With events like Nutcracker Afternoon Tea and Breakfast with Santa added to new winter-themed stateroom décor packages, cruising makes the holidays merry and bright

Holland America Line is spreading cheer this holiday season with a host of new culinary traditions and enhanced experiences that turn each ship into a home away from home. Rather than cooking, cleaning and playing host, guests on a Holland America Line cruise throughout the winter holidays can indulge in a new Nutcracker Afternoon Tea, say cheers with a refreshed cocktail menu and enjoy spending time with loved ones surrounded by the sights and scents of the season.

By the beginning of December, Holland America Line ships will be adorned for the season with festive décor, including gingerbread villages, special lighting, presents nestled under the tree, menorah displays and more. From Thanksgiving through New Year’s, favorite holiday dishes will appear on menus throughout each ship, and bars will feature themed cocktails that capture the spirit of the season.

“The ambiance on a holiday cruise is special, and this year we’ve made some enhancements like a themed afternoon tea, breakfast with Santa, stateroom décor and even festive towel animals that are sure to delight our guests,” said Michael Smith, senior vice president, guest experience and product development, Holland America Line. “We are grateful to our guests who choose to share their holidays with us, and we want to be sure that we make it memorable — from a dish on the menu that tastes like home to activities that are fun for the whole family.”

Culinary Favorites Bring a Taste of Home

Holiday-themed culinary delights make guests feel at home without having to do the cooking. Menus will offer a traditional Thanksgiving dinner, Christmas Eve feasts with authentic dishes from around the world, and fresh jelly donuts and crispy potato latkes for Hanukkah. Canaletto will serve an Italian-inspired Christmas Eve dinner.

New this year, guests on Caribbean cruises can enjoy a “Breakfast with Santa” experience, and during the month of December a “Nutcracker Afternoon Tea” will be served on select sea days in the Dining Room on all ships.

Festive cocktails and coffees provide a sumptuous sipping experience, further enhancing the holiday spirit. 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.

Activities Make the Holidays Merry

Guests looking to experience the holidays to the fullest will have plenty of opportunities to make memories on every cruise. Family and friends can gather for a tree lighting ceremony, holiday movies, caroling and more. They can also make festive origami decorations, create ornaments in crafting sessions and learn cookie decorating tips and tricks from expert pastry chefs. Santa Claus is expected to make an appearance, and Holland America Line’s beloved towel animals will be joining in on the holiday theme.

In the Kids Club and Art Studio, families can look forward to activities like a holiday coloring contest and making holiday cards, plus handprint turkeys and wreaths. A holiday scavenger hunt will provide fun for the whole family.

Celebrations on board start with a tree lighting ceremony, and the fun continues with a Christmas Eve Party and concludes with a New Year’s Eve Ball, complete with a countdown to midnight and Champagne toasts. A guest favorite, the “Sounds of the Season” concert features performances by choirs made up of shipboard team members from around the world.

Holland America Line recently launched enhanced stateroom décor packages, and over the holidays guests can purchase the “Winter Holiday” package to make their stateroom even more festive. The package comes with special decorations and exclusive keepsakes, including two stockings, a decorative pillow and a “Happy Holidays” blanket. 

Pick the Perfect Destination to Celebrate the Holidays

With 11 ships to choose from, it’s easy for cruisers to escape cool winter weather and pick their ideal locale to celebrate the holidays. 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. Guests enjoy Christmas Day at sea before arriving in the late evening and can explore the city the next day to enjoy las Navidades even longer.

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. 

Offerings including Breakfast with Santa, Christmas Eve in Canaletto, holiday cocktails and winter holiday décor packages are available for an additional charge.

For more information about Holland America Line, consult a travel advisor, call 1-877-SAIL HAL (877-724-5425) or visit hollandamerica.com.

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About Holland America Line [a division of Carnival Corporation and plc (NYSE: CCL and CUK)] 

Holland America Line has been exploring the world for 150+ years with expertly crafted itineraries, extraordinary service and genuine connections to the destinations. Offering an ideal perfectly-sized ship experience, its fleet visits nearly 400 ports in 114 countries around the world and has shared the thrill of Alaska for more than 75 years — longer than any other cruise line. Holland America Line’s 11 vessels feature a diverse range of enriching activities and amenities focused on destination immersion and personalized travel. Guests enjoy the best entertainment at sea, and dining venues featuring exclusive dishes by world-famous chefs. A new global fresh fish program brings more than 80 types of fresh fish on board, sourced and served loc