TRAVEL TIPS

The majority of airlines will carry free, three (3) bags having linear dimensions no greater than 62 inches, 55 inches and 45 inches. The 45 inch bag (length + width + height) may be carried aboard the aircraft provided the height does not exceed 7 inches. No bag is to exceed 70 pounds in weight. Bags in excess of the above free pieces, weight and/or dimensions limitations are subject to extra charges.  IF IN DOUBT ON THE AMOUNT OF LUGGAGE YOU ARE TRAVELING WITH, CALL YOUR AIRLINE IN ADVANCE!

REMEMBER

1. Lock your baggage.
2. Don't place jewelry, money, medicine, one of a kind documents or fragile items such as cameras or radios in checked baggage.

International flights have different allowances for luggage. Check with the air carrier.

If you are using the cruise line's AIR/SEA PACKAGE, look for their uniformed representative at the airport baggage claim areas. With most cruise lines you claim your own luggage (so that you're sure it arrived). Then the line's representatives will assist you to waiting motor coaches for the transfer to the ships pier. (Additional details from the cruise line are included with your final documents. Read these carefully, especially if you're using the cruise line's hotel package before or after the cruise).

Your LUGGAGE will be delivered directly to your cabin, but don't expect it right away. It can sometimes take several hours to reach you, so carry with you anything you'll need immediately on arrival, e.g. a change of clothes or toiletries. If your luggage still hasn't shown up by 30 minutes before sailing, contact the Purser's Office.

If you're not using the cruise line's air package with transfers, when you arrive at the pier,  Check your luggage and it will be delivered right to your cabin. If you need a map of the pier because you are arriving independent of the cruise line transfer program, let your cruise advisor know and we will include it with your final documents.  

• Have the Post Office hold your mail.
• Stop your newspaper delivery, or have a friend or neighbor take them in for you.
• Refill your medicine prescriptions sufficient for the duration of the cruise and bring them with you in your carry-on bag.
• Leave copies of your passport, airline tickets, traveler checks and any credit cards you plan to use with a family member or trusted friend.
• Distribute your ship communications cards to friends and relatives.
• Place a card with your name and address inside your luggage, as well as on the outside. At this point, you should also attach your completed Holland America Line baggage tags.
• Bring your travel and health insurance information and have it handy at all times.
• Bring your immunization records.
• Verify that your identification and travel tickets are in your carry-on bag and will be available at all times.
   
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  Medication
  
  Your prescription medication should be kept close at hand in your purse or carry-on bag rather than in your checked luggage. Be sure to bring a sufficient supply of medication and transport it in the original container. It is also a good idea to carry a written list of your medications in case they are lost. The list should include the name of the drug, dosage, and times taken. In case of emergency Holland America will assist in filling prescriptions. However, please note that additional charges apply.
  
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  Packing Advice
  
  The right clothing can make a big difference in the enjoyment of your cruise. First and foremost, dress for comfort. Daily life aboard ship and in ports of call is laid-back and casual. We encourage you to wear whatever makes you feel most comfortable—sportswear, shorts, slacks, sundresses and so on.
  
  Warmer temperatures call for clothing made of lightweight, breathable fabrics. You also may wish to bring two or three outfits for the water, since you'll be spending so much time in and around it. For cooler temperatures we suggest casual clothes that can be layered easily. On some days you may need a raincoat and waterproof hat or umbrella. Gloves are a good idea as well.
  
  Footwear should include comfortable walking shoes for visits ashore and sandals or rubber-soled shoes for strolling on deck. Finally, if you'd like to jog on deck or work out in the fitness center, bring workout gear.
  
  Evening dress falls into three separate categories-casual, informal and formal. Each night, a daily program will be delivered to your stateroom announcing the suggested dress for the following evening.
  
  Comfortable, relaxed clothing is fine for evenings designated as casual; however, t-shirts, jeans and shorts are not allowed in the dining room or public areas. During informal nights, dresses or pantsuits for women and lightweight jackets (tie optional) for men are the standard.
  
  On festive formal evenings, women usually wear cocktail dresses or gowns and men usually wear business suits or tuxedos. There are approximately two formal nights per week. (Gentlemen: Though business suits or tuxedos are suggested attire for formal evenings, they are certainly not required. You are welcome to wear a jacket and tie on formal nights.) If you would like to leave some space in your luggage for purchases during the cruise, Formalwear for ladies and gentlemen can be pre-ordered and will be ready in your stateroom when you board. Just call Cruise Line Formalwear at 800 551-5091 to reserve.
  
  In order to complement your fellow guests, Holland America Line asks that you observe the suggested dress code throughout the entire evening.
  
  Electric Appliances: All staterooms are equipped with standard 110 AC outlets. Additionally, all staterooms, except those on the Westerdam, are equipped with 220 AC outlets. If your shaver operates on standard 110 AC, by all means bring it (guests with pre- or post-cruise hotel packages may want to bring converters and/or adapters for their hotel stay). You may wish to bring a clock and an extension cord. Hairdryers are available in all staterooms on the ms Amsterdam, ms Maasdam, ms Rotterdam, ms Ryndam, ms Statendam, ms Veendam, ms Volendam and ms Zaandam. The ms Westerdam and ms Noordam are NOT equipped with hairdryers.
  
  For safety reasons, we respectfully request that you do not iron clothing in your stateroom. Ironing facilities are available at the self-service laundry rooms for your convenience. In addition, full laundry and valet services are available on all of our ships.
  
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  Reconfirming Your Airline Reservations
  
  Since arrival and departure times are subject to last-minute changes by the airlines, we recommend that you call your airline(s) 24 hours before your initial flight departure to verify all the flight numbers, departure and arrival times shown on your ticket. (Reconfirm international flights 72 hours prior to your departure from home.) Also, please remember to confirm all flights booked directly by your travel agent. Plan to be at the airline counter at least 1.5 hours before flight time for domestic flights and 2.5 hours before flight time for international flights.
  
  Holland America Line cannot confirm or reconfirm flights, seat assignment requests and other special services, such as special meals or wheelchair assistance, from on-board our vessels. Your travel agent, however, may assist with these arrangements once you receive your tickets.