⭐ How to Send Accolades in the Holland America Navigator App
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A Simple Way to Boost Crew Morale (and Yes — It Can Earn Them Rewards)
Holland America is known for having some of the best crew at sea — calm, kind, attentive, and genuinely invested in making your cruise feel special. One of the easiest ways to give back is by sending accolades directly through the Navigator App.
These aren’t just “nice messages.” They can lead to real rewards for the crew, including recognition, perks, and sometimes even extra time off.
If someone makes your cruise better (and on HAL, they usually do), this is the fastest, most meaningful way to show appreciation.
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👉 Check out how I book cruises and save — it’s the exact process I use for every sailing.
⭐ Why Accolades Matter
HAL’s crew works incredibly hard — long days, long contracts, and months away from home. Accolades submitted through the Navigator App go straight into their performance file and can help them:
Earn recognition from supervisors
Qualify for onboard rewards
Strengthen their contract renewal
Receive additional time off
Boost morale during long sailings
It’s one of the few ways guests can directly support the people who make their vacation feel effortless.
⭐ Where to Find the Accolades Feature
Most guests don’t realize this exists — but it’s right in the app.
Open the Navigator App → scroll to the bottom → tap “Contact Us.” From there, you’ll see an option to send a Compliment / Praise message.
I’ve been sending them all week, and they haven’t cut me off yet.
It takes less than 30 seconds and goes straight to the right department.
⭐ How to Send an Accolade
Open the Navigator App
Scroll to the bottom
Tap Contact Us
Select Compliment / Praise
Enter the crew member’s name or department
Write a short message
Hit Submit
That’s it. No lines. No forms. No waiting until the end‑of‑cruise survey.
⭐ A Personal Story: Why I Always Do This
On our recent Holland America sailing, our cabin was ready the moment we boarded — score. I met our steward, Dan, right away and told him:
“Tanner sleeps in. If he’s still out cold, don’t worry about cleaning our cabin yet.”
He smiled and said, “No problem, Mom. I’ll keep an eye out.”
It was such a tiny moment, but it reminded me why HAL’s service stands out — calm, thoughtful, and never rushed.
I submitted an accolade for Dan that afternoon. He deserved it. And I wanted his supervisor to know it.
⭐ When You Should Send an Accolade
Anytime a crew member:
Goes out of their way to help
Shows kindness to your kids
Remembers your preferences
Keeps your cabin spotless
Makes you laugh
Handles a problem quickly
Offers exceptional service
If you think, “Wow, that was really nice,” that’s your cue.
⭐ Why This Matters More Than You Think
Most guests only fill out the end‑of‑cruise survey — and by then, it’s easy to forget names or moments.
Accolades in the Navigator App are:
Instant
Documented
Direct
Impactful
And they help keep morale high on ships where the crew works incredibly long days.
⭐ A Quick Reality Check: Not Everyone Is Kind
I wish every guest treated the crew with the respect they deserve… but that’s not always the case. This week, I literally watched a man scream at a staff member over chicken fingers — which were not on the menu, but he was absolutely convinced they were.
The crew member stayed calm, patient, and professional the entire time. I stood there thinking: This is exactly why accolades matter.
The staff handles so much behind the scenes — long hours, long contracts, and sometimes very unreasonable guests — and they still show up with kindness. The least we can do is recognize the people who take such good care of us.
HAL’s crew is excellent. It’s what they’re known for. So when someone makes your day easier, brighter, or smoother… take 30 seconds and send that praise.
⭐ Don’t Forget the End‑of‑Cruise Survey
If you really want to support the crew who made your sailing special, don’t skip the end‑of‑cruise survey. It’s one of the most important tools HAL uses to recognize outstanding service — and your feedback directly impacts promotions, rewards, and contract renewals.
If someone went above and beyond for you, mention them by name. It matters more than you think.
👉 Why the End‑of‑Cruise Survey Matters
HAL’s staff is excellent — it’s what they’re known for. So take a moment to take care of the people who take such good care of you.
⭐ More Holland America Tips
About the Author
Julie Davis is the founder of No Point Left Behind, a travel‑hacking and cruise‑planning resource that helps everyday travelers save money, maximize points and miles, and book more vacations for less. As a frequent Holland America cruiser, Julie shares practical embarkation tips, Navigator App guidance, and real‑world strategies for recognizing and supporting cruise ship crew members.
She’s known for her beginner‑friendly points strategies, honest cruise reviews, and step‑by‑step guides that make travel feel simple instead of overwhelming. Julie cruises often with her son Tanner and believes in traveling smarter—not spending more.
Through No Point Left Behind, she teaches travelers how to use credit card perks, loyalty programs, and smart booking tactics to stretch every travel dollar. Her mission is to help families and new cruisers feel confident, prepared, and empowered to explore the world.
