Sailaway Getting Sparkling Makeover on Holland America
Sailaway parties have long been a tradition beloved by cruisers, raising a glass as ships embark on a new adventure and waving goodbye to loved ones and onlookers.
But Holland America Line thinks they may have become a little too, shall we say, predictable and ho-hum?
The cruise line announced it’s bringing back the “grandeur” and taking its sailaway parties up a notch.
“A new level of service and excitement infused into our sailaway celebration is the perfect way to start a cruise – whether it’s to the glaciers of Alaska or the sunshine of the Caribbean,” said Michael Smith, Holland America Line’s SVP of guest experience and product development.
He says guests can look forward to enhanced experiences “designed to make the voyage truly unforgettable” and promising events that honor sailaway traditions with an elevated and modern flair.
Beginning in late summer 2025, passengers will see Champagne carts and exclusive cocktails from Taittinger, one of the last remaining family-owned Champagne houses in France.
“Taittinger is thrilled to help celebrate sailaway with Champagne,” said Vitalie Taittinger, the company’s president. “For over a century and a half, the time-honored tradition of sailaway has been a moment for Holland America guests to indulge in elegance and excellence.”
“What better way for them to enjoy this elevated experience than with effervescence,” she continued.
Serving as the cruise line’s featured champagne, guests will have the option to purchase a glass or bottle of bubbly from Taittinger onboard (for a cost), and will also get to sample two drinks designed specifically for the sailaways.
The “Bubbly Bon Voyage” will feature hints of vanilla and passion fruit, while the “Cast Off” will be concocted with Flor de Cana rum, lime juice, and honey.
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The cocktails will be included in pre-purchased Signature and Elite Beverage Packages, which include up to 15 alcoholic beverages per day starting at $50.95 and $54.95 per person, per day (not including the 18 percent gratuity).
They will also be available for purchase for guests who haven’t purchased a drink package.
Fleetwide Sailaways
Holland America Line sailaways will be even more glam as the cruise line aims to make them a bit more formal.
As ships depart from port, the “Home to Rotterdam” exclusive sailaway soundtrack will be played. (It will also be offered as a ringtone for guests to download this summer to take the experience home.)
Ship officers will also attend the sailaway, mixing and mingling with guests as the ship’s cruise directors offer the welcome toast and give a little speech.
The full event will be coupled with music and dancing, so some lucky passengers may even find themselves having a dance with a ship’s captain!
Meanwhile, the cruise line’s Destination Dining will also be integrated into the sailaways, through passed appetizers with a focus on sailing locales.
“For example, in Alaska, guests can savor Alaskan crab, hot smoked salmon, and Alaskan wild game sausage with onion huckleberry marmalade,” said the cruise line.
For vessels enjoying cruises in Canada and New England, passengers can expect mini lobster rolls and traditional meat pies with maple syrup.
In the Mediterranean, guests will find grilled mushrooms and roasted pepper tapenade and seafood antipasti, while in Northern Europe, caramel cheese with huckleberries and Danish meatballs with beetroot and cucumber will be featured.