Holland America Line Drops Pre-Cruise Testing Requirement for Select Sailings

Holland America Line is removing pre-cruise COVID-19 testing requirements for passengers boarding select sailings in Europe this summer.

In a letter to guests, the Seattle-based cruise line confirmed that individuals booked on Rotterdam's July 10, July 17 and July 24 departures from Amsterdam will no longer need to test negative for the virus prior to sailing.

"We are reaching out to advise you of a change to our COVID-19 testing requirement that affects your sailing. As health protocols around the world continue to evolve, we are adjusting our policies to align with those of the countries we visit. As a result, you are no longer required to undergo pre-cruise COVID-19 testing or produce a negative test result at embarkation for this cruise."

Guests ages 12 and up will still need to be fully vaccinated and passengers aged 18 and over will require a booster shot if it's been more than 270 days since the final dose of their initial vaccination cycle.

Holland America Line's policy update comes amid loosening restrictions around the world. Last month, Carnival Cruise Line eased COVID-19 protocols for unvaccinated passengers sailing to the Caribbean by removing the requirement for a doctor's note to apply for a medical exemption.

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