Holland America Line will be “enhancing its iconic Grand Voyages in 2026” by featuring four members of its Culinary Ambassador program. The renowned chefs and beverage experts will sail on select segments of the 2026 Grand Voyages and offer exclusive gourmet experiences inspired by the destinations as well as host special events.
The special programming will include Global Fresh Fish Ambassador Chef Masaharu Morimoto, acclaimed Seattle Restaurateur Chef Ethan Stowell, Master Tea Blender and Founder and CEO of Art of Tea Steve Schwartz, who will join segments of the 2026 Grand World Voyage, and famed Chocolatier Jacques Torres, who will join a segment of the 2026 Grand Australia and New Zealand Voyage. Additionally, the cruise line’s two Grand Voyages will meet up on March 7 in Sydney, Australia where Torres will host a Chocolate Teatime aboard for all guests.
“Our Grand Voyages are already among the most remarkable travel experiences in the world, and the addition of our Culinary Ambassadors and special events elevates them to a new level,” said Michael Smith, Holland America Line’s senior vice president, guest experience and product development. “From Chef Morimoto’s artistry with fresh fish to Jacques Torres’ mastery of chocolate, these exclusive programs give guests the rare chance to engage with culinary legends. It’s an extraordinary way to pair world-class destinations with world-class flavors, creating memories that can only be found on Holland America Line.”
During the Grand Voyages, guests will be able to join the chef ambassadors as they host live cooking demonstrations, and coffee chats, or enjoy a reservation-only dinner at Pinnacle Grill featuring chef-curated menus. Schwartz will offer a tea seminar, tea tasting and an exclusive High Tea experience.
Guests who are unable to cruise the entire Grand Voyage are able to book any of the 10 segments available on the Grand World Voyage or the 2 segments on the Grand Australia and New Zealand Voyage. Guests who want to experience a specific Culinary Ambassador can join them as follows:
- Chef Masaharu Morimoto: Grand World Voyage — Sydney to Yokohama (Tokyo), Japan segment that departs March 7, 2026. Chef Morimoto will be cruising while the ship is in his native Japan, offering locally inspired culinary experiences.
- Chef Ethan Stowell: Grand World Voyage — part of the Yokohama (Tokyo), to San Diego segment, embarking in Seattle.
- Master Tea Blender and Art of Tea Founder and CEO Steve Schwartz: Grand World Voyage — part of the Singapore to Yokohama (Tokyo) segment, departing March 24, 2026.
- Chocolatier Jacques Torres: Grand Australia and New Zealand Voyage — part of the Sydney to San Diego segment, departing March 6, 2026.
Both Grand Voyages depart on January 4, 2026. The 133-day Grand World Voyage will sail roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale, Florida aboard Volendam, while the 93-day Grand Australia and New Zealand Voyage will sail roundtrip from San Diego, California aboard Zaandam.