Holland America Line has confirmed the return of one of its most cherished onboard traditions, with the cruise line reintroducing its “Until We Sail Again” Farewell Dinner across its entire fleet.
The popular dining event will take place on the final evening at sea and is designed to celebrate the conclusion of a voyage while reinforcing the personal connections that have long been a hallmark of the premium cruise brand.
The experience combines a menu of guest-favourite dishes with live classical string performances and personal interactions between passengers and the ship’s leadership team. During the dinner service, captains, officers and crew members move throughout the dining room to thank guests for choosing Holland America Line for their holiday.
“The Farewell Dinner reflects our longstanding view of travel as a shared experience shaped by traditions, people, and time at sea,” the cruise line said.
The returning event will be available across all 11 Holland America Line vessels during 2026, although the company has not yet announced specific implementation dates for each ship. Some vessels may begin offering the dinner sooner than others as the rollout progresses.
Signature Dishes Return To The Menu
A key part of the Farewell Dinner’s appeal is its collection of classic menu items that have become favourites among repeat guests over the years.
Starters include French onion soup and coconut-crusted shrimp, while main course options feature fillet of beef Wellington and port-braised lamb shank. Guests can finish the evening with traditional desserts including baked Alaska and pistachio chocolate cheesecake.
According to Holland America Line, the dishes are prepared using fresh ingredients sourced from local communities visited by its ships, aligning with the cruise line’s broader focus on regional culinary experiences.
The company views the return of the Farewell Dinner as another way of strengthening the traditions that have helped define the brand for decades.
Longstanding Traditions Remain Central To The Experience
The Farewell Dinner joins a series of established events that continue to feature across Holland America Line sailings.
Cruises begin with the Sailaway Celebration, where guests are welcomed aboard with a champagne toast hosted by the cruise director as the ship departs port.
Another longstanding favourite is the Royal Dutch Tea, held on the first afternoon at sea during each voyage. The event showcases specially selected tea blends and is intended to evoke the elegance associated with classic ocean travel.
The line also continues to host its Orange Party, a celebration inspired by the Netherlands’ Koningsdag, or King’s Day, and the Dutch royal House of Orange. Guests are encouraged to wear orange clothing while enjoying themed cocktails, entertainment, decorations and activities throughout the evening.
Many cruise lines have developed their own signature
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