Canada, Alaska & the USA Travel Tips
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 our Canada, Alaska and USA Guide.
Preparing For Your Trip
North America Cruises (Holland America Line)
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.)
Visa Requirements for North America
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:
McKinley Chalet Resort Address:
Mile 238.9 Parks Hwy,
Denali National Park and Preserve, AK 99755, USA
Phone: +1 800-544-0970
Pikes Waterfront Address:
1850 Hoselton Road,
Fairbanks, AK 99709
Phone +1 877-774-2400
Captain Cook Hotel, Anchorage Address:
939 W 5th Ave,
Anchorage, AK 99501
Phone: +1 907-276-6000
Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge:
23601 S. Talkeetna Spur Road,
Talkeetna, Alaska 99676
Phone +1 907-733-9500
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 or Lancaster, 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
Manage Your Booking
Travel Insurance
Luggage
Clothing
Summer/Spring: 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.
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. For a more comprehensive packing list view our North America Guide.
While You Are Travelling With APT
Dining
Land Journeys – Throughout your journey you will dine at the best restaurants available and enjoy multiple opportunities to try local fare. We pay careful attention to ensure all menus on the tour offer a variety of choices to suit all tastes, and healthy options are available.
Ocean 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$15 per person. Complimentary room service is available 24 hours a day.
Rail Journeys – 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
Holland America Line offer full laundry and dry-cleaning service on all ships. In each stateroom there will be laundry bags and price lists conveniently located in the closet.