Holland America Line already has an established presence in the culinary community with cooking classes, demonstrations and tastings in the Culinary Arts Center presented by Food & Wine magazine.  A partnership with Le Cirque to present “An Evening at Le Cirque in the Pinnacle Grill”, “A Taste of De Librije” presented by Jonnie Boer and a Culinary Council composed of renowned international chefs validates Holland America’s commitment to culinary excellence.  Going a step further, special “Sip, Savor and Sail” events on upcoming sailings seem a natural next step for Holland America Line, pairing culinary immersion with a variety of destinations around the world.

“At Holland America Line, cuisine is an important part of the overall cruise experience, and many of our guests want to learn more about local delicacies and culinary customs,” said Orlando Ashford, president of Holland America Line.

Indeed, on five special voyages of five different Holland America Line ships, guests will be introduced to the finest local cuisine and beverages along with specially developed shore excursions in the Caribbean, Europe and Alaska.  On board, guest chefs, local vintners, mixologists and brewmasters will share their expertise as specialized menu options will be featured in the dining room and alternative restaurants. New shore excursions with a special Sip, Savor and Sail focus will be available to complete the memorable experience.

“The Sip, Savor and Sail itineraries greatly enhance the Caribbean, Europe and Alaska cruises, and our guests are going to get a lot of exciting tips and recipes from the special chefs and mixologists.”- Orlando Ashford, president of Holland America Line

The Sip, Savor and Sail cruise in the Caribbean is ms Maasdam’s April 7 voyage. In Alaska, guests can join ms Westerdam’s May 2 departure, ms Statendam’s July 13 sailing or ms Amsterdam’s Aug. 16 voyage. In Europe, ms Ryndam departs May 4 roundtrip from Harwich, England, for France, Spain and Portugal.

Let’s take a look at each:

Maasdam 10-day April 7 Caribbean Voyage

On Maasdam’s 10-day voyage April 7, Chef Natacha Gomez will delight guests with her flavorful and unique culinary creations. Gomez is the catering manager of Kokiyaj Bar and Grill and owner of Chef T in Cap-Haitien, Haiti.

In addition to demonstrations, classes and tastings on the Caribbean voyages, the guest chefs will all host a Calypso Brunch in the Pinnacle Grill.

Sip and Savor shore excursions in the Caribbean include “History & Cuisine of San Juan on Foot” at San Juan, Puerto Rico; “Caribbean Culinary Experience” at Basseterre, St. Kitts; and “Catamaran Cruise with Lobster Lunch” at St. John’s, Antigua.

Ryndam May 4 European Voyage

Sailing aboard Ryndam on May 4 are Antony Bennett, executive chef of La Tasca authentic-style tapas restaurants in the United Kingdom. Recognized as a leading development chef, Bennett will share his passion for Spanish cuisine and tasty tapas dishes. Also joining the cruise are Master of Wines Simon Field and Rebecca Lamont, the Head of Wine School at Britain’s oldest wine merchant, Berry Brothers and Rudd.  Field and Lamont will help guests learn about wines from the region through wine tastings and tips about their area of expertise in Spanish and Portuguese wines.

Five shore excursions will highlight the region’s culinary and cultural contributions to the world, including “A Taste of Northwest Spain,” “Flamenco & Traditional Spanish Meal” and “Panoramic Cadiz & Jerez with Sherry Tasting.”

Westerdam May 2 Alaska

Westerdam’s May 2 seven-day departure will feature Jeff Maxfield, executive chef at the acclaimed SkyCity Restaurant, a revolving dining room atop the Space Needle in Seattle, and Seis Kamimura, executive chef CenturyLink Field, home of the Seattle Seahawks. Wendy Stuckey of Chateau Ste. Michelle winery located outside of Seattle will be onboard to impart her knowledge during several presentations.

On the three Alaska voyages, guests can savor local fare paired with select wines from Northwest vintners and brews from Juneau’s Alaskan Brewing Co. During a “Louder Chowder Cook-Off” competition, the guest chefs will go head to head, preparing chowder from mystery ingredients.

Statendam July 13 Alaska

On Statendam’s July 13 cruise, Executive Chef Perry Mascitti of Tulalip Resort Casino near Seattle, and Al Levinsohn, chef and owner of Kincaid Grill in Anchorage, will be onboard the 14-day voyage, along with Bob Betz, founder and winemaker at Betz Family Winery.

Amsterdam August 16 Alaska

The Aug. 16 Alaska cruise on Amsterdam features Kirsten and Mandy Dixon, chefs at both Tutka Bay and Winterlake lodges in Alaska, along with Chef Roy Breiman, culinary director at Cedarbrook Lodge in Seattle. Along with the chefs, Matt Oakley, winemaker at Long Shadows Vintners, will present a special collection of premium wines during the seven-day cruise.

Alaska cruises feature a total of 16 Sip and Savor shore excursions in Juneau, Homer, Kodiak and Ketchikan, Alaska; and Victoria, British Columbia. Examples include “Glacier View Bike and Brew” and “Alaska Salmon Bake” at Juneau, “Exclusive Mountaintop Flightseeing & Crab Feast” at Ketchikan, and “Corks and Canvas” and “Off the Beaten Path: Aviation Museum & Cider Tasting” at Victoria.

See your travel agent, visit HollandAmerica.com or callcall 1-877-SAIL-HAL (1-877-724-5425) for more information