As a self-proclaimed Holland America superfan, I was absolutely thrilled to hear that the cruise line is bringing back one of their most beloved traditions: cooking demonstrations! If you’ve ever sailed with Holland America in the past, you might remember their Culinary Arts Center, a space where the ship’s chefs would turn the stage into a live cooking show. These demos were packed with tips, tricks, and mouthwatering recipes. Sadly, they disappeared for a while—but now, they’re making a comeback. And the fans (myself included) are here for it.
I actually got to experience the reboot of this fan-favorite activity firsthand during my recent cruise on the Nieuw Amsterdam. On the second day of our voyage—a sea day—my fellow cruisers and I gathered in the Rolling Stone Lounge to watch the magic happen. The featured dish? Grilled Seabass Tacos with Spicy Slaw and Lime Crema. The chef walked us through every step, from prepping the fresh fish (sourced locally through Holland America’s Global Fresh Fish Program) to assembling the perfect taco.
A Culinary Experience That’s About More Than Food
The best part? These demos are so much more than a cooking class. They’re an experience. Hosted by the ship’s executive chef and the cruise & travel director, the demonstrations are packed with stories about the history and culinary traditions of the region you’re visiting. It’s not just about learning how to cook—it’s about connecting with the destination on a deeper level.
For example, during the seabass taco demo, we learned about how the Caribbean influences flavors with fresh fish, tropical spices, and creamy citrus sauces. Even better, we could taste the dish later that evening in the Dining Room. And yes, they even handed out recipes so we could try recreating the dish at home.
Fleetwide Fun for All Foodies
If you’re already packing your bags for your next Holland America cruise, you’ll be happy to know these cooking shows are now fleetwide. On a seven-day sailing, you can expect at least two demonstrations, although mine only had one, but it was the first week this rolled out. Longer itineraries will have more shows offered. Each show is tailored to the region you’re sailing through, so you might learn how to make Macadamia Crusted Grouper in Hawaii, Braised Short Rib Empanadas in South America, or a Teriyaki Salmon Bowl with Cauliflower Rice on an Asia-bound voyage.
The dishes vary by destination, but they all have one thing in common: they showcase the fresh, locally sourced ingredients that Holland America is known for. Their Global Fresh Fish Program ensures the seafood is as fresh as it gets, often coming straight from a nearby port.
A Taste of What’s On the Menu
Just to whet your appetite, here are a few dishes you might see featured, depending on your cruise itinerary:
- Alaska: Barbecue Salmon Bowl, Honey Sriracha Salmon Bowl
- Caribbean: Bahamian Grouper with Bacon Grits, Crusted Rockfish, Grilled Seabass Tacos
- South America: Seared Grouper with Chilean Salsa, Grilled Shrimp with Chimichurri
- Asia: Red Snapper Coconut Curry, Mongolian Barbecue Lamb Chops
- Hawaii: Lomi-Lomi Salmon, Seared Opah with Mango Avocado Relish
Why This Matters
This move by Holland America proves that they’re truly listening to their guests. The return of cooking demonstrations shows that they’re invested in delivering experiences we love—and that they understand how much we value activities that connect us to the culture and flavors of the destinations we visit.
So, to Holland America, I say thank you. Thank you for bringing back a tradition that makes every sailing feel more immersive, fun, and delicious.