Cruising with Chef Morimoto and other world-famous chefs

Ready to sail with world-class chefs? Holland America Line is bringing flavour to the forefront with a new wave of Culinary Ambassador cruises for the 2025-2026 seasons.  

The cruise company recently revealed its Culinary Ambassador Cruises, a new series of sailings that mix exciting travel with unforgettable culinary experiences.  

These aren't your average-themed cruises. Think about live cooking demos, curated menus, expert tastings, and one-on-one coffee chats with celebrity chefs.  

“Dining has become an essential part of how people explore the world, and our Culinary Ambassador program allows us to offer something truly special – an experience that goes beyond the plate,” said Michael Stendebach, Vice President of Food, Beverage, and Rooms Division for Holland America Line.     

Holland America Line’s Global Fresh Fish Ambassador, Chef Masaharu Morimoto, is also set to join one of the themed cruises called the 2026 Grand World Voyage during its stop in Japan. Morimoto is best known for his appearance on Iron Chef and his ability to blend Japanese precision with bold, international flavours.  

And while his exact dates have not been confirmed, his presence reflects the company’s passion for world-class cuisine.   

Hosts onboard 

But Morimoto is not the only big name onboard. This series will also feature hosts such as chefs David Burke and Ethan Stowell and beverage experts Ivy Mix and Steve Schwartz. Each adds their own twist depending on the cruise itinerary and hosts events tailored to their specialties.    

David Burke

Chef David Burke will be aboard the Zuiderdam from Aug. 7 to 12, 2025, on the Voyage of the Vikings segment from Dublin to Reykjavik. Burke, a celebrated restaurateur and culinary innovator, brings a contemporary flavour to Pinnacle Grill, one of Holland America’s most sophisticated dining venues. With a career that included appearances on Top Chef Masters, a suite of branded products, and more than a dozen restaurants, Burke’s presence is a rare opportunity for guests to learn from a chef who helped shape modern American Cuisine. 

Ivy Mix

Bartender Ivy Mix will join the Nieuw Amsterdam for a seven-day round-trip sailing from San Diego along the Baja Peninsula in November 2025. Known for her bold, regionally inspired flavours from across Mexico and Latin America, Mix brings more than just drinks to the cruises. As the author of Spirits of Latin America and co-founder of Speed Rack, a woman-only bartending competition that's raised over $1 million for breast cancer research. Her work is rooted in culture and craft, and she deeply respects the stories behind every ingredient.  

Steve Schwartz

Master Tea Blender Steve Schwartz will join the Grand World Voyage in 2026 alongside Chef Morimoto. He will appear from March 25 to 30 as the Volendam travels from Singapore to Halong Bay, Vietnam. Founder of The Art Of The Tea and regarded as one of the leading figures in the tea world, Schwartz will host a tea-tasting experience, a “Rituals of Tea” seminar and a high tea event with his award-winning blends. His presence adds an unexpected but elegant twist to the Cruise series, reminding guests that culinary excellence does not just stop at a plate. 

Ethan Stowell

Also on board the Grand Voyage 2026 is famous chef Ethan Stowell. Known for his fresh and sustainably sourced Alaska seafood. Making pasta and pizza crust fresh on board, Stowell’s work is beyond just seafood. He was named one of the Best New Chefs in America by Food & Wine magazine and one of the best New Chef All-Stars. Guests can expect to sail with a chef with culinary knowledge, expert tasting and creative food.   

Travel with CAA 

Whether you're sipping freshly brewed tea off the coast of Vietnam or watching a Michelin-starred chef plate dinner at sea, these cruises are designed for travellers who see food as more than fuel. They're for those who believe every journey should be savoured – bite by bite.   

Book an appointment with a CAA Travel Consultant to start planning your Holland America Line cruise. With your CAA Member Benefit, get up to $50 onboard spending per person for the first two guests in a stateroom.