Holland America Launches Mexico Cultural Ambassadors Program
Holland America Line is debuting a new cultural ambassadors program for its Mexico cruises aboard Nieuw Amsterdam during the 2025–2026 season. Each sailing will feature two ambassadors native to Mexico who will share local traditions through lectures, workshops and interactive activities designed to deepen guests’ connection to the region. The program complements the line’s Destination Dining offerings and culturally focused shore excursions.
“From the moment guests step ashore in Mexico, they are immersed in a culture full of vibrant traditions and a deep sense of heritage, and we’re thrilled to bring that same spirit to life on board in a way that feels both authentic and immersive,” said Joe Chantry, vice president of entertainment and enrichment at Holland America Line.
Modeled after the line’s successful Alaska cultural ambassador program, the new Mexico initiative offers a range of onboard experiences. Guests can take part in language lessons and dance classes featuring traditional Mexican mambo, cha-cha-chá and salsa, as well as arts and crafts workshops centered on piñatas and papel picado. Cultural talks will cover topics such as the Maya civilization, tequila traditions and the Day of the Dead. A themed game night featuring the iconic Mexican lottery game, lotería, will also be available.
Cuisine will play a major role in the program. As part of the Global Fresh Fish Program, guests can enjoy locally sourced cobia, grouper, mahi-mahi, red snapper and yellowfin tuna. Destination Dining menus will highlight regional dishes such as Azteca grilled shrimp and Oaxacan lamb leg barbacoa.
The line is also partnering with Corazón Tequila from Jalisco to offer tequila tastings featuring single-barrel expressions aged in former Weller Bourbon barrels, along with reposado, añejo and extra añejo varieties.
Nieuw Amsterdam’s 2025–2026 Mexico season runs from October 2025 through March 2026, visiting ports including Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlán, Cabo San Lucas, Loreto, Manzanillo and Pichilingue (La Paz), with itineraries ranging from seven to 11 days.
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