Senior Sailor Says…
It’s that time of year, and Holland America Line is making the holiday season merry and bright with decorations and exclusive themed food and beverage menus across the fleet.
The cruise line will offer festive Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Year’s Eve offerings to bring the holiday spirit—and a little taste of home—on board.
Thanksgiving Favorites at Sea
Guests will enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving feast while enjoying the ship’s leisure, away from cooking, chores, and stress. The Dining Room offers a robust menu with an array of fall flavors for Thanksgiving dinner, including traditional Thanksgiving turkey with cranberries and sweet potatoes, Beef Tenderloin with Apple Rösti, Honey-Baked Ham, and Mushroom Ravioli with Sage.
Christmas Dining and Culinary Delights
Throughout December, guests of all ages can savor seasonal delights during the Nutcracker Afternoon Tea Service on select sea days in the Dining Room. The full tea service features a Grinch truffle, Santa Hat cupcake, and Reindeer Chocolate tart, along with savory sandwich items.
Families sailing in the Caribbean just before or during Christmas can join Santa Claus at a special Breakfast with Santa in Pinnacle Grill or Tamarind restaurant on Signature and Pinnacle Class ships. While waiting for Jolly Old Saint Nick to join, families enjoy festive crafts and Christmas music. Santa will enter after the family-friendly meal has been served and will be available for photos. Breakfast with Santa is a $25 surcharge per adult or $15 per child ages 3-17.
Leading up to Christmas, the Dining Room and Italian-inspired Canaletto will serve special Christmas Eve and Christmas Day dinners.
In the Dining Room, Christmas Eve dinner will feature holiday dishes from around the globe, including Norway, Thailand, Spain, and the Caribbean, while Canaletto will feature festive Italian fare.
Hanukkah Favorites in Lido Market
Celebrate Hanukkah with Holland America Line’s traditional offerings at Lido Market. Guests can indulge in doughnuts filled with strawberry jelly, a nod to the story of Hannukah, where oil burned for eight days. Freshly baked challah bread and crispy potato latkes served with apple sauce and sour cream add a touch of holiday spirit.
Ring in the New Year in Style
Guests will usher in the New Year with several celebrations happening all day. New Year’s Eve celebrations kick off with a special dinner in the Dining Room or at Pinnacle Grill for $69 per person, where guests can enjoy a Colossal Crab Tower with Caviar, Sterling Beef Fillet with Butter-basted Lobster, and a Chocolate Countdown. The festivities move to the ship’s Lido Deck for a party, complete with favors and sparkling toasts when the clock strikes midnight.
Guests ringing in 2025 onboard can also opt for Holland America Line’s New Year’s Eve VIP Beverage Package. This includes a reserved booth at either Lido Pool or B.B. King’s Blues Club, dedicated butler service, and a selection of hot and cold appetizers to enjoy throughout the evening. After a night of celebrating, guests can enjoy a complimentary New Year’s Day brunch in the Dining Room or splurge at Pinnacle Grill for $25 per person.
Festive Cocktails and Coffee
Guests may also indulge in the festive spirit with carefully crafted cocktails and a selection of non-alcoholic coffee drinks on board including Minty Elf Martini – Grey Goose vodka, Crème de Cacao, and peppermint schnapps, Rudolph the Red Margarita – 1800 Reposado Tequila, Cointreau, pomegranate juice and fresh lime, De Lijn Ginger Mojito – De Lijn Gin, mint, ginger beer, and candied ginger, Spiked Eggnog – Baileys, Kahlua, espresso and eggnog, Christmas Cocoa Mint Coffee – Kahlua, peppermint schnapps and coffee, Vanilla Gingerbread Latte – A classic latte featuring gingerbread and vanilla syrup, and Eggnog Latte– spresso, eggnog, milk, and almond syrup.
For more information on holiday sailings and special events, click here.
