Holland America Line has now cancelled even more cruises globally through June 30 due to the current global health crisis.
Holland America Ships on Hold Even Longer
The cruise line has followed sister brands by extending its voluntary suspension in cruise operations through June 30, 2020. The cancellation in cruises includes Alaska, Canada/New England, and Europe.
This comes as Canada has suspended the cruising until July 1 and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control recently announced an extension of its “No Sail Order” impacting cruise lines under its jurisdiction.
Orlando Ashford, president of Holland America Line, said:
“These are unprecedented times. Having to delay summer cruising and cancel our land tours for the entire season is the responsible thing to do, yet also very disappointing and a first in our more than 70 years of taking guests to Alaska.”
“We know this decision impacts our loyal guests, travel advisor partners, staff members and local businesses who rely on summer tourism for their economies. We look forward to better days and returning to a full summer cruising season in 2021.”
This will impact thousands of guests who were hoping that the cruise line would resume sailings earlier. Holland America’s original extension which went into effect on March 12 was scheduled to resume operations on May 12, 2020.
Guests with impacted cruises have two options to choose from and must make their selection by June 1, 2020:
- Option #1: Defer a refund and receive a Future Cruise Credit for 125% of the base cruise fare paid plus an onboard credit of US$250 per person, which can be applied toward any future cruise(s) through Dec. 31, 2021. Guests who haven’t paid in full will receive a Future Cruise Credit for 125% of the amount paid to Holland America Line.
- Option #2: A 100% refund of all monies paid to Holland America Line will be reimbursed. This includes Holland America Line’s Flight Ease air, Cancellation Protection Plan, Holland America Line pre- or post-cruise hotel packages or transfers, prepaid shore excursions and amenities purchased through Holland America Line, and taxes, fees and port expenses.
All bookings automatically will be cancelled through June 30. Guests do not need to call to cancel, however, they should visit hollandamerica.com to indicate their preference for the 125% Future Cruise Credit or 100% refund no later than June 1. If a choice is not made by this deadline, guests will be deemed to have accepted the greater value Option #1. The Future Cruise Credit is valid on any cruise departing through December 31, 2021, and must be applied toward this future cruise by December 31, 2020.
The above options are not applicable to guests booked on a charter sailing. Other booking and cancellation conditions and policies may apply if cruise was not booked through Holland America Line.
Carnival Cruise Line has already announced an extension to cancelled cruises through June 26, 2020 and Princess Cruises is extending its pause on cruises also through June 20, 2020.
