Holland America Line is bringing a well-known American treat on board during the 2026-27 Caribbean season. The cruise line is partnering with Magnolia Bakery, the New York bakery known for its Banana Pudding. The partnership coincides with the 30th anniversary of RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay, the cruise line’s private Bahamian island. To mark the anniversary, the cruise line has also unveiled a new Beach Club on its private island. You can discover the new Beach Club here.
Guests sailing on all ships operating Caribbean cruises during the season will be able to enjoy Magnolia Bakery’s Banana Pudding Bar in the Lido Market. The dessert will be served once per cruise and is based on the bakery’s signature Banana Pudding, which was named No. 1 in the “Sweets” category of Food Network’s Top 10.
“Magnolia Bakery and Holland America Line share a commitment to creating memorable experiences, and this partnership gives us an opportunity to bring one of the bakery’s signature offerings to our guests as they explore the Caribbean,” said Michael Stendebach, vice president of food, beverage and rooms division for Holland America Line. “Bringing Magnolia Bakery’s Banana Pudding on board is a fitting way to celebrate the upcoming 30 years of RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay and the special role the destination and its distinct culinary flavors have played in our history.”
Banana Pudding has long been a beloved American classic, but Magnolia Bakery has made the dessert its own. Its signature version combines bananas, vanilla wafers, vanilla pudding, sweetened condensed milk and whipped cream. The carefully balanced ingredients and distinctive preparation give the dessert its characteristic creamy texture.
To recreate the dessert on board, Holland America Line’s chefs trained alongside the Magnolia Bakery team in New York. The training covered both the preparation and presentation of the dessert, helping bring the bakery’s signature version to the cruise line’s Caribbean ships.
“Bringing Magnolia Bakery on board for the Caribbean season marks the first time our desserts will be available at sea — a fitting extension of the innovative ways we continue to share the magic of the brand with our guests,” said Bobbie Lloyd, Magnolia Bakery’s Chief Brand Officer and Chief Baking Officer. “We’re so excited to be working with Holland America Line on this one-of-a-kind partnership and look forward to sharing the joy of Banana Pudding with guests on board.”
Discovering the Caribbean Through Food
The Magnolia Bakery partnership forms part of a broader culinary focus on the Caribbean during the cruise season. In the Dining Room, guests can discover Caribbean-inspired dishes including Rum Barbeque Chicken Wings, Jamaican Braised Oxtail, Tomato Braised Pork Ossobuco and Pineapple Upside Down Cake. Global Fresh Fish dishes also feature regional ingredients, including roasted grouper and spiced barramundi.
The Lido Market will also feature a Caribbean Seafood Boil, while the Dining Room will host a Caribbean Brunch. Other experiences include Caribbean Teatime and a Caribbean-themed dinner around the Lido Pool.
The Caribbean influence extends beyond the food. Holland America Line’s Caribbean ships feature the exclusive Rum Ambassador program, offering more than 35 different rums that are available exclusively on Caribbean cruises.
The Banana Pudding Bar adds a familiar American classic to the culinary offering for the 2026-27 season, alongside dishes, drinks and experiences inspired by the destinations visited along the way.
Pictures courtesy of Holland America Line
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