Far East Discovery: From Hong Kong

The order of events and sightseeing may vary according to local conditions or for operational purposes. Your local guide will inform you of any schedule changes as they are informed of them. The driving times listed are point to point and do not include the duration of excursions or stops en route. Some road construction and/or weather conditions may lengthen the driving times. Our intention is to adhere to the day-to-day itinerary as printed; however, order of events and sightseeing may vary according to local conditions.

Have It All Cruise Package

For one simple fare, you can save with Have It All, a package available for pre-cruise purchase and specially designed to give you the best possible experience. By purchasing this package, you will receive the below:

• Up to 3 nights speciality dining (dependant on length of cruise)
• Up to $300pp shore excursion credit (dependant on length of cruise)
• Signature beverage package (15 drinks a day up to $11 per drink)
• Surf Wi-Fi package
• Pre-paid crew appreciation

Price: from £60.00 per person per day

This package upgrade can be added to your booking exclusively through Mercury Holidays and not directly with Holland America. To upgrade, please contact our Customer Experience team anytime, up to 14 weeks before departure.

If booking more than 14 weeks before departure a deposit of €580.00pp will need to be paid at the time of booking with the full amount payable at 14 weeks prior to departure. The deposit applies to adults and children. If you are within 14 weeks of travel then the full balance of the holiday will be payable.

Hong Kong

Your passport must be valid for at least one month after the date you plan to leave Hong Kong. You can visit Hong Kong for up to 6 months without a visa. For further information please see: Entry requirements - Hong Kong (SAR of China) travel advice - GOV.UK

Thailand

A visa is not required before you travel to Thailand; you will be issued with a tourist visa valid for 60 days on arrival into the country. Further advice should be sought from the applicable tourist authority for other nationalities and for general queries. We strongly advise you check your destinations' Tourist Board or Embassy for the most up-to-date guidelines regarding visas and passport validity. You will be required to fill in a digital arrival card 3 days before arrival in Thailand. You can do this online here - https://tdac.immigration.go.th/arrival-card/#/home

Cambodia

To enter Cambodia your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you arrive in Cambodia, undamaged and complete – entry is normally refused if you have a damaged passport or pages missing. You must have a visa to enter Cambodia as a visitor.

Tourist visas are valid for 30 days from the date of entry into Cambodia. Apply for an e-visa at least 4 days in advance. Make sure your passport is stamped on arrival and keep the departure form. If you lose your departure form, you’ll need to contact immigration officials before you leave the country to make alternative arrangements.

You must also fill out an e-arrival card. All travellers must complete and submit online within 7 days prior to arrival. Details should be entered on this link https://arrival.gov.kh/ . Upon successful completion, you'll receive a unique QR code that must be presented at immigration upon arrival.

Vietnam

To enter Vietnam, your passport must have: an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive, at least 2 blank pages, no damage – British nationals have been denied entry and exit due to passport damage. You can visit Vietnam without a visa for up to 45 days for tourism.

Singapore

To enter Singapore, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ 6 months after the date you arrive. You can visit Singapore without a visa for tourism. The period of stay permitted is at the discretion of the immigration officer. It is normally between 14 and 30 days for British citizens. You must complete an electronic SG Arrival Card in the 3 days before you arrive in Singapore. This online form asks for travel details and a health declaration. It is illegal to submit a false declaration. Biometric information is also recorded and scanned when you enter and depart Singapore (iris, face and fingerprints).

Alternatively, we work closely with The Travel Visa Company who will be who will be able to arrange the ESTA visa on your behalf. Please call them on 01270 250590 and quote 'Mercury Holidays'. When Calling the Travel Visa Company, they will advise you of any changes to the fees or procedure, they will also advise you all of the information they will require in order to apply for the visa.

Please note your final documentation will be sent to you approximately 21 days before departure. Check in baggage is included with your flight. Weight restrictions will be finalised on your final documentation. Should you wish to take additional luggage you will need to pay extra at check-in. Check-in should be at least 3 hours before departure. If you wish to arrange Airport car parking or accommodation at preferential rates, we recommend you book this in advance with Holiday Extras on 0333 188 0407, quoting HX313.

IMPORTANT: A printed E-ticket is no longer required at check-in, all you need to do is present your passport to the staff at the desk and your boarding pass will be given to you. Please note that you should carry your invoice with flight details on it as you will need to show this at the airport.

We strongly recommend that you and all members of your party are suitably insured as soon as you book your holiday. It is a condition of booking that you must have suitable travel insurance. It is important that you purchase travel insurance that suitably covers your participation in whatever activities you may undertake at the time that you make your booking. To assist you with this, we have arranged travel insurance in partnership with Holiday Extras, including up to a 20% discount, which is given to all Mercury Holidays customers. To arrange your insurance with Holiday Extras, please visit https://www.mercuryholidays.co.uk/info/insurance for more details. Please ensure you provide us with the name of your insurer, policy number and their 24 hour emergency contact number as soon as possible. Mercury Holidays will not be liable for any costs incurred by you due to your failure to take out suitable travel insurance from the date of booking.

It is your responsibility to check any health and vaccination requirements applicable to your booked arrangements. We can only provide general information about this. Health and hygiene facilities and disease risks vary from country to country. You should take health advice about your own needs as early as possible and in good time before your departure. Sources of information include; www.fco.gov.uk, www.travelhealthpro.org. uk, www.hpa.org.uk, your General Practitioner or a specialist clinic.

Medical Facilities & Emergencies

Remote regions lack advanced medical facilities, including intensive care and surgery. Ship doctors and nurses provide basic care, but serious cases may require evacuation, which depends on weather conditions, distance from a port and feasibility for medical evacuation to travel the distances required for evacuation.

Medications & Motion Sickness

The ship’s medical facility stocks a limited supply of both regular and emergency medications, so bring extra supplies of your regular and any necessary medications in your hand luggage. In case of unexpected delays, bring extra medication for beyond your cruise and a list of your medication in case you need refills. Seas can be rough—if you are prone or concerned about motion sickness, we advise you to consult your doctor and bring medication.

Health, Vaccinations & Insurance

Travellers should be in good health; those with medical conditions should consult their doctor before travel. Up to date vaccinations are strongly recommended. Comprehensive travel insurance, including emergency evacuation (minimum $100,000 coverage), is strongly recommended due to high costs and limited evacuation options.

Special Medical Needs & Age Requirement

If you need medical assistance (e.g., oxygen, mobility aids), inform the team when booking. Children must be at least 12 months old to sail to remote destinations.

This cruise is accessible to most people with an average level of fitness and normal mobility. It involves moderate days of walking on uneven paths and small hills and getting on and off the cruise ship. This tour may not be suitable for anyone with walking difficulties.

The currency in Hong Kong is the Hong Kong Dollar and in Singapore it’s the Singapore Dollar, we recommend that you exchange your currency before you leave the UK.

On board the Holland America ships, U.S. dollars is the only currency accepted. They also accept U.S. traveller’s checks. In most ports of call you may easily exchange your U.S. dollars into the local currency at banks, airports and major hotels.

All onboard purchases and services in US Dollars are charged to your account by using your stateroom keycard. Cash is not accepted for individual transactions, e.g. bars, the shops, spa, shore excursions. Cash is accepted in our casinos.

If you do not want to use a credit card, on the day of boarding, you will need to visit Guest Services and deposit $30 cash per person per cruise day (applies to all guests 18 years of age and over). Any excess deposit will be refunded to you at the end of the cruise. Traveller's checks may be cashed at Guest Services. Personal checks are not accepted on board.

There is not an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) available on board.

The currency in Thailand is the Thai Baht (THB). We recommend that you exchange your currency before you leave the UK, however cash machines are available in all the major cities to withdraw money in the local currency.

The currency in Vietnam is the Vietnamese Dong, known as (VND). You can exchange your currency in Vietnam, however, US Dollars are widely accepted in Vietnam should you wish to keep an alternative currency on you.

The currency in Cambodia is the Cambodian Riel (KHM). We recommend that you take some US Dollars (USD) with you and exchange this currency whilst you are travelling.

It is normal practice to present a Credit / Debit Card upon check -in to your cruise ship, to cover any extras incurred during your stay. If you do not have a credit card, you may be asked for a cash deposit. You can also pre-register your card via this link:

https://www.hollandamerica.com/en/gb/my-account/log-in/sso-log-in

You will need to take some extra money with you to cover any meaYou will need to take some extra money with you to cover any extras not mentioned on your itinerary such as the Spa and excursions and personal purchases, such as souvenirs, extra drinks, and snacks.

The Crew Appreciation

Tipping is customary on many cruise lines. Holland America recommend approximately $17 per person per day, known as the Crew Appreciation, daily and this is added to your onboard account. This charge is paid to Holland America Line team members and represents an important part of their compensation. An 18% service charge is automatically applied to all beverage purchases, bar retail items, specialty restaurant cover charges, all for-purchase a la carte menu items, and all Spa & Salon services. Local sales taxes are applied where required. If you purchase the “Have it All” package Crew Appreciation is included.

*The charges are subject to change without notice.

The maximum number of travellers on your cruise will be dependent upon the Cruise ship capacity. Please note: your cruise is shared with international clients from other companies.

Transportation to and from the airport will be provided by private transfers for your group.

In addition to breakfast, lunch and a multi-course dinner, you can enjoy afternoon tea, hearty salads, comfort classics, global cuisine, an ice cream bar, hot hors d’oeuvres during the cocktail hours, and the traditional late-night snack. Complimentary In-Room Dining is available 24 hours a day. Drinks are payable onboard, however there are beverage package options available to pre book. Vegetarian and Vegan meals can be catered for onboard. Please advise Customer Experience about other dietary requirements or allergy information.

If you are travelling within the below Vietnamese Public Holidays please note that celebrations can last a couple of days and during these times some businesses will be closed and coach, air and train travel may be affected. Tourist attractions will be open but may be crowded. Tet Holiday is between January and February, International Labour Day is on 1st May every year, Reunification Day is on 30th April every year and National Independence Day is on 2nd September every year.

• Shirts/cover-ups and footwear are always required indoors.
• During daytime, dress is casual.
• Most evenings smart casual attire is appropriate.
• Shorts, pool and beachwear, distressed jeans, and men’s tank tops are best left to the daytime and are not permitted in table service restaurants.
• Dressy Nights evoke the grand traditions of cruising as guests dress to impress for special events on board, including our five-course gourmet dinner in the Dining Room.
• For gentlemen, collared shirts and slacks are required in all fine dining restaurants.

The dress for each evening is listed in the Daily Programme and on the Navigator App.

On arrival in Hong Kong, you will be met by a representative from our local agent, Target Travel, holding a sign displaying: “Mercury Holidays”. The Mercury Holidays/Target Travel representative will show you to your transfer vehicle.

Boarding Procedures

Guests are encouraged to complete the Online Check-in process at hollandamerica.com and, if possible, download the Holland America Line Navigator App. Once Online Check-in is complete, travellers should either print their Boarding Pass or access the electronic version via the Navigator App.

At the pier, guests must present their Boarding Pass, have their passports and applicable visas verified, and have their photo taken if one was not uploaded through the app. Stateroom keycards will be delivered directly to staterooms.

Important Notes:

• Online Check-in must be completed prior to the sail date. • Required documents for check-in include: o Boarding Pass (available via Express Docs) o Proof of citizenship o Applicable visas

To comply with U.S. security regulations, Holland America must submit guest information to law enforcement at least 60 minutes before departure. This requires all information to be submitted no later than 90 minutes before the ship’s departure. Guests who do not complete Online Check-in beforehand or arrive late to the terminal risk being unable to board. Costs incurred to join the vessel at the next port will be the guest’s responsibility.

Ship Identification Card:

Upon completing check-in, guests will receive a ship ID card, which serves as identification for embarkation, disembarkation, onboard purchases, and access to staterooms. When boarding or leaving the ship, guests should carry their ship ID card along with a government-issued photo ID. Terminal security may also require a valid picture ID.

Embarkation Details:

Boarding begins at 12:00 p.m., and all guests must check in no later than 90 minutes before the published sailing time. Passports will be collected during check-in for secure handling by staff, as some ports require face-to-face immigration inspections. Guests are encouraged to bring photocopies of their passport pages as a precaution.

Although embarkation may start as early as 11:30 a.m., preparation of staterooms will be underway, with readiness anticipated by approximately 1:00 p.m. Guests are welcome to relax in bar, lounge, or pool areas while waiting. Checked baggage will be delivered to staterooms later in the afternoon.

Holland America ensures an organised and seamless embarkation process, allowing guests to start their cruise stress-free.

If you need to contact your representative during yourstay the details are as follows:

For your Cruise:

For queries, please call Holland America 24 hr contact number: 001 206 626 7382

Email address: Holland America Line Groups UK groups@hollandamerica.co.uk

For your transfers and hotel:

Hong Kong

Please find below the emergency contact details for HK Target Travel: Mon - Fri: 09.00 - 17.30, Sat: 09.00 - 13.00 Closed Sunday and Hong Kong public holidays

Office: +852 2312 1812

Emergency: +852 9432 5300

Email: queenie.c@targethkg.com

For arrival - Driver contact details Scott: +852 9179 8676

Singapore

Wildlife Expeditions Contact number: +6016 373 2803

Email: wildlife918@gmail.com

Please find below the emergency contact details for Wildlife Expeditions:

24-hour Contact number: +6016 373 2803

• Sunglasses, Sunscreen and hat in summer
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Camera and charger
• Antibacterial hand gel
• Binoculars
• Personal first aid kit containing travel pills, rehydration powder, plasters, stomach settlers, antiseptic creams, aspirin etc
• Small day pack for excursions
• Waterproof, lightweight jacket
• Lightweight clothing
• Sweater and jacket for the cooler months
• A plug adaptor - the voltage is 110 V