Holland America Line Debuts ‘Farewell Dinner’ as Finale to Every Cruise

Holland America Line is introducing the “Farewell Dinner,” a new experience in the Dining Room designed to serve as a fitting finale to every cruise. 

Inspired by the experiences that make each voyage memorable, the “Farewell Dinner” seeks to celebrate connection—bringing guests and crew together to toast the stories, friendships and meaningful moments created along the way.

Held on the final evening of the voyage, the “Farewell Dinner” offers a specially curated menu that is inspired by Holland America Line’s culinary heritage. But the line says it’s more than just a meal: the Dining Room comes alive throughout the evening with the energy and camaraderie that define the last night, putting a spotlight on heartfelt moments shared between guests and crew.

“As a brand built on more than 150 years of history and hospitality, we know some of the most meaningful moments of a cruise happen around the dinner table,” said Michael Stendebach, HAL’s SVP of food, beverage and rooms division. 

“The ‘Farewell Dinner’ is designed to celebrate the journey guests have shared together while creating a memorable farewell before they return home. Featuring dishes that have long been connected to cruising and to Holland America makes the last night with us even more special.”

A highlight of the evening is the traditional “Gelang Sipaku Gelang” song, a Holland America Line tradition that brings guests and crew together in a joyful farewell. The moment serves as a sendoff, celebrating not only the voyage that has come to an end, but also the connections that will travel home with guests long after they leave the ship.

As guests gather in the Dining Room, “Home to Rotterdam” plays in the background and the ship’s cruise director reflects on memorable moments from the cruise—from destinations explored and shipboard highlights to friendships formed along the way.

The evening also honours the culinary team whose care, creativity and service helped create memorable dining experiences on board. During the celebration, team members make their way around the Dining Room, giving guests the chance to meet the people behind the meals they enjoyed throughout the voyage.

Menu Highlights

The special menu for the “Farewell Dinner” was designed to celebrate Holland America’s culinary traditions. 

Set Sail Starters: Chilled Sweet Potato and Stracciatella Salad; Classic Ceasar Salad; Captain’s Antipasto Plate with bresaola beef, dry-cured pork and prosciutto; Coconut Crusted Shrimp; Iceberg Wedge Salad; Crab Bisque; and French Onion Soup.

Sea Day Entrées: Truffled Mushroom Risotto; Port Braised Lamb Shank; Fillet of Beef Wellington; Pork Tenderloin with Cider Apple Puree; Chicken Supreme with Mushroom in White Cream Sauce; Buttered Shrimp; Salmon with Capers and Dill; Oven-Baked Eggplant Parmigiana.

Additional entrée items are available for a surcharge, including a 15-ounce Pinnacle Grill Boneless Ribeye, Steamed Fresh Halibut and Broiled Lobster Tail.

Set Sail Desserts: Apple Crisp with French Vanilla Ice Cream; Baked Alaska with Brandy Bing Cherry Sauce; Pistachio Chocolate Cheesecake; Banana Pudding; Black Forest Sundae with vanilla ice cream, chocolate sponge cake and cherry compote.

A Pre-Boarding Drinks menu complements the cuisine, with cocktails such as the Paper Plane, Como Spirit, Penicillin and Dutch 75.