Sarah Bretz, ContributorHolland America has partnered with champagne producer Taittinger for a special lineup of music, food, and drinks for sailaway parties on board.
The enhancements honor the rich history of sailaway celebrations, a longstanding maritime tradition. These festivities date back to the early days of sea travel when passengers would line the railings on the ship’s deck during a bon voyage party, bidding farewell to friends and family on the pier.
“A new level of service and excitement infused into our sailaway celebration is the perfect way to start a cruise — whether it’s to the glaciers of Alaska or the sunshine of the Caribbean,” said Michael Smith, senior vice president of guest experience and product development for Holland America Line. “Our guests can look forward to an enhanced experience designed to make the voyage truly unforgettable, one that honors the rich tradition of sailaway while elevating the deck party with touches of today.”
Through the partnership, Taittinger is now the featured champagne for Holland America’s sailaway parties. On embarkation day, guests can enjoy two exclusive cocktails featuring Taittinger crafted just for sailaway: the “Bubbly Bon Voyage” with notes of vanilla and passionfruit and the “Cast Off” featuring Flor de Caña rum, honey, and lime juice. These cocktails are included in the Signature and Elite beverage packages or can be purchased individually. Glasses or bottles of Taittinger champagne can also be purchased.
The sailaway experience will also include co-branded champagne carts that will be rolled out in late summer 2025 so the line can bring the celebration to guests around the ship.
Holland America’s revitalized sailaway experience has formalized the experience with a welcome toast and speech from the ship’s cruise director, accompanied by the exclusive song “Home to Rotterdam” as the ship leaves port. The tune will be available as a ringtone this summer.
Ship officers will be in attendance at sailaway to meet and mingle with guests. Additionally, celebratory music — coupled with dancing led by the ship’s activities team — will commemorate a festival atmosphere to kick off the cruise.
Holland America will also offer special passed appetizers during sailaway that reflect the region where the ship is sailing. For example, in Alaska, guests can savor Alaskan crab, hot smoked salmon, and Alaskan wild game sausage with onion huckleberry marmalade. On ships sailing in Canada and New England, mini lobster rolls and tourtière with maple syrup will be served. Guests cruising through northern Europe can enjoy Frikadeller with beetroot and cucumber, as well as caramel cheese with huckleberries. Those exploring the Mediterranean can sample grilled mushroom and roasted pepper tapenade as well as seafood antipasti.
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