Holland America Line is introducing two new native Mexican Cultural Ambassadors onboard all the Nieuw Amsterdam’s cruises during the 2025-2026 season on the West Coast.
Per a company statement, the program aims to bring Mexican traditions, artistry and flavors to life at sea.
The Mexico cruise’s Cultural Ambassadors will lead guest experiences, including dance instruction, interactive workshops, Spanish language lessons, and engaging presentations and lectures. Some of these will include talks about the Mayan Civilization and Mexico’s “The Day of the Dead,” lessons in Mexican Mambo, Salsa, and Cha-Cha, a Mexican Piñata workshop, and teachings on crafting symbols of protection.
“From the moment guests step ashore in Mexico, they are immersed in a culture full of vibrant traditions and a deep sense of heritage, and we’re thrilled to bring that same spirit to life on board in a way that feels both authentic and immersive,” said Joe Chantry, vice president of entertainment and enrichment for Holland America Line.
Chantry also said: “Our Cultural Ambassadors are popular on our Alaska cruises, and Mexico was an ideal region to expand the program and offer our guests another chance to connect more deeply with the people, traditions, and heritage of the country before they even step ashore.” Holland America Line hopes that the Cultural Ambassadors will complement the impact of its Destination Dining and shore excursions while highlighting Mexico’s heritage.
Guests who book during the 2025-2026 Mexico cruise season will have the chance to enjoy everything the new Cultural Ambassador Program has to offer. A few of the cruise’s standout experiences include everything from tequila tastings with Corazon Tequila, hailing from the highlands of Jalisco, Mexico, to gourmet Mexican cuisine, such as Oaxacan lamb Leg Barbacoa and Azteca grilled shrimp with chipotle.
There will also be Destination Dining highlights as part of Holland America Line’s Global Fresh Fish Program. This program sources and serves fresh ingredients from around the globe, from port to plate, in 48 hours. During this cruise, guests can look forward to tasting fresh fish like grouper, cobia, red snapper, Pacific mahi-mahi and yellowfin tuna.
