Frequently Asked Questions

I am a U.S. citizen. Do I need a passport?
Holland America Line and Azumano Travel highly recommends that all guests carry a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the completion date of your travel. Having a passport will enable you to fly from the U.S. to a foreign port in the event you miss your scheduled embarkation or to fly back to the U.S. if you need to disembark the ship mid-cruise due to an emergency.

U.S. citizens on closed-loop cruises: U.S. citizens on cruises in the Western Hemisphere that originate and terminate in the same U.S. port are required to have proof of citizenship such as a valid US passport or a government issued birth certificate combined with a government issued photo I.D. Other approved proof of citizenship documents such as a passport card, an enhanced driver's license (EDL) or certificate of naturalization along with a government-issued photo ID are also acceptable. A passport is still the preferred document. PLEASE NOTE –WHTI-compliant documents are acceptable for entry or re-entry into the United States. You may be required to present additional or different travel documents when entering foreign countries, including some countries in the Western Hemisphere.


For more information, please visit http://www.hollandamerica.com/cruise-vacation-planning/PlanningAndAdvice.action?tabName=Cruise+Preparation&contentMenu=Essential+Documentation&contentSubMenu=Do+I+Need+A+Passport%3F

Non-US citizens should consult with their cruise agent.

What do we wear on the ship? Is it real dressy?
First and foremost, dress for comfort. Daily life aboard ship and in ports of call is relaxed and casual. For Alaska climates, we suggest casual clothes that can be layered easily and possibly a raincoat and waterproof hat or umbrella and gloves. Outfitters throughout Alaska provide special gear needed for their activities, such as warm "moon boots" for walking on glaciers, waterproof rainwear, boots and life vests for river rafting or sea kayaking.

Evening dress falls into two distinct categories: Formal or Smart Casual. Smart Casual can be defined as slacks and collared shirts for men and casual dresses, slacks and informal evening wear for women. T-shirts, swimsuits, tank tops and shorts are not allowed in the restaurants or public areas during the evening hours. On festive Formal evenings, ladies usually wear a suit, cocktail dress or gown and gentlemen wear a jacket and tie, dark suit or tuxedo. There are approximately two formal nights per week.

Special Exception for the Square Dance Cruise: Holland America has modified their dress code on your sailing in order for men to wear nice jeans, accompanied by a jacket for the formal nights and into the dining room.

If you like, formalwear for ladies and gentlemen can be pre-ordered for your use during your cruise by calling Cruiseline Formalwear at 800-551-5091 or make your reservations online. Your formalwear will be in your stateroom when you board.

Are their doctors and medical facilities on the ship?
Each Holland America ship has an onboard Medical Center staffed by licensed physicians and critical care nurses. While not a full-service hospital, the Medical Center is well equipped to handle most emergencies and routine medical procedures.

A customary fee will be charged for services and medications dispensed (with the exception of meclizine for seasickness, Tylenol® and aspirin, which may also be obtained at the Front Office). If you become ill or injured during the voyage and your diagnostic and/or care needs exceed the capabilities of the medical center, you will be transferred to medical facilities ashore. Please note that Medicare and many health insurance plans DO NOT cover the cost of medical care at sea, in foreign countries, or for air evacuation. Guests are encouraged to obtain travel medical insurance prior to travel in order to be reimbursed for services rendered.

I'm not going to the Spokane Convention. Can I still go on the cruise?
Absolutely! All are welcome on the cruise. Feel free to include friends and family, even if they don't dance. This will be a great experience for all.

Will there be dancing on the ship?
Yes, there will be several venues scheduled for dancing on the ship throughout the week of sailing. All will be invited to drop by and join. While in the port of Juneau on the 4th of July, we will be holding a large dance gala at the Juneau Convention Center. The details are still being finalized, but it is sure to be a special event.

Not everyone that is coming with me on the cruise is interested in dancing. Will that lower their cruise cost?
No, the cost to all is the same whether or not you dance on the ship or in Juneau.

What if I book my cruise on my own? Sometimes you can find better deals online.
In order to take part in the various planned activities for the Square Dance group and receive the special benefits, you must be booked on the official Square Dance Alaskan Cruise. If you book outside of the official group, you will not have access to the Square Dance activities and benefits, transportation options from Spokane to Seattle, the services of onboard escorts, or the Square Dance memorabilia.