House Rules

You will be bound by rules that guide your appearance, time keeping, and conduct while onboard. The House Rules can be found in each cabin in the cabin directory. Following each of the rules will ensure we maintain a standard of excellence in safety, security, and professionalism.

Space is limited onboard and cabins are no exception. For this reason, it's important to pack light. Depending on your position you may or may not share a cabin, however beyond having a roommate, your cabin will include a bed with reading light, desk, TV, phone, sink, hanging closet with a few hangers and drawers. Officers will have a private toilet and shower.

You will eat your meals in designated areas depending on your ship and your rank. You will find a variety of foods that appeal to tastes of our international crewmembers. You may not cook in your cabin for safety reasons. No warming or cooking appliances are allowed in your cabin. If any of these are found in your cabin, it will result in immediate dismissal. There are vending machines where you can purchase drinks and snacks for a modest amount. You may purchase items with the shops and receive discounted prices. Special sales organized by the shop managers will also occur from time to time.

Uniforms will be laundered without charge through crew laundry services. For personal clothing you will use the crew laundry machines at no charge.

Standard recreational equipment, based on available space, includes a crew gym, ping pong table, disc pool table, basketball net and balls, foosball table, dartboards, video arcade, and videos. The Personnel Excellence Program Committee (PEP) organizes many of the crew activities. 10-12 crewmembers volunteer and represent the employee groups onboard. The PEP Commitee organizes crew parties, crew bingo, shore excursions, team sports, and a variety of other recreational activities limited only by their imagination.

If you should get sick there is medical staff onboard each ship to address illness and emergencies. When you are feeling ill you should advise your supervisor and report to the infirmary during crew consulting hours. This is a complimentary service to all crewmembers.

View the House Rules

Key Points

Guests must be shown respect at all times. Do not argue with Guests. If you have a problem with a Guest, politely excuse yourself and inform your Department Head.
Crewmembers must report for duty on time.
Do not chew gum in public areas.
Do not talk or stand with your hands in your pockets.
Crewmembers must retain the cabin assigned to them, and obtain permission from their department head to be reassigned.
Crew members must be properly dressed at all times.
Gambling is strictly forbidden.
Crewmembers are not allowed in Guest areas when off duty.
Offensive language is not tolerated.
English is to be spoken in public areas at all times.
Harassment is not tolerated.
Smile!

Health and Security
The safety of the ship and those onboard are of paramount importance. All employees are expected to comply fully with all requirements, procedures or rules concerning safety matters and to attend safety training and drill session when required. The following must be complied with to ensure health and safety onboard:

Any behavior that would impede the progress or navigation of the ship is grounds for dismissal.
Drunkenness is not tolerated.
Illegal drugs or weapons are strictly forbidden.
Crewmembers will not be involved in fights.
Crewmembers will not deface, abuse, or pilfer the ship's property.
Wear or use safety equipment and/or clothing as required.
Ship I.D. must be visible at all times.
Crewmembers must attend safety training drills as required.
Do not allow unauthorized persons onboard the ship.
Guests are not allowed in crew areas.
Don't smoke in unauthorized areas.
Open flames and unauthorized cooking appliances are forbidden in your cabin.
Report personal infections or contagious illnesses.
Follow USPH rules concerning hygienic working practices.

Environment
The company takes its environmental responsibilities very seriously. Holland America Line's Commitment to Safety and the Environment is embodied in our Safety and Environmental Protection Policy. This policy commits Holland America Line employees to three principal goals: Safety at sea, protection of the environment, and continuous improvement.

To ensure protection of the environment, Holland America Line has implemented an Environmental Management System, or EMS. This system is comprised of policies and procedures, classroom and on-the-job training, and Environmental monthly self-assessments, objectives and target for continuous improvement and annual audits. The policies and procedures have been incorporated into our existing Safety Management System. Each employee is responsible for supporting this Environmental Management System by:

No Garbage Overboard: Please do not throw anything away overboard. Trash receptacles and ash trays are provided on all open decks for your use.
Use the proper Waste Container: We have placed waste containers for paper, aluminum cans and garbage throughout the vessel. Using the right container goes a long way to helping ensure it is properly and efficiently managed.
Recycling: All ships have recycling, garbage and hazardous materials programs that address bottles, cans, paper, cardboard, plastic and hazardous waste.
Cleaning Supplies: Use only approved cleaning products specifically designed for environmentally friendly application onboard ships.
Water Conservation: Be mindful of water use when showering, cleaning and otherwise running the tap.
Towel Re-Use option: You can signal your cabin steward of your desire for fresh towels by simply leaving them on the floor. If you would like to re-use your towel, hang it on the bathroom door or towel rack to let the cabin steward know of your intentions. This helps the environment by reducing energy, water, and detergents required for daily washings.
Turn off Cabin Lights and TV When not in Use: As when ashore, energy conservation goes a long way towards helping us protect the environment.
Close Exterior Doors: You can help maintain interior temperatures and humidity while conserving energy and helping protect the environment by assuring that exterior doors in both public and cabin spaces are not left open un-necessarily.
Protect Wildlife: Do not disturb or feed birds and other wildlife. Do not touch or handle coral reefs when SCUBA diving or snorkeling.
No Litter Ashore: Please do not leave trash on beaches - use trash receptacles or carry it back onboard with you.

Dress Code and Grooming
The Dress Code/Uniform Policy has been defined for you.

View the Dress Code/Uniform Policy

Employees are expected to maintain a professional and conservative appearance and be well groomed at all times. The following list does not include the full uniform requirements, but will provide many of the things you will need to keep in mind:

Personal hygiene must be observed at all times - clothes, hair, hands, nails and body must be clean, stain and odor free
The strong use of fragrances should be avoided
Employees must be properly shaven. Beards and mustaches are not encouraged, but are allowed only when kept immaculate. To start growing beards and mustaches while serving a term onboard is not allowed and should not interfere with or prohibit the use of safety equipment
Long hair is not permitted for men and should not be longer than to the shirt collar
Men are not permitted to wear earrings
Visible body piercing, except earrings for women, are not permitted
Visible tattoos are not permitted
Women should wear only conservative jewelry
Make-up must be discreet and in colors that blend with skin tone
Women must wear pantyhose while on duty
When wearing short sleeves or coveralls, only the top button may be open
Low cut clothing is not allowed. No cleavage or hairy chests should ever be visible to our guests
Men are encouraged to wear a V-neck undershirt under the uniform
Name tags must be worn on the left side of the uniform at all times
Shoes and socks must be conservative and worn with appropriate uniform
The appropriate uniform for the time of day or function must be worn