Holland America Debuts Culinary Ambassador Cruises
Holland America Line is elevating the onboard dining experience with the launch of its new Culinary Ambassador cruises, set to sail throughout 2025 and 2026. These special voyages will feature a roster of world-renowned chefs and beverage experts leading cooking demonstrations, spirit tastings, meet-and-greets and exclusive multi-course dinners. Designed to appeal to food and drink enthusiasts, the program extends across segments of the line’s signature Grand Voyages as well as other select itineraries, offering guests a deeper connection to global flavors at sea.
Among the Culinary Ambassadors joining these cruises are David Burke, Masaharu Morimoto and Ethan Stowell, each bringing their own culinary style to shipboard venues. Pastry chef Jacques Torres will showcase chocolate artistry, while cocktail innovators Sam Ross and Ivy Mix guide guests through mixology masterclasses. Culinary historian David Wondrich and spirits specialist Jeff Berry will delve into the stories behind classic cocktails, and Tess Posthumus and Steve Schwartz will share their expertise on pairing fine wines and craft brews with seasonal menus. This lineup gives travelers access to celebrated talent that would otherwise require a trip to the world’s top restaurants and bars.
Throughout each voyage, guests can attend cooking shows where ambassadors prepare signature dishes live, offering step-by-step instruction and insider tips. Intimate lunch-and-learn events will allow for questions and one-on-one conversation, and evenings will feature ticketed “Chef’s Table” dinners with curated menus inspired by regional cuisines encountered during the cruise. Beverage seminars will cover topics from whiskey tasting to wine and cheese pairings, and evening receptions hosted by the ambassadors will offer a relaxed opportunity to sample new creations alongside handcrafted small bites.
The Culinary Ambassador program enhances Holland America Line’s existing food and drink portfolio, which already includes partnerships with master distillers, farm-to-table initiatives and onboard cooking classes. Michael Stendebach, vice president of food, beverage and rooms division, explained that the initiative reflects the growing importance of dining as a central part of the cruise experience. “Dining has become an essential part of how people explore the world, and our Culinary Ambassador program allows us to offer something truly special—an experience that goes beyond the plate,” he said. Stendebach emphasized that in addition to eating well, guests will leave each cruise equipped with new skills and inspiration to recreate dishes and cocktails at home.
Bookings for Culinary Ambassador cruises are now open, with itineraries ranging from seven-day Caribbean explorations to transatlantic crossings and Pacific coast voyages. Food lovers looking to expand their culinary horizons can select cruises that visit ports known for vibrant local markets, regional specialty producers and historic wine regions. By combining expert-led onboard events with immersive shore excursions, the program delivers a holistic approach to culinary travel.
As the cruise industry continues to innovate in food and beverage offerings, Holland America Line’s new Culinary Ambassador series positions the brand at the forefront of dining-focused vacations. Guests who participate in these cruises will enjoy exclusive access to celebrated chefs and mixologists, personalized instruction in high-end menu creation, and opportunities to sample rare spirits and wines. With tickets for special dinners and workshops limited to small groups, early booking is recommended to secure a spot at each event. By bringing together culinary excellence and world-class hospitality, Holland America’s Culinary Ambassador cruises promise to satisfy the appetites—and curiosity—of adventurous gourmands at sea.
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