Holland America Line has unveiled its exclusive themed holiday menus and the offerings are sure to get you feeling festive and in the holiday spirit. Whether 2024 finds you sailing during Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah or New Year’s Eve, you will find culinary experiences, complete with carefully crafted cocktails and non-alcoholic coffee options, that make you feel right at home while at sea.
“Sailing with Holland America for the holidays offers a fun and stress-free way to celebrate,” said Michael Stendebach, vice president of food, beverage and rooms division for Holland America Line. “Not only do our onboard dining experiences simplify holiday planning, but they provide a rich and diverse culinary journey with a touch of a tradition that fosters deeper connections with loved ones and makes it a special time on board.”
Guests who choose a Thanksgiving sailing will find a traditional Thanksgiving meal minus the cooking and cleaning. The Dining Room will offer a traditional Thanksgiving turkey with cranberries and sweet potatoes; Beef Tenderloin with Apple Rösti; Honey-Baked Ham; Mushroom Ravioli with Sage. If you prefer fresh fish, the menu also features two dishes from Holland America’s Global Fresh Fish Ambassador Chef Masaharu Morimoto.
Guests who prefer a Christmas sailing will be sure to enjoy the Nutcracker Afternoon Tea Service on select day, featuring a Grinch truffle, Santa Hat cupcake, Reindeer Chocolate Tart and several savory sandwiches. If you are sailing the Caribbean around Christmas you will not want to miss a special Breakfast with Santa complete with Christmas crafts, music and a Santa photo op.
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day menus will feature global culinary traditions. The Dining Room will offer holiday dishes from Norway, Thailand, Spain and the Caribbean, while the Italian-inspired Canaletto will serve a festive Italian meal. At the Lido Market, Hanukkah will be celebrated with traditional foods like jelly-filled donuts, fresh baked challah bread, and potato latkes served with apple sauce and sour cream.
Guests choosing to ring in the New Year Holland America style will enjoy celebrations taking place all day long, including a New Year’s Eve dinner in the Dining Room. Guests looking for a more exclusive meal can choose the Pinnacle Grill and enjoy a Colossal Crab Tower with Caviar, Sterling Beef Fillet with Butter-basted Lobster and a Chocolate Countdown. Dinner will be followed by a Lido Deck New Year’s Eve party complete with live music, party favors and a toast at midnight.
Guests can also choose Holland America Line’s New Year’s Eve VIP Beverage Package. The package includes a reserved booth at either Lido Pool or B.B. King’s Blues Club, dedicated butler service and a selection of appetizers throughout the evening. Guests who choose this package can also enjoy a complimentary New Year’s Day brunch in the Dining Room or brunch at Pinnacle Grill for a per person fee.