit card that you registered online.
If you begin the process of Online Check-in and cannot finish due to insufficient information, your information will be saved, and you may return to complete it at your convenience prior to departure.
Luggage tags can be emailed to you at completion of check in. Please DO NOT adhere the luggage tags to luggage before your flight in case they rip or tear off enroute. Be sure to print the luggage tags prior to 72 hours before sailing.
CRUISE TRAVEL DOCUMENTATION
Each passenger is responsible for providing Holland America Cruises with complete and accurate immigration information and for obtaining any necessary visas if required for the country from which your passport has been issued. Depending on your country of citizenship, a visa for Egypt, Greece, Cyprus, and/or Turkey may be required.
Travel Document requirements vary by destination and your citizenship. Please see the following page on the Holland America website for information about what travel documents are required: https://www.hollandamerica.com/en/us/faq/cruise-planning/identification-passports-visa/identification-requirements
Visas
Certain countries require that you obtain official authorization (called a “visa”) before entering the country, and some countries require that you obtain a visa regardless of whether you plan to go ashore in that particular port or not.
Guests are responsible for verifying and obtaining all necessary travel documents for entry and exit to the countries visited, as these requirements vary depending on the specific port and nationality of the traveler. This includes payment of all costs related to arrangements to obtain entry to the countries you visit. Boarding may be denied or fines levied against guests arriving at the Cruise Terminal without the proper documentation, and those guests will not be eligible for a refund. Payment of any fines levied is the responsibility of the individual guest. Please note that fees and visa requirements are subject to change without notice. Tourist visa requirements are determined by passport nationality, not by country of residence.
Visa Service Information
Don’t put your travel plans at risk; Holland America recommends guests utilize a visa service to secure your required documentation. Holland America has partnered with CIBTvisas as a service to assist with the collection of necessary documents. CIBTvisas also provides a concierge service should you wish to have a dedicated Concierge Specialist manage the entire process from start to finish while providing the expertise necessary to ensure your request is approved as quickly as possible. Our dedicated section on the CIBTvisas website can be found at: hollandamerica.cibtvisas.com.
VERY IMPORTANT: Please check that your name appears exactly as shown on your receipt and your boarding document. If the name does not match, contact our travel agent (the travel agent must call-in corrections): Diane Michael, 336-749-1219.What to Print Out
Before Arriving at Port1) BOARDING PASS: Complete your Online Check-in before September 27, 2025, and print out your BOARDING PASS/EXPRESS DOCS after you complete your online check-in.
PLEASE NOTE: You can print your boarding pass after Online Check-In is complete. The green Print Boarding Pass button will be available only after the following:• All 6 sections of Online Check-In have been completed and indicate a green checkmark;
• You have made your final payment more than 24 hours previous;
• Your documents have been processed by Holland America Line;
• It is less than 15 days prior to sailing.
If the Print Boarding Pass button is green, but you’re unable to print, go here for further instructions: https://www.hollandamerica.com/en/us/faq/cruise-planning/boarding-and-online-check-in/how-do-i-print-a-boarding-pass2) EXPRESS DOCS will contain valuable information about what to expect onboard, and more. Please review this document carefully for any questions or concerns.
PLEASE NOTE: You will be assigned an appointment time for your arrival at the Cruise Terminal in Piraeus. That time will appear on your Boarding Pass that you print out.
3) LUGGAGE TAGS: After Online Check-in, your personalized Luggage Tags will be ready for print-out along with your Boarding Pass. Print out enough Luggage Tags for all your bags, even carry-ons. (Trust me from experience!). With a stapler or clear packing tape, attach your Luggage Tags to every piece of luggage just before you arrive at the Piraeus Cruise Terminal. Or order clear plastic luggage tags designed for Holland America tags and attach those to your bags.
IMPORTANT: If your Luggage Tags do not display your stateroom number, it means your room is not yet assigned by Holland America. Make sure both your Boarding Pass and Luggage Tags have your correct room number on them. If your room is not yet assigned, print out the Luggage Tags closer to the sailing date, when your room number will Appear on the tags.
If you have any issues completing your Online Check-in, please contact Holland America at 855-932-1711, and a representative will happily walk you through the process. Please be aware that Holland America Line cannot print, email or fax guest's Boarding Pass.
For check-in at the Cruise Terminal, remember to bring the following items on your person or in your hand-carry-on luggage:• Your Boarding Pass that you printed out
• Appropriate Passport or other acceptable government-issued ID
• If any of these are required, according to your citizenship, a visa or ETIAS for Egypt, Greece, Cyprus, and/or Turkey.
• The credit card that you will use for your Shipboard Account.Health and Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included in your New Earth Horizons cruise fare. We strongly recommend you review your health insurance coverage before cruising. Many policies, including Medicare, will not pay for services or hospitalization outside of your country, or for emergency evacuation, such as a helicopter lift off the ship to shore. For US citizens, Holland America ships are foreign-flagged and are considered "outside of the country."
In case of possible injury, illness, cancellation, or other unforeseen emergencies, travel insurance is a necessity. Please contact our travel advisor Diane Michael here: 336-749-1219 to arrange for insurance and/or to ask details about what is covered/not covered. If you are a citizen of a country outside the US, please arrange for travel insurance from a local carrier.
NOTE: Travel insurance is nonrefundable.
Where Our Cruise Begins and Ends
Port of PiraeusThe Port of Piraeus is one of the largest passenger ports in Europe. The Port’s three cruise terminals are about 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) from the heart of Athens: a 20- to 30-minute taxi ride, depending on traffic, or an hour on public transportation. The Athens airport (ATH) is about 42-50 kilometers (26-31 miles) from the Cruise Port.
Address and Map of Cruise Port
10 Akti Miaouli Piraeus 185 38 Greece
The 3 red teardrops with white centers on the map below indicate Terminals A, B, and C. Navigate here if the map below is not visible: https://maps.App.goo.gl/mXn1qsdfqfWugNj19
CRUISE TERMINALS
The Port of Piraeus has three cruise terminals with a free shuttle bus connecting them: Miaoulis A, Themistocles B, and Alkimos C. See all the amenities and information about the Athens/Piraeus Port, including check-in/departure halls, air conditioning, and various services like customs and immigration, by clicking here: https://www.piraeus.org
Since the Piraeus port can accommodate as many as 11 ships, it is vital that you check which Terminal the Holland America Oosterdam will sail from before you get dropped off. Avoid potential pre-cruise panic by knowing your Terminal in advance, and do not depend on a taxicab driver to take you to the right Terminal. However, no worries: in case you end up at the wrong Terminal, there is a free shuttle service between the 3 terminals. Oosterdam generally sails out of Terminal A or Terminal B.
WHEN TO ARRIVE AT PORTYour arrival time at Port Piraeus will be assigned to you about 15 days before your cruise sails, and after you have completed Online Check-in for the cruise at the Holland America Cruise Line website or on the Holland America Line Navigator App. Online Check-in will be available approximately 30 to 45 days before your cruise, and will remain available up to 4 days before you cruise, September 27, 2025.
Approximately 15 days before you sail (about September 16), you will be assigned a specific appointment time for your arrival at the Piraeus Cruise Terminal. The assigned Check-in time will be clearly displayed on your boarding pass, which you will be able to access on the Navigator App or print out from your computer.
Though you may arrive at the Cruise Terminal outside of your assigned time, it is recommended to arrive no earlier than 20 minutes before your assigned time. Though the assigned time helps with the flow through the terminal and security, you may arrive at a different time, as long as your arrival is before about 3:00 pm.
Although embarkation may begin as early as 11:30 am, our previous sailing guests will have just left and we will still be preparing the ship for your cruise. Your stateroom might not be cleaned and ready for occupancy until approximately 1:00 pm. However, you will be allowed to drop off your carry-on luggage in your stateroom, even before your room is ready. While you are at it, take advantage of the opportunity to lock your valuables into your room safe.
Wait for a ship-wide announcement over the PA system, stating that staterooms are ready for occupancy. Then you can settle in to your room. Meanwhile, you are welcome to make yourself at home in the bar, lounge, restaurants, and pool areas. Your baggage will arrive in your stateroom later that afternoon. The Lido Market embarkation buffet and the Pool Grill will open at 11:30 am, so you can enjoy a leisurely lunch and tour the ship. If you are in the Holland America Mariner Society, you may attend a Mariner Society Welcome Onboard Lunch.
The ship will set sail at 5:00 pm on October 1. Holland America Cruise Line requires guests to be checked in at the Cruise Terminal in Piraeus before 3:30 pm to adhere to the government mandate of the passenger list being submitted 90 to 60 minutes before sailing. Guests arriving after 3:30 will likely not be permitted to sail, even though the ship will still be parked at the dock.
After you board the ship, you are required to come for a 10-minute MANDATORY check-in for our “New Earth Horizons” conference in the Hudson Room, on Deck 3 Forward, Port side, anytime between 2:00 and 3:00 pm on October 1.
Then from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm, there will be a MANDATORY Welcome and Orientation meeting in the Hudson Room, Deck 3 Forward, Port side. At 5:00 pm, our group photo will be taken. Then our Group Dining will start at 5:30 pm on Deck 3 Aft (more info about that below)
Airport Transfers
Holland America Transfers to/from Cruise Port to/from Airport
If you are arriving in Athens on October 1 and leaving on October 12, the most convenient option to get from Athens Airport (ATH) to the Piraeus Cruise Terminal for your Holland America Oosterdam Cruise is to book an official Holland America Transfer.
To book your transfer, contact Diane Michael at Luxury Travel Destinations here: 1-336-749-1219 or send her your full flight itinerary, from home to Athens and return, including all flight details, times, and dates to: diane@luxurytravel-destinations.com.
2025 rates: $39.95 for one-way transfer per person to or from Athens Airport to or from Cruise Terminal. However, that would only be on October 1, so that transfer would not work if you are staying at a hotel in Athens or in Piraeus pre-cruise and/or taking our pre-cruise Athens shore excursion: “Walking in Plato’s Footsteps.”
If you are arriving on an earlier date (we highly recommend arriving early), information is below.
Pre-Arranged Private Transfers
For a private transfer from Athens Airport to Piraeus Port, you may pre-book HERE, or phone 1-833-764-2167. 2025 rates: $27.07 one-way per person.
Taxi or Uber from Airport to Cruise Port
Athens International Airport – Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH) is about a 40- to 60-minute drive to and from the Athens Cruise Terminal in Piraeus. Taxis are readily available at Exit 3 of the airport Arrivals Level, as are shuttles and rideshare services such as Uber. Make sure the driver turns on their meter, as there are no fixed rates to Piraeus Port. Some drivers do not accept credit cards and accept Euros cash only. You may get Euros at the Currency Exchange or at an ATM at the airport in Athens.
2025 rates: A licensed taxi will be about €60 to €80. In Greece, all taxis and ride-shares such as Uber charge exactly the same rate. So you will not save money by taking an Uber.
CHANGE MONEY AT AIRPORT
Upon your arrival in Athens, we suggest changing money at the airport at an ATM or Currency Exchange, so you will have Euros during your travels to pay small tips for housekeeping at hotels, for porters at the Cruise Terminal, for drivers, guides, and waiters on shore excursions, for ship crew, souvenirs, taxicabs, and other expenses you foresee while traveling.
Some tourist attractions, parks, or bus stations charge to use the toilets. So get some small change at the airport at the Currency Exchange, or at your hotel, to access toilets in parks or bus stations: €0.50 to €0.70. You can pay with coins or possibly credit card. In case nature calls while you are in a remote outdoor location, you might carry toilet paper or Kleenex and a ziplock bag to put used paper in. Then throw it into a trash bin later.
No worries if you take our private New Earth Horizons shore excursions. Bathroom facilities will be available, and you won’t need to hide behind a tree !!
Bus Service from Airport to Cruise Port
The Express Bus X96 will take you straight from Athens International Airport (ATH) to the Port of Piraeus with plenty of space for your luggage on the bus. It runs 3 times per hour, and is about a 90-minute bus ride. The bus stop is located at the arrivals level between Exits 4 and 5.
2025 rates: €5.50 for adults, €2.70 for kids 7 to 18 and for seniors 65+. For adults only, you may tap your Mastercard or Visa for contactless payments. For kids or seniors, purchase at the ticket booth and get a paper ticket before boarding. You must validate your ticket on the bus in order to use your ticket for a transfer.
Get off the bus at stop Pl. Karaiskakh, aka Piraeus Gate E7/8/9/10 stop. At this bus stop, you may either:
1) take a taxi directly to the Cruise Terminals from the E7/8/9/10 bus stop (€7 to €10, depending on traffic)
Or:
2) Transfer to another bus. To transfer, you may use your same bus ticket (valid for transfer within 90 minutes of initial validation), or tap your credit card to hop on to bus 826, 843, or 859 from the same bus stop towards Piraeus cruise terminals.For Terminal A, get off the bus at Teloneio (4 stops away) and walk to A. For Terminal B or C, get off the bus at Peiraias (Piraeus). The Lions Gate (main gate for Terminals B and C) is less than 100 m (300 feet) from the bus stop. Terminal B is a 5-minute walk from the Lions Gate, and Terminal C is right behind Lions Gate.
Metro (subway) Service from Airport to Cruise Port
You can take the metro from the Athens airport to Piraeus. Follow English signs at the airport to Athens Airport metro station. Take the M3 (Blue) line all the way to Piraeus (second-to-last stop). This train, equipped with luggage racks, leaves every 36 minutes, and is the only train departing from Athens Airport, so you cannot mistakenly catch the wrong train. The ride to Piraeus is about one hour.
2025 rates: Adults may tap your Mastercard, Visa, ApplePay or GooglePay (via Mastercard or Visa only) at the ticket gates to make a contactless €9.00 payment, or a 30-day return ticket for €16.00. For kids 7 to 18, or for seniors 65+, before boarding, purchase a paper ticket with cash or card for €4.50 at a ticket kiosk inside the metro or at an outdoor street kiosk called the periptero. Keep your ticket, which you’ll need later to exit the metro and for a bus transfer. Remember to validate your ticket onboard so you can use it again.
After you exit the Piraeus metro station, cross to the opposite side of the street. Look for elevators and escalators on the pedestrian-only bridge to cross the street with your luggage. Use your same metro ticket (valid for transfer within 90 minutes of initial validation) or tap your credit card to hop on to bus 826, 843, or 859 from the bus stop towards Piraeus cruise terminals.
For Terminal A, get off the bus at Teloneio (4 stops away) and walk to A. For Terminal B or C, get off the bus at Peiraias (Piraeus). The Lions Gate (main gate for Terminals B and C) is less than 100 m (300 feet) from the bus stop. Terminal B is a 5-minute walk from the Lions Gate, and Terminal C is right behind Lions Gate.
If you do not wish to take a bus from the metro to the Cruise Terminals, taxis are available from the metro station at Piraeus for a quick and direct trip to the Cruise Terminal.
Transfers: Athens to Cruise Port
If you are staying in a hotel in Athens pre-cruise, the easiest, most convenient way to transfer from Athens City Center to the Piraeus Cruise Port on October 1 is via private transfer or a taxicab. In order to book a private transfer, contact Diane Michael at Luxury Travel Destinations here: 1-336-749-1219, diane@luxurytravel-destinations.com.
If several people want to ride together, it would be less expensive per person. Rates can fluctuate based on demand and availability, but here are some options:
Private Sedan (up to 3 passengers)
Private Van (up to 8 passengers)
Private Minibus (up to 13 passengers)Bus from City Center to Cruise Port
Bus #40 from Syntagma Square and Bus #49 from Omonia both travel to the Piraeus Terminals. These two commuter bus routes work especially well if you’re heading to Terminals B or C, as they stop just outside Lions Gate without the need to change buses. The ride to the Cruise Terminals is about 50 minutes. Pay by contactless credit cards: €1.20 for adults, or buy 90-minute single tickets in advance: €1.20 for adults, €0.50 for kids or seniors.
For Terminal A, hop off the bus at the last stop Piraeus. For Terminals B or C, hop off the bus at the second-to-last stop called ZOODOXOS PHGH. In case you miss that stop, you can easily walk back from the last stop, Piraeus, to Lions Gate.
Metro from City Center to Cruise Port
Find the nearest metro station from your hotel and hop on the M3 (Blue) line all the way to Piraeus (second-to-last stop). Once there, follow the instructions as above to catch a local bus 826, 843, or 859 to the Cruise Terminal. Pay by contactless credit cards: €1.20 for adults, or buy 90-minute single tickets in advance: €1.20 for adults, €0.50 for kids or seniors.
Port of Piraeus Parking
Parking is not available at the cruise terminals. However, there are many parking options at private lots nearby. There are several lots on Akti Miaouli Street, including one operated by PolisPark that is opposite Agios Nikolaos Church. From there, it is just a short walk to the Cruise Terminals.Check-In at Cruise Terminal
At the Cruise Terminal, you will check in at Holland America. If you are booked in a suite, or if you are a 4-Star or 5-Star member of the Holland America Mariner Society, be sure to take advantage of priority embarkation (also priority tendering and priority disembarkation). When you get to the Cruise Terminal, look for a sign directing you to Priority Check-In. That is the area where you can go ahead of the lines. With 4- or 5-Star membership, you will also be invited to attend a Mariner Society Welcome Onboard Reception.
If you have completed your online registration in advance and printed out your Boarding Pass (or saved it in the Navigator App), then you will “sail through” the registration process at the Cruise Terminal. If you did not complete Online Check-In yet, please arrive at the Cruise Terminal in Piraeus by 1:00 pm to allow sufficient time to complete the immigration questionnaire (one per person) and registration.
Wheelchair and Accessibility at the Port: There is no wheelchair service available at the Piraeus cruise port. To guarantee the proper transportation, you must arrange mobility Holland America cruise line assistance by contacting Diane Michael at diane@luxurytravel-destinations.com.
Bathrooms at the Port of Piraeus: There is a bathroom facility in each Cruise Terminal.
Port of Piraeus Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi is available at the Port of Piraeus.
Luggage Storage: Luggage storage and lockers are available in Terminal A.
Rental Car Services: Major international and local rental car companies run offices near the cruise terminal. Many of them can be found on Akti Miaouli Street, which is a very short walk from the port.
Port of Piraeus Waiting Area and Seating: There is seating throughout the Terminals. However, it can get very crowded during port calls.
Restaurants and Shops Near the Cruise Port: The Port of Piraeus has a refreshment area and duty-free shops in Terminal A. The port is also within walking distance to eating and shopping streets frequented by the local working crowd. Small restaurants and cafes can be found on Akti Miaouli Street, and more shopping and restaurant options can be found in the district’s main pedestrian way called Sotiros Dios. A quick taxi ride from the port will take you to nearby scenic harbors of Piraeus, with excellent by-the-sea dining options. There are also many open-air cafes and Greek taverna options in the Piraeus harbor Zea Pasalimani.
See Athens Aboard the “Athens Happy Train”: There is a hop-on, hop-off and train tour called the Athens Happy Train. You can access this unique sightseeing tour just a short walk from the cruise terminals.
GREECE TRAVEL INFO
Athens Tourist Information:
https://www.thisisathens.org
https://www.visitgreece.gr/mainland/attica/athens/
Transport App:
CityMapper
Roaming in Greece:
For a great Internet connection without huge roaming fees, use an eSIM data pack from Airalo. Click here for information: https://www.airalo.com.What to Bring & Pack
HAND-CARRY A BAG WHEN BOARDING THE SHIP
YOUR MAIN BAG(S) WILL BE SENT TO YOU ROOMUpon your arrival at the Cruise Terminal, your large suitcases will be transferred onto the ship by porters and delivered to your stateroom, and you will not see them again for several hours—perhaps not until nighttime. Therefore, pack a carry-on bag, duffel bag, or backpack with all you need for check-in at the Cruise Terminal, including your phone, travel documents, credit card, Boarding Pass (either printed out or on your phone), and passport.
You might also keep in your carry-on a change of clothing and underwear, swimsuit, sunscreen, workout clothes, cosmetics, make-up, medications, book to read, and any vital items you might need before the rest of your luggage arrives in your stateroom. Also valuable, unreplaceable items, such as your laptop or tablet, prescription eyeglasses, special jewelry, medications, and copies of important information.
Porters will Check Your Bags
In advance of your cruise sailing date, you will print out your Boarding Pass, Express Docs, and custom luggage tags from the Holland America Cruise Line website. These luggage tags will have your stateroom number pre-printed on them. It’s a good idea to print out extra luggage tags, just in case you or another person in your party loses theirs.
All the bags that you want to check should have your pre-printed luggage tags secured to their handles with a stapler, tape, or in a plastic luggage-tag-holder such as this: CLICK HERE. Make sure your luggage tags (with your room numbers clearly printed on them) are securely attached to every piece of luggage so your bags will arrive safely inside your stateroom, and you will avoid having to drag your bags onto the ship yourself. Place a luggage tag on your carry-on as well, just in case that bag gets lost in the shuffle.
Porters will be available on embarkation and debarkation days at the Piraeus port. When you arrive at the Cruise Terminal, you will be directed to porters who will check these bags and get them to your stateroom. Porters can also give you luggage tags on the spot if you did not get a chance to print them out in advance. We recommend 2 or 3 USD or Euros per bag as a tip to your porter.
Carry-On Bag
Since your large suitcases will be transferred onto the ship by porters and delivered to your stateroom, you will not see them again for several hours. Therefore, it is vital that you pack a carry-on that you can wheel or carry onto the ship with all you need for the day, including your smartphone, passport, Boarding Pass, Express Docs (boarding documents), and other vital items you might need in the afternoon and evening before the rest of your luggage arrives in your room.WEATHER FORECAST
Pack for your vacation according to the temperatures, day and night. Note that on the cruise ship deck, the sea breezes will keep temperatures lower. And inside the ship, the air conditioning in public spaces such as our meeting room can be quite chilly. Here is the weather forecast for port days:
In early October, Greece typically experiences pleasant, mild weather with average temperatures ranging from 18°C to 24°C (64°F to 75°F). It's still warm enough for outdoor activities, and the sea is generally warm enough for swimming, especially in the southern regions. While there may be some rainy days, the overall weather is mostly sunny.
In early October, Cairo Egypt experiences pleasant weather with daytime temperatures typically ranging from 81°F to 90°F (27°C to 32°C) and nighttime lows between 59°F and 68°F (15°C to 20°C). The weather is generally dry with minimal rainfall, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
In early October, Cyprus typically enjoys warm and sunny weather, with daytime temperatures from the low 20s to the high 20s Celsius (75°F to 82°F). Evenings are cooler, with temperatures dropping to the low teens Celsius (59°F to 66°F). The sea remains warm enough for swimming.
In early October, Alanya Turkey experiences pleasant and warm weather, ideal for outdoor activities and exploring. The average temperature is around 24°C (75°F) with highs reaching 29°C (84°F) and lows around 18°C (64°F). The sun shines for around 10 hours daily, and the sea temperature is around 25°C (77°F).In early October, Ephesus, Turkey typically experiences mild, pleasant weather with moderate temperatures, lower humidity, and a slight increase in rainfall compared to summer. Daytime highs are usually in the 70s, while nighttime temperatures drop into the low 50s. The weather is generally ideal for sightseeing, with warm afternoons and cooler evenings.
What to Wear on the Ship
https://www.cruisecritic.com/articles/what-to-pack-for-a-cruise-a-beginners-guide
CLOTHING• Casual Clothing: Pack comfortable, breathable clothing for daytime activities, such as shorts, t-shirts, casual pants, and dresses.
• Evening Clothing: Bring both smart casual and formal attire, as Holland America has dress codes for some evenings.
• Sweaters/Jackets: Pack a sweater or windbreaker for cooler evenings.
• Swimwear: Bring swimsuits, cover-up, and flip-flops. You will be able to take a towel from the ship to use at port.
• Footwear: Pack walking shoes, sandals, water shoes (if applicable), and dress shoes.ACCESSORIES:
• Sunhat with Chin Tie: Essential for sunny, windy yachts and catamarans.
• Fold-up umbrella: For those needing further sun protection.
• Sunglasses: Essential for sunny days.
• Sunscreen: Protect sun exposure with reef-friendly sunscreen.
• Make-up and Lip Balm: Don’t get caught without these essentials.
• Cosmetics and toiletries: The ship provides Elemis brand shampoo, conditioner, and body wash, dispensed from canisters in the shower/bath. A bar of soap and small container of body lotion is provided, and more can be requested.
• Scarf/Pashmina: A versatile accessory for warmth and style.
• Travel Documents: Keep passport, cruise documents, and airline tickets in your carry-on.
• Copies of Documents: Keep copies of important documents on your phone and in your carry-on.
• Medications: Pack all necessary medications in your carry-on. In the event of unexpected travel delays and emergencies, bring additional prescription medication for at least two weeks beyond the length of the cruise. Also bring a list of the names, strengths and dosages of all medications in case refills are required.During the Days at Port
Consider appropriate shoes and gear for the excursions you have planned and the terrain you’ll encounter. For instance, pack sturdy, comfortable walking shoes for long walks, water shoes if navigating a waterfall or a sea with rocky bottom, and a headscarf or conservative dress if visiting museums, mosques, temples, cathedrals, or churches.
Shipboard
Holland America generally has a relaxed dress code. Throughout the ship, casual resort wear, sundresses, shorts, polos, or button-downs are appropriate, paired with sandals, low heels, and loafers. Bring active wear and athletic shoes or sneakers if you plan to hit the gym. Poolside, bathing suits with coverup, T-shirts, tanks, hats, and sunglasses are welcomed.
Dressy Night Attire
• Holland America has replaced formal nights with “Dressy Nights.”
• Formal wear is still an option, but it's not enforced for everyone.
• Men: Holland America recommends khaki pants or black slacks with a dressy button-up shirt. Slacks and a collared shirt are required, but jackets, suits and tuxedos are not strictly required.• Women: Cocktail dresses, maxi dresses, or other dressy attire are common choices for Dressy Night. Cocktail dresses, evening gowns, or other dressy attire are recommended.
Most Evenings (Smart Casual)
• Men: Slacks and a collared shirt are generally required.
• Women: Skirts, dresses, slacks, and blouses are appropriate.Number of Dressy Nights and Smart Casual Evenings
On 11 Night cruises:2 “Dressy Night” Evenings (usually on first and second Sea Days)
9 “Smart Casual” Evenings (all other days)Inappropriate Dining Room Attire
• In the Main Dining Room and specialty dining restaurants, please refrain from wearing shorts, men’s tank tops, distressed jeans, pool attire, swimsuits, see-through coverups, robes, bare feet, tank tops, T-shirts, or baseball caps.
• Jeans are welcome on most evenings in the buffet and other casual dining restaurants, but not on Dressy Nights in table service restaurants.
• Footwear is always required indoors.
• Casual dress dining is available nightly in the Lido Market Buffet, if you don’t feel like dressing up.More Suggested Items to Bring
• Warm clothing for stargazing after sunset on the outside deck
• Waterproof bag to store wet clothing
• Lightweight backpack, portable phone charger
• Eye mask for sleep
• Magnetic hooks to stick on stateroom walls to hang extra clothing
• Shoe organizer (for cosmetics if many are sharing a bathroom)
• Refillable lightweight water bottle
• Sweatshirt or hoodie, sweatpants
• Underwear and bras
• Compression socks (especially for airplane)
• Sleeping-clothes
• Bathrobe (or ask for a bathrobe from your steward)
• Wristwatch (cell phones don’t register the correct time at sea)
• Alarm clock (or get wake-up calls from ship Operator)
• Medications and supplements
• Eyeglasses or contacts
• Binoculars
• Post-it notes (to leave notes for stateroom attendant on your door)
• Yoga mat
• Book to read
• Journal or spiral notebook to take notes in seminars.
• If you plan to visit the onboard fitness center, bring work-out shorts, t-shirts, socks, and athletic shoes.
• Cigarette lighter if you smoke.
• Corkscrew if bringing wine onboard.
• Guidebooks/apps (bring guidebooks or download travel apps for planning self-guided tours)
• Translator apps/dictionaries (learn basic phrases in the local language)
• Personal Care Items (shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, and liquid hand soap are provided, but you might bring your favorite toiletries in travel-sized containers)
• Bar soap (not provided by the ship)
• Lightweight backpack/tote bag/fanny pack (if your shore excursions include swimming, bring a large bag to carry a towel that you will take ashore from the ship.Suggested Electronics
• Foreign electrical outlet adapter for hotels in Europe, to use and charge dual-voltage devices (cell phone, computer, hair curler, electric razor, etc.)
• Electric transformer, if any of your appliances are single USA voltage (110-120). If you will arrive October 1 and depart October 12, you won’t need an adapter or transformer.
• Phone with USB cord charger
• High-definition camera
• Laptop or notebook computer with electrical charger
• Extra batteries (Wi-Fi is available on the ship for a fee)
• Non-surge-protector power strip or multi-plugSeasickness Prevention Suggestions
In case you have a history with motion sickness, here are a few home remedies that have been recommended for seasickness. This list should in no way be construed as medical advice.
• Green Apples: Grab green apples from the Lido Market buffet and keep them in the mini-fridge in your room, or ask your steward to bring them to your room (the pectin settles the stomach)
• Ginger or ginger candies
• Bonine Meclizine (over the counter medication)
• Motion Ease oil (a drop behind the ears)
• Sea-bands to use on pressure points on your wrist
• Scopolamine patches behind your ears.Save Space When Packing
• Be sure to leave some room in your luggage for all those souvenirs and mementos.
• Bring shirts and pants/skirts that mix and match, turning three outfits into five or six.
• Wear your heaviest shoes during embarkation and disembarkation so you don't have to pack them.
• Pack small items inside larger ones for efficiency.
• Bring an additional empty fold-up bag for those acquired extras that don’t quite fit in your luggage.
Your Luggage
Each guest is permitted to carry a reasonable amount of personal property onboard the cruise ship; however, for your comfort and convenience, it is recommended that you limit the number of pieces you take. Airlines may charge for excess or oversize luggage, which is the sole responsibility of the passenger. Each airline has its own limit on the number, size, and weight of bags they allow. Check with your air carrier for specific restrictions and any additional charges.
Many airline carriers now impose baggage fees for all bags and for bags weighing over 50 lbs. Check with your carrier regarding weight restrictions.
All luggage should have a sturdy personal identification tag that will not be lost or damaged in the course of typical airport and trucked luggage handling. On journeys including air travel, luggage will be subject to considerable handling, so we recommend that your luggage be of sturdy construction.
Holland America recommends that your travel protection insurance should be adequate enough to cover any possible loss or damage that may occur. Any loss or damage caused by Holland America or an airline must be reported immediately to the responsible party.
Holland America will make every effort to assist you in safeguarding your belongings. But you are responsible for your possessions at all times. Holland America is not responsible for money, jewelry, cameras, binoculars, documents or any other articles you retain in your personal control.
PASSENGER AND LUGGAGE DROP-OFF AND PICK-UP
Arrival
For passenger safety, security, and convenience, please proceed directly to the Cruise Terminal upon arrival. Personnel will direct drivers to the appropriate place to drop off passengers and baggage. Passenger and luggage drop-off is available in front of the Terminal. Porters will assist with your large bags, which will arrive in your stateroom later in the afternoon.
Be sure to pack a separate carry-on bag with your valuables and your travel documents that you will personally wheel or carry onto the ship.
Departure
On the last night of your cruise, you will be given luggage tags based on your debarkation plans. You may place your tagged luggage in the hallway outside your stateroom, and early next morning the porters will take them to the Cruise Terminal for you to retrieve after you leave the ship. Be sure to keep underwear, clothing, hoodie, cosmetics, make-up, shoes, and anything else you will need for the next morning.
If you wish, you have the option to wheel all your luggage off the ship yourself without help from porters. By dragging your own luggage off the ship, you will be able to leave the ship earliest.
If you are taking our private Shore Excursion “The Oracle of Delphi” on October 12, you will be notified when and where to gather on the ship before walking off the ship together to the Cruise Terminal, where we will pick up our luggage together, walk through immigration together, put our bags on the bus, and then board the bus for Delphi. At the end of the Shore Excursion, you will be dropped off at a hotel near the airport in Athens on the evening of October 12 for your overnight stay.
Alcoholic / Non-alcoholic / Beverages / Bottled Water
Holland America allows passengers to bring one bottle of wine or champagne (up to 750ml) per person on embarkation day, but they don't allow bottled water or soda. While they don't allow other alcoholic beverages like beer or liquor, they do allow sealed water and soda on embarkation day only. There's a corkage fee of $20 per bottle of wine or champagne, unless it's purchased during a company-sponsored shore excursion.
One standard-sized bottle (no larger than 750 ml) of wine or champagne per person is allowed on embarkation day. Additional bottles can be brought, but they will incur a corkage fee. Beer and liquor are not permitted. Holland America does not allow bottled water on board. However, they do permit up to six liters of water in various-sized cans and cartons. Sealed sodas are allowed on embarkation day only. While sealed sodas are allowed on embarkation day, other non-alcoholic beverages like juice or energy drinks are not.
What Not to Bring on the Ship
Weapons, illegal drugs, and other items that could interfere with the safe operation of the ship or the safe and secure environment of our guests and crew are prohibited. Do not pack fragile or expensive items (such as jewelry) in checked luggage. The following are examples of items that guests are not allowed to bring onboard. These and other similar items will be confiscated. Alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, flammable liquids, explosives, and dangerous chemicals will not be returned. If any of these are found in your luggage, they will be confiscated, and you might be arrested at the Cruise Terminal. If found in your stateroom, you might be expelled from the cruise ship and possibly banned from future cruises.
• Firearms and Ammunition, including realistic replicas.
• Sharp Objects, including knives and scissors. Personal grooming items such as safety razors are allowed. Scissors with blades length less than 4 inches are allowed.
• Prohibited Drugs and Substances, such as CBD, Cannabis, Medical Marijuana, and Gummies (Sniffer dogs inspect all luggage and you will be denied boarding, and you could be arrested. Also, your stateroom steward will look for these and report you to security).
• Power strips with surge protector. (Power cubes or power strips without surge protector are allowed.)
• Extension cords (if required for CPAP machines, make arrangements in advance)
• WiFi Routers, Starlink Minis, Satellite Dishes, and other Internet equipment.
• Boom Boxes, Radios, Bluetooth and any Speakers.
• Gaming consoles.
• Devices that plug into an HDMI port (HDMI ports are disabled in stateroom TVs).
• Candles and Incense.
• Coffee Makers and Tea kettles.
• Clothing Irons and Clothing Steamers.
• Hot Plates.
• Electric Heating Pad or Blanket.
• Baseball Bats, Hockey Sticks, Cricket Bats, Bows & Arrows.
• Skateboards and Surfboards.
• Martial Arts Gear.
• Self-Defense Gear, including Handcuffs (even if for fun), brass knuckles, pepper spray, night sticks.
• Flammable Liquids and Explosives, including lighter fluid and fireworks.
• HAM Radios
• Walkie Talkies.
• Dangerous Chemicals, including Bleach and Paint.
• Hard Alcohol, Liquor, and Beer.
• Food other than Pre-Packaged Snacks.
• Homemade and Perishable Foods.
• Curtains, Drapes, or Hanging Room Dividers.
• Helium Filled Balloons.
• Upside-down pineapples displayed on stateroom doors.
• Any Footwear with Wheels, such as rollerblades or rollerskates
• Camouflage Clothing can get you arrested in some ports.
• Oversized Pool Floaties used on the ship (but are allowed on beaches at ports).
• Reef-Harming Sunscreen.
• Drones might be allowed, but cannot be flown from the ship, neither while at sea or in port. Drones are not allowed to be launched from cruise line private islands.Not necessary to bring the following, as they are provided by the cruise line:
• Beach towels
• Hair dryers
• Clothes hangers (ask your stateroom steward if you need more)
• Shampoo, Conditioner, Shower Gel, and Hand Soap (unless you want your own)
Cash-Free CruisingFor purchases made on the cruise ship, you will not use cash or credit cards. Instead, during Online Check-in, you will set up an Onboard Account. When you arrive at the Cruise Terminal in Piraeus, you will be required to present a credit card, debit card, or cash to confirm that account.
On the ship, you will charge your expenses, such as soft drinks, liquor, bottled water, specialty restaurant dining, spa or salon treatments, specialty fitness classes, optional professional photos, boutique shopping purchases, laundry, ship-to-shore phone, WiFi, and any other onboard expenses, using your Ship ID card (room keycard), which is linked to your Onboard Account.
The ship casino is the only place on the ship that accepts cash payments. You can pay for casino gambling using either cash or you can charge it to your room keycard. Both your cash and room keycard are accepted at slot machines, table games, and to purchase chips. Also, you can use cash directly in the casino, either by depositing it at the cashier's window or by using it at the slot machines.Credit or debit card is Holland America’s preferred method of payment for your Onboard Account. Registering a Visa®, Mastercard®, American Express®, or Discover® card as part of your pre-cruise Check-in process activates your Onboard Account.
On boarding day, A hold of $30 per person per day will be placed on your credit or debit card. Once you have spent the initial hold amount, we will authorize your card for the total of your onboard purchases to date plus an additional $30 per person per day for the remainder of your cruise. There may be multiple authorizations throughout your cruise, and some banks may keep the hold in place for up to 30 days. For the duration of the cruise, please keep with you the credit or debit card you registered, in case of any questions.
If you prefer, you may use a prepaid Gift/Rewards Card or travel money with the Visa/ Mastercard/ American Express/ or Discover logo to set up your Onboard Account. IMPORTANT: If you wish to use a prepaid or travel money card, please do not register that online. Instead, please bring the card to Guest Services onboard the ship for processing. The card can only be settled for the amount of the prepaid Gift Card. We cannot process refunds on these cards.
If you do not want to use a credit or debit card to set up your Onboard Account, on the day of boarding, you will need to visit Guest Services and deposit $30 cash per person per day. Any excess deposit will be refunded to you at the end of the cruise. Traveler’s checks may be cashed at Guest Services. Personal checks are not accepted on board.
The amount of your final onboard statement plus any charges incurred on the last day of your cruise will be charged to your credit card. NOTE: The multiple authorization holds will be released by your bank once your final credit card statement has been settled. For questions about how long the credit card hold remains in effect or how your available credit is affected, please contact your credit card issuer.
Refunds
Refunds for purchases of onboard products and services will be credited to your onboard account whether purchased prior to or during your cruise. The final amount billed may take up to 24-hours following your departure from the ship. No refunds can be issued to pre-paid cards.
At the end of your cruise, you will be able to retrieve a final statement from the Navigator App, and your card will be charged only for the actual amount of your purchases. Please Note: There is no Automated Teller Machine (ATM) available on board, so bring small bills in Euros for tips for crew on the ship as well as Euros for purchases while at ports.
After completing the necessary online check-in process on the Holland America website and arriving at the Piraeus Cruise Terminal on October 1, guests will go through a Check-in process. As part of this Check-in, a Ship ID Card or stateroom keycard) will be issued to each guest, which they must swipe to be officially logged on to the ship.
Holland America Cruise Line uses a computerized system for tracking everyone, both guests and crew, who enter and exit the ship. The system imbeds a full color, digital photograph together with personal database information on the Ship ID card. With a card swipe, a computer displays a corresponding photo with database information and merges time and date tracking information upon ship entry and exit.
Your Ship ID card serves as your room key, your ID for security purposes when embarking and disembarking the ship, and a charge card for all onboard purchases. Please keep your card ready and available (we will give you a lanyard and plastic holder to hang around your neck) whenever getting on or off the ship, as you will need to scan the card at the optical monitors located at the gangway.
Your Ship ID Card will identify you as a Holland America guest and must be carried with you along with picture ID when you go ashore at ports-of-call. Because the ship is closed to the public while docked at the various ports, you must swipe your Ship ID Card in order to return on board.
To allow us to expedite immigration clearances in various countries, you might be asked to surrender your passport to our staff upon check-in. Some clearances will require face to face inspections, and details will be communicated to you onboard. Rest assured that your passport will be fully secured by our staff. You will receive a passport receipt upon collection of your passport, and will be advised on board when the passports will be redistributed.
For more information on this and the documentation you will need to have with you, please review the FAQs under Cruise Preparation. You may also receive arrival documentation from Immigration when arriving at the airport. Please keep these available for check-in.
Regardless, it is always good practice, when traveling, to make copies of your passport pages before departing.
Holland America Line refers to gratuity or tipping as “Crew Appreciation.” It is a daily amount automatically charged to your onboard account and pooled to recognize the many hard-working team members who contribute to the onboard experience. This is an important part of their compensation, and is shared by your stateroom attendant (aka cabin steward), dining services staff, and housekeeping staff members who help enhance your vacation experience.
If you wish, you may prepay your gratuities before you sail through your Holland America account. Our Travel Advisor Diane Michael can arrange that for you: 336-749-1219.
Crew Appreciation (Gratuity, Tip) Rates
• Non-suite stateroom guests: $17.00* USD per guest per day
• Suite guests: $19.00* USD per guest per day
*Rates subject to changeYou are welcome to give added gratuities to crew members who go “above and beyond” in their service. Also, when you get room service food deliveries, it is customary to give the waiter a few Euros. For this purpose, make sure to bring plenty of small bills in Euros for tips.
Gratuities and service charges on shore
Gratuities are not automatically applied or included in terminals, airports, ports-of-calls, and on shore excursions. We recommend that you follow customary local practices when tipping porters, drivers, guides, waiters, etc.
Adjusting the tip/gratuity amount
Though Crew Appreciation is automatically added as a daily expense, you may go to Guest Services and adjust the rate at any time during the cruise up to the time you settle your onboard account prior to disembarkation. If our service exceeds or fails to meet your expectations, you are free to adjust the amount accordingly.
Service Charges
An 18% gratuity will be automatically added to all alcoholic beverages, bottled water, soda, mini-bar purchases, specialty restaurant purchases, and spa and salon services. Local sales taxes are applied where required.
Staterooms are generally not ready for occupancy before 1:00 pm on October 1, 2025. As soon as you get onboard, if your stateroom is not ready yet, you can still drop off your carry-on luggage in your room and lock your valuables inside your stateroom safe.
If your room is ready, you can go inside and get settled in. There you will find the “When and Where” newsletter with schedules for open restaurants and all onboard activities, including a ship tour or spa and fitness tour with the cruise crew. For personal spa or fitness appointments, book on the first day, as the most popular treatments and times fill up fast.Shortly after you are welcomed aboard your beautiful Holland America ship, you are invited to relax, dine, or snack at the free onboard restaurants. Read the details for all open restaurant times in your Holland America “When and Where” newsletter, which you will find in your stateroom, on the TV in your stateroom, and on the Holland America Line Navigator App on your phone, as the dining information here might be out of date due to frequent Dry Dock renovations to the ship.
• Main Dining Room (MDR): The Main Dining Room (MDR) on Deck 2 Aft might be open for lunch on embarkation day, although it is important to check onboard for any specific event or special seating times that might affect availability.
• Lido Market: The Lido Market buffet on Deck 9 Aft is always a readily available option for lunch, but it will be crowded on embarkation day.
• Dive-In: Located on Deck 9 Midship at the Lido pool area, Dive-In offers a casual, less crowded alternative to the buffet. Go there for fresh burgers, veggie burgers, and hot dogs.
Holland America’s unique combination of gracious dining staff, fine cuisine, and new friends will make every meal onboard a memorable occasion, starting from the moment you board the ship.
The "When and Where" newsletter on Holland America cruises is delivered to guest staterooms each evening, typically during dinner time, and it details the following day's schedule and events. It provides information about onboard activities, dining venues, special offers, and important announcements.
Here's what you'll find in the newsletter:
• Daily Schedule: An hour-by-hour outline of onboard activities, including live music, ship-offered workshops, classes, port destination lectures, entertainment, and other events.
• Dining Information: Details on dining venues, seating times, and any associated surcharges.
• Onboard Shops: Information about the shops on board, including their locations and any special offers.
• Special Offers: Details on any promotions, discounts, or special events available that day.
• Announcements: Important announcements, such as port disembarkation information and weather forecasts.
• Dress Code: The dress code for evening dining and activities.
On Holland America cruises, the muster drill, a mandatory safety briefing, includes a virtual muster drill via your stateroom TV, followed by a short in-person check-in at your designated muster station. The drill ensures all passengers understand emergency procedures and evacuation routes.
1. Virtual Component: Before departure, Holland America typically provides a virtual muster drill through your stateroom TV or the Holland America Line Navigator App. This allows you to learn about emergency procedures, evacuation routes, and how to wear a life jacket in a convenient and flexible manner.
2. In-Person Check-in: Once the virtual component is completed, you'll need to visit your assigned muster station on deck. A crew member will confirm your participation by scanning your card.
3. Purpose of the Drill: The drill is designed to familiarize passengers with emergency procedures, evacuation routes, and how to safely evacuate the ship in the event of an emergency.
4. Timing and Location: The muster drill usually takes place before the ship departs, typically within the first few hours before embarkation. Your muster station is indicated on the back of your stateroom door, or you may be directed to a central location.
5. Importance: It is vital to attend the muster drill and follow the instructions provided, as it is a mandatory requirement for all passengers. If you do not complete the muster drill, you run the risk of being expelled from the ship.
Mandatory Check-In & First Meeting
Seminar-at-SeaALL attendees of the Seminar-at-Sea (including speakers and staff) are required to check-in for the Seminar-at-Sea on Deck 3 Forward in the Hudson Room, anytime between 2:00 pm and 3:00 pm, for about 10 minutes.
During your check-in, you will receive your New Earth Horizons program guide and your unique seminar entrance identifier so you can get into our seminars. Security on the seminar will be strict, and you will not be allowed into any events without your unique identification. Also, if you are attending one of our special Seminar-at-Sea Shore Excursions, or Special Events on the ship, you will receive your Shore Excursion tickets and Special Event tickets during this mandatory check-in.
MANDATORY First Meeting
Welcome-Aboard Sail-Away Orientation and Logistics:The first meeting of our Seminar-at-Sea will take place in the Hudson Room, Deck 3 Forward, from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Our first meeting will be a mandatory welcome and orientation.
GROUP PHOTO
At 5:00 pm, right after our first meeting, the ship photographer will lead us to a perfect location to take a Group Photo.
Dinner will begin at 5:30 pm in the Main Dining Room. Our group will have designated tables to dine together nightly from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. Make new friends at dinner, or dine with your favorite speakers! Please note that you can eat at any table you want within our designated seating area. Even though your “Ship ID Card” might have a table-number printed on it, your table is NOT really assigned, so you may feel free to move around (within our designated seating area) and meet new people for each meal. Please arrive on time in order to get a spot. Otherwise, empty tables will be relinquished to general seating.
Of course, you are not required to eat with our group, or in the Main Dining Room. There are many places to eat anytime on the ship, including a giant buffet and 24-hour Room Service.
SEMINAR-AT-SEA SPEAKERS INSPIRATIONAL PRODUCTS
On our “New Earth Horizons” Seminar-at-sea, our speakers might bring books, CDs, DVDs, and other products. Some may also offer private sessions. They might exhibit their wares in our meeting room on the ship, Deck 3 Forward Port.
If available, these special items can be purchased with cash or a credit card and will not go through the Holland America Shipboard account system. There are no ATMS onboard any Holland America ship, so be sure to bring enough cash onto the ship for purchasing speakers’ items and for tips to crew members onboard who have gone above and beyond, including enough cash for tips for room service delivery attendants.
COVID vaccinations are not required for your cruise. If applicable, any information regarding vaccinations is listed on your Travel Summary. Regarding vaccinations, you are urged to seek advice from your primary care physician or an approved public health advisory service to identify any specific vaccination or health precautions needed for each port of call. Vaccination requirements vary by destination and will change from time to time. Passengers should check with the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) at www.cdc.gov/travel to verify any current advisories for our ports of call.
All passengers are advised to pack a refillable water bottle and fill it on the ship before visiting any port. If you need to purchase water at a port, be sure that the bottle you purchase is sealed and has not been tampered with. In restaurants, you are advised to drink hot beverages that have been boiled.
Norovirus is the most common cause of gastroenteritis in the developed world. The health and well-being of our passengers and crew is our highest priority. There are several measures which have been placed to prevent and contain illnesses on our ships that meet or exceed standards set by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The simplest way for you to stay healthy onboard the ship is to frequently and thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water, especially before eating and after using the toilet. You'll also find hand sanitizers located throughout the ship for your use after washing your hands. If you feel ill during your voyage, please immediately report to the Medical Center onboard the ship.
For the comfort of all of our guests, all staterooms (cabins), lounges, and other indoor areas are designated non-smoking. No smoking of any kind will be permitted on any stateroom verandah (balcony). No smoking in the casino. This includes a prohibition on the use of vaping, hookah, or other types of water pipes.
• Designated smoking areas: Check in the “When and Where” newsletter in your stateroom for designated smoking areas outdoors on deck.
• Cigarette, cigar, and pipe smoking: Only on outside decks where smoking is permitted.
• Electronic cigarettes: Not allowed in staterooms or other public areas except for designated smoking areas.
• Staterooms and verandahs: Smoking is prohibited. Fines and consequences: Any guest who smokes inside staterooms or on verandahs in violation of Holland America’s policy will be charged a US $250 cleaning fee per day of violation and will risk being removed from the ship for repeated violations.
Holland America Line reserves the right at any time to modify the smoking policy onboard or alter the locations where smoking is permissible.
Holland America provides a range of activities and programs for children and teens, including supervised fun for ages 3 to 17. They offer a Kids Club with various activities, crafts, games, and themed events. For families, they also offer family-friendly shore excursions and staterooms that can accommodate larger groups.
Here's a more detailed look at what Holland America offers for families:
• Kids Club: This program, known as Club HAL, offers a variety of activities for different age groups, including:
• For kids ages 3-6: Pirate treasure hunts, pizza making, storytelling, crafts, ice cream parties, and pajama parties.
• For tweens ages 7-12: Xbox and Wii tournaments, relay races, scavenger hunts, and karaoke disco parties.
• Culinary Arts Center: Holland America offers a Kids & Teens Culinary Arts Center Program, where children between the ages of 3 and 14 can learn how to prepare recipes.
• Babysitting Services: Babysitting is available on sea days for children aged 3 and older, with specific schedules for kids, tweens, and teens.
• Family Staterooms: Some ships have Family Staterooms that can accommodate up to five guests, often featuring two bathrooms and extra closet space.
• Shore Excursions: Holland America offers a variety of family-friendly shore excursions that cater to different interests and activity levels.
• Kids Menu: A kids menu is available at all onboard dining venues, featuring familiar favorites like pizza, chicken strips, and mac and cheese.
• Infant/Toddler Amenities: Portable cribs, high chairs, and other infant/toddler items are available on board.
• Infant Restrictions: Infants younger than six months are generally not accepted on non-TransOcean sailings, and infants younger than 12 months are not accepted on TransOcean sailings.
• Kids Cruise Free: Holland America often offers promotions where children ages 18 and under can travel free when booked as a 3rd or 4th guest on select cruises.
Holland America Line has a pregnancy policy stating that women cannot have entered their 24th week of pregnancy before or during the cruise. Pregnant passengers must provide a physician's letter stating their expected due date, medical fitness to travel, and that the pregnancy is not high-risk. The letter should also include the passenger's name, booking number, ship, and sailing date.
• 24th Week Limit: You cannot be 24 weeks or more pregnant at any point during the cruise.
• Physician's Letter: A letter from your doctor is required, outlining your medical fitness and the pregnancy's status.
• Documentation: Include your name, booking number, ship, and sailing date in the letter.
Holland America is dedicated to offering the finest cruising experience to our guests with disabilities, and is committed to providing safe, easy, and accessible accommodations, to the extent that is feasible. Our ships provide a quality of service and a variety of accessible features to make your voyage relaxing and enjoyable.
Some special-needs guests require adequate time for the ship’s crew to prepare for their arrival. Therefore, it is vital that guests contact our Guest Accessibility Department and submit a Special Requirements Information (SRI) Form a minimum of 45 days prior to departure. For more specific information regarding the following categories, please visit the “Accessible Cruising” section of our website, which covers: Stateroom Information; Mobility Equipment; Ship Transfer Options; Shoreside Mobility, including Airports and/or Train Stations and/or Shore Excursions; Service Animals; Blind or Low Vision; Deaf or Hard of Hearing; Oxygen; Food Allergy Information; Children with Special Needs; and Wheelchair-Accessible Route Maps.
Holland America Line offers a limited number of staterooms that are wheelchair- and scooter-accessible. For safety, scooters and other mobility equipment need to be securely stored and charged inside your stateroom and not in hallways or elevator lobbies. Scooters left in these areas could restrict people in an emergency, especially other guests using mobility aids. Therefore, Holland America Line has size and weight guidelines for scooters. Guests using scooters should utilize reduced speed settings while on board and in terminals. If you plan to bring a scooter on the ship, please contact:
Guest Accessibility Department
Phone: 1-800-547-8493 (locally at 1-206-626-7044)
TTY: 1-800-254-8669
Email: GuestAccessibility@HollandAmerica.comGuests that are incapable of walking on their own may be unable to go ashore at the time they desire or unable go ashore at all in certain ports. While every effort is made to assist guests with disabilities, we are unable to provide crew members who have time to address ongoing special needs.
Some third-party transfer and tour facilities are not accessible to guests with disabilities. For detailed, up-to-date information on accessible shore excursions, please contact our Shore Excursions Department prior to embarkation at 1-888-425-9376 (locally at 1-206-626-7320) or visit the Shore Excursions Office on board. Due to limited lift-equipped vehicles in foreign locations, guests may incur additional costs. For more information, please contact our Guest Accessibility Department.
It is essential that we be notified of any special medical, physical or other requirements you may have (including whether you intend to bring a scooter), preferably at the time of booking, so we may make our best effort to accommodate you. Guests who are unable to care for basic needs (such as dressing, eating and attending safety drills) MUST have a capable traveling companion. For safety, in limited situations (either on board or ashore), we may ask individuals to make alternate travel arrangements. The medical staff on board can provide daily care only when an individual is hospitalized in the ship’s Medical Center.
Wheelchairs
Holland America Line has a limited supply of wheelchairs onboard. These are reserved exclusively for embarkation and disembarkation assistance at the pier and in emergency situations. Holland America Line is not able to provide complimentary wheelchair assistance other than for these purposes. If you require the regular use of a wheelchair, please bring your own onboard, or make advance rental arrangements and have a wheelchair delivered directly to the ship. For details on rental programs, please refer to the contact information below for Special Needs at Sea or ScootAround.
Embarkation/Disembarkation
Guests requiring assistance with embarkation and disembarkation do not need to request wheelchair assistance in advance. However, due to high demand in some ports, there can be a wait for assistance. For embarkation procedures, upon your arrival, please advise the Shore Operations staff of your need for assistance boarding the ship. Assistance is only available once embarkation has begun, typically not before 11:30 a.m. For disembarkation, please contact Guest Services onboard to advise them of your need for assistance. Guest Services staff will provide details on the times and meeting location where staff can assist your disembarkation.
Oxygen
Guests needing continuous or intermittent oxygen for chronic conditions must make their own arrangements prior to travel. Please contact us or your travel advisor for more information. The following companies have been approved for all oxygen and/or oxygen equipment being delivered to a Holland America Line ship:
Special Needs at Sea
Phone: 1-800-513-4515 (locally at 1-954-585-0575)
Email: info@specialneedsatsea.com
Website: specialneedsatsea.com
ScootAround
Phone: 1-877-478-7827 (locally at 1-780-986-6404)
Email: reservations@scootaround.com
Website: www.scootaround.comOxygen and/or oxygen equipment deliveries will NOT be accepted from any other company. You are welcome, however, to bring your own oxygen and/or oxygen equipment from your home. Please note that our staff and crew are not permitted to handle your oxygen and/or oxygen equipment during the embarkation and disembarkation process. Thus you or your companion must handle your supplies yourself.
Please contact the Guest Accessibility Department prior to sailing if you will require oxygen while on your cruise. If you require additional information on the ship’s facilities or ability to accommodate your needs, please feel free to contact the Guest Accessibility Department.
Please Note: Some airlines have restrictions concerning traveling with oxygen and oxygen containers. It is the traveler’s responsibility to comply with the regulations of the airline on which he/she is traveling. For information regarding TSA’s Screening Tips for Persons with Disabilities, please visit the Travelers with Disabilities and Medical Conditions section of their website.
Tender Port Policy for Limited Mobility Passengers
When a ship is unable to dock, guests are taken ashore on smaller boats called “tenders.” Certain ship transfer operations, (such as during tendering and at the gangways) may not be fully accessible to wheelchairs or scooters. Guests with limited mobility may find it difficult to embark or disembark the ship at certain times while at dock or while tendering.
Holland America Line has made its tenders accessible for guests with disabilities, including wheelchair lifts and assistance with transfers. However, accessibility can be limited:
Tender Accessibility
• Wheelchair Lifts: Holland America has implemented a tender-lift system on many of its ships, allowing guests to roll directly onto and off of tenders in their wheelchairs.
• Weight Restrictions: Tenders may not be suitable for scooters or wheelchairs exceeding 100 lbs without the battery.
• Weather and Sea Conditions: Adverse weather, strong winds, swells, or extreme tide levels can make it difficult to use the tender lifts or may even prohibit guests from going ashore.
• Port Facilities: Some ports may not have accessible gangways or docks, requiring additional assistance or potential delays.
• Captain's Determination: The captain has the final say on whether a guest can go ashore, considering all factors, including weather, ship location, and guest weight.
Situations Where Assistance May Be Needed
• Steep Gangways and Steps: Some gangways and steps leading to and from the tender may be challenging for those with mobility limitations.
• Adverse Weather: Strong winds, swells, or rain can make transfers dangerous.
• Inaccessible Port Facilities: Some ports may lack adequate ramps or accessible docks.
Holland America is committed to improving accessibility for all guests, but it's essential to be aware of the limitations and to communicate any special needs to the cruise line well in advance. Guests should inquire about specific port accessibility and the potential need for assistance.
Be prepared for your cruise so you don’t run into unexpected inconveniences along the way. Here’s a list of what you need to do before traveling to the Piraeus Cruise Terminal.
• Confirm your cruise booking details:
Log in to review your booking. Verify that your name and date of birth match your travel documents. Provide up-to-date contact information. Visit travel.state.gov for identification, visa and vaccination requirements.• Book your flights:
Get specially negotiated low airfare by booking through Holland America Line Flight Ease. View More Details Booking your flight independently? Log in to your Cruise Planner to provide your flight details.• Book hotel stays, airport transfers, and pre- post- excursions:
Spend time before and/or after your cruise in departure and arrival cities. Plan to take our exclusive, private pre-cruise and post-cruise excursions. Arrange airport transfers to/from the cruise terminal for stress-free travel. Log in to your Cruise Planner to make arrangements, or contact our travel advisor Diane Michael: 336-749-1219 or diane@luxurytravel-destinations.com• Make specialty dining reservations:
Seating is limited for specialty restaurants—especially one-night-only pop-up restaurants. Get your preferred dates and times by making specialty dining reservations in advance. View all dining options and make reservations on the Navigator App, or log in to your Cruise Planner on the Holland America Website to make reservations.• Purchase onboard amenities:
Celebrating a special occasion—such as a birthday, anniversary, or simply a much-deserved vacation? Make your cruise experience extra special. Purchase beverage packages, spa treatments, pre-paid Internet packages, and other gifts and treats. Log in to your Cruise Planner or use the Navigator App to view available options.• Complete Online Check-In before September 27:
Check-in on the Holland America Navigator App and save your Boarding Pass on your phone, or log in to your account on your computer to download and print out your digital boarding pass and your luggage tags.• Gather documents to present at Cruise Terminal:
Upon arrival at the Cruise Terminal, if you completed the Online Check-in, please have the following documents ready to present:• Express Docs including your Boarding Pass
• Proper ID and proof of citizenship that is required for sailing, such as passport
• Credit or debit card linked to Onboard Account
• Applicable visas, if needed.
FOR QUESTIONS ABOUT TRANSPORT
AND FOR PHONE REGISTRATION:
Diane at Luxury Travel Destinations
Email Diane at: diane@luxurytravel-destinations.com
