Holland America uses different documents for different trips. Some situations ask for notarized consent. The non-parent letter is a signed original. The WHTI one-adult rule is a passport rule.
Published and reviewed by iRemoteNotary
Last reviewed September 27, 2026
It depends on the scenario. For certain foreign-country travel, Holland America currently says minors under 18 must be accompanied by both parents or present a notarized letter of consent from the non-traveling parent(s). If one parent is deceased or the child has only one legal parent, Holland America says a notarized statement must be provided as proof.
If the accompanying adult is not the parent or legal guardian, Holland America currently requires an original letter signed by at least one parent with contact information and specific-cruise authorization. That particular non-parent statement does not itself say notarized.
Holland America separately requires valid passports when minors travel with only one adult age 21+ on WHTI voyages. That is a passport rule, not parental consent. Last verified 2026-09-14.
This is a summary of the current published rule. Confirm it on the cruise line’s own page before you travel.
| Question | Current status |
|---|---|
| Foreign-country one-parent travel | Conditional; notarized consent or both parents |
| Deceased / only legal parent | Conditional; notarized statement as proof |
| Non-parent adult | Original signed parent letter; not itself labeled notarized |
| WHTI one-adult itinerary | Valid passports required; not a consent letter |
| Official form | No official parental-consent PDF |
| RON where notarization applies | Not expressly stated |
| Last verified | 2026-09-14 |
Holland America currently publishes different rules for certain foreign-country travel, non-parent adults, deceased or sole legal parents, and minors traveling with only one adult on WHTI itineraries. Identify the matching scenario before choosing a document.
Foreign-country one-parent travel: non-traveling parent(s), or both parents traveling.
Deceased or sole legal parent: a notarized statement as proof.
Non-parent adult: original letter signed by at least one parent.
Holland America currently publishes identification, passport, and family-travel FAQs rather than a public parental-consent PDF. Use the official policy pages.
Use online notarization only where Holland America actually calls for a notarized letter — certain foreign-country one-parent travel or a deceased/sole-legal-parent statement. The non-parent original letter is not itself labeled notarized. Remote online notarization acceptance is not expressly stated.
Keep these Holland America instructions separate.
| Situation | What HAL says | Notarization | Other documents |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certain foreign-country travel with one parent | Both parents must travel, or a notarized letter of consent from the non-traveling parent(s) | Required where this rule applies | Proper identification documents |
| Non-parent adult | Original letter signed by at least one parent, with contact information and specific-cruise authorization | Not itself labeled notarized | Child identification as otherwise required |
| Deceased / only legal parent | A notarized statement must be provided as proof | Required where this rule applies | Death certificate or sole-legal-parent evidence as applicable |
| Minor with only one adult on a WHTI itinerary | All guests must have a valid passport | Not a consent-letter rule | Passport — not a substitute parental-consent analysis |
Where a notarized foreign-country letter applies, it is a letter of consent from the non-traveling parent(s).
Where the non-parent original letter applies, it must provide parent contact information and authorize the adult to take the child on the specific cruise.
The non-parent Holland America letter is described as an original. Confirm whether an electronic document will be accepted. Where notarization applies, Holland America does not expressly state remote online notarization acceptance.
Use online notarization only for scenarios where Holland America actually calls for a notarized letter — certain foreign-country one-parent travel or a deceased/sole-legal-parent statement.
Do not add notarization to the non-parent original letter unless another applicable rule requires it. Remote online notarization acceptance is not expressly stated.
Use this only for certain foreign-country one-parent travel or a deceased/sole-legal-parent statement. Do not add notarization to the non-parent original letter unless another rule requires it. Remote online notarization acceptance is not expressly stated.
Depending on your situation, a cruise terminal or border officer may ask for more than a consent letter. No family needs every item.
The country on your itinerary may still ask for its own permission, even when the cruise line does not. Check the cruise line’s rule and child travel consent requirements by country separately.
Already at the cruise terminal, leaving today, or holding a form the cruise line just handed you? Work the current official instruction first. If you need this at the terminal today, use the Cruise Port Emergency Minor Consent Guide.
Check the official page again before you travel.
Holland America’s current non-parent identification guidance requires an original letter signed by at least one parent. That particular statement does not itself say notarized. A foreign-country rule may separately require notarization.
Holland America separately requires valid passports when minors travel with only one adult age 21+ on WHTI voyages. That is a passport requirement, not parental consent.
The following primary sources support the legal and procedural information in this guide. Requirements can change, so confirm current rules with the receiving organization before relying on a notarized document.
Do guests under age 21 need a parent, guardian or chaperone?(opens in a new tab)
Holland America Line
Accessed September 14, 2026
Can guests under 21 travel alone?(opens in a new tab)
Holland America Line
Accessed September 14, 2026
What types of identification are needed(opens in a new tab)
Holland America Line
Accessed September 14, 2026
Do you need a passport for a cruise(opens in a new tab)
Holland America Line
Accessed September 14, 2026
Start only if the applicable Holland America rule actually calls for notarization. Confirm whether remote online notarization is accepted.