Holland America Coronavirus Cruise Ship Procedures Explained

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Stormy clouds with dramatic sky above smooth lake made with long exposure photography, Province, Friesland, Holland
Credit: pexels.com, Stormy clouds with dramatic sky above smooth lake made with long exposure photography, Province, Friesland, Holland

Holland America has implemented various procedures to mitigate the spread of coronavirus on their cruise ships. They have a comprehensive health and safety plan in place.

To begin with, all Holland America passengers must undergo a health screening before boarding, which includes a temperature check and a questionnaire to assess their risk of infection.

The cruise line has also introduced enhanced cleaning and disinfection protocols on board, including frequent sanitizing of high-touch areas and surfaces.

Additionally, Holland America has implemented social distancing measures, such as reduced capacity in dining rooms and entertainment venues, to minimize the risk of transmission.

Masks are also mandatory for all passengers and crew members in public areas, and hand sanitizer stations are readily available throughout the ship.

Holland America COVID-19 Policies

Holland America Line has updated its COVID-19 protocols and procedures, known as "Travel Well".

The new policies will go into effect for cruises departing on or after September 6, 2022.

Credit: youtube.com, Does Holland America Cruise Line Require COVID Test? Get the Facts!"

These changes aim to meet public health goals while recognizing the evolving nature of COVID-19.

Vaccinated guests on voyages up to 15 nights no longer need to test before cruising.

They must, however, provide evidence of vaccination status prior to embarkation.

Unvaccinated guests on these voyages can still be welcomed aboard, but they must take a self-test within three days of sailing and provide the results.

They're also required to submit a medically supervised COVID-19 test with a written negative result within three days of embarkation.

All guests, regardless of vaccination status, must be vaccinated or request an exemption.

Guests on longer voyages will receive additional information about protocols based on the ports visited.

Guests can submit documents electronically ahead of embarkation for a faster check-in process.

Holland America recommends checking the TravelWell section of their website for updates before cruise departure.

Safety Measures

At Holland America, they're taking a multi-faceted approach to ensuring a safe cruise experience. Mandatory enhanced pre-embarkation health screenings are now in place, including 100% testing for COVID-19 prior to embarkation.

Credit: youtube.com, New Health and safety measures on board Holland America cruise ships

These screenings also involve touchless temperature checks and health questionnaires, all in accordance with the latest guidelines. If you're showing signs of COVID-19 or are identified as high-risk, you'll be referred for additional medical screening before boarding.

To help prevent the spread of COVID-19, public areas and staterooms are thoroughly and frequently cleaned using a safe disinfectant proven to kill coronaviruses. This enhanced environmental sanitization is a key part of their safety measures.

Masks will also be required on board, at private islands, and during shore excursions when physical distancing can't be maintained or when mandated by public health authorities. This includes wearing masks in terminals, during embarkation, and disembarkation.

Enhanced Health Screenings

We're taking a proactive approach to ensuring your health and safety on board. Mandatory enhanced pre-embarkation health screenings are in place, including 100% testing for COVID-19 prior to embarkation.

These screenings also involve touchless temperature checks and health questionnaires, all in line with the latest guidelines. We're committed to keeping you safe.

Credit: youtube.com, Livingston HealthCare's Screening and Safety Measures

Anyone showing signs and symptoms of COVID-19, or who are identified as high-risk, will be referred for additional medical screening before boarding. This is to prevent any potential risks to others on board.

Secondary screenings and health checks will be conducted throughout the cruise, as needed. This is to catch any potential issues early and keep everyone safe.

Contract tracing is planned for every cruise, to help track and contain any potential outbreaks. This is an added layer of protection for you and our crew.

Masks

Masks are a crucial part of our safety measures, and we take them very seriously. Masks must be worn in terminals, during embarkation and disembarkation.

Masks are required on board, at private islands, and during shore excursions when physical distancing can't be maintained or when mandated by public health authorities.

Personal Hygiene

Personal hygiene is a top priority on board. Guests will be encouraged to use the hand-washing sinks and hand sanitizer dispensers at venue entrances and in high-traffic areas throughout the ship.

Credit: youtube.com, Good hygiene

To stay healthy, guests will receive daily programming, entertainment system updates, and announcements with health information. This will also be available in in-stateroom literature and through the ship's app.

Meals will be served by the crew, eliminating the need for self-service. This will help prevent the spread of germs and keep everyone safe and healthy.

Ship Sanitization

Ship sanitization is a top priority for Holland America to keep you safe and healthy on board. Public areas and staterooms will be thoroughly and more frequently cleaned using a safe disinfectant proven to kill corona viruses.

You can rest assured that the crew is taking extra precautions to keep the ship clean and germ-free. This includes enhanced environmental sanitization, which will be implemented ship-wide.

The safe disinfectant used is specifically designed to kill corona viruses, giving you peace of mind as you explore the ship.

COVID-19 Outbreaks

The COVID-19 outbreaks on Holland America ships were a significant concern for passengers and crew alike.

Credit: youtube.com, Cruise Ship Departs After Coronavirus Outbreak

Several outbreaks occurred on different Holland America ships, including the MS Westerdam, which was denied entry by multiple ports in February 2020.

The first reported outbreak was on the MS Zaandam, which set sail from Fort Lauderdale in March 2020 with over 1,200 passengers on board.

Many passengers on the MS Zaandam tested positive for COVID-19, and the ship was eventually allowed to dock in Fort Lauderdale on April 2, 2020.

The MS Westerdam, which had been at sea for 14 days, finally docked in Cambodia on March 1, 2020, after being denied entry by multiple ports due to concerns over COVID-19.

Procedural Changes

Holland America Line has simplified its COVID-19 procedures, making it easier for guests to navigate the requirements.

Vaccinated guests no longer need to test before cruising for voyages up to 15 nights, as long as they provide evidence of vaccination status prior to embarkation.

Unvaccinated guests are still welcome, but they must provide results of a negative medically supervised or self-test taken within three days of embarkation.

Credit: youtube.com, CRUISE NEWS PRINCESS CRUISE SHIP UPDATES HOLLAND AMERICA COVID PROTOCOLS AND LOTS MORE

All guests will be required to submit a medically supervised COVID-19 test with a written negative result within three days of embarkation, regardless of vaccination status.

Guests on longer voyages will receive additional information about protocols based on the ports they'll be visiting, so it's essential to check the TravelWell section of the Holland America Line website for updates before cruise departure.

Holland America Line Simplifies COVID-19 Procedures

Holland America Line is updating its COVID-19 protocols to make cruising easier and safer for its guests. The new procedures will go into effect for cruises departing on or after September 6, 2022.

Vaccinated guests will no longer need to test before cruising for most voyages up to 15 nights.

Unvaccinated guests will be welcomed aboard and must provide results of a negative medically supervised or self-test taken within three days of embarkation.

Guests must be vaccinated or request an exemption, regardless of vaccination status.

The new protocols do not apply to itineraries for countries where local regulations may vary, including Canada, Australia, and Greece.

Guests can continue to submit documents electronically ahead of embarkation for a simple and faster check-in process.

Responsible Physical Distancing

Credit: youtube.com, Physical distancing: What you should know

To practice physical distancing, the cruise line is managing the timing, size, and flow of groups in onboard venues and for events. This helps you make informed decisions about what to do on board.

Entertainment programs and restaurants will be designed to enhance physical distancing.

Physical distancing will be maintained throughout check-in and embarkation.

Clara Donnelly

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Clara Donnelly is a versatile writer with a passion for crafting engaging content across various industries. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling, she brings complex topics to life through her writing. Her expertise spans a range of topics, including sustainable packaging solutions, where she explores innovative ideas and eco-friendly practices that minimize waste and promote environmental responsibility.

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