Holland America Line and Princess Cruises bring back face mask requirement on Alaska cruises

Holland America Line and Princess cruises will be requiring guests onboard their ships to wear face masks during sailings to Alaska.

“Out of an abundance of caution due to the rise in positive COVID-19 cases throughout Alaska, all guests will be required to wear face masks at all times while onboard, except when eating or drinking or in their own staterooms,” stated Holland America Line about the recent change.

Letters were sent to guests booked for upcoming and future sailings with the Carnival Corporation-owned cruise brands stating that Holland America Line and Princess Cruises will be implementing the measure in response to a recent increase in the amount of COVID-19 cases.

Holland America Line has also said that they are “strongly recommending” that face masks be worn while guests are visiting the ports of call their itinerary will be visiting within Alaska.

Princess Cruises also stated, “as you may be aware, positive COVID-19 cases are currently on the rise throughout Alaska. Consequently, out of an abundance of caution, we will be requiring guests to wear face masks while onboard except when eating or drinking or in their own staterooms.”

In addition to wearing face masks while onboard, guests sailing to Alaska with either Holland America Line or Princess Cruises will also be required to wear face masks while traveling on all Holland America Line or Princess Cruises-sponsored transportation, such as motor coaches.

“We also strongly recommend wearing masks while ashore, particularly when indoors, on public transportation or in crowded areas,” stated Princess Cruises.

Both Holland America Line and Princess Cruises have stated that guests who do not comply with the new safety measure will not be permitted to board, or will be asked to disembark. The email sent to guests stated, “guests who do not comply with this mandate will not be able to board the ship or may be disembarked.”

The new measure does not apply to all Holland America Line and Princess Cruises sailings, but applies specifically to voyages within Alaska. Guests should check the cruise lines’ websites for more detailed information on any COVID-19 requirements for their sailings.