Holland America Line is introducing a new Dutch Day experience that celebrates the cruise line’s more than 150-year-history that began in the Netherlands. Whether sailing in Alaska, Europe, Asia or the Caribbean, many Dutch culinary favorites will be featured on board for the special day.
The centerpiece of Dutch Day will be a themed Dutch Dinner served once per cruise in the main Dining Room, with many of the dishes also offered in the casual Lido Market. Additionally, Holland America Line’s popular Orange Party will be held on Dutch Day, and guests can enjoy fresh-made poffertjes in Crow’s Nest Café. A new partnership with Daelmans Stroopwafel includes delectable desserts featuring the Dutch staple and a Daelmans Stroopwafel turn-down pillow treat in every stateroom.
“Holland America Line remains deeply connected to our roots in the Netherlands, and Dutch Day is the perfect way to honor our history through experiences that celebrate the culinary culture of the country,” said Michael Stendebach, vice president of food, beverage and rooms division for Holland America Line. “Our guests appreciate special touches like Daelmans Stroopwafel for turn down or a dish in the dining room that is distinctly Dutch, and we’re excited to expand the cultural experience for an entire day to showcase more of our heritage.”
Culinary traditions run deep in the Netherlands, and the special themed Dutch Dinner in the Dining Room features an extensive menu that includes both classic and contemporary Dutch delicacies. The selection of starters features a Bay Shrimp Cocktail with Dutch cocktail sauce, Erwten Soep (Dutch Pea Soup), and Mushroom Cream puff pastry with hollandaise sauce.
Dutch-inspired main course selections include Bami Goreng, a stir-fried noodle dish with chicken sate and peanut sauce; Pan-Fried Dover Sole with lemon butter; and Hodge Podge Klapstuk with chateau potatoes. For dessert, a Bosche Bol (large, chocolate covered cream puff), Tompouce (Dutch mille-feuille pastry) or a slice of traditional Dutch Apple Pie provide the perfect sweet ending to the meal.
In collaboration with Daelmans Stroopwafels – a family-owned bakery founded in the Netherlands in 1904, renowned for its authentic recipe – Dutch Day will feature Stroopwafel Cheesecake for dessert on the dinner menu in the Dining Room and Lido Market and a Stroopwafel Napoleon at tea time. Select bars will serve a Stroopwafel Liqueur with hints of cinnamon and caramel only on ships in Europe. Additionally, in place of the traditional stateroom turn-down chocolate, guests will find a Daelmans Stroopwafel waiting for them on their pillow.
New in Crow’s Nest Café on all ships, fresh-made poffertjes – a traditional Dutch treat resembling small, fluffy pancakes – will be available daily (not just on Dutch Day) for a nominal charge.
Popular Orange Party held on Dutch Day
Once per cruise, Holland America Line holds the Orange Party with live music, cocktails and treats, and now it will be held on Dutch Day. The Orange Party pays homage to the company’s Dutch heritage (orange is the color of the Dutch Royal Family, which hails from the House of Orange), and guests are invited to wear orange attire and accessories. During the after-dinner festivities, special orange-themed cocktails are available while servers pass around finger-foods and sweets.
Dutch Day is part of Holland America Line’s programming that offers authentic experiences to immerse guests in the culture, history and traditions of the places visited on each cruise. Holland America Line recently also announced the debut of Glacier Day on its Alaska cruises.
Contact us for more information and to book your next cruise with Holland America Line.