Culinary Ambassador cruises from Holland America Line are redefining how travelers experience food at sea. In 2025 and 2026, select sailings will feature world-renowned chefs, expert mixologists, and tea masters hosting immersive culinary experiences on board. From cooking demos and cocktail pairings to curated menus and high teas, these voyages are designed to satisfy the palates of food lovers and curious travelers alike.
What to Expect on a Culinary Ambassador Cruise
Holland America Line has long been known for its refined approach to onboard dining. Now, it’s going a step further by inviting its Culinary Ambassadors—award-winning chefs and beverage professionals—to sail on segments of Grand Voyages and other select cruises. Guests will enjoy a unique lineup of food and drink experiences, including:
- Live cooking demonstrations by renowned chefs
- Exclusive dinners with curated menus
- Coffee chats and Q&A sessions with Culinary Ambassadors
- Specialty tastings of cocktails, wines, and spirits
- High Tea events and tea-blending seminars
This hands-on programming allows guests not just to taste, but to learn—bringing new flavors and techniques home with them.
Featured Chefs and Beverage Experts
The Culinary Ambassador team includes some of the most celebrated names in food and drink. Each professional brings a regional flair and depth of experience to the table:
- Chef David Burke – Known for his contemporary American cuisine, Burke’s signature dishes enhance the Pinnacle Grill menu. He’s been featured on “Top Chef Masters” and operates more than 18 hospitality venues.
- Chef Masaharu Morimoto – As Holland America’s Global Fresh Fish Ambassador, Morimoto brings his East-meets-West style to the fleet, especially via the Morimoto By Sea restaurant and sushi counter onboard select ships.
- Chef Ethan Stowell – Celebrated for his sustainable Pacific Northwest fare, Stowell’s influence spans from fresh pizza dough to Lido Market specialties.
- Bartender Ivy Mix – An agave spirits expert, Mix curates cocktails on cruises to Mexico and South America. She co-founded Speed Rack and operates the award-winning Leyenda bar in Brooklyn.
- Master Tea Blender Steve Schwartz – Founder of Art of Tea, Schwartz hosts immersive events including tastings, tea ritual seminars, and exclusive High Tea experiences.
2025 and 2026 Culinary Cruise Highlights
Each Culinary Ambassador cruise offers a limited-time opportunity to interact with these experts during special voyage segments. Here are a few examples of what’s coming up:
| Ship | Ambassador | Date | Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zuiderdam | Chef David Burke | Aug. 7–12, 2025 | Dublin, Ireland to Reykjavik, Iceland |
| Nieuw Amsterdam | Bartender Ivy Mix | Nov. 15–22, 2025 | Roundtrip from San Diego, 7-Day Baja Peninsula |
| Volendam | Tea Blender Steve Schwartz | March 25–30, 2026 | Singapore to Halong Bay (Hanoi), Vietnam |
| Volendam | Chef Masaharu Morimoto | Dates TBA | Segment in Japan |
| Volendam | Chef Ethan Stowell | April 29–May 3, 2026 | Seattle to San Diego |
These cruises offer rare opportunities to learn directly from culinary leaders in small, interactive settings. Guests can book reservation-only dinners and attend intimate events that go far beyond traditional shipboard dining.
A Journey That’s All About Taste
The Culinary Ambassador program reflects a broader trend in travel: the fusion of exploration and gastronomy. Holland America Line understands that today’s cruisers want more than just beautiful ports and onboard entertainment. They crave deeper experiences—especially those that engage the senses and offer personal enrichment.
Michael Stendebach, vice president of food, beverage and rooms division for Holland America Line, emphasized the program’s value by noting that it’s about more than just dining: “It’s about learning, tasting something new, having fun and perhaps getting some tips to use in their own kitchens.”
For those who’ve already cruised with Holland America Line, these ambassador-led sailings promise a fresh layer of flavor. For newcomers, it’s an unforgettable first bite into cruise culture—with global cuisine and award-winning beverages included.
With limited dates, curated menus, and headline-worthy talent, these voyages are perfect for travelers looking to indulge their appetite for adventure in the most literal sense. Whether you’re sipping rare teas in Vietnam, trying Morimoto’s sushi in Japan, or toasting with an Ivy Mix cocktail on the Pacific, the Culinary Ambassador cruises deliver something rare at sea: a voyage designed for your taste buds.
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Photo Credit: Holland America Line
