Sarah Bretz, ContributorHolland America Line is introducing a new “Dutch Day” experience on every cruise, which will celebrate the line’s over 150-year history that began in the Netherlands.
The highlight of Dutch Day will be a themed Dutch Dinner served once per cruise in the main dining room, with many of the dishes also available in the Lido Market buffet. Additionally, Holland America’s popular Orange Party will be held on Dutch Day and passengers will be able to enjoy freshly-made pofferties (mini Dutch pancakes) in the Crow’s Nest Café.
A new partnership with Daelmans Stroopwafel includes delectable desserts featuring the Dutch staple and a Daelmans Stroopwafel turn-down pillow treat in every stateroom.
“Holland America Line remains deeply connected to our roots in the Netherlands, and Dutch Day is the perfect way to honor our history through experiences that celebrate the culinary culture of the country,” said Michael Stendebach, vice president of the food, beverage, and rooms division for Holland America Line. “Our guests appreciate special touches like Daelmans Stroopwafel for turn down or a dish in the dining room that is distinctly Dutch, and we’re excited to expand the cultural experience for an entire day to showcase more of our heritage.”
Holland America’s Dutch Dinner Menu Items
The special Dutch Dinner in the main dining room features an extensive menu that includes both classic and contemporary Dutch delicacies. The selection of starters features a bay shrimp cocktail with Dutch cocktail sauce, Dutch pea soup, and mushroom cream puff pastry with hollandaise sauce.
Main courses will include Bami Gorena, a stir-fried noodle dish with chicken sate and peanut sauce; pan-fried dover sole with lemon butter; and hodge podge klapstuk with chateau potatoes. For dessert, a bosche bol (large chocolate-covered cream puff), tompouce (Dutch mille-feuille pastry), or a slice of traditional Dutch apple pie will be on offer.
Stroopwafels
In collaboration with Daelmans Stroopwafels — a family-owned bakery founded in the Netherlands in 1904 and famous for its authentic recipe — Dutch Day will feature Stroopwafel cheesecake for dessert on the dinner menu in the main dining room and buffet and a Stroopwafel Napoleon at tea time.
On ships in Europe, select bars will serve a Stroopwafel liqueur with hints of cinnamon and caramel. Additionally, in place of the traditional stateroom turn-down chocolate, guests will find a Daelmans Stroopwafel waiting for them on their pillow.
Crow’s Nest Café
New in the Crow’s Nest Café on all ships, fresh-made mini Dutch pancakes will be available every day (not just on Dutch Day) for a small fee.
Orange Party
Once per cruise, Holland America will hold the Orange Party featuring live music, cocktails, and treats. This event will now be held on Dutch Day. The party pays homage to the company’s Dutch heritage (orange is the color of the Dutch Royal Family), and guests are encouraged to wear orange clothing and accessories. During the after-dinner festivities, special orange-themed cocktails are available and servers will pass around finger-foods and sweets.
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