Holland America Line has highlighted special onboard programming for the 2026 holiday season, bringing festive traditions and seasonal flavors to sea.
Across the fleet, guests can look forward to a festive atmosphere with seasonal décor, ceremonial tree lightings and special programming, whether exploring the tropical islands of the Caribbean, glaciers of Antarctica or landscapes of Australia.
“The holidays are a time when traditions and togetherness matter most, and traveling doesn’t mean leaving those traditions behind,” said Michael Stendebach, vice president of food, beverage and rooms division for Holland America Line.
“Onboard, guests can celebrate in ways that feel familiar while also making new memories with the people they care about. From cherished meals to time spent together, we’re creating moments for guests to feel like they have a piece of home with them during the holidays.”
Entertainment will include carol singing, holiday movies, crew performances and family-friendly activities, paired with a New Year’s Eve party with champagne.
Guests can gather for Thanksgiving dinner, start Christmas with “Breakfast with Santa,” enjoy “Feast of the Seven Fishes” on Christmas Eve and savor “Nutcracker Tea.”
Holiday menu includes items such as latkes, turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce and eggnog, accompanied by destination-inspired holiday flavors from around the world that give guests a chance to discover new tastes.
New for 2026 is a seasonal Magnolia Gingerbread Cake available in the Dining Room, created as an extension of Holland America Line’s partnership with Magnolia Bakery.
Across the fleet, shipboard culinary teams will create elaborate gingerbread village displays, with each ship creating its own unique design.
Holiday spirit extends to beverages, with seasonal coffee creations including Christmas Cocoamint Coffee, Vanilla Gingerbread Latte and Eggnog Latte, alongside festive cocktails such as the De Lijn Ginger Mojito, Rudolph the Red Margarita and Minty Elf Martini.
Example Holiday Cruises for 2026:
- seven-day “Baja Peninsula” (Koningsdam), roundtrip from San Diego, California, departing Nov. 21, 2026.
- 15-day “Panama Canal Holiday” (Zaandam), from San Diego to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, departing Dec. 19, 2026.
- seven-day “Baja Peninsula Holiday” (Koningsdam), roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, departing Dec. 19, 2026.
- 11-day “Eastern Caribbean Holiday: Windward & Leeward Islands” (Rotterdam), roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale, departing Dec. 22, 2026.
- 14-day “Southern Caribbean: ABC & Windward Islands Holiday” (Volendam), roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale, departing Dec. 22, 2026.
- seven-day “Western Caribbean Holiday: Greater Antilles & Mexico” (Eurodam), roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale, departing Dec. 26, 2026.
Thanks to the “Save on Sunshine” offer, guests can get up to 50 percent off cruise fares and kids sail free as a third and fourth guest in the same stateroom on select departures.
Guests who book between Oct. 13-21, 2026, also receive a bonus of up to $200 onboard credit per stateroom and complimentary night of specialty dining on select holiday cruises.
