Holland America Debuts Elevated Sailaway Celebration
Holland America Line is transforming the ritual of departing port with a new sailaway celebration in partnership with Champagne producer Taittinger. Beginning this season, guests will be greeted on deck with a festive atmosphere that blends curated entertainment, themed music, bespoke food and signature Champagne cocktails. This elevated experience is designed to set the tone for every voyage, from Alaska’s glaciers to the sun–soaked shores of the Caribbean.
Under the new sailaway program, each departure will feature a welcome speech by the ship’s cruise director, accompanied by Holland America Line’s exclusive soundtrack “Home to Rotterdam.” As the vessel casts off, live music and destination‑inspired performances will create a sense of anticipation, while themed décor and lighting enhance the celebratory mood. The partnership with Taittinger elevates the tradition by introducing fine Champagne as the centerpiece of the deck party.
Guests can toast to their voyage with two Taittinger Champagne–based cocktails. The “Bubbly Bon Voyage” blends vanilla and passion fruit with sparkling Taittinger, offering a tropical twist on a classic Champagne toast. The “Cast Off” combines Flor de Caña rum, honey and lime juice with chilled Taittinger Brut for a refreshing, slightly tart libation. Both cocktails are included in Holland America Line’s Signature and Elite beverage packages, ensuring a hassle‑free start to the cruise day.
Beyond the specialty cocktails, travelers may purchase Taittinger by the glass or bottle for an additional fee, allowing Champagne enthusiasts to indulge further. To complement the sparkling drinks, passed appetizers inspired by each itinerary will be served. On Alaska sailings, guests can savor Alaskan crab, hot‑smoked salmon and wild game sausage drizzled with onion huckleberry marmalade. On Canada and New England departures, mini lobster rolls and traditional tourtière accented with maple syrup will be offered.
As part of the sailaway festivities, co‑branded Champagne carts will roll across the ship’s decks, offering convenient access to Champagne and cocktails throughout the celebration. This mobile bar service ensures that every guest can participate in the toast, whether they are enjoying the view from the pool deck or mingling by the funnel.
Michael Smith, senior vice president of guest experience and product development for Holland America Line, emphasizes the impact of the program: “A new level of service and excitement infused into our sailaway celebration is the perfect way to start a cruise—whether it’s to the glaciers of Alaska or the sunshine of the Caribbean. Our guests can look forward to an enhanced experience designed to make the voyage truly unforgettable, one that honors the rich tradition of sailaway while elevating the deck party with touches of today.”
Vitalie Taittinger, president of Champagne Taittinger, echoed the excitement for the collaboration: “For over a century and a half, the time‑honored tradition of sailaway has been a moment for Holland America guests to indulge in elegance and excellence—what better way for them to enjoy this elevated experience than with effervescence.”
By integrating premium Champagne, bespoke cocktails, destination‑themed cuisine and live entertainment, Holland America Line’s new sailaway celebration redefines the embarkation ritual. Travel advisors and passengers alike can anticipate a seamless blend of tradition and innovation that enhances Holland America’s reputation for refined cruising. This fresh, immersive departure experience will leave lasting memories, ensuring that sailaway becomes one of the most anticipated moments of every Holland America voyage.
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