Holland America Line is making the holiday season merry and bright with exclusive themed food and beverage menus across the fleet. The cruise line will feature festive offerings for, Christmas, Hanukkah and New Year’s Eve to bring the holiday spirit — and a little taste of home — on board.
Guests will enjoy a variety of holiday-themed culinary experiences, a new “Breakfast with Santa,” Christmas Eve and Day feasts and special Hanukkah treats. The Christmas Eve menu in the Dining Room features dishes from around the world, honouring the cultures and traditions from many of the destinations the ships visit.
“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.”
Christmas Dining and Culinary Delights
Throughout the month of December, guests of all ages can savour seasonal delights during the 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 along with savoury sandwich items.
Families sailing in the Caribbean just before or during Christmas can join Santa Claus at a special Breakfast with Santa in Pinnacle Grill or Tamarind restaurant on Signature and Pinnacle Class ships. While waiting for Jolly Old Saint Nick to join, families are invited to enjoy festive crafts and Christmas music. Santa will make his entrance after the family-friendly meal has been served and will be available for photos. Breakfast with Santa is a USD$25 surcharge per adult or USD$15 per child ages 3-17 years old.
Leading up to Christmas, both the Dining Room and Italian-inspired Canaletto will serve special 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 feature festive Italian fare.
Hanukkah Favourites in Lido Market
Celebrate Hanukkah with Holland America Line’s traditional offerings at Lido Market. Guests can indulge in doughnuts filled with strawberry jelly, a nod to the story of Hanukkah where oil burned for eight days. Freshly baked challah bread and crispy potato latkes served with applesauce and sour cream add a touch of holiday spirit.
Ring in the New Year in Style
Guests will usher in the New Year with several celebrations happening all day long. New Year’s Eve celebrations kick off with a special dinner in the Dining Room, or at Pinnacle Grill for USD$69 per person where guests can enjoy 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 favours and sparkling toasts when the clock strikes midnight.
Guests ringing in 2025 on board also can opt for Holland America Line’s New Year’s Eve VIP Beverage Package. This 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 enjoy a complimentary New Year’s Day brunch in the Dining Room, or they can splurge and have brunch at Pinnacle Grill for USD$25 per person.
Festive Holiday Cocktails and Coffees
Guests may also indulge in the festive spirit with carefully crafted cocktails and a selection of non-alcoholic coffee drinks on board including:
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 (Non-Alc) – Espresso, eggnog, milk and almond syrup.
Unforgettable Holiday Destinations:
Travellers planning to celebrate the holidays on a Holland America Line cruise have a variety of exciting itineraries to choose from. Sample
sailings include:
7-Day Western Caribbean: Dec. 21 – Dec. 28, 2024
Minty Elf Martini
Board Nieuw Statendam in Fort Lauderdale with options for horseback riding in Half Moon Cay, cooling off in Jamaica’s waterfalls, and soaring over the Cayman Islands in a helicopter.
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 Panama Canal.
Mexico:
7-Day Mexican Riviera Holiday: Dec. 21 – Dec. 28, 2024
Sail roundtrip from San Diego, California to Mexico on Koningsdam with whale-watching in Cabo San Lucas, exploring Puerto Vallarta, and discovering traditional Mexican food and culture in Mazatlan.
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, exploring the Hawaiian Islands for the holidays.
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