Sarah Bretz, ContributorHolland America has announced the lineup of activities, food, and entertainment that will be found aboard its ships for the holidays this year.
By the beginning of December, Holland America Line ships will be adorned for the season with holiday décor including gingerbread villages, special lighting, Christmas trees, menorah displays, and more. From Thanksgiving through New Year’s, holiday dishes will appear on menus throughout each ship, and bars will serve themed cocktails that capture the spirit of the season.
Culinary Favorites
Holiday-themed culinary offerings will make passengers feel at home without having to do any cooking. Menus will offer a traditional Thanksgiving dinner, Christmas Eve feasts will include authentic dishes from around the world, and fresh jelly donuts and crispy potato latkes will be served for Hanukkah. Canaletto, HAL’s Italian restaurant, will serve an Italian-inspired Christmas Eve dinner.
New this year, guests on Caribbean cruises can enjoy a “Breakfast with Santa” experience. During the month of December, a “Nutcracker Afternoon Tea” will be served on select sea days in the dining room on all ships.
Festive cocktails and coffees will be available, with guests able to toast to the holidays with a new menu including a Minty Elf Martini, Rudolf the Red Margarita, De Lijn Ginger Mojito, Spiked Eggnog, Christmas Cocoa Mint Coffee, or non-alcoholic libations like the Vanilla Gingerbread Latte and Eggnog Latte.
Holiday Activities
On Holland America’s ships, family and friends can gather for a tree lighting ceremony, Christmas movies, caroling, and more. They can also make festive origami decorations, make ornaments in crafting sessions, and learn cookie decorating tips and tricks from expert pastry chefs. Santa Claus is expected to make an appearance, and the line’s towel animals will be joining in on the holiday theme.
In the Kids Club and Art Studio, families can take part in activities like a holiday coloring contest and making holiday cards, plus handprint turkeys and wreaths. A holiday scavenger hunt will provide fun for the whole family.
Celebrations on board will start with a Christmas tree lighting ceremony, and the fun will continue with a Christmas Eve Party. It will conclude with a New Year’s Eve ball complete with a countdown to midnight and champagne toasts.
A guest favorite, the “Sounds of the Season” concert, features performances by choirs made up of shipboard team members from around the world.
Holland America recently launched enhanced stateroom décor packages, and over the holidays guests can purchase the “Winter Holiday” package to add a festive touch to their stateroom. The package comes with special decorations and exclusive keepsakes including two stockings, a decorative pillow, and a “Happy Holidays” blanket.
Holland America Holiday Itineraries
With 11 ships to choose from, it’s easy for travelers to escape the cool winter weather and pick their ideal spot to celebrate the holidays.
Sample holiday sailings include:
- 12-Day Panama Canal Sunfarer, Rotterdam, Nov 17: After exploring ports in the Caribbean, South America, Central America, and cruising around the Panama Canal, guests can enjoy a relaxing Thanksgiving Day at sea.
- 14-Day Southern Caribbean Holiday, Volendam, Dec. 21: This itinerary allows guests to celebrate Christmas or Hanukkah and ring in the New Year on board. Highlights include Christmas Eve in St. Thomas, Christmas Day in Basseterre, New Year’s Eve in Oranjestad, and a relaxing New Year’s Day at sea.
- 7-Day Eastern Caribbean, Nieuw Amsterdam, Dec. 22: This cruise is ideal for travelers looking to spend Christmas or Hanukkah in a location well known for its festive season. The ship visits San Juan, Puerto Rico, on the holidays (which are both celebrated on Dec. 25 in 2024).
- 7-Day Eastern Caribbean Holiday, Eurodam, Dec. 23: The ship overnights at San Juan on Dec. 25 after an evening arrival. Guests enjoy Christmas Day at sea before arriving in the late evening and can explore the city the next day to enjoy las Navidades even longer.
Comments
Have you ever taken a cruise over a major holiday and if so, would you do it again? Are you planning to sail Holland America this winter? Drop us an anchor below and let us know!
