by Sarah Kuta
Last updated: 11:00 AM ET, Thu October 15, 2026
Holland America Line is adding seasonal dining, holiday entertainment and festive décor to its 2026 holiday cruises, with Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas and New Year’s celebrations planned across its fleet.
The cruise line’s holiday offerings will include traditional Thanksgiving dinners, a Christmas Eve Feast of the Seven Fishes, Breakfast with Santa and seasonal beverages. Ships also will feature gingerbread village displays, holiday movies, carol singing and crew performances.
“The holidays are a time when traditions and togetherness matter most, and traveling doesn’t mean leaving those traditions behind,” says Michael Stendebach, vice president of food, beverage and rooms division for Holland America Line.
New for the 2026 season is a Magnolia Gingerbread Cake, available in the main Dining Room. The dessert extends the cruise line’s partnership with Magnolia Bakery, bringing the bakery’s flavors to its holiday menu.
Other seasonal food offerings will include latkes, turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, eggnog and Nutcracker Tea. Guests also can order holiday-themed coffee drinks, including a Vanilla Gingerbread Latte and Eggnog Latte, and cocktails such as the Rudolph the Red Margarita and Minty Elf Martini.
Beyond dining, Holland America Line will decorate its ships for the season and host tree-lighting ceremonies, family-friendly activities and holiday entertainment. New Year’s Eve celebrations will include parties and a champagne toast to welcome 2027.
The holiday programming will be available on cruises visiting destinations including the Caribbean, Antarctica and Australia.
Holland America Line also is promoting its “Save on Sunshine” offer, which includes up to 50 percent off cruise fares and free fares for third and fourth guests ages covered by the offer sharing a stateroom on select departures. Guests who book between now and October 21, 2026, also can receive up to $200 in onboard credit per stateroom and a complimentary night of specialty dining on select holiday cruises.
Sample itineraries for the 2026 holiday season include:
- “Baja Peninsula:” A seven-day roundtrip cruise aboard Koningsdam, departing San Diego, California, November 21.
- “Panama Canal Holiday:” A 15-day cruise aboard Zaandam, sailing from San Diego to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, departing December 19.
- “Eastern Caribbean Holiday: Windward & Leeward Islands:” An 11-day roundtrip cruise aboard Rotterda*, departing Fort Lauderdale December 22.
- “Southern Caribbean: ABC & Windward Islands Holiday:” A 14-day roundtrip cruise aboard Volendam, departing Fort Lauderdale December 22.
- “Western Caribbean Holiday: Greater Antilles & Mexico:” A seven-day roundtrip cruise aboard Eurodam, departing Fort Lauderdale December 26.
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