Holland America Line revives sailaway tradition with Taittinger Champagne, bringing back the elegance and celebration of a bygone cruising era. With a renewed focus on transforming the first day of every voyage into a moment to remember, the cruise line is enhancing its sailaway experience to delight guests across its global fleet.
As part of the revitalized tradition, guests can now enjoy festive entertainment, upbeat music, regional appetizers, and the sparkle of Taittinger Champagne as the ship pulls away from the port. The luxury Champagne producer has partnered with Holland America Line to become the featured pour at these elegant departures, adding an extra layer of sophistication to the onboard celebration.
Bon Voyage with a Bubbly Twist
On embarkation day, guests are welcomed with a formal toast led by the cruise director, accompanied by a curated soundtrack titled “Home to Rotterdam.” Ship officers join in to mingle with travelers as music, dancing, and a joyful atmosphere fill the decks. The soundtrack will also be available to guests as a downloadable ringtone starting this summer, so they can relive the moment long after the cruise ends.
To celebrate in style, two exclusive cocktails featuring Taittinger Champagne have been added to the menu: the “Bubbly Bon Voyage” with hints of vanilla and passion fruit, and the “Cast Off,” a tropical mix of Flor de Caña rum, honey, and lime juice. These are included in Signature and Elite Beverage Packages or available à la carte. Guests may also order Taittinger by the glass or bottle to elevate their personal sailaway experience.
Later this year, co-branded Taittinger Champagne carts will be introduced across the fleet, delivering luxury directly to guests on deck so they never miss a moment of the fun. The idea is to make the beginning of each journey as indulgent and memorable as the destinations themselves.
Celebrating Heritage with a Modern Touch
This initiative draws inspiration from the golden age of cruising, when bon voyage parties were held on the ship’s deck, and passengers waved goodbye to loved ones ashore. Holland America Line is honoring that legacy while updating it for today’s cruise traveler, blending nostalgia with modern amenities and personalized service.
“A new level of service and excitement infused into our sailaway celebration is the perfect way to start a cruise — whether it’s to the glaciers of Alaska or the sunshine of the Caribbean,” said Michael Smith, senior vice president of guest experience and product development for Holland America Line.
Entertainment teams lead dancing, while festive décor and live music set the tone for the journey ahead. Whether guests are embarking on an Alaskan adventure or a Mediterranean escape, the sailaway moment now marks the beginning of something truly special.
Destination-Inspired Appetizers Take the Stage
Adding to the immersive experience, Holland America Line’s Destination Dining™ concept now starts right at sailaway. Guests are offered passed appetizers inspired by the region where the ship is sailing. In Alaska, for instance, cruisegoers can savor Alaskan crab, hot smoked salmon, and wild game sausage with onion huckleberry marmalade. In Canada and New England, mini lobster rolls and savory tourtière are served with a touch of maple syrup.
Northern European sailings feature treats like Frikadeller with beetroot and cucumber or caramel cheese with huckleberries. Meanwhile, Mediterranean cruises offer roasted pepper tapenade and seafood antipasti, setting a delicious tone for the culinary journey ahead.
Creating Moments Guests Won’t Forget
The updated sailaway tradition is more than just a departure party — it’s a full-sensory experience designed to create memories that last long after the cruise ends. By spotlighting regional flavors, premium Champagne, and warm hospitality, Holland America Line has created a unique offering that blends tradition with innovation. It’s a reminder that for many travelers, the journey begins not at the destination, but at the moment the ship sets sail.
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