Holland America Intros New Regional Dishes, Island-Inspired Cocktails for Upcoming Caribbean Cruise Season

Holland America Line is bringing the Caribbean onboard with a new selection of regional dishes and island-inspired cocktails, available onboard all six ships exploring the Caribbean from October 2025 to April 2026.

The expanded options include new port-to-plate selections and enhanced Caribbean-themed meals. The onboard cooking demonstrations in World Stage will also be updated to feature regional dishes, and several new shore excursions offer insights into the local culinary scene.

“This Caribbean season, we’re inviting guests to truly immerse themselves in the flavors and spirit of the islands through exciting new dishes, delicious drinks and meaningful experiences,” said Michael Stendebach, vice president of food, beverage and rooms division for Holland America Line. “From innovative offerings crafted by our Culinary Ambassadors to authentic new recipes, every bite is designed to transport guests to the heart of the Caribbean.” 

Highlights of Holland America’s New Caribbean Culinary Options

New port-to-plate dishes in the main dining room, which source local ingredients and are a part of Holland America Line’s Global Fresh Fish Program, include ginger mango chicken, roasted grouper and spiced Barramundi. The line’s Global Fish Ambassador, Chef Morimoto, also created three new dishes for the MDR (each available for a $25 supplement): Crispy Fried Market Whole Fresh Fish with sweet tamarind chili sauce and pickled vegetables; Yuzu Butter Grilled Lobster Tails with seasonal Asian greens; and Fresh Catch Grouper with braised, soy ginger reduction, steamed baby bok choy and baby carrot.

HAL’s culinary ambassadors Burke, Stowell and Torres also will each introduce a new dish on the dining room menu (available for a supplement): Burke’s 15-ounce Boneless Rib Eye ($24), Stowell’s Spaghetti with Confit Lobster ($15) and Torres’ Chocolate Dipped Cheesecake ($7).

Menus will call out Caribbean specialties across all courses, including Chili Caribbean Shrimp Cocktail, Jerked Oxtail Croquette, Spiced Pork Belly, Southwestern Salmon Bowl and Pineapple Upside Down Cake.

Cruisers will be able to enjoy an elevated Caribbean seafood boil in the Lido Market (available for a $35 supplement) featuring Caribbean seafood chowder, warm-water lobster, blackened fresh snapper, clams, mussels, pink shrimp, and Dungeness crab, along with various sides.

Finally, a Caribbean-themed dinner around the Lido Pool will bring the spirit of the islands on board with an array of local dishes and live music.

Holland America’s Caribbean-Inspired Drink Choices

For the upcoming Caribbean season, the line’s Rum Ambassador program will expand to feature more than 35 distinct rums, only available on Caribbean cruises.

At RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay, guests can opt for the new Aperol Spritz Piaggio or the returning Aperol Spritz Tricycle.

New regionally-flavored juices and smoothies will be made available at Juice@Gelato onboard Koningsdam, Nieuw Statendam, and Rotterdam.