Cruise makes the vacations merry and bright with situations like Nutcracker Afternoon Tea and Breakfast with Santa being added to fresh winter-themed room décor items.
Seattle, Washington, October 28, 2024— Holland America Line is spreading joy this holiday season with a number of innovative cooking customs and unique experience that transform each send into a home away from home. During the winter months, guests on a Holland America Line journey may enjoy a fresh Nutcracker Afternoon Tea, a rejuvenated cocktail selection, and relaxing time with loved ones surrounded by the sights and scents of the year.
By the beginning of December, Holland America Line ships did remain adorned for the year with colorful décor, including cookies villages, special light, presents nestled under the tree, light displays and more. Favourite holiday dishes will be served on menus on all ships starting on Thanksgiving until the new year, and bars will serve seasonal cocktails that capture the spirit of the year.
” The atmosphere on a vacation cruise is special, and this year we’ve made some enhancements like a themed evening tea, meal with Santa, room décor and even festive blanket animals that are sure to delight our guests”, said Michael Smith, senior vice president, visitor experience and product development, Holland America Line. From a dish on the menu that tastes like home to family-friendly activities,” We are grateful to our guests who choose to share their holidays with us. We want to make sure that we make it memorable.”
Culinary Highlights Give Home A Taste
Without having to cook the dishes, guests can feel at home with these holiday-themed dishes. For Hanukkah, Menus will serve a traditional Thanksgiving dinner, Christmas Eve feasts featuring local ingredients from around the world, and fresh jelly donuts and crispy potato latkes. Canaletto will serve an Italian-inspired Christmas Eve dinner.
On select sea days in the Dining Room on all ships, guests on Caribbean cruises can now enjoy a” Breakfast with Santa” experience. Also, during the month of December, a” Nutcracker Afternoon Tea” will be served in the Dining Room.
Festive drinks and coffees give guests a rich sipping experience, boosting the spirit of the holidays even more. Guests can toast the holidays with a new menu, including a Minty Elf Martini, Rudolf the Red Margarita, De Lijn Ginger Mojito, Spiked Eggnog, Christmas Cocoa Mint Coffee, or non-alcoholic libations like the Vanilla Gingerbread Latte and Eggnog Latte.
What Activities Make the Holidays Joyous
On every cruise, passengers will have plenty of opportunities to make memories while soaking up the entire holiday season. Family and friends can gather for a tree lighting ceremony, holiday movies, caroling and more. They can also learn from expert pastry chefs about cookie decorating tips and tricks, make festive origami decorations, and make ornaments during crafting sessions. Santa Claus is scheduled to appear, and Holland America Line’s adored towel animals will be incorporating the holiday theme.
Families can anticipate holiday-themed activities like handprint turkeys and wreaths, as well as holiday coloring contests and holiday cards in the Kids Club and Art Studio. A family-friendly holiday scavenger hunt will be entertaining for the entire family.
The fun on board culminates with a New Year’s Eve party, which includes a countdown to midnight and champagne toasts, with a tree lighting ceremony. The” Sounds of the Season” concert, which is a guest favorite, features performances by choirs made up of shipboard team members from all over the world.
Holland America Line recently introduced enhanced stateroom décor packages, and guests can purchase the” Winter Holiday” package over the holidays to make their staterooms even more festive. The package comes with special decorations and exclusive keepsakes, including two stockings, a decorative pillow and a” Happy Holidays” blanket.
Choose the Ideal Location for the Holidays
Cruisers can escape the chilly winter weather and choose the location they want to spend the holidays on with 11 ships to choose from. Sample holiday sailings include:
12-Day Panama Canal Sunfarer, Rotterdam, Nov 17: After exploring ports in the Caribbean, South America, Central America, and cruising around the Panama Canal, guests can enjoy a relaxing Thanksgiving Day at sea.
14-Day Southern Caribbean Holiday, Volendam, Dec. 21: This itinerary allows guests to celebrate Christmas or Hanukkah and ring in the New Year on board. Highlights include Christmas Eve in St. Thomas, Christmas Day in Basseterre, New Year’s Eve in Oranjestad, and a relaxing New Year’s Day at sea.
7-Day Eastern Caribbean, Nieuw Amsterdam, Dec. 22: This cruise is ideal for travelers looking to spend Christmas or Hanukkah in a location well known for its festive season. The ship visits San Juan, Puerto Rico, on the holidays ( which are both celebrated on Dec. 25 in 2024 ).
7-Day Eastern Caribbean Holiday, Eurodam, Dec. 23: The ship overnights at San Juan on Dec. 25 after an evening arrival. Before arriving in the late evening, guests spend Christmas Day at sea, where they can spend even more time exploring the city the following day, enjoying las Navidades even more.
Have It All Adds Popular Amenities
Whether they’ve been naughty or nice, guests who book a holiday cruise with the” Have It All” premium package receive additional perks, depending on length of cruise: shore excursions, specialty dining, a beverage package and Wi-Fi.
For an additional charge, packages that include Breakfast with Santa, Christmas Eve in Canaletto, holiday cocktails, and winter holiday décor are available.
Credit: Holland America Line for the cover photo
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