Holland America Features New Food & Beverage Culinary Cruises

Holland America Line is introducing Food & Beverage Aficionado Cruises in 2018 that showcase the talents of its esteemed Culinary Council, including Master Mixologist Dale DeGroff and the premium line’s wine curator and winemaker partners. The Culinary Council comprises a collection of elite international celebrity chefs who bring global influence to every dining venue across Holland America Line’s fleet of premium ships.

The cruise line also collaborates with acclaimed wine critic James Suckling on curating its wine program, master mixologist Dale DeGroff on its cocktail program and vintners from its home state of Washington, including Chateau Ste. Michelle winery, which helped develop the BLEND wine experience on board Koningsdam.

During each Food & Beverage Aficionado Cruise, guests will have the opportunity to attend cooking, cocktail or wine demonstrations; get to know the experts at presentations; meet them at photo opportunities; join an intimate reservation-only dinner in the Pinnacle Grill.

All events are complimentary excluding the Pinnacle Grill dinner. Guests who wish to make reservations for the specialty dinner can contact Holland America Line’s Ship Services department upon booking to secure their spot.

The key spotlight is on wine — and its fascinating journey from vine to table — on select Koningsdam itineraries throughout 2018. On each of these special cruises, a different Chateau Ste. Michelle expert will join the onboard vinologist for three, one-hour sessions each day at BLEND by Chateau Ste. Michelle. They’ll also be present for the ship’s special Cellar Master’s Dinner at the Culinary Arts Center, where the accent will be on perfect wine and food pairings.

BLEND — the only purpose-built wine-blending venue at sea — has a tasting table that accommodates 10 guests who can create their own blend from a selection of five barrels of single-vineyard red wine. In addition to participating in the blending process, guests also will learn about wine from each wine expert.