Dreaming of a last-minute getaway? Holland America Line has you covered with their Standby List Program, offering spontaneous travelers the chance to sail at a reduced fare when last-minute space becomes available. For those ready to embrace a little flexibility and adventure, this standby program could be your ticket to the high seas at an unbeatable price.
What is the Standby List Program?
With Holland America’s Standby List Program, you can snag a stateroom at a reduced fare starting at just $99 per person, per day for an Inside or Oceanview cabin, or $129 per person, per day for a Verandah. Seven to two days prior to embarkation, Holland America reviews the standby list. If space is available, lucky standby guests will be confirmed and told to pack their bags!
When you add yourself to the Standby List, you pay the full reduced standby fare up front. If you’re not selected, Holland America will refund your payment, with refunds processed in about 4 to 6 weeks. If you are selected and decide not to sail, your fare is non-refundable, and once you’ve put yourself on the list you can’t just remove your name. If Holland America hasn’t confirmed you by two days before departure, you can either cancel at that point for a full refund or choose to stay on the list right up until about 90 minutes before sailaway, with your fare still refundable if you don’t end up boarding.
There’s a dedicated list of eligible Standby sailings on Holland America’s website, covering select cruises from ports like Seattle, Vancouver, Whittier, San Diego, Boston, New York, Quebec City, Montreal, Fort Lauderdale and Miami. These are specific, select itineraries, generally within the current season and often relatively close-in departures, and the lineup of available cruises changes as sailings fill or new ones are added.
Click Here for a List of Holland America Standby Cruises
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How Does Holland America’s Standby Program Work?
The process is simple. You pay when you sign up for the Standby List, and if you’re not selected to sail, you’ll get your money back. But if you are confirmed, you’re officially on the cruise and ready to go. Guests are confirmed in the order they were added to the Standby List, so the earlier you join, the better your chances of being picked.
There is one important caveat — once you place yourself on the list, you can’t just remove your name whenever you want. However, if Holland America hasn’t confirmed you two days before the cruise, you’ll have the option to cancel your standby booking at that point and receive a full refund. If you’d rather stay on the list, you can remain in standby status all the way up until about 90 minutes before departure, and if a cabin never becomes available, your fare is refunded automatically.
If you prefer full flexibility, guaranteed plans, or instant confirmation, the Standby List may not be the best option — a regular fare or standard waitlist is a better fit.
Fare Options
The Standby List offers two straightforward per-day pricing options:
- $99 per person, per day for Inside or Oceanview staterooms
- $129 per person, per day for Verandah staterooms
And here’s a nice perk: if you’re on the Verandah Standby List but a Verandah stateroom isn’t available, Holland America may offer you an Inside or Oceanview cabin instead — at the lower $99 per person, per day rate. If you don’t want the downgrade, that’s totally fine — you can decline it and receive a full refund.
What about Extras?
Want to upgrade your experience? Holland America’s Have It All Package is available for Standby List bookings—so if you clear, you can choose to add this bundle for big savings on the Beverage Package, Wi-Fi, Shore Excursions, and Specialty Dining. It’s a great way to boost your trip if you make it on board.
Traveling with a group? Even better. The Standby List allows the third and fourth guests in your stateroom to sail free (you’ll still cover taxes, fees and port expenses) when they’re booked as 3rd/4th guests alongside 1st/2nd guests confirmed via the standby program. That means if you’re a family or group of four, you really can score an outstanding deal.
If you’re a solo traveler, the Standby List can still work—but with a key caveat. You’ll pay the standard standby rate (for Inside/Oceanview or Verandah) based on double-occupancy, so a 200% single supplement applies for solo occupancy, in other words, solos pay 2x the standby rate. (Editor’s note: If you’re wondering if this recently changed, it has. When the Standby Program originally rolled out, solo travelers did not have to pay double, they do now.)
The Holland America Have It All Package: Everything You Need to Know
How to Get On the List
Ready to roll the dice? Adding yourself to the Standby List must be done through your travel agent or by calling Holland America at 877-724-5425 with the details of the cruise you want. If the sailing is eligible and space remains for standby guests, you’ll pay the full reduced standby fare upfront and officially be placed on the list. You cannot join the Standby List online — it must be done by phone or through your agent.
Once you’re on the list, Holland America begins reviewing standby requests approximately seven days before departure and will notify you by email or phone if a stateroom becomes available. Make sure your contact information is accurate and that you’re reachable — if a cabin opens, they’ll contact you, and that’s your moment!
A Word of Caution
While the Standby List offers amazing value, it’s important to remember that once Holland America confirms you for a sailing, your fare becomes non-refundable, even if you decide not to go. You also can’t remove yourself from the list whenever you want — but if you haven’t been confirmed two days before the cruise, you’ll have the option to cancel at that point and receive a full refund. If you decide to stay on the list through embarkation and a cabin never becomes available, you’ll also receive your money back.
So if you’re feeling spontaneous and ready to set sail with Holland America Line, the Standby List Program might be your ticket to an unforgettable cruise experience — without the hefty price tag. Just be prepared to act fast, stay flexible, pack light, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!