Holland America Cruises Cancellation Policy

Life is full of surprises, and sometimes those surprises mean a dream cruise has to be put on hold. If your plans have changed and you’ve booked a trip with Holland America, you can drop your worries, as there are clear steps to follow to cancel your trip. While figuring out cancellation policies might seem overwhelming at first, understanding the process can help you feel more in control. In this guide, we will break down Holland America Cruises’ cancellation policy in simple terms. You will learn about key deadlines, how refunds work, and how their travel protection plan could save you money and worry down the line. Let’s make it easier, together.

All Details of Holland America Cruises’ Cancellation Policy:

Holland America Cruises has a straightforward cancellation policy that covers your entire trip, not just your cruise fare, but also any extras like air add-ons, hotel stays, ground transfers, and pre- or post-cruise tours you’ve booked through them. The good news is that government taxes and fees are always refunded, no matter what type of fare you purchased. 

If you booked any part of your trip through a third-party provider, though, their cancellation policies will apply. Refunds are generally returned to your original payment method. Just keep in mind that if you opted for Holland America’s Cancellation Protection Plan (CPP), the amount you paid for that won’t be refunded. Overall, it’s designed to give you some peace of mind when booking.

Holland American Cruises Cancelation Policy – Refund Schedule

The refund amount depends on when or how early you cancel your cruise, and even the length of your voyage. The schedule mentioned below is for bookings made on the 10th of November 2023, or after that. 

Voyages 25 Nights or Longer / Grand World / Grand Voyages/ Segments of Grand World & Grand Voyage:

If your voyage is 25 nights and longer than that then here is a list of the refund percentage that you may receive which varies as per your cancelation time. 

  • Canceling 120+ days before travel: 100% refund
  • Canceling from 119–113 days: Full refund minus required deposit
  • Canceling from 112 to 76 days: 50% refund of your gross fare
  • Canceling in 75 days or less than that before voyage: There is no refund at all

Voyages 5 Nights / Longer:

For voyages which are for 5 days or greater than that, here is the cancelation, and refund policy. 

  • Canceling within 90 days or longer: 100% refund
  • Cancelations from 89–83 days: Full refund minus deposit
  • Cancelations from 82–46 days: 50% refund of the gross fare
  • Cancelations in 45 days or less: No refund

Voyages Till 4 Nights:

Here is what you will get refunded for voyages that are up till four nights: 

  • Cancelation through 75+ days: 100% refund
  • Cancelation from 74–68 days: Full refund minus deposit
  • Cancelation from 67–31 days: 50% refund
  • Cancelation in 30 days or less: No refund

The next section is for refund and cancelations made for sailing departures on June 2024 or after that. 

  • Cancelations made from 120 days of travel means a full refund.
  • For cancelations made from 119 to 91 days before your travel will result in a 100% refund minus the deposit amount.
  • For cancelations made from 90 to 76 days, there’s a 40% refund of the gross fare. 
  • For cancelations that have been 75 days or less than that before the travel date, then no refund will be available. 

For Any Other Voyages Of 6 Nights or Longer Than That 

Here is the cancelation policy to make note of: 

  • Cancelations made in 90 days before journey incurs a full refund
  • Cancelations from 89 to 76 days means a full refund as well minus the amount deposited
  • Canceling 75 to 61 days before travel means a 50% refund of the gross fare.
  • Canceling 60 to 31 days before travel results in a 25% refund of your gross fare. 
  • Canceling between 30 days and less than that means no refund at all. 

For Voyages Till 5 Nights

Let’s take a look at the cancelation and refund policy:

  • Canceling through 75 days means a full refund.
  •  Canceling from 74 to 57 days also results in a total refund minus the deposit.
  • Canceling from 56-29 days leads to a 50% refund of the gross fare.
  • Cancelations made from 28-16 days results in a 25% refund of the gross fare.
  • Cancelations made between 15 days and less than that leads to no refund at all. 

What Are The Exceptions In Holland America Cruises Cancelation Policy? 

Some promotional fares come with strict conditions; once you pay, they’re completely non-refundable. That means if you change your mind or plans, you won’t get your money back. In other cases, you might be asked to pay a non-refundable deposit upfront. 

If you cancel later, that deposit is gone for good. It’s important to read the fare rules carefully before booking. Also, keep in mind that even minor changes, like switching your travel date or correcting a passenger’s name, are often considered cancellations. 

These changes may come with extra fees or result in the loss of your fare altogether. So, if you’re booking a promo fare, make sure your details are spot-on and your travel dates are firm to avoid surprises later.

How to Submit a Cancellation Request?

To cancel your booking, you’ll need to send a written request either by email or by post, depending on the country you booked from. Each region has its contact info; U.S. guests should reach out to the Seattle office, while those in other areas can contact teams in Southampton, Rotterdam, or Sydney for assistance. For more information about where to get in touch for any cancelations, do check Holland America Cruises’ official website

Explain Cancellation Protection Plans (CPP)

Holland America Line makes canceling your cruise hassle-free with its Cancellation Protection Plan (CPP). Starting at just $79, this optional add-on allows you to cancel your vacation for any reason and still get most of your money back. Holland America offers two plan options:

Standard Plan:

  • Cancel for any reason up to 24 hours before travel
  • 80% refund of eligible costs
  • Available to all guests, except permanent residents of the UK.

Platinum Plan:

  • Cancel any time before departure and receive a 90% refund
  • Includes trip interruption, delay, medical, and emergency coverage
  • Not available to residents of NY State, Quebec, B.C., Puerto Rico, or the U.K.

Plans start at $79 per person and cover pre-existing conditions with no age restrictions.

What do the Plans Cover?

Here is the privilege that you will get with the cancelation plans you choose. 

BenefitStandard PlanPlatinum Plan
Cancel for any reasonUp to 24 hrs before departureAny time before departure
Cancellation Fee RefundUp to 80%Up to 90%
Extra Baggage Liability$500$500
Trip InterruptionNot includedUp to 150% of the cruise value
Trip DelayNot includedUp to $500
Baggage/Personal EffectsNot includedUp to $1,000
Baggage DelayNot includedUp to $500
Medical & Dental ExpensesNot includedUp to $20,000
Emergency Evacuation/RepatriationNot includedUp to $75,000
24/7 Emergency Assistance Services Across the GlobeNot includedIncluded, 24/7

Furthermore, additional Platinum benefits are underwritten by Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company, and CareFree Travel Assistance provides emergency assistance.

Why is Holland America’s Cancellation Protection a Smart Choice?

If you are wondering how the cancelation protection will help you, here are the reasons: 

  • You Have the Liberty to Cancel Due to Any Reason:

With Holland America Cruises’ Cancellation Protection Plan, you can cancel your trip for any reason, no explanation needed. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance with the Standard Plan, or anytime before departure with the Platinum Plan.

  • You Can Expect a Cashback

You can cancel within the eligible period and receive 80% refund with the Standard Plan or 90% with the Platinum Plan. It’s a safety net that helps you recover most of your prepaid cruise fare.

  • No Exclusions for Any Pre-Existing Conditions:

Unlike many travel insurance policies, Holland America’s plans honor cancellations caused by pre-existing medical conditions. There’s no need to worry about fine print; your coverage still applies if a health issue disrupts your plans.

  • Flat Rate for All Ages:

Young or old, the cost remains the same. Everyone pays the same flat rate for protection, so there’s no age-based pricing drama. It keeps things fair and easy for every traveler.

  • Simple to Add:

You can easily purchase the Cancellation Protection Plan during your initial booking or add it later through “Manage My Cruise.” Just be sure to opt in before cancellation penalties start applying to your reservation.

Conclusion:

Holland America Cruises provides a flexible and considerate cancellation policy to provide guests with peace of mind in a world where plans can change at any time. You can cancel up to 24 hours prior to your trip for any reason and still receive 80% of your eligible payments back with the Standard Cancellation Protection Plan (CPP Standard). This eliminates any stress or inconvenience. 

It is a wise choice for people who want additional security while booking their trip because it is accessible to all guests (with the exception of permanent inhabitants of specific locations). Holland America’s cancellation policy is intended to accommodate your travel requirements in a fair and convenient manner, regardless of life’s unexpected turns or your simple decision to change your mind.

FAQs:

Why is it a good idea to get a Cancellation Protection Plan from Holland America Line?

Holland America Line’s Cancellation Protection Plan (CPP) offers peace of mind by safeguarding your cruise investment against unforeseen events. With CPP, you may be eligible for reimbursement if you cancel for any reason before departure, miss your cruise due to a delayed or canceled flight, or need to return early due to a family emergency. The CPP Platinum provides you with the maximum amount of benefit than any other plan. 

Does my coverage include airfare and pre/post-packages?

Yes, if you have bought Holland America Line’s Flight Ease Plan, or the pre or post cruise packages, you’ll be eligible for a 80% refund on cancellation fees provided you make the cancelation 24 hours prior to your scheduled date of travel. With CPP Platinum, that refund increases to 90%, even if you cancel right up to departure. Any Credits issued in future will go under Holland America’s ownership. The guests aren’t able to redeem the same. 

Am I covered by CPP Platinum if I get injured while on land?

Yes, you may be reimbursed up to $10,000 (USD) for eligible emergency medical, surgical, or dental expenses if you fall ill or suffer an accidental injury while traveling. Coverage applies only to approved claims in accordance with the policy’s terms and conditions.

If I become ill, what are my options for leaving the ship?

You may cancel by giving a written notice, within 24 hours from when your travel begins. If you have the Platinum plan, you have an added advantage and may cancel anytime before your voyage’s scheduled departure. You’ll get a refund as well. However, the other protection plans ,may not provide you with a refund of your cancelation fees, particularly if the cancelation cause isn’t covered in the claim. 

Do I have to file a claim to process a cancellation?

No claim is needed if you cancel 24 hours before departure (Standard Plan) or before departure (Platinum Plan). Holland America Line refunds 80%–90% of eligible amounts, excluding plan cost. Send written notice by mail, email, or fax, and keep your fax confirmation as proof of submission.

Do you have English-speaking doctors available in case of an emergency?

With CPP Platinum, you gain 24-hour access to an emergency assistance hotline. Their team can connect you with local doctors who speak your language, ensuring you receive clear, reliable medical help whenever needed during your travels.

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