HAL-Holland America removes pre-cruise COVID testing

   July 3, 2022 ,   Cruise Industry

HAL-Holland America is removing pre-cruise COVID testing requirements for guests boarding select voyages in Europe this summer.

In a letter to passengers, the Seattle-based line confirmed that individuals booked on ms Rotterdam’s July 10, July 17 & July 24 departures from Amsterdam (Netherlands) will no longer need to test negative for the Coronavirus before 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."

Passengers ages 12+ will still have to be fully vaccinated and passengers aged 18+ will require a booster shot if it has been 270+ days since the final dose of the initial vaccination cycle.

ms Rotterdam cruise ship

Holland America Line's policy update comes amid loosening COVID restrictions around the world. In June, CCL-Carnival Cruise Line eased its protocols for unvaccinated guests sailing to the Caribbean by dropping the requirement for a doctor's note to apply for a medical exemption.