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 61st NSDC® 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 61st NSDC® group and receive the special benefits, you must be booked on the official 61st NSDC® Alaskan Cruise. If you book outside of the official group, you will not have access to the NSDC® activities and benefits, transportation options from Spokane to Seattle, the services of onboard escorts, or the NSDC® memorabilia.

What should I do with my costumes after the convention in Spokane? Can I take them on the ship?
Understanding that stateroom space on a cruise ship is limited, we will be providing options for having your costumes shipped from Spokane to your home (arriving after your return).

If the cruise sails from Seattle, how do we get there from Spokane?
We will be providing a number of options for transportation to/from Seattle. They will be:

1. Motorcoach (one way or roundtrip) transportation leaving from Spokane early morning on Sunday July 1. It is approximately a 5-hour ride with scheduled stops. The motorcoach will drop you and your luggage directly at the pier in Seattle. If you like you can take a coach back to Spokane after the cruise, or fly from Seattle back to you home city. Motorcoach pricing will be available approximately spring of 2011.

2. There is scheduled airline service between Spokane and Seattle. We are happy to make those arrangements. Flights can be booked 11 months or less prior to travel.

3. For car and RV drivers, we will be providing information on making reservations for your vehicle at the pier in Seattle.

If I drive to Spokane, but take the motorcoach to Seattle, is there some place for me to leave my car?
Yes, the 61st NSDC® has made arrangements for free parking in Spokane during the week of the cruise. If you elect to purchase the motorcoach package to Seattle, it will pick you up at the parking lot. The cost for motorcoach transportation is additional. Those details to follow.

Is there some place in Seattle I can leave my dog during the cruise?
There is. Metro Dog is a doggie daycare and boarding facility in Seattle. Their website is http://www.metrodogseattle.com and their phone number is (206) 284-3647.

I'm part of the 61st NSDC® committee and have to help disassemble the Convention Center at the close of the convention. What time will the busses be leaving Spokane for Seattle? I'm not sure we will be ready to go.
This has been taken into consideration and we will be scheduling some motorcoaches to depart from Spokane about 10am (exact time to follow). These late coaches will be designated as "quiet express coaches" so that the weary convention workers can sleep. Minimal stops will be made. The cost for motorcoach transportation is additional. Those details to follow.

Is there one dining for the entire 61st NSDC® group?
You have select whatever dining option you like. If you have friends you wish to dine with, your Azumano cruise specialist will make that request.