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FAQ's - Frequently Asked Questions

What can you tell me about the ship - Holland America's new Zuiderdam?
When Holland America's elegant ms Zuiderdam begins her inaugural season December 14, 2002, all eyes will be upon her. She will be the first of a new class of cruise ships aptly called the Vista Series - forward-looking in both design and spirit. With more private, airy verandahs. More ample ocean-view staterooms. More space per guest than any other ship in a fleet already renowned for spacious comfort. And more delight: expanded spa facilities, three sparkling pools, and blissful 7-day cruises through the Eastern Caribbean.

What is included in the cruise rate?
The cruise rate includes the following; government taxes and fees, port charges, and all gratuities for included items; Roundtrip airport transportation from Fort Lauderdale or West Palm Beach are included, Miami has a $20 per person roundtrip surcharge for transportation. $400 per person donation to Children's Hospitals is included for each guest. All meals on board are included, as well as all on board entertainment.

What is not included in the cruise rate?
The cruise vacation price does not include air transportation, or items of a personal nature. These items are shore excursions, beverages, telephone calls, room service while in shore, photographs, medical services, gift shop purchases, beauty/spa services, laundry services, gambling and porterage gratuities at the dock.

Do you have special rates for air travel?
We have negotiated special rates with several airlines to Ft. Lauderdale and Miami. Please fill out the box on the registration form and someone from our office will contact you to quote your rates and handle your travel arrangements.

Is transportation provided for early arriving passengers?
If you are arriving on Friday and staying at the Hard Rock Hotel in Hollywood, FL, we will provide you with transportation on Friday to the hotel, and on Saturday to the ship. The additional cost is $10 per person. We will not provide transportation on Friday to any other hotels.

Are there arrangements for guests coming to Ft. Lauderdale early?
The Hard Rock Hotel in Hollywood, FL is offering a special rate of $195.00 per night before the cruise. There will be a "Bon Voyage Party" at the hotel on Friday night for any cruise guests that wish to attend.

What about hotel arrangements following the cruise?
Please contact our office for available arrangements at the Hard Rock Hotel in Hollywood, FL. .

Who assumes responsibility in the event that I am unable to arrive in Fort Lauderdale on time?
Neither Cruising For A Cause, Children's Hospitals, nor Holland America is responsible for the actions of the independent contractors, which would include any means of transportation to get to Fort Lauderdale. All parties deny any responsibility for liability for late arrival of your flight, train or other transportation. The ship sails at 5:00 pm on June 3rd. You may at your own expense catch up with the ship at the next Port of Call. Please be advised that the next port of call where you could board the ship is St. Kitts. Half Moon Cay is a private island, with no air service.

You are responsible for arriving in Fort Lauderdale on time for embarkation, and for joining the vessel prior to 5:00 pm sailing time.

How much baggage can we bring?
Holland America will carry as baggage only your personal effects for your wearing, comfort or convenience during your cruise. Your baggage needs to be placed in securely constructed and locked suitcases or trunks. We recommend that you use hard-sided baggage and cautions against the use of garment bags with hanger hooks protruding from the top.

IMPORTANT: Do not pack your passport, medications, cruise documents or airline tickets. Keep them close at hand in your purse or jacket pocket. We also strongly suggest that you carry important items such as perishables, medicine, liquor, cash, credit or debit cards, jewelry, laptop computers, cellular telephones, and cameras. (Remember that checked baggage might not be accessible at all times.

Holland America ships provide, at no extra charge, either safe-deposit boxes in the ship's Front Office or stateroom safes. Your use of safe-deposit boxes, stateroom safes or similar facilities will not increase Holland America's liability as described below. If Holland America, due to any cause whatsoever, is liable for loss of, damage to or delay of, your property, the amount of the liability will not exceed US$100 (US$600 for passengers who have purchased Cancellation Protection Plan) unless you have specified to Holland America in writing the true value of your property and paid to Holland America before departure 1% of the value in excess of US$100 or US$600, as applicable. In that event, Holland America's liability will be limited to the amount so specified.

Forwarding: You may wish to forward your baggage to the ship before your cruise or forward it home after the cruise. To do this, simply contact TransGroup Worldwide Logistics by phone at 888-747-4433 or 206-244-0330 or by E-mail at TransMarine@Transgroup.com.

Do you provide travel/trip insurance?
Yes - Here is a link for Global Alert insurance, which can also cover the cost of your airplane ticket. We highly recommend that you purchase this vacation protection policy.

When planning my arrangements to Fort Lauderdale, what time can I board the ship?
Embarkation begins at 12:00 pm. Please schedule your flight to arrive in Fort Lauderdale to arrive no later then 2:00 - as the ship sails at 5:00 pm sharp, and you must be on board no later then 3:30 pm.

When can I schedule my flight home from the cruise?
Debarkation - to allow time for customs clearance, we recommend that you do not schedule flights any earlier then 11:00 am for Fort Lauderdale and West Palm, and 12:00 pm for Miami.

Can you please tell me meal times, so that I can decide if I want early or late seating?
The two seatings are 6:00 and 8:15. On your registration form, it asks your seating preference. We will try our best to accommodate all guests' requests, but this may not always be possible. You should also advise us of others you would like to dine with. Special dietary restrictions should also be noted on your registration form. * Kosher meals are prepared off the ship in a kosher kitchen, frozen and brought to the table sealed in their original containers. There is no kosher kitchen on board nor do they have kosher dishes, utensils, pots or pans on the ship.

What are Identification Requirements?
IMPORTANT: Guests arriving at embarkation without proper documentation may not join the voyage and will not be entitled to a refund.
The following documents are required for U.S. and Canadian citizens:
Either:
1) A valid passport; ~or~
2) Picture identification issued by an official government agency AND an original or certified copy of birth certificate; ~or~
3) Picture identification issued by an official government agency AND a U.S. naturalization certificate.

Please note: Although passports are not required for some cruises, we highly recommend that you carry one while traveling.

Non-U.S./non-Canadian citizens must have a valid passport and any necessary visas. Please verify carefully the existing identification requirements for your particular travel situation. In addition, non-U.S. citizens who have previously been admitted to the United States for permanent residence must carry their Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551), commonly known as a Green Card. Resident aliens not in possession of this must obtain one at the nearest office of the U.S. Immigration Service.

Minors under age 18 traveling to any foreign country must be accompanied by both parents or have a notarized letter of consent signed by the parent(s) not traveling. If the other parent is deceased or the child has only one legal parent, a notarized statement must be obtained as proof. Your travel agent can provide additional information about this requirement.

What are US Customs requirements?
In order to make returning home as smooth and easy as possible; please take note of the following tips. For more information consult your Customs Agency. Passengers returning to the United States can also check the official Web site of U.S. Customs at: www.customs.treas.gov.

Registering Your Valuables: We strongly recommend that you register your valuables with Customs before leaving home. If you cannot prove that you owned an item prior to departure, Customs Officials may charge you duty to bring it back into your country. This should be done well in advance of travel at a Customs office near your home. Items that should be registered generally include those not manufactured in your country. Customs pays particular attention to cameras (including special lenses and video equipment), binoculars, radios, laptop computers, foreign-made watches and other similar appliances. Customs officials will not be available at the ship during check-in to register valuables.

Customs Allowance: Each U.S. resident is allowed a duty-free exemption of US$800. Guests may include 100 cigars (Cuban cigars are not allowed) and 200 cigarettes (one carton) in their US$800 exemption and guests over 21 may also include one liter of liquor. An additional US$1,000 worth of articles may be brought in and taxed at a flat duty rate of 10%.

Canadian citizens may bring back to Canada up to CAD $750 worth of duty-free merchandise, which may include a maximum of 40 ounces of liquor or wine and 200 cigarettes. Guests who are not U.S. or Canadian citizens should check with the Customs agency in their country for allowance information before departing.

What is the policy on guests with Disabilities
Holland America does not discriminate against persons on the basis of disability. We seek, to the extent feasible, to accommodate guests with disabilities. There are a limited number of staterooms designed to be wheelchair and scooter accessible. Check Deck legend for specific accessible cabins.

Certain ship transfer operations (i.e., during tendering and at the gangways) may not be fully accessible to wheelchairs or scooters. When a ship is unable to dock, guests are taken ashore on smaller boats called tenders. Some guests with limited mobility may find it difficult to embark or disembark the ship at certain times while at dock or while tendering due to steep gangways and steps, particularly during low or high tide.

For persons not capable of walking on their own, the use of a wheelchair will be the primary mobility assistance aid for getting on and off the ship. In some situations, mobility assistance will involve carrying guests. Situations may occur in which mobility-impaired guests may not be able to go ashore at the time they desire or are unable to go ashore at all in certain ports. For the safety of all concerned, the Captain shall make the final determination regarding the carrying of mobility-impaired guests and their mobility assistance device (wheelchair, scooter, walker, etc.), taking into account all appropriate matters including, but not limited to, weather conditions, ship's location, weight of the guest, etc. The Captain will try to reasonably accommodate guest needs.

Guests must also be aware that certain third party transfer and shore excursion facilities may not be fully accessible to guests with disabilities. Although we endeavor to make sure other companies providing transfers and shore excursions comply with legal requirements, we cannot guarantee all of these companies are able to provide facilities that are accessible to persons with disabilities. For detailed, up-to-date information on accessibility issues involving shore excursions, we strongly recommend visiting the Shore Excursion Office on board.

In limited situations (either on board or ashore), where an individual with a disability would be unable to satisfy certain specified safety and other criteria, even when provided with appropriate auxiliary aids and services, we may find it necessary to ask the individual to make alternative travel arrangements. Guests who are unable to care for their basic needs (e.g. dressing, eating and attending safety drills) MUST have a capable traveling companion. It is essential that we be notified of any special medical, physical or other requirements you may have as soon as possible.

If you have questions regarding the ship's facilities, please contact the Access & Compliance Department at 800-426-0327 ext. 4514 or e-mail us at HALW_Access@halw.com.

Wheelchairs: Due to a limited number of wheelchairs on board, guests who require the use of a wheelchair should plan to bring their own rather than relying on the availability of Holland America's equipment. Wheelchairs and scooters must be stored inside the cabin. Holland America's wheelchairs are for on-board use only and are not allowed off the ship.

Oxygen: Guests who need continuous oxygen for chronic conditions must make their own arrangements prior to travel. Also, bring the service company's address and their local contacts in foreign countries, as applicable. Holland America does permit Oxygen to be brought on board our ships for personal use. However, our ships are not equipped to provide passengers with these services other than on an emergency basis in the Ship's Infirmary. Two supply companies that frequently provide these services for Holland America's guests are:

Advanced Aeromedical
Phone: 800-346-3556
E-mail: aeromed@pilot.infi.net

CareVacations-STARS
Phone: 877-478-7827
Fax: 780-986-8332
E-mail: stars@carevacations.com

What is the policy on pets?
With the exception of qualified service animals for guests with disabilities, animals or pets are not allowed on board our ships.

How do I pay for things on board the ship?
The cashless society is designed to make your life on board as simple as possible. When you board the ship, your account has already been activated and you may make purchases by simply signing a receipt. Within 24 hours of arrival, you will need to register your credit card (Visa, American Express, MasterCard or Discover) at the Front Office, or make arrangements with the Front Office for settling your account. Your credit card will be pre-authorized for your estimated on board purchases on a per person basis for each day of your cruise. To avoid delay in obtaining credit card pre-authorization on board, guests with credit cards issued by banks outside the US and Canada are advised to inform their credit card issuer in advance that the card will be used on a Holland America Line ship.

The no-cash system applies to all on-board purchases. Casino chips/tokens may either be bought in cash or signed to your account (certain restrictions apply). Cash cannot be drawn from your shipboard account nor can cash advances be charged to your credit card. You may cash traveler's checks at the Front Office, however, personal checks may not be cashed on board.

"Tipping Not Required" Policy
Exceptional service is part of the Holland America Line cruise experience. Because you are our guest, it is our goal to make sure you receive the finest service possible. The "tipping not required" policy ensures that the professional and gracious service you receive on board is truly sincere; that we are dedicated to providing the most relaxed cruise vacation, not simply providing service in return for tips. You are free, however, to extend monetary recognition if you wish-it's entirely up to you. (Company policy prohibits us from suggesting how much.)

Please remember that this "tipping not required" policy does not extend beyond the ship. In terminals, airports, ports of call and on special shore excursions, you should tip at your own discretion. Customary tips for baggage handlers is $1.00 per bag.

What is the smoking policy on the ship?
For the comfort of all of our guests, designated smoking and nonsmoking areas are available in all lounges. Smoking is not permitted at any time in dining areas. The ships do not have "nonsmoking" staterooms; however, all rooms are thoroughly cleaned after each cruise to assure the comfort of all guests. All showrooms are nonsmoking during performances.

Is there Internet, Fax and Mail Access on board?
Guests can send and receive electronic mail in real-time, via a high speed satellite link 24 hours a day, satellite conditions permitting. You can surf the Internet, play games, check your stocks, read your E-mail, send a Video Mail to your loved ones back home and much, much more! There is an Internet Café, as well as Internet/dataports in all staterooms.There is a charge for these services.

Fax: Facsimile service is also available on board. Please contact the Front Office for cost and other information if you wish to take advantage of this service. Additional communication instructions can be found in your travel documents or on board the vessel in your cabin information directory.

Mail: Letters and postcards may be mailed from the ship while in ports of call. Guests may buy stamps in port or purchase them with US cash from the Front Office. All mail is subject to local postal office procedures and rates in the port mailed.

What is the Cancellation policy?
You may purchase cancellation insurance by using the Global Alert Link on this site. If you choose not to purchase cancellation insurance, the following cancellation policy will be applied. The $750 deposit is nonrefundable. $400 will go to Children's Hospitals, and $100 will go to CFAC for processing fees .

Cancellation Date:Refund Percentage:
Prior to Oct 2, 200490%
During November, 200465%
During December /January, 200540%
After February 28, 20050%

**** If you must cancel for any reason, CFAC will refund all monies except the $750, if your cabin has been resold.

What about weddings?
Whether tying the knot onboard the ship or one of the exotic islands in the Caribbean, Holland America will help launch a lifetime of memories with wedding packages tailored to individual needs by our wedding coordinator. Couples may opt for a small ceremony and mini-reception or bring family and friends along for a larger affair. Holland America's packages include a personalized wedding ceremony, wedding coordinator, flowers, cake, champagne, photo album, recorded music and a keepsake wedding certificate. Services such as photography, live music and receptions can be added to customize your wedding package. Holland America Line's wedding planner is: Royal Ocean Events Phone: (604) 940-1181 or 1-888-475-5511 Fax: (604) 940-8561 email: www.royalwed.com

Or for more information about Wedding Packages, please call our Ship Services Department (800) 541-1576.

What is available on board for other special occasions?
Holland America makes it easy to honor Mom and Dad on their anniversary... or to throw a surprise birthday party for the Boomer turned fifty. Just ask, we'll help you celebrate by taking care of all the details. Price: $79.00 USD.
Package Includes:

  • Flowers in stateroom upon arrival
  • Bottle of domestic champagne in stateroom upon arrival
  • Special dessert presentation in the dining room
  • Photograph in engraved frame
  • Special recognition on board

Other packages are available.

Can I bring aboard liquor for my own consumption or special occasion?
You may bring aboard a special bottle of wine or champagne by paying a corkage fee of $10 - $15.

What about liquor that I buy duty free at any of the ports or in the ship's shops?
This liquor will be delivered to your room on the last night of the cruise.

Are Bon Voyage Gifts available?
The Bon Voyage gift Boutique has the very best quality of gifts available for purchase in a flyer. Convenience and service in mind, they offer the ability to order bon voyage gifts and have them placed in your friends' and clients' staterooms without the hassle of making your own arrangements. Order forms (with current prices) are provided with cruise documents. If you do not have an order form, you may place your order by phone at 1-800-541-1576.

Is there on-board shopping?
The "Ocean" Boutique provides a variety of wonderful merchandise from around the world. Items for purchase range from jewelry to clothing and souvenirs, together with a selection of toiletries and drug store sundries. The ships offer duty-free/tax-free prices for most items, and are open during the posted hours when the ship is at sea. The shops are not allowed to open in port in accordance with Customs regulations.

Are pictures for sale on board?
The ship's photographers record as many memories of your cruise as is possible. Pictures taken are then displayed at the Photo Gallery, where you may make your direct purchase by conveniently charging your shipboard account. We offer a developing service on board along with a Formal Portrait Package. Details can be found onboard in the Daily Program.

What is available for children?
Thanks to Club HAL, a special program that offers oceans of fun for guests 5 through 17, the entire family can have the vacation of their dreams.

Fun for kids, tweens and teens
It all begins with a special Welcome Aboard meeting the first night of the cruise with the full-time youth coordinator and continues throughout the cruise with a dedicated daily youth program filled with fun: storytelling, crafts and candy bar bingo for the little kids; putt-putt golf, pool parties and video games for tweens and teens. And the fun lasts well into the night with movies, pizza and disco parties, so you can enjoy your evening knowing the kids are having a good time properly supervised.

Food to please the most finicky eaters
Call it what you will--finicky, particular, hard-to-please--the kids will tell you it's simply a matter of taste. Which is why we've designed a menu that includes their favorites: hot dogs, hamburgers, pizza, fish n' chips, chicken dippers and more.