Holland America Line is set to transform the culinary landscape of its Caribbean sailings for the October 2025 to April 2026 season, introducing an array of new regional dishes, island-inspired cocktails, and immersive food experiences. This significant enhancement aims to deepen guests’ connection to the islands by celebrating their vibrant flavors and cultural spirit through an expanded “port-to-plate” initiative and signature creations from world-renowned chefs.
A Feast of Caribbean Flavors at Sea
This season, Holland America Line is bringing the authentic taste of the Caribbean onboard all six ships navigating the region. The updated menus feature a rich tapestry of local ingredients and traditional recipes designed to transport guests directly to the heart of the islands. From enhanced Caribbean-themed meals to entirely new dishes, the focus is on delivering genuine culinary experiences. Michael Stendebach, vice president of food, beverage, and rooms division for Holland America Line, stated, “This Caribbean season, we’re inviting guests to truly immerse themselves in the flavors and spirit of the islands through exciting new dishes, delicious drinks and meaningful experiences. From innovative offerings crafted by our Culinary Ambassadors to authentic new recipes, every bite is designed to transport guests to the heart of the Caribbean.”
A highlight is the elevated Caribbean Seafood Boil hosted in the Lido Market, boasting a lavish spread of warm-water lobster, fresh snapper, clams, mussels, pink shrimp, and Dungeness crab, all complemented by traditional sides and a warm Caribbean rum cake for dessert. Guests can also anticipate a Caribbean-themed dinner at the Lido Pool, complete with live music and a selection of local dishes. The Dining Room will feature new Caribbean specialties across all courses, including Chili Caribbean Shrimp Cocktail, Jerked Oxtail Croquette, Spiced Pork Belly, a Southwestern Salmon Bowl, and Pineapple Upside Down Cake. Furthermore, the popular Caribbean Brunch menu and a Caribbean Teatime will return, offering guests delightful culinary moments on sea days.
Culinary Ambassadors Craft Signature Dishes
Holland America Line’s esteemed Culinary Ambassadors are central to these new offerings. Chef Masaharu Morimoto, the cruise line’s Global Fresh Fish Ambassador, has introduced three exquisite new dishes to the Dining Room menu: Crispy Fried Market Whole Fresh Fish with sweet tamarind chili sauce, Yuzu Butter Grilled Lobster Tails with seasonal Asian greens, and Fresh Catch Grouper with a soy-ginger reduction. These dishes are part of the line’s Global Fresh Fish Program, emphasizing freshness and local sourcing.
Other celebrated ambassadors have also contributed their expertise. Chef David Burke presents a 15-ounce Boneless Rib Eye, Chef Ethan Stowell offers Spaghetti with Confit Lobster, and Master Chocolatier Jacques Torres provides a decadent Chocolate Dipped Cheesecake. These signature dishes, available for a supplement, are also featured on the suite room service menu, alongside new creations like Burke’s Spiced Steak Salad, Stowell’s Skin-on Steakhouse Style Salmon, and Torres’ Chocolate Mousse.
Immersive Experiences and Island-Inspired Sips
Beyond the plate, Holland America Line is enhancing the beverage program with an expanded Rum Ambassador program, featuring over 35 distinct rums exclusive to Caribbean sailings, including a Single Barrel of rum from Foursquare Exceptional Cask Selections. New juice and smoothie options will be available, and guests can enjoy Aperol Spritz Tricycle and Piaggio stations on Half Moon Cay, the line’s private island.
The culinary journey extends ashore with new culinary-themed shore excursions. These experiences offer guests unique opportunities to engage with local culture, such as rum and chocolate pairings in Aruba or learning to prepare Bajan specialties in Barbados. Onboard, updated cooking demonstrations in the World Stage will teach guests how to recreate regional dishes at home, showcasing techniques and ingredients like ginger mango chicken.
New Homeport and Season Details
For the October 2025 to April 2026 season, Holland America Line will deploy all three of its Pinnacle-class ships—Koningsdam, Nieuw Statendam, and Rotterdam—to the Caribbean, offering nearly 30 different itineraries ranging from weeklong getaways to 14-day voyages. Notably, Miami, Florida, will serve as a new homeport for the season, complementing the existing operations from Port Everglades. This strategic expansion allows for more opportunities for guests to explore the eastern, western, and southern Caribbean regions, including the Panama Canal. This comprehensive update underscores Holland America Line’s commitment to providing authentic, destination-driven dining and travel today.