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Canada, Alaska & USA Travel Tips

Ocean Cruising, Land and Rail Journeys

We are very excited to have you join us to explore North America. Below are a few key bits of information you will want to know before departing on your adventure.  

For a more extensive guide to your trip to North America, you can read Canada, Alaska and USA and USA Great Rail Journeys Guides which cover everything from what to pack to destination insights.

Canada, Alaska & the USA

USA Great Rail Journeys

Before You Go

You are required to complete an online check-in via the Holland America website prior to departure.

This online check-in opens at approximately 90 days prior to departure and we advise you to please complete your check-in and select your onshore excursions as early as possible as onshore excursions can book out.

Please go to the Holland America Line website to complete your online check-in and select your onshore excursions. (Please note the Booking Number required to login is different to your ATG Booking Number. If you do not have this, please either contact your booking agent or login to the ATG Tour Personaliser to obtain.)

Please note: The information is only relevant for Australian and New Zealand citizens/passport holders. For the most up to date visa and travel advice please make sure to check the relevant travel advice website.

Canada

Travellers are required to register on the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to determine eligibility to enter Canada, prior to departure.
https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/americas/canada

USA

Travellers transiting through the USA, or participating in an Alaskan cruise must register on the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) to ensure eligibility to travel to the USA under the Visa Waiver Program, prior to departure.
https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/americas/united-states-america

Note: It is important to PRINT a copy of the document for your records. The printout is not required upon arrival into the United States, as the officers have the information electronically. Some airlines require the printout upon check-in, so please check with your respective airline.

Although specific travel plans are not required, the address where you will be staying in the United States is required to complete the application. If multiple locations are planned, you only need to enter the first address. If a complete address is not known, you can enter the name of the hotel or location you will visit.

When applying for ESTA, APT guests will need to list their first point of contact when arriving - this could be the first USA hotel or in some cases the cruise portion of your trip. All addresses can be found listed on your itinerary or below.

Cruise only – Holland America Line Seattle Address:

Holland America Line N.V Address:

450 Third Avenue West,
Seattle, WA 98119 USA.
Phone: + 1 877–932–4259

If travelling on a Holland America cruise with Alaska Land, use the applicable address below:

Sheraton Hotel & Spa, Anchorage Address:

401 E 6th Ave,
Anchorage, AK 99501, USA
Phone: +1 907-276-8700

McKinley Chalet Resort Address:

Mile 238.9 Parks Hwy,
Denali National Park and Preserve, AK 99755, USA
Phone: +1 800-544-0970

 

Westmark Fairbanks Hotel & Conference Centre Address:

813 Nobel St,
Fairbanks , AK 99709
Phone +1 907-456-772;

 

I-94 Form
In addition to the ESTA approval, travellers entering the United States via a land border, or participating in a cruise sailing from Seattle, or participating in a land tour travelling by land from Canada to Stowe, must also obtain a Form I-94, but no earlier than 7 days prior to the planned entry date.
https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/#/home

 

All passengers are required to possess a passport valid for at least 6 months after the conclusion of their trip. You should always carry your passport and other travel documents in your hand luggage.
We highly recommend that you obtain comprehensive medical and travel insurance to cover your entire time away from home. Be sure to pack your policy in case you need to make a claim while travelling. It is also worth adding your insurance policy details and flight numbers to your Tour Personaliser, so all your important travel information is in one place.
Approximately three weeks before your tour you will receive all the documents required ahead of your trip via email, including any flights and hotel reservations made with Travelmarvel.
If you are bringing appliances from home, an adapter suitable for your destination countries’ socket and voltage will be needed.

If you have a food allergy or medical condition which needs to be managed on tour, please advise your Booking Agent before departure, and inform your Tour Director on arrival. It is also worth packing a small medical kit, as though there will be pharmacies along your tour, they can be difficult to access, and a prescription may be required for some medications.

Suggested Packing List:

  • A general-purpose antibiotic (e.g. azithromycin)
  • Cold and flu medication
  • Your preferred pain medication
  • Medicine for gastric upsets
  • Band-Aids and blister pads
If you have a food allergy or another condition that needs to be managed on tour, please advise your booking agent as soon as possible, as well as your Tour Director upon arrival, as most suppliers require advance notice to accommodate this.

Each passenger is entitled to take one piece of luggage that does not exceed 160cm2 (63 inches2) and 23kg (50 pounds). The tour price includes porterage for one piece of luggage; additional bags will be subject to approximately CAD$10/US$10 per bag, per hotel. Limit hand luggage to one bag that fits under your aircraft seat or in the overhead compartment.

If your holiday includes a rail journey on VIA rail and USA Amtrak, you will be required to pack down to an overnight bag. Guests travelling on Rocky Mountaineer are restricted to hand luggage on board. Luggage will be delivered to the hotel and will be available on your arrival.

Spring/Summer: The dress code while on tour is casual and for daytime we recommend that you pack a variety of light to medium-weight clothing, plus rainwear in case of cooler or wet weather. Layers are a good option to cover a range of temperatures and to suit changing conditions. Comfortable footwear is a must. An evening dress or jacket is suggested at some hotels and for formal nights on Alaska cruises.

Autumn/Winter: You will need to pack a good quality, warm water-proof coat, and dressing with multiple layers underneath will help keep you warm and comfortable on excursion. Comfortable, sturdy footwear with grip is a must. Outside temperatures during winter may be as low as -20 degrees Celsius. For maximum comfort and enjoyment, we suggest including: insulated and waterproof snow boots; waterproof outerwear (ski suits, waterproof ski jackets and ski pants).

Comprehensive Packing List

Remember to carry cash to cover restaurant bills and other services not included in your tour. Before you depart, ensure your credit cards are valid and activated. You can obtain local currency at ATMs where available, but we advise you to always carry $50-$100 emergency cash. Note than in North America, it is customary to tip for services including taxi drivers, doormen, hairdressers and particularly in restaurants and bars. Tips are covered in your tour price for any included meals and activities, but are not included for any additional meals or activities you may choose to do while on tour.

Arrival Information

Toronto skyline and the observation tower, Canada

Airport Transfers

Airport transfers are included on the first and last day of the tour; or if pre and post accommodation is booked with Travelmarvel. Transfers must be booked and arrival and departure details advised to Travelmarvel at least 60 days prior to travel, otherwise transfers cannot be guaranteed.

While On Tour

Dining
Breakfasts are usually buffet with hot and cold options. Lunches are generally not included unless on board a cruise. In North America an entrée is called a starter or an appetiser. An entrée is the main meal. Both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are purchased at your own expense.

Cruise: Formal dining is available in the main dining room and a buffet dining option is also available. Specialty restaurants on board are subject to a surcharge, starting from US$10 per person. Complimentary room service is available 24 hours a day.

Rail: While aboard the Rocky Mountaineer you will be invited to the dining carriages to enjoy both breakfast and lunch.

If you have any special dietary requirements or other special needs, you may be required to complete a special request form prior to departing for your trip.

Dress Code
Most people dress casually on tour, however, for evening meals, you might want to wear something a little smarter.

Laundry
Cruise: All laundry services incur charges. Most Holland America ships do not have self-serve laundry facilities and all laundry is done through the ship’s laundry service, which can be purchased by the item, by the bag, or unlimited service for the cruise. Pressing and dry-cleaning services are also available.

Aerial scenic view of Rocky Mountaineer

Explore More

Four people on the balcony at Bruhl Palace

Flexible Bookings

Everyone likes more flexibility. If you’d like freedom to change your plans, our flexible booking policies allow you to cancel and move your holiday to another time.
Woman walking along Mount Cook national park boardwalk, South Island New Zealand

All Taken Care Of

We make planning your travel experience as seamless as it can be. Our travel experts can look after all aspects of your journey. There’s 24/7 emergency support and we’ll keep you updated on any travel requirements. 
Couple on the deck of a boat

Safe Journeys

Your health – and that of your family, as well as our staff and crew – is Travelmarvel’s highest priority. You can rely on our industry-leading health protocols, to help ensure everyone’s health and wellbeing.