HAL-Holland America Line will enhance its 2026 Grand Voyages by embedding members of its Culinary Ambassador program into select cruise segments aboard Volendam and Zaandam. Chef Masaharu Morimoto, Chef Ethan Stowell, Master Tea Blender Steve Schwartz, and Chocolatier Jacques Torres are slated to lead exclusive events and specialty experiences for guests.
The two Grand Voyages will depart January 4th, 2026. The Grand World Voyage will sail roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale aboard Volendam, while the Grand Australia & New Zealand Voyage will depart and return from San Diego aboard Zaandam.
On March 7th, the two ships are scheduled to meet in Sydney. At that time, Volendam will overnight March 6th and Zaandam will overnight March 7th, enabling a joint event: Torres will present a “Chocolate Teatime” aboard the ships for guests to mingle and enjoy his creations.
Guests will have opportunities to connect with these ambassadors in varied formats: live cooking demonstrations, reservation-only dinners curated by the chefs, coffee chats, tea tastings, seminars, and high tea events.
Morimoto is scheduled to join the Sydney - Yokohama (Tokyo) segment of the Volendam voyage, leveraging his role as the Global Fresh Fish Ambassador.
Stowell will embark for part of the Yokohama - San Diego leg, while Steve Schwartz will appear during the Singapore - Yokohama phase.
Torres, meanwhile, will be aboard Zaandam for a portion of the Sydney - San Diego itinerary of the Australia & New Zealand voyage.
In addition to these culinary events, Volendam will host special programming during its Pacific Coast run (from Seattle to San Diego), including the presence of Holland America executives who will engage guests, conduct Q&A sessions, and unveil future voyage plans.
Theme nights and gala events will continue to frame the voyages, aligning holiday and celebratory traditions with the immersive journey.