Holland America Line launches 'Dutch Day' experience

The cruise line will offer a Dutch themed dinner once per cruise in the main dining room, with many of the dishes also offered in the casual Lido Market. The menu features classic and contemporary dishes including Dutch Pea Soup, Hodge Podge Klapstuk and a Bosche Bol, a chocolate covered cream puff.

Holland America Line has also partnered with Daelmans Stroopwafels, a family-owned bakery founded in the Netherlands in 1904, to offer Stroopwafel Cheesecake for dessert in the dining room and Lido Market and a Stroopwafel Napoleon at tea time.

Select bars will serve a Stroopwafel Liqueur with hints of cinnamon and caramel on ships sailing in Europe. Additionally, in place of the traditional stateroom turn-down chocolate, guests will find a Daelmans Stroopwafel waiting for them on their pillow.

On all 11 ships, the Crow’s Nest Café will offer daily fresh poffertjes - a traditional Dutch treat resembling small, fluffy pancakes - for an additional charge.

Michael Stendebach, vice president of food, beverage and rooms division at Holland America Line, said: “Holland America Line remains deeply connected to our roots in the Netherlands and ‘Dutch Day’ is the perfect way to honour our history through experiences that celebrate the culinary culture of the country. Our guests appreciate special touches like Daelmans Stroopwafel for turn down or a dish in the dining room that is distinctly Dutch. We’re excited to expand the cultural experience for an entire day to showcase more of our heritage.”

Holland America Line’s Orange Party will now be held on ‘Dutch Day’. The party takes place once per cruise and pays homage to the line’s heritage with live music, cocktails and other themed activities. 

‘Dutch Day’ is part of Holland America Line’s programming that offers authentic experiences to immerse guests in the culture, history and traditions of the places visited on each cruise.