Holland America Line launches ‘Culinary Ambassador’ cruises

 

Holland America Line has unveiled a new series of ‘Culinary Ambassador’ cruises for 2025 and 2026.

 

The sailings will cover segments of Grand Voyages and other select voyages, and will feature exclusive experiences hosted by one the line’s culinary ambassadors.

 

The ambassadors will take part in onboard activities to share their knowledge, techniques and tips with guests. Guests can join a live cooking demonstration, a coffee chat and a reservation-only dinner with a curated menu hosted by the chef. Meanwhile, cruises featuring beverage experts will include tastings, special events and a pairing dinner in a speciality restaurant.

 

The ‘Culinary Ambassador’ cruises comprise: 

 

* Voyage of the Vikings, on Zuiderdam. Chef David Burke will be onboard a segment of the cruise from August 7 to 12, 2025, from Dublin to Reykjavik.
* Seven-day Baja Peninsula, on Nieuw Amsterdam. Bartender Ivy Mix will be onboard from November 15 to 22, 2025, sailing roundtrip from San Diego.
* 2026 Grand World Voyage, on Volendam. Master tea blender Steve Schwartz will be onboard from March 25 to 30, 2026, from Singapore to Halong Bay (Hanoi).
* 2026 Grand World Voyage. Chef Ethan Stowell will be onboard from April 29 to May 3, 2026, from Seattle to San Diego.
* 2026 Grand World Voyage. Chef Masaharu Morimoto, Holland America’s Global Fresh Fish Ambassador, will be onboard while the ship is in Japan. Dates to be announced.

 

Michael Stendebach, vice president of food, beverage and rooms division at Holland America Line, said: “Dining has become an essential part of how people explore the world, and our culinary ambassador programme allows us to offer something truly special – an experience that goes beyond the plate.

 

“Through the ‘Culinary Ambassador’ cruises, we can bring some of the world’s most celebrated experts on board to elevate the journey. It’s not just about eating well for our guests; it’s about learning, tasting something new, having fun and perhaps getting some tips to use in their own kitchens.”

 

Holland America Line’s culinary ambassadors include:

 

* Chef David Burke, who has designed signature steakhouse favorites at Holland America’s Pinnacle Grill restaurant
* Chef Masaharu Morimoto, Holland America’s Global Fresh Fish Ambassador
* Chef Ethan Stowell, whose trattoria-style Italian dishes feature on all Holland America ships
* Chef Jacques Torres, a master chocolatier
* Sam Ross, creator of cocktails featured on Alaska ships
* Ivy Mix, creator of cocktails for Mexico and Latin America sailings
* Tess Posthumus, creator of cocktails for European voyages
* David Wondrich, curator of island-inspired Caribbean cocktails
* Jeff Berry, creator of cocktails offered on Hawaii and South Pacific cruises

Learn more about Holland America Line

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