The Holland America Line Luggage Policy is straightforward and highly guest-friendly. You are encouraged to bring any personal luggage you need for your comfort during the cruise. It is advised that all bags be packed in perfectly strong, secure suitcases or trunks that can be locked. Though the cruise line does not follow any strict rules over the size and limitation of the bags, still follow up on the baggage rules of their airline or transportation rules at the time of travelling to the port.
This guide has covered up all the important details about the Holland American Luggage policy, what you need to bring on the cruise and what not, so you ca pack your bags easily, and enjoy your cruise journey stress-free.
Checked Luggage Limits and Allowances
Bag Count by Cruise Duration
The number of checked bags you can bring depends on your cruise length:
|
Cruise Duration |
Maximum Checked Bags Per Guest |
|
14 days or less |
2 bags |
|
15 days or longer |
3 bags |
For cruises that include a land-based component, each guest may bring two pieces of checked luggage and one overnight or light flight bag. Your overnight or flight bag should remain in your possession at all times throughout the journey.
Weight Recommendations
While Holland America Line doesn’t enforce a strict weight limit, guests should ensure any checked bags do not weigh more than 50 lbs. This 50-pound maximum is recommended for onboard check-in service, and no overweight charges apply as an exemption for this service. However, sticking to the 50 lbs limit is strongly advised for practical handling purposes.
Holland America Line Luggage Policy: Carry-On Baggage Guidelines
What to Keep in Your Carry-On
Holland America Line recommends that each guest keep all personal identification, airline tickets, customs forms, medications, jewelry, money, credit and debit cards, and other high-value or important items separate from your tagged luggage. Place these essential items in your carry-on bag or keep them with you so you can access them easily and keep them secure.
Items That Must Stay With You
The cruise line strongly suggests carrying or keeping with you the following important items:
- Perishables and cash
- Jewelry, gold, silver, or similar valuables
- Securities and financial instruments
- Laptop computers and cellular phones
- Cameras and other electronic equipment
- Hearing aids and electric wheelchairs/scooters
- Binoculars, film, videotape, and computer disks
- Essential medications and passports
- Travel documents and fragile items
Do not pack these items in checked luggage. Holland America Line assumes no responsibility for valuables kept in checked bags.
Luggage Tagging and Identification
Printable Luggage Tags
Printable luggage tags are available at the start of the Online Check-In process. You may print up to 9 additional tags beyond the initial set. Tags should clearly display your name, ship name, stateroom number, and sailing date.
Tagging Requirements
All luggage must be properly tagged before delivery to the cruise ship. Your tagged luggage will be delivered to your stateroom, typically within a few hours after embarkation begins. Keeping your luggage tags accurate and visible ensures your bags reach the correct cabin without delay.
Prohibited Items in Luggage
Strictly Prohibited Items
Firearms, explosives, fireworks, and illegal substances are strictly prohibited without exception. These items will not be tolerated and may result in denial of boarding or legal consequences.
Safety-Related Prohibitions
For safety reasons, the following items are not allowed on board:
- Hoverboards and drones
- Personal satellite dishes/receivers
- Routers and other internet-related equipment
- Similar devices or toys that pose safety risks
Alcohol and Beverage Restrictions
Guests are not allowed to bring alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages on board for consumption or any other use, with limited exceptions.
Allowed alcohol:
- Guests 21 years or older may bring one 750 ml bottle of wine or champagne per stateroom
- A corkage fee of US$20.00 per bottle applies
- Beer, hard liquor, and spirits are not permitted
Not allowed:
- Sodas, energy drinks, and other non-alcoholic items
- Plastic water bottles in any quantity
- Additional alcohol purchased at ports (stored and returned at cruise end)
Water exceptions:
- Water is permitted per stateroom: 6 liters total, or 12 cans/cartons at 500 ml or less, or 6 cans/cartons at one liter or less
- For medical purposes, purified/distilled water in factory-sealed containers is allowed in checked luggage with medical devices
- Distilled/purified water for infant formula is permitted for staterooms with infants
Holland America Line’s Liability for Luggage
Liability Limits
In the rare event that your luggage is lost, delayed, or damaged while in Holland America Line’s care, the cruise line’s liability is limited to:
- Up to US$250 per bag, per guest
- Maximum of two bags per guest for cruises 14 days or less
- Maximum of three bags per guest for cruises 15 days or longer
For full details, refer to the baggage section of your Cruise Contract. If Holland America Line is liable for loss, damage, or delay of your property for any cause, liability will not exceed US$250 per bag, per guest.
Additional Protection
Additional protection is available through the Standard or Platinum Cancellation Protection Plans. Important note: Baggage liability cover is not available to residents of Australia or New Zealand.
What Holland America Line Luggage Policy Is Not Responsible For
Holland America Line assumes no responsibility for:
- Perishables
- Cash, credit/debit cards
- Jewelry, gold, silver, or valuables
- Securities and financial instruments
- Laptop computers, cellular phones, cameras
- Electronic equipment and hearing aids
- Wheelchairs, scooters, binoculars
- Film, videotape, computer disks, audio disks, tapes, CDs
File Claims for Lost or Damaged Luggage
When to Contact the Airline
Contact the airline directly to file a claim if:
- You’re scheduled to sail that day and your luggage is missing or damaged at the airport
- You’ve just disembarked and your luggage is lost or damaged during your flight home
- You used the Luggage Direct service and your luggage did not arrive as expected
When Holland America Handles Claims
If your luggage is lost or damaged during transfer to the ship, Holland America Line processes the claim. The cruise line takes responsibility for luggage in their care from port transfer until delivery to your stateroom.
Packing Tips for Holland America Line Luggage Policy
Smart Packing Strategies
Get simple cruise packing tips by following these guidelines:
- Pack secure, lockable suitcases: All luggage should be in well-constructed suitcases or trunks that can be locked
- Separate essentials from checked bags: Keep medications, passports, and valuables in your carry-on
- Follow airline weight limits: Adhere to airline guidelines for transportation to the port
- Limit alcohol to one wine bottle: Only one 750 ml wine/champagne bottle per stateroom is allowed
- Avoid prohibited items: No firearms, drones, hoverboards, or illegal substances
Special Considerations for Land-Based Components
If your itinerary includes a land-based component:
- Each guest may bring two pieces of checked luggage plus one overnight bag
- The overnight bag must remain in your possession at all times
- Plan for additional transportation requirements between land and sea portions
Mobile Assistance and Mobility Devices
For guests requiring mobility assistance such as wheelchairs or scooters, Holland America requires storage and charging to take place in the guest’s cabin or stateroom. Electric wheelchairs and scooters should be kept with you as valuable electronic equipment.
Final Embarkation Checklist
Before heading to the port, verify:
✓ Luggage tags printed with name, ship, stateroom, and sailing date
✓ Essentials in carry-on (medications, passports, valuables)
✓ Checked bags under 50 lbs recommended
✓ No prohibited items (firearms, drones, hoverboards)
✓ Alcohol limited to one wine bottle per stateroom
✓ Water allowance within limits (6 liters or designated cans)
✓ Understanding of liability limits (US$250 per bag)
Conclusion
By following the Holland America Line luggage policy, you ensure a hassle-free start to your cruise vacation. Proper packing, correct tagging, and awareness of prohibited items will help your belongings arrive safely at your stateroom. Remember that the cruise line’s liability is limited to US$250 per bag, so protecting valuables in your carry-on is essential. Pack smart, follow the guidelines, and enjoy your Holland America cruise experience!
Also Read: What Is the Virgin Voyages Luggage Policy? Baggage Rules, Allowances & Packing Tips
FAQ
Q.1 How many bags can I bring on Holland America Line?
Ans: Guests can bring two checked bags for cruises 14 days or less and three bags for cruises 15 days or longer, plus one carry-on bag.
Q.2 Is there a weight limit for Holland America luggage?
Ans: No, there are no weight limits on luggage; checked bags should not exceed 50 lbs for practical handling and onboard check-in service.
Q.3 What items should never be packed in checked luggage?
Ans: Never pack medications, passports, valuables, cash, jewelry, electronics, or fragile items in checked luggage; keep them in your carry-on for your own safety.
Q.4 Can I bring wine or alcohol on Holland America cruises?
Ans: Guests 21+ may bring one 750 ml wine or champagne bottle per stateroom, but you need to pay a $20 corkage fee; beer and liquor are not allowed to bring.
