What is Holland America Line's Baggage Allowance?

When preparing for a cruise vacation, one of the most important questions travelers often ask is: What is Holland America Line’s baggage allowance? Whether you are setting sail for a week-long Caribbean escape, a luxurious transatlantic crossing, or an adventurous Alaska cruise, knowing the luggage rules in advance can make your journey much smoother.

Unlike airlines that strictly enforce baggage weight limits, cruise lines generally offer more flexibility. However, it is still important to understand Holland America’s baggage guidelines, especially because your luggage may need to be handled by porters, security, and cabin staff. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore Holland America Line’s baggage allowance policies, tips for packing, handling special items, and practical advice to ensure a seamless boarding experience.

General Baggage Allowance on Holland America Line

Holland America Line maintains a generous policy when it comes to luggage. Each guest is allowed to bring:

Up to two checked bags per person
Maximum weight of 50 pounds per bag
Maximum dimension per bag: 62 linear inches (length + width + height)

This means that passengers can travel with two reasonably sized suitcases without worrying about excess baggage charges from the cruise line.

Additionally, guests may bring one carry-on item and a personal item, such as a handbag, backpack, or laptop bag, which they can take directly to their stateroom.

While Holland America does not weigh or measure luggage as strictly as airlines, it is recommended to follow these guidelines for smooth embarkation and disembarkation.

Carry-On Luggage Allowance

Your carry-on bag is essential for embarkation day, as your checked luggage may not arrive at your stateroom until later in the afternoon. Items to include in your carry-on are:

Cruise documents, passport, and identification
Travel insurance papers
Prescription medications
Electronics such as laptops, tablets, or cameras
Valuables like jewelry and watches
A change of clothes and swimwear for immediate use
Toiletries and personal items

Holland America suggests that carry-on luggage should be small enough to pass through security scanners and easy to handle without assistance.

Checked Luggage Allowance

Checked luggage is collected by porters at the cruise terminal and delivered directly to your stateroom. Each checked bag must:

Weigh no more than 50 pounds
Be securely tagged with your name, ship, and stateroom number
Be locked with a TSA-approved lock if desired

Guests embarking on longer voyages, such as Grand Voyages or World Cruises, may wish to bring more luggage. Holland America understands this need and does not impose strict limits, but practicality and airline restrictions should always be considered.

Airline vs. Cruise Baggage Policies

While Holland America Line allows generous luggage, most travelers must also comply with airline restrictions when flying to the departure port. Airlines often permit only one checked bag per person without extra fees, and overweight or oversized luggage can result in significant charges.

Therefore, it is important to pack strategically, balancing what is allowed on your cruise with what is affordable and realistic for air travel.

Special Items and Exceptions

Holland America Line recognizes that guests may need to bring special items on board. The following are permitted under specific guidelines:

1. Medical Equipment

Guests may bring CPAP machines, oxygen concentrators, and mobility aids.
These items are not counted against your baggage allowance.
You should notify Holland America in advance to ensure your needs are met.

2. Sports Equipment

Items such as snorkel gear, golf clubs, and fishing rods are allowed.
Firearms, spear guns, and certain sporting weapons are prohibited.

3. Wine and Beverages

Each guest may bring one bottle of wine or champagne (750 ml) onboard per voyage for personal consumption.
Beer, spirits, and other alcohol are not permitted in carry-on or checked luggage.

4. Fragile and Valuable Items

Cameras, laptops, and jewelry should always be carried in hand luggage.
Holland America is not responsible for valuables packed in checked bags.

Prohibited Items

For safety and security reasons, Holland America has a list of prohibited items that should never be packed in checked or carry-on luggage:

Firearms and weapons of any kind
Explosives, fireworks, and flammable liquids
Irons, hot plates, and open-flame devices
Illegal drugs or controlled substances
Hoverboards and certain lithium battery-powered devices

Guests who bring prohibited items risk confiscation and possible denial of boarding.

Excess and Overweight Luggage

Although Holland America does not typically enforce strict baggage checks, overweight or excessively large luggage can pose difficulties for porters and onboard storage. Passengers should remember:

Luggage must be stored in your stateroom, typically under the bed or in closets.
Oversized trunks or excessively heavy bags may be inconvenient in smaller cabins.
For extended voyages, consider shipping luggage separately through a luggage forwarding service.

Packing Tips for Holland America Cruises

Traveling with Holland America offers comfort and sophistication, but packing smartly will enhance your experience. Here are expert tips:

Check the itinerary and climate – Pack for both warm and cool weather if your cruise crosses multiple regions.
Follow the dress code – Holland America has gala nights where formal wear is encouraged, so pack evening attire.
Layer clothing – Ships can feel cool indoors due to air conditioning, even in warm destinations.
Bring cruise essentials – Sunscreen, reusable water bottles, and comfortable walking shoes are must-haves.
Limit bulky items – Space in staterooms is limited, so avoid oversized suitcases when possible.

Baggage Allowance for Long Voyages

Guests embarking on Holland America’s World Cruises and Grand Voyages often travel for 30–100+ days. While the cruise line allows multiple suitcases, travelers should carefully plan what they bring. Consider:

Using packing cubes for organization
Sending seasonal clothing in advance via a luggage forwarding service
Rotating outfits with versatile pieces rather than overpacking
Making use of the ship’s laundry and dry-cleaning services

Comparison with Other Cruise Lines

Holland America’s baggage allowance is considered more generous than many airlines and comparable to other premium cruise lines such as Princess Cruises and Celebrity Cruises. Unlike budget cruise lines, Holland America rarely restricts the number of bags unless practicality becomes an issue.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How many suitcases can I bring on Holland America?

Most guests bring two checked bags plus a carry-on, but the line does not impose strict limits unless excessive.

2. Are there baggage fees on Holland America?

No, Holland America does not charge baggage fees. However, airlines may charge fees when flying to your port.

3. Can I bring alcohol onboard?

Each guest may bring one 750 ml bottle of wine or champagne. Other alcohol is not allowed.

4. Does Holland America scan luggage?

Yes, all luggage is screened for security purposes before boarding.

5. Can I ship my luggage to the ship?

Yes, several third-party luggage shipping companies work with cruise passengers for convenience.

Conclusion

Holland America Line offers a flexible and passenger-friendly baggage allowance, allowing travelers to bring two checked bags per person, one carry-on, and a personal item. While this is usually sufficient, guests on longer voyages may bring additional luggage as long as it is practical for storage and handling.

By understanding the cruise line’s policies, packing smartly, and considering airline restrictions, you can enjoy a stress-free journey with everything you need for a luxurious Holland America cruise.

From embarkation day to gala evenings, having the right luggage ensures that your voyage is both comfortable and memorable.