Holland America Debuts New Caribbean Menu Items This Season
Holland America Line Brings Caribbean Flavors to Sea This October
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Holland America Line is spicing things up for their Caribbean cruise season. The cruise line just announced exciting new dishes and cocktails that celebrate the region’s amazing local flavors. These tasty additions will be available on all six ships sailing the Caribbean from October 2025 through April 2026.
The cruise line wants to give guests real local experiences through food and drink. They’re adding dozens of new menu items that showcase authentic Caribbean cooking styles and ingredients.
Celebrity Chef Creations You’ll Want to Try
Chef Morimoto, Holland America’s Global Fresh Fish Ambassador, created three special dishes for the main dining room. Each one costs an extra $25, but they sound absolutely delicious.
You can order Crispy Fried Market Whole Fresh Fish with sweet tamarind-chili sauce and pickled vegetables. There’s also Yuzu Butter Grilled Lobster Tails with seasonal Asian greens. The third option is Fresh Catch Grouper with soy-ginger reduction, steamed baby bok choy and baby carrots.
Three other celebrity chefs are also adding their signature dishes. Chef Burke created a 15-ounce Boneless Rib Eye for $24. Chef Stowell designed Spaghetti with Confit Lobster for $15. Chef Torres made a Chocolate Dipped Cheesecake for just $7.
Suite Guests Get Special Treatment
If you’re staying in a suite, you’ll have access to exclusive room service items. Chef Burke’s Spiced Steak Salad with Blue Cheese Dressing will be available. You can also order Chef Stowell’s Skin-on Steakhouse-Style Salmon and Chef Torres’ Chocolate Mousse.
These special items are only available through suite room service. It’s one of the perks that makes suite life even sweeter.
Caribbean Classics Join the Main Menu
The regular dining room menu is getting some serious Caribbean upgrades. New items include Chili Caribbean Shrimp Cocktail and Jerked Oxtail Croquette. You’ll also find Spiced Pork Belly, Southwestern Salmon Bowl and Pineapple Upside Down Cake.
The cruise line is adding special “port-to-plate” dishes too. These feature ginger-mango chicken, roasted grouper, and spiced barramundi. The idea is to serve fresh, local fish that reflects each destination.
The Ultimate Caribbean Seafood Experience
Here’s something that sounds incredible – a Caribbean Seafood Boil at the Lido Market. For $35 extra, you get a massive feast. The spread includes Caribbean seafood chowder, warm-water lobster, and blackened fresh snapper.
You’ll also get clams, mussels, pink shrimp, and Dungeness crab. The meal comes with red-skin potatoes, corn on the cob, cornbread and warm Caribbean rum cake. It’s basically a beach party on your plate.
Pool Parties and Special Events
Holland America is planning Caribbean-themed dinners around the Lido Pool. These events will feature local dishes and live music. It’s a great way to enjoy island vibes while at sea.
The cruise line is also adding bread pudding in several varieties. Plus, there’s a new Caribbean brunch menu in the main dining room. Weekend mornings just got a lot more interesting.
Rum Lovers Rejoice
The Rum Ambassador program is getting bigger and better. Holland America will feature more than 35 rums that are only available on Caribbean cruises. These special selections let you taste spirits you can’t find anywhere else.
Three ships are also getting new regionally flavored juices and smoothies. The Koningsdam, Nieuw Statendam and Rotterdam will serve these at their Juice@Gelato locations.
Learn While You Cruise
Want to bring some Caribbean cooking home with you? New cooking demonstrations will teach you regional techniques and ingredients. Members of the ship’s culinary team will lead these hands-on sessions.
These classes focus on Caribbean specialties and local cooking methods. You’ll learn about ingredients that make island food so special.
Holland America’s new Caribbean menu shows they’re serious about authentic experiences. Instead of generic cruise food, you’ll taste real flavors from the islands you’re visiting. The variety ranges from casual pool parties to elegant chef creations.
Whether you want a fancy dinner or a fun seafood boil, there’s something for every taste. The expanded rum program and cooking classes add even more ways to explore Caribbean culture through food and drink.
