Holland America Line is blending world-class travel and exceptional culinary experiences with new “Culinary Ambassador” cruises in 2025 and 2026. These special sailings on segments of Grand Voyages and other select cruises will feature exclusive experiences hosted by one of Holland America Line’s Culinary Ambassadors – a collection of world-renowned chefs, beverage experts and culinary visionaries who enrich the onboard dining and beverage offerings fleetwide through signature dishes and cocktail recipes.
Cruises featuring a Culinary Ambassador will offer exciting activities where the experts share their knowledge, techniques and tips. For the chef ambassadors, guests can attend a live cooking demonstration led by the chef, join a coffee chat to learn more about them, and dine at an intimate reservation-only dinner with a curated menu hosted by the chef. The beverage experts will offer tastings, special events and host a pairing dinner in a specialty restaurant.
“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,” said Michael Stendebach, vice president of food, beverage and rooms division for Holland America Line. “Through the Culinary Ambassador cruises, we can bring some of the world’s most celebrated experts on board to elevate the journey. It’s not just about eating well for our guests – it’s about learning, tasting something new, having fun and perhaps getting some tips to use in their own kitchens.”
Holland America Line Culinary Ambassador chefs include David Burke, Masaharu Morimoto, Ethan Stowell and Jacques Torres. Culinary Ambassador beverage experts, who created regionally inspired cocktails for the cruise line’s bars and menus, include Sam Ross (Alaska), Ivy Mix (Mexico), Tess Posthumus (Northern Europe), and David Wondrich and Jeff Berry (Caribbean). Master Tea Blender Steve Schwartz also will join a Culinary Ambassador cruise in Asia.
2025 and 2026 Culinary Ambassador Cruises
- Zuiderdam, Voyage of the Vikings, Chef Burke will be on board a segment of the cruise Aug. 7-12, 2025, from Dublin, Ireland, to Reykjavik, Iceland.
- Nieuw Amsterdam, 7-Day Baja Peninsula, Bartender Ivy Mix will be on board Nov. 15-22, 2025, sailing roundtrip from San Diego.
- Volendam, 2026 Grand World Voyage, Master Tea Blender Schwartz will be on board March 25-30, 2026, from Singapore to Halong Bay (Hanoi), Vietnam.
- Volendam, 2026 Grand World Voyage, Chef Morimoto will be on board while the ship is in Japan, dates to be announced.
- Volendam, 2026 Grand World Voyage, Chef Stowell will be on board April 29 – May 3, 2026, from Seattle, Washington, to San Diego, California.
Contact us for more information or to book your cruise with Holland America Line.