Holland America Introduces Exciting ‘Culinary Ambassador’ Sailings for Food Lovers

Holland America Line is set to introduce unique “Culinary Ambassador” cruises for 2025 and 2026, designed to enhance passengers’ culinary experiences during their journeys. These special sailings will be part of selected Grand Voyages and other cruises, offering exclusive events hosted by renowned chefs and beverage experts.

Guests on these Culinary Ambassador cruises will have the opportunity to participate in various activities, including live cooking demonstrations, Q&A coffee chats, and exclusive reservation-only dinners featuring curated menus from the chefs. Beverage experts will also host tastings and special pairing dinners in the cruise line’s specialty restaurants.

Michael Stendebach, vice president of food, beverage and rooms division at Holland America Line, highlighted that these culinary cruises are more than just about dining; they provide an opportunity for guests to learn cooking techniques, discover new flavors, and enjoy a more interactive experience on board.

Some of the celebrated Culinary Ambassadors participating in these cruises include chefs such as David Burke, Masaharu Morimoto, Ethan Stowell, and Jacques Torres. Beverage experts like Sam Ross, Ivy Mix, and Tess Posthumus, along with Master Tea Blender Steve Schwartz, will also bring their talents to specific voyages.

Here are the planned Culinary Ambassador cruises:

• Zuiderdam: Chef David Burke will join the transatlantic segment from Dublin, Ireland to Reykjavik, Iceland, from August 7 to 12, 2025.
• Nieuw Amsterdam: Ivy Mix will be onboard for the 7-Day Baja Peninsula cruise from November 15 to 22, 2025, sailing roundtrip from San Diego.
• Volendam: Master Tea Blender Steve Schwartz will join the Grand World Voyage from March 25 to 30, 2026, sailing from Singapore to Halong Bay, Vietnam.
• Volendam: Chef Masaharu Morimoto will host during one of the ship’s stops in Japan, with dates yet to be confirmed.
• Volendam: Chef Ethan Stowell will be on board from April 29 to May 3, 2026, on the route from Seattle, Washington to San Diego, California.

These cruises aim to transform the dining experience at sea, blending education and enjoyment while ensuring guests indulge in exceptional culinary creations.

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