Holland America Line will enhance its Grand Voyages in 2026 by adding members of its Culinary Ambassador program to select segments. Global Fresh Fish Ambassador Chef Masaharu Morimoto, renowned Seattle restaurateur Ethan Stowell, and Master Tea Blender and Art of Tea founder Steve Schwartz will join segments of the 133-day Grand World Voyage. Meanwhile, celebrated chocolatier Jacques Torres will participate in a segment of the 93-day Grand Australia and New Zealand Voyage, offering exclusive events to guests onboard.
As an added highlight, both Grand Voyages will coincide on March 7, 2026, in Sydney, Australia, with the Volendam in port on the night of the 6th and the Zaandam on the night of the 7th. While both ships are together in the city, Torres will offer a delicious Chocolate Teatime to all guests, featuring creations made by “Mr. Chocolate”. Furthermore, during the Pacific Rim cruise on the Grand World Voyage, Holland America Line executives will join the voyage to participate in special events.
“Our Grand Voyages are already among the most extraordinary travel experiences in the world, and the addition of our Culinary Ambassadors and special events elevates them to a new level,” said Michael Smith, senior vice president of Guest Experience and Product Development for Holland America Line. “From Chef Morimoto’s artistry with fresh fish to Jacques Torres’s chocolate mastery, these exclusive programs give guests the rare opportunity to interact with culinary legends. It’s an extraordinary way to combine world-class destinations with world-class flavors, creating memories that can only be experienced on Holland America Line.”
Both Grand Voyages will depart on January 4, 2026:
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The Grand World Voyage will sail round trip from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, aboard the Volendam.
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The Grand Australia and New Zealand Voyage will make the round trip from San Diego, California, aboard the Zaandam.
Guests can connect with these Culinary Ambassadors through enriching onboard experiences designed to showcase each expert's mastery while enhancing the cultural journey of Holland America Line's most immersive itineraries. Programs include:
- Live cooking demonstrations by the chefs.
- Informal chats over coffee to get to know them better.
- Exclusive dinners at Pinnacle Grill with a menu curated by the host chef.
- For Schwartz: tea tastings, seminars and a unique High Tea experience.
Featured segments with Culinary Ambassadors
- Chef Masaharu Morimoto: Grand World Voyage, segment from Sydney to Yokohama (Tokyo), Japan, departing on March 7, 2026. He will offer gastronomic experiences inspired by his homeland.
- Chef Ethan Stowell: Grand World Voyage, part of the Yokohama (Tokyo) – San Diego segment, embarking in Seattle.
- Steve Schwartz: Grand World Voyage, part of the Singapore – Yokohama (Tokyo) segment, departing on March 24, 2026.
- Jacques Torres: Grand Australia and New Zealand Voyage, part of the Sydney – San Diego segment, departing on March 6, 2026.
The Volendam offers 10 segments of the Grand World Voyage, ranging from 14 to 72 days, while the Zaandam offers 2 segments of the Grand Australia and New Zealand Voyage, of 33 and 60 days. Furthermore, on March 7, 2026, both ships will be in Sydney together. On that day, Torres will host a special Chocolate Teatime on the Zaandam, where guests can share the experience with travelers from the Volendam.
During the Grand World Voyage along the Pacific Coast, Stowell will showcase his expertise in Pacific Northwest cuisine, in addition to a special performance on World Stage (to be announced soon). Company executives will also join the voyage to interact with passengers, answer questions, and reveal the upcoming 2028 Grand World Voyage itinerary.
Both itineraries will feature elegant gala balls and themed celebrations, from Valentine's Day and Easter to Lunar New Year and King's Day. In addition, special evenings such as Great Gatsby Night, Biergarten, Grand Fair, Glamp Out, and Casino Royale will be offered.
Culinary Ambassadors
- Chef Masaharu Morimoto: Holland America Line's Fresh Fish Ambassador, Iron Chef , and creator of Morimoto By Sea restaurant.
- Steve Schwartz: Founder and CEO of Art of Tea, recognized worldwide as a master tea blender.
- Chef Ethan Stowell: Founder and CEO of ESR, with acclaimed restaurants in Seattle and culinary collaborations across the Holland America Line fleet.
- Jacques Torres: Master chocolatier known as “Mr. Chocolate”, winner of the James Beard Award and judge on the Netflix show “Nailed It”.
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