Seattle, Wash. – Holland America Line is enhancing its onboard and ashore experiences for the upcoming 2025-2026 Caribbean cruise season by introducing a vibrant array of new regional dishes, island-inspired cocktails, and immersive culinary programs. Running from October 2025 through April 2026 across all six of its ships sailing the region, these updates aim to provide guests with an authentic taste of the Caribbean, blending local flavors with the cruise line’s renowned fine dining standards.
The cruise line’s commitment to destination-driven experiences is evident in the extensive menu revamps, which feature new port-to-plate selections utilizing locally sourced ingredients, alongside enhanced Caribbean-themed meals and signature creations from Holland America’s celebrated Culinary Ambassadors. Michael Stendebach, Holland America Line’s vice president of food, beverage, and rooms division, emphasized the goal of these enhancements: “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 Culinary Expedition: New Dishes and Signature Flavors
At the forefront of the new offerings is an elevated Caribbean Seafood Boil, available in the Lido Market for a supplemental charge. This celebratory feast includes Caribbean seafood chowder, warm-water lobster, blackened fresh snapper, clams, mussels, Dungeness crab, shrimp, along with traditional accompaniments like red-skin potatoes, corn on the cob, and cornbread, all topped off with a warm Caribbean rum cake.
Guests can also savor new dishes crafted by Holland America Line’s esteemed Culinary Ambassadors: renowned chefs David Burke, Masaharu Morimoto, Ethan Stowell, and Jacques Torres. Chef Masaharu Morimoto, the line’s Global Fresh Fish Ambassador, has introduced three new seafood creations to the Dining Room menu (available for a supplement): Crispy Fried Market Whole Fresh Fish with sweet tamarind chili sauce and pickled vegetables; Yuzu Butter Grilled Lobster Tails with seasonal Asian greens; and Fresh Catch Grouper with a braised soy ginger reduction, steamed baby bok choy, and baby carrot.
Additional signature dishes from the Culinary Ambassadors include Chef David Burke’s 15-ounce Boneless Rib Eye ($24), Chef Ethan Stowell’s Spaghetti with Confit Lobster ($15), and Chef Jacques Torres’s Chocolate Dipped Cheesecake ($7), all available for a supplement in the Dining Room. Suite guests can enjoy exclusive new room service items from these chefs, such as Burke’s Spiced Steak Salad, Stowell’s Skin-on Steakhouse Style Salmon, and Torres’ Chocolate Mousse.
The Dining Room menus will also feature a broader selection of Caribbean specialties across all courses, including Chili Caribbean Shrimp Cocktail, Jerked Oxtail Croquette, Spiced Pork Belly, and Southwestern Salmon Bowl. New port-to-plate dishes highlighting local ingredients will include ginger mango chicken, roasted grouper, and spiced Barramundi.
Sipping the Island Spirit: Tropical Cocktails and Beverages
The beverage program receives a significant tropical upgrade, featuring an expanded Rum Ambassador program that now offers over 35 distinct rums, many exclusive to Caribbean itineraries. Guests can also discover new regional juice and smoothie options, as well as enjoy Aperol Spritz offerings from a returning tricycle and a new Piaggio cart at Holland America’s private island, Half Moon Cay.
Immersive Experiences: Cooking, Dining, and Exploring
Beyond the plates and glasses, Holland America Line is elevating the guest experience through interactive culinary programs and themed dining. Two new cooking demonstrations will be held in the World Stage, teaching guests how to recreate regional Caribbean recipes at home, such as ginger mango chicken with reggae potatoes. A Caribbean-themed dinner will take place around the Lido Pool, complete with local dishes and live music, bringing the island’s festive atmosphere onboard. Returning favorites include a Caribbean Brunch menu in the Dining Room and a Caribbean Teatime event, offering a delightful array of sweet and savory options.
To further immerse guests in the local culture, new culinary-focused shore excursions are being introduced. These excursions offer hands-on experiences such as rum and chocolate pairings in Aruba, cooking classes in Antigua, and guided tastings that connect travelers directly with the authentic food traditions of the islands.
With nearly 30 unique itineraries available across six ships, and a new homeport in Miami, Florida, Holland America Line’s enhanced Caribbean offerings promise an unforgettable journey filled with authentic flavors and vibrant island spirit from October 2025 to April 2026.