Holland America Line is enhancing its iconic Grand Voyages
in 2026 with four new additions to its Culinary Ambassador Program.
Chef Masahara Morimoto, Seattle Restauranteur Chef Ethan
Stowell and Steve Schwartz, Master Tea Blender, Founder and CEO of Art of Tea will
join segments of the 122-day Grand World Voyage and Chocolatier Jacques Torres
will join a portion of the 93-day Grand Australia and New Zealand Voyage.
Torres will also host a Chocolate Teatime onboard when two
Grand Voyages meet March 7, 2026 in Sydney, Australia.
"Our Grand Voyages are already among the most
remarkable travel experiences in the world, and the addition of our Culinary
Ambassadors and special events elevates them to a new level," said Michael
Smith, Holland America Line's senior vice president, guest experience and
product development.
He added, "From Chef Morimoto's artistry with fresh
fish to Jacques Torres' mastery of chocolate, these exclusive programs give
guests the rare chance to engage with culinary legends. It's an extraordinary
way to pair world-class destinations with world-class flavors, creating
memories that can only be found on Holland America Line."
Both Grand Voyages depart Jan. 4, 2026. The Grand World
Voyage sails roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, aboard Volendam, and the
Grand Australia and New Zealand Voyage roundtrip leaves from San Diego,
California, aboard Zaandam.
Guests with less time or wanting a sampling of a Grand World
Voyage can choose from 10 booking dates ranging from 14 to 72 days, and two
segments on the 2026 Grand Australia and New Zealand Voyage of 33 or 60 days.
Culinary Ambassador segments include:
- Chef Masaharu Morimoto: Grand World
Voyage, will be on the Sydney to Yokohama (Tokyo), Japan, segment that departs
March 7, 2026. Morimoto will be cruising while the ship is in his native Japan,
offering locally inspired culinary experiences.
- Chef Ethan Stowell: Grand World Voyage,
will be on for part of the Yokohama (Tokyo), to San Diego segment, embarking in
Seattle.
- Master Tea Blender and Art of Tea Founder and
CEO Steve Schwartz: Grand World Voyage, will be on for a part of the
Singapore to Yokohama (Tokyo) segment, departing March 24, 2026.
- Chocolatier Jacques Torres: Grand
Australia and New Zealand Voyage, will be on for a part of the Sydney to San
Diego segment, departing March 6, 2026.
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