Holland America Line’s 2026 Grand Voyages will feature members of the cruise line’s Culinary Ambassador programme.
Global fresh fish ambassador chef Masaharu Morimoto, Seattle restaurateur chef Ethan Stowell and master tea blender and CEO of Art of Tea Steve Schwartz will join segments of the 133-day Grand World Voyage. Chocolatier Jacques Torres will join a portion of the 93-day Grand Australia and New Zealand Voyage.
Both Grand Voyages depart on January 4 2026. In early March, the Volendam and Zaandam will be in Sydney together. Torres will host a Chocolate Teatime for guests of both ships.
Guests can connect with the culinary ambassadors through onboard experiences designed to showcase the artistry of each expert. For the chef ambassadors, guests can attend a live cooking demonstration, join a coffee chat to learn more about them and dine at a reservation-only dinner at Pinnacle Grill hosted by the chef with a curated menu. Schwartz will offer a tea tasting, a tea seminar and an exclusive High Tea experience.
The Culinary Ambassador segments of the cruises feature chef Masaharu Morimoto on the Sydney to Yokohama segment departing on the Grand World Voyage on March 7, 2026. Morimoto will be cruising while the ship is in his native Japan, offering locally inspired culinary experiences.
Chef Ethan Stowell will be on the Grand World Voyage for the Yokohama to San Diego segment.
Steve Schwartz will be on the Grand World Voyage when Volendam cruises from Seattle to San Diego on the Grand World Voyage. He will be onboard to share his culinary expertise of Pacific Northwest cuisine.
Chocolatier Jacques Torres will be on a part of the Grand Australia and New Zealand Voyage’s Sydney to San Diego segment, departing March 6.
Michael Smith, Senior Vice President – Guest Experience and Product Development at Holland America Line, said: “From Chef Morimoto’s artistry with fresh fish to Jacques Torres’ mastery of chocolate, these exclusive programmes give guests the rare chance to engage with culinary legends. It’s an extraordinary way to pair world-class destinations with world-class flavours, creating memories that can only be found on Holland America Line.”
