Start a New Tradition!
I think I’ll begin the evening with a Rudolf the Red Margarita, an intriguing concoction of 1800 Reposado tequila, Cointreau, pomegranate juice and fresh lime–it’s just one of the crafted cocktails that Holland America is whipping up for its series of holiday sailings this year.
I’ve decided to forego the holidays at Aunt Martha’s—and the menu she hasn’t changed in four decades–to do my celebrating aboard a Holland America cruise ship, sailing the sparkling emerald seas of the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America or Hawaii. I’ll send Martha a nice gift.
Whether your favorite holiday is Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah or New Year’s Eve, Holland America can help you create a new tradition with an extravagant stress-free celebration that’s perfect for the whole family—even the kids, thanks to whimsical holiday activities like “Breakfast with Santa,” and a Nutcracker Afternoon Tea that features a Grinch Truffle and Santa Hat cupcakes!
Give thanks in a big way during a 7-day tropical Caribbean sailing that stars an elaborate traditional turkey dinner. The less traditional might opt for beef tenderloin with apple rosti, honey-baked ham, or mushroom ravioli with sage while fish lovers might prefer to give thanks with a selection from Holland America’s Global Fresh Fish Ambassador Chef Masahura Morimoto (available at an additional fee).
During Hanukkah, guests aboard all Holland America ships will find traditional offerings along with special treats like freshly-baked challah bread, potato latkes with apple sauce and sour cream and doughnuts filled with strawberry jelly.
As Christmas draws near, your Holland America ship becomes a festive wonderland against a backdrop of holiday music and extravagant decorations that you didn’t have to put up! As you sail among gentle Caribbean or Mexican breezes, enjoy holiday dishes from around the world in the ship’s dining room or a special menu of Italian favorites at Canaletto. And, of course, there are those superb crafted cocktails—not only my Rudolf the Red Margarita, but Vanilla Gingerbread Latte, De Lijn Ginger Mojito, Minty Elf Martini, Spiked Eggnog and innovative non-alcoholic selections as well.
10…9…8…7…6… Imagine counting down to the New Year during a 16-day Hawaiian or 12-day Panama Canal cruise! Dive into a colossal crab tower with caviar, Sterling beef filet with butter-based lobster and a “chocolate countdown” dessert created specifically for this special night before grabbing your favors and toasts for a rollicking Lido Deck party until the wee hours—you might even find yourself headed to the New Year’s Day Brunch directly from the party! A special New Year’s Eve VIP Beverage Package that includes a reserved booth at the Lido Pool or B.B. King’s Blues Club, dedicated butler service and hot and cold appetizers all evening long is available at an additional charge.
Yes, this year I intend to start a new holiday tradition, leaving the planning, decorating, cooking and cleaning up to Holland America…and maybe I’ll even invite Aunt Martha to join me.
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Photos credit Holland America
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