Holland America Line Elevates 2025 Grand Voyages with Celebrity Chefs

SEATTLE, Wash. — Holland America Line is set to elevate its 2025 Grand Voyages with the addition of two culinary stars: chef Ethan Stowell and chocolatier Jacques Torres. The renowned chefs will join select segments of the Grand World Voyage and Grand Voyage: Pole-to-Pole, offering guests exclusive culinary experiences and interactive sessions.

“Including Chefs Ethan Stowell and Jacques Torres on our Grand Voyages builds on our commitment to delivering unique and exclusive travel experiences on these longer cruises,” said Michael Smith, Holland America Line’s senior vice president for guest experience and product development. “These two extraordinary chefs will enable our guests to enjoy world-class culinary events that complement the breathtaking destinations and memorable moments of these itineraries.”

Ethan Stowell, celebrated for his innovative Pacific Northwest cuisine, will join the 124-day Grand World Voyage from April 19-25 aboard the Zuiderdam. Guests can expect live cooking demonstrations, destination-inspired dinners, and a special pizza event as the ship sails out of Naples, Italy. Stowell will also host a “Coffee Chat,” offering guests a chance to engage with the chef and learn about his culinary philosophy.

Jacques Torres, known as “Mr. Chocolate,” will join the 133-day Grand Voyage: Pole-to-Pole aboard the Volendam from April 29 to May 4. Torres will delight guests with live chocolate and pastry demonstrations, exclusive dessert tastings, and the beloved Chocolate Surprise parade. He will also host a decadent dinner at the Pinnacle Grill, showcasing his signature desserts.

The 2025 Grand Voyages promise unparalleled travel experiences, with the Zuiderdam visiting 49 ports across six continents and the Volendam exploring 68 ports across five continents. Highlights include scenic cruising in Antarctica, the Amazon River, and the Great Barrier Reef, along with overnight stays in iconic destinations.

For those unable to commit to the full voyages, shorter segments are available. The Grand Voyage: Pole-to-Pole offers seven segments ranging from 33 to 100 days, while the Grand World Voyage features six segments from 20 to 55 days. These options allow guests to tailor their experience to their preferences and schedules.

A highlight of the 2025 Grand Voyages will be the grand meetup of both ships in Barcelona on April 24. The joint overnight call will feature special festivities, including a show-stopping chocolate globe created by Torres, symbolizing the global nature of the voyages.

Beyond the culinary highlights, Holland America’s Grand Voyages offer exceptional service, diverse dining options, and immersive entertainment. Guests can look forward to gala balls, dressy nights, and menus that incorporate local ingredients and regional cuisines from their ports of call.

Whether savoring Ethan Stowell’s innovative dishes or Jacques Torres’ decadent desserts, Holland America’s 2025 Grand Voyages promise a culinary journey as unforgettable as the destinations themselves.