Holland America Drops Vaccine Mandate on Most Sailings

Holland America Line is the latest cruise line to amend its COVID-19 protocols, removing the vaccine mandate from most sailings and axing the pre-cruise testing requirement for vaccinated passengers.

“Our guests have been excited to return to cruising, and these changes will make it easier for more guests to explore the world in a safe and enjoyable environment,” said Gus Antorcha, president of Holland America Line. “The new, simplified protocols recognize the evolving nature of COVID-19 while still ensuring we protect the health of our guests, team members and the communities we visit.”

Starting with cruises departing on September 6, unvaccinated guests will be permitted onboard most voyages of up to 15 nights, except in countries where local regulations still apply including in Canada, Greece and Australia. Other sailings on which the new protocols do not apply include full Panama Canal transits, trans-ocean voyages and designated remote voyages.

All unvaccinated guests, along with any vaccinated guests who do not upload proof of vaccination before their cruise, will need to provide results of a negative medically-supervised or self-test taken within three days of embarkation.

Additionally, vaccinated guests will no longer have to test before cruising, also on most voyages of up to 15 nights except where local regulations apply. 

On cruises of 16 nights or longer, full Panama Canal transits, trans-ocean voyages, and other designated remote voyages, guests ages 5 and older will need to be vaccinated or request an exemption. All guests, regardless of vaccination status, will also need to submit a negative medically-supervised COVID-19 test taken within three days of embarkation.