Holland America Line Makes Spirits Bright with Joyful Holiday Festivities and Culinary Traditions
Holland America Line is promoting a festive 2026 holiday cruise season centered on Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, and New Year's celebrations at sea.
Cruises combine holiday traditions, seasonal dining, ship-wide decorations, entertainment, and special family activities.
Festive Onboard Experience
Guests can expect:
- Elaborate holiday decorations throughout the fleet.
- Ceremonial Christmas tree lighting events.
- Carol singing and holiday-themed entertainment.
- Holiday movie screenings.
- Crew performances and family-friendly activities.
- New Year's Eve celebrations with shipwide parties and champagne toasts.
Seasonal Dining Highlights
Traditional holiday meals and themed events include:
- Thanksgiving dinner.
- Breakfast/Brunch with Santa.
- Christmas Eve Feast of the Seven Fishes.
- Nutcracker Tea.
- Hanukkah favorites such as latkes.
- Classic holiday staples including turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and eggnog.
New for 2026
- Magnolia Gingerbread Cake, developed through Holland America Line's partnership with Magnolia Bakery.
- Seasonal specialty beverages including:
- Christmas Cocoamint Coffee
- Vanilla Gingerbread Latte
- Eggnog Latte
- Festive cocktails such as:
- De Lijn Ginger Mojito
- Rudolph the Red Margarita
- Minty Elf Martini
Signature Gingerbread Villages
A standout Holland America tradition returns:
- Every ship creates its own handcrafted gingerbread village.
- Culinary teams design, bake, and assemble unique displays.
- Villages serve as festive centerpieces and a recognizable holiday tradition across the fleet.
Holiday Destinations
Holiday cruises sail to a variety of destinations, including:
- Caribbean islands
- RelaxAway Half Moon Cay
- Panama Canal
- Australia
- Antarctica
- Other warm-weather and scenic holiday destinations
"Save on Sunshine" Promotion
For select holiday departures, guests can receive:
- Up to 50% off cruise fares.
- Kids sail free as third and fourth guests in the same stateroom.
- For bookings made Oct. 13-21, 2026:
- Up to $200 onboard credit per stateroom.
- Complimentary specialty dining on select cruises.
Featured 2026 Holiday Sailings
- Baja Peninsula Koningsdam Nov. 21, 2026
- Panama Canal Holiday Zaandam Dec. 19, 2026
- Baja Peninsula Holiday Koningsdam Dec. 19, 2026
- Eastern Caribbean Holiday: Windward & Leeward Islands Rotterdam Dec. 22, 2026
- Southern Caribbean: ABC & Windward Islands Holiday Volendam Dec. 22, 2026
- Western Caribbean Holiday: Greater Antilles & Mexico Eurodam Dec. 26, 2026
