As the holiday season approaches, Holland America Line is set to make your festive celebrations unforgettable with a range of exclusive themed food and beverage menus across its fleet. Whether you're celebrating Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, or ringing in the New Year, Holland America Line ensures that the holiday spirit is alive on board, offering guests a delightful blend of comforting flavours and luxurious upgrades to elevate their celebrations.
Thanksgiving Favourites at Sea
This Thanksgiving, guests aboard Holland America Line can indulge in a traditional feast without the hassle of cooking and cleaning. The Dining Room presents a robust menu featuring an array of fall flavours, including traditional Thanksgiving turkey accompanied by cranberries and sweet potatoes, Beef Tenderloin with Apple Rösti, Honey-Baked Ham, and Mushroom Ravioli with Sage. These classic dishes are complemented by two new fresh fish options crafted by Holland America's Global Fresh Fish Ambassador, Chef Masaharu Morimoto, available for an additional fee.
In addition to the main courses, the Thanksgiving menu offers a variety of delectable sides and desserts that capture the essence of the season. Guests can savour the rich and hearty flavours that make Thanksgiving a beloved tradition, all while enjoying the serene and picturesque views from their oceanfront dining experience.
Chef Morimoto's fresh fish dishes add a contemporary twist to the traditional Thanksgiving spread, allowing guests to explore a fusion of global cuisines. This thoughtful combination of classic and innovative dishes ensures that every guest finds something to delight their palate, making Thanksgiving aboard Holland America Line both comforting and exciting.
Christmas Dining and Culinary Delights
Throughout December, Holland America Line transforms its dining venues into festive havens, offering seasonal delights that cater to guests of all ages. The Nutcracker Afternoon Tea Service in the Dining Room features whimsical treats such as the Grinch truffle, Santa Hat cupcake, and Reindeer Chocolate tart, alongside savoury sandwich options. These delightful creations bring a touch of magic to afternoon tea, perfect for celebrating the season with family and friends.
Families sailing in the Caribbean can join Santa Claus for a special Breakfast with Santa at Pinnacle Grill or Tamarind Restaurant on Signature and Pinnacle Class ships. Before Santa's arrival, children and adults alike can enjoy festive crafts and Christmas music, creating cherished memories as they await Santa's grand entrance. This interactive experience culminates with Santa joining guests for photos, making it a highlight for families celebrating the holiday at sea.
Leading up to Christmas, both the Dining Room and the Italian-inspired Canaletto restaurant serve special Christmas Eve and Christmas Day dinners. In the Dining Room, guests can enjoy holiday dishes from around the world, including offerings from Norway, Thailand, Spain, and the Caribbean, reflecting the diverse cultures and traditions of the ship's destinations. Canaletto presents festive Italian fare, ensuring that every guest can find a meal that resonates with their holiday spirit.
Hanukkah Favourites in Lido Market
Holland America Line also celebrates Hanukkah with traditional offerings at Lido Market, bringing the festive spirit to life with a selection of delicious treats. Guests can enjoy doughnuts filled with strawberry jelly, a nod to the Hanukkah story where oil burned for eight days. Additionally, freshly baked challah bread and crispy potato latkes served with applesauce and sour cream add authentic flavours to the celebration.
These Hanukkah favourites provide a comforting taste of tradition, allowing guests to partake in the festivities with familiar and beloved dishes. The thoughtfully curated menu at Lido Market ensures that guests celebrating Hanukkah can enjoy their holiday in a warm and welcoming environment, enhancing their overall cruise experience with meaningful culinary connections.
Ring in the New Year in Style
As the year comes to a close, Holland America Line elevates New Year's Eve celebrations with several exclusive offerings designed to create unforgettable memories. Guests can choose to celebrate with a special dinner in the Dining Room or at Pinnacle Grill for $69 per person, where they can savour a Colossal Crab Tower with Caviar, Sterling Beef Fillet with Butter-basted Lobster, and a Chocolate Countdown dessert. These sumptuous dishes are paired with elegant beverages, setting the stage for a night of celebration and joy.
The festivities continue on the ship's Lido Deck, where guests can join the party complete with party favours and sparkling toasts at midnight. The vibrant atmosphere, enhanced by live entertainment and music, ensures that guests can welcome the New Year in style, surrounded by fellow cruisers and the stunning backdrop of the ocean.
For those seeking a more exclusive experience, Holland America Line offers the New Year's Eve VIP Beverage Package. This package 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 appetisers to enjoy throughout the evening. After a night of celebrating, guests can relax with a complimentary New Year's Day brunch in the Dining Room or indulge in a premium brunch at Pinnacle Grill for $25 per person. These enhanced upgrades ensure that guests can tailor their New Year's celebrations to their preferences, making the occasion truly special.
Festive Holiday Cocktails and Coffees
Holland America Line enhances the festive atmosphere with a range of carefully crafted holiday cocktails and coffee drinks, perfect for celebrating the season. Guests can indulge in creative beverages such as the Minty Elf Martini made with Grey Goose vodka, Crème de Cacao, and peppermint schnapps, or the Rudolph the Red Margarita featuring 1800 Reposado Tequila, Cointreau, pomegranate juice, and fresh lime. These festive cocktails add a spirited touch to holiday celebrations, allowing guests to enjoy the season's flavours in every sip.
For those preferring non-alcoholic options, the Vanilla Gingerbread Latte and Eggnog Latte offer sweet and comforting flavours that embody the essence of the holidays. These festive coffee drinks are perfect for enjoying a warm beverage while taking in the beautiful ocean views or relaxing in the ship's lounges.
Whether celebrating with a sophisticated cocktail or a cosy coffee, Holland America Line ensures that guests have access to a variety of beverages that complement their holiday festivities, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to their cruise experience.
Unforgettable Holiday Destinations
Travellers planning to celebrate the holidays aboard Holland America Line can choose from a variety of exciting itineraries, each offering unique experiences and destinations. Whether sailing through the Caribbean, exploring Mexico, discovering Hawaii, or embarking on a Panama Canal adventure, guests can celebrate the holidays in some of the world's most enchanting locations.
The Caribbean (All Roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale, Florida)
7-Day Tropical Caribbean: Nov. 24 – Dec. 1, 2024
Board Nieuw Amsterdam in Fort Lauderdale and sail to Amber Cove, Dominican Republic, and Key West, Florida. This itinerary offers guests the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, with opportunities to explore pristine beaches, vibrant local cultures, and stunning natural landscapes.
7-Day Western Caribbean: Dec. 21 – Dec. 28, 2024
Depart from Fort Lauderdale aboard Nieuw Statendam with options for horseback riding in Half Moon Cay, cooling off in Jamaica's waterfalls, and soaring over the Cayman Islands in a helicopter. This itinerary is ideal for those seeking a mix of outdoor activities and luxurious relaxation.
12-Day Panama Canal Sunfarer: Dec. 29, 2024 – Jan. 10, 2025
Ring in the New Year in the historic city of Cartagena, Colombia and explore the engineering marvel of the Panama Canal. This extended voyage offers a deep dive into Central and South American cultures, with ample opportunities for exploration and adventure.
Mexico
7-Day Mexican Riviera Holiday: Dec. 21 – Dec. 28, 2024
Sail roundtrip from San Diego, California to Mexico aboard Koningsdam, with activities such as whale-watching in Cabo San Lucas, exploring Puerto Vallarta, and discovering traditional Mexican food and culture in Mazatlan. This itinerary is perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in Mexico's rich cultural and culinary heritage.
Hawaii
16-Day Circle Hawaii Holiday: Dec. 18, 2024 – Jan. 3, 2025
Step aboard Zaandam and sail roundtrip from San Diego, reaching the Aloha State on Christmas Eve. Explore the Hawaiian Islands for the holidays, enjoying the unique blend of island traditions, stunning landscapes, and luxurious accommodations that make Hawaii a top holiday destination.
Other Exciting Itineraries
Holland America Line offers a variety of other itineraries to suit every traveller's preferences, ensuring that each holiday celebration is tailored to individual tastes and interests. From tranquil beachside retreats to adventurous explorations of exotic locales, there's a perfect holiday cruise waiting for everyone.
Embrace the Holidays with Holland America Line
Holland America Line’s exclusive holiday offerings are designed to bring the comforting flavours and festive spirit of the season to life on board. With thoughtfully curated menus, interactive events, and luxurious upgrades, guests can celebrate the holidays in style while enjoying the exceptional service and elegance that Holland America Line is renowned for.
At S.W. Black Travel, we are excited to help you embark on a festive journey with Holland America Line. Whether you’re looking to celebrate Thanksgiving in the Caribbean, enjoy a magical Christmas with family, honour Hanukkah traditions, or ring in the New Year with unforgettable celebrations, our expert team is here to assist you in planning the perfect holiday cruise. Connect with our team through a call to start planning your merry and bright holiday adventure with Holland America Line and create cherished memories that will last a lifetime.
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