by Sarah Kuta
Last updated: 11:25 AM ET, Thu August 29, 2024
Holland America Line is hoping to attract spontaneous, deal-seeking travelers with its standby program.
The program, which officially launched in April, offers travelers discounted cruise fares if they’re willing and able to travel at the last minute.
The program used to cost $49 per person, per day, but is now advertised at $99 (for an inside or oceanview room) or $129 (for a verandah cabin) per person, per day. The updated pricing now includes all taxes and fees.
For many itineraries, the standby rate is at least half the booked-in-advance rate, so for travelers who are on a budget, it’s a great opportunity to score savings on bucket-list vacations.
Guests who join the Holland America Line standby list for a cruise will be charged right away.
If they are not selected, the cruise line will refund the fare in four to six weeks. If travelers are selected off the standby list and they choose not to sail, they will not be refunded. Travelers cannot remove themselves from the standby list once added.
Travelers who are on the standby list will be noticed two to seven days before the departure if a spot opens up. The per-day rate is per person, so a couple traveling in the stateroom would need to pay double. But if you’re traveling with a larger party, the third and fourth people in the party can sail for free.
Itineraries that are eligible for the standby list range from Alaska sailings to holiday cruises in the Mexican Riviera to circumnavigations of Hawaii and many others. Departures are available from Fort Lauderdale, San Diego, Whittier, Boston, and Montreal.
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