Holland America Line Introduces Tea-Focused Culinary Program
Guests can explore tea traditions through tastings, seminars and curated shore excursions.
Holland America Line is putting tea at the centre of its culinary experience. The cruise line has introduced a new tea-focused program in collaboration with Art of Tea founder Steve Schwartz, who joined its Grand World Voyage as a Culinary Ambassador. The initiative brings a more structured and immersive approach to tea onboard. It’s one that goes beyond traditional service and into storytelling, technique and cultural context.
Programming ranges from guided tastings and small-group seminars to an elevated afternoon tea experience in the dining room. Throughout, the focus is on helping guests better understand tea, from how it’s sourced, prepared and appreciated across different cultures.
A custom tea blend, developed with Holland America Line, adds a signature element to the offering, reinforcing the cruise line’s broader push toward more curated, experience-driven dining.
The concept extends ashore as well. In ports across Asia, guests can take part in tea-focused excursions, from visiting traditional teahouses to exploring regional preparation techniques. The goal is to connect what’s happening onboard with the destinations themselves.
It’s a subtle shift, but a notable one. As culinary travel continues to evolve, experiences like this reflect a growing interest in depth over variety – where a single ingredient or tradition can anchor the entire journey.