Holland America Line Launches New Standby Program for Flexible Travelers

There’s some good news for travelers who have flexible schedules. Holland America Line has instituted a new Standby Program in key markets that allows flexible cruisers to sail for just $49 per person, per day. This new option offers cruise vacations at a fraction of the normal cost.  

The Standby Program is a win-win for guests as well as Holland America Line. Circumstances may arise where booked guests need to cancel a cruise the week before sailing. With The Standby Program, the cruise line can fill those empty cabins with guests who have already committed to cruising by signing up. Of course, these guests will need to make last-minute travel arrangements just days before the voyage. 

This new flexible travel program features a variety of sailings from homeports such as Seattle, Vancouver, San Diego, Fort Lauderdale, Boston, and more. For instance, a variety of voyages from Boston allow guests to experience Holland America Line’s “Canada & New England Discovery” sailing along with others such as “Voyage of the Vikings” and “Newfoundland & New England Discovery.” 

What is Holland America’s Standby Program?

Holland America Line’s Standby Program offers guests the ability to sign up on a standby to cruise list for eligible and select cruises. HAL will begin reviewing the standby list approximately 7 days before the cruise’s departure and up until two days before the cruise embarkation date.

If there is space to confirm standby bookings, guests will be notified to pack their bags! If the cruise line is unable to clear standby bookings, they will notify guests no less than 2 days prior to departure. 

The $49 per person, per day fare excludes taxes, fees, port expenses, and other costs. 

How do I sign up for this Standby Program?

To join the standby list for your preferred cruise, contact your travel advisor or call 877-724-5425. The program is available to guests 21 years of age or older. It is intended for those residing within driving distance from a port.

Once added, guests may not remove themselves from the standby list. This offer is non-refundable, unless you are not selected to sail.

How are guests selected?

Guests are confirmed within the week of sailing in the order of when they were added to the standby list. If HAL does not confirm guests on the cruise’s standby list at two days prior to the departure, they have two options. 

They can choose to have their reservation cancelled and get a refund in the full amount of the cruise fare they were charged when booking. Or, they will have the option to remain on the standby list until 90 minutes prior to departure and their booking will be fully refundable if they do not sail. 

What stateroom will I receive?

Guests opting for this program do not choose their stateroom category. There is the opportunity to stay in a variety of cabin types including Inside, Oceanview, or Verandah. But, it depends, in part, on where the last-minute cancellations happen.  

Guests are charged for an interior stateroom category at $49 per person, per day or $98 per stateroom per day. However, you may be assigned any stateroom category up to a verandah stateroom, based on availability. 

How many people can be added to the reservation?

As always, fares are based on double occupancy. However, solo travelers can be added to the standby list for $49 per day for a single occupancy room.

Additionally, 3rd and 4th guests are eligible to travel for free (excluding taxes, fees, and port expenses) when booked in a stateroom with 1st and 2nd guests confirmed through the standby list. 

When will I be charged?

Guests are charged when they sign up for the standby list. If you are not selected, you will receive a refund in 4 to 6 weeks. If you are selected and you choose not to sail, you will not receive a refund.  

Payment is not a guarantee or promise that the cruise will have availability. Guests will only be cleared to cruise when/if they receive official confirmation from Holland America.  

What About Have It All?

Guests can even add the Have It All Package to their booking to receive the best savings on Beverage Packages, Wi-Fi, Shore Excursions, and Specialty Dining. 

Click here to find select voyages, which are updated regularly.

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