Holland America Shares Details on Events and Food for Holiday Voyages

Holland America Line has announced a range of new festive offerings for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Year's Eve this year, to bring the holiday spirit onboard its ships. 

Guests sailing with the cruise line will enjoy a variety of holiday-themed culinary experiences, including a traditional Thanksgiving dinner, a new "Breakfast with Santa," Christmas Eve and Day feasts, and special Hanukkah treats. 

"Sailing with Holland America for the holidays offers a fun and stress-free way to celebrate," said Michael Stendebach, vice president of food, beverage and rooms division for Holland America Line. "Not only do our onboard dining experiences simplify holiday planning, but they provide a rich and diverse culinary journey with a touch of a tradition that fosters deeper connections with loved ones and makes it a special time on board."

Thanksgiving at Sea

Guests sailing with Holland America over Thanksgiving will enjoy a feast from the leisure of the ship. The Dining Room will serve a robust menu for Thanksgiving dinner, including traditional turkey, cranberries, sweet potatoes, Beef Tenderloin with Apple Rösti, Honey-Baked Ham, and Mushroom Ravioli with Sage. 

The menu will also include two new fresh fish dishes from Holland America's Global Fresh Fish Ambassador Chef Masaharu Morimoto for an additional fee.

Christmas Dining 

Throughout the month of December, Holland America guests of all ages can enjoy Nutcracker Afternoon Tea Service, offered on select sea days in the Dining Room. The full tea service features a Grinch truffle, Santa Hat cupcake, Reindeer Chocolate tart, and savory sandwich items.

Families sailing in the Caribbean just before or during Christmas can join Santa Claus for a special “Breakfast with Santa” event in Pinnacle Grill or Tamarind restaurant, on the line’s  Signature and Pinnacle Class ships. Families will enjoy festive crafts, Christmas music, and a visit from Santa after the meal. This event will be a $25 surcharge per adult or $15 per child ages 3-17. 

Leading up to Christmas, the Dining Room and Canaletto will serve Christmas Eve and Christmas Day dinners. In the Dining Room, Christmas Eve dinner will feature holiday dishes from around the globe including Norway, Thailand, Spain, and the Caribbean, while Canaletto will serve festive Italian fare.

Hanukkah Treats 

Guests can celebrate Hanukkah with Holland America Line's traditional offerings at the Lido Market. 

Special treats will include doughnuts filled with strawberry jelly, freshly baked challah bread, and crispy potato latkes with apple sauce and sour cream. 

Ring in 2025 with Holland America 

Guests will usher in the New Year with several celebrations onboard. New Year's Eve celebrations kick off with a dinner in the Dining Room. They can also opt for a special dinner at Pinnacle Grill ($69 per person) with a menu featuring a Colossal Crab Tower with Caviar, Sterling Beef Fillet with Butter-basted Lobster and a Chocolate Countdown. 

The festivities move to the ship's Lido Deck for a party, complete with favors and sparkling toasts when the clock strikes midnight.

Guests sailing over New Year's can opt for a New Year's Eve VIP Beverage Package which includes a reserved booth at either Lido Pool or B.B. King's Blues Club, dedicated butler service, and a selection of hot and cold appetizers to enjoy throughout the evening. 

After a night of celebrating, guests can enjoy a complimentary New Year's Day brunch in the Dining Room or brunch at Pinnacle Grill ($25 per person).

Festive Holiday Drinks 

During the holiday season, Holland America will serve a special menu of crafted cocktails and non-alcoholic coffee drinks. Options include the following: 

• Minty Elf Martini – Grey Goose vodka, Crème de Cacao and peppermint schnapps.
• Rudolph the Red Margarita – 1800 Reposado Tequila, Cointreau, pomegranate juice and fresh lime.
• De Lijn Ginger Mojito – De Lijn Gin, mint, ginger beer and candied ginger.
• Spiked Eggnog – Baileys, Kahlua, espresso and eggnog.
• Christmas Cocoa Mint Coffee – Kahlua, peppermint schnapps and coffee.
• Vanilla Gingerbread Latte – A classic latte featuring gingerbread and vanilla syrup.
• Eggnog Latte – Espresso, eggnog, milk and almond syrup.

2024-2025 Holiday Sailings with Holland America

It’s not too late to book a 2024-2025 Holiday cruise with Holland America Line! Highlighted itineraries include:

• 7-Day Tropical Caribbean: Nov. 24 – Dec. 1, 2024, on Nieuw Amsterdam from Fort Lauderdale. Visits Amber Cove and Key West. 
• 7-Day Western Caribbean: Dec. 21 – Dec. 28, 2024, on Nieuw Statendam from Fort Lauderdale. Visits Half Moon Cay, Jamaica, and the Cayman Islands. 
• 12-Day Panama Canal Sunfarer: Dec. 29, 2024 – Jan. 10, 2025, on Rotterdam from Fort Lauderdale. Ring in the New Year in Cartagena, Colombia and explore the Panama Canal.
• 7-Day Mexican Riviera Holiday: Dec. 21 – Dec. 28, 2024, on Koningsdam from San Diego. Visits Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, and Mazatlan.
• 16-Day Circle Hawaii Holiday: Dec. 18, 2024 – Jan. 3, 2025, om Zaandam from San Diego. Spend the holiday in Hawaii, with the ship reaching the Aloha State on Christmas Eve. 

See All 2024-2025 Holiday Cruises from Holland America Line 

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