Key Aspects:
- Holland America Line is bringing back the “Until We Sail Again” farewell dinner on the last evening of every sailing.
- The signature event features classic menu favorites like French onion soup, beef wellington, and baked Alaska.
- Multiple traditional events are held on every Holland America Line sailing, fostering a sense of connection and continuity.
Holland America Line prides itself on long-standing traditions that repeat cruisers know and enjoy, and in response to guest feedback, one beloved meal event is returning fleetwide.
The cruise line has officially announced the return of the “Until We Sail Again” dinner that will be hosted on every ship on the last evening at sea. The classic event features favorite dishes, live classical string music, and, of course, the legendary hospitality of the line.
During the dinner, the ship’s Captain, officers, and crew circulate through the dining room, thanking guests for choosing Holland America Line for their cruise vacation. This connection is what the cruise line hopes to emphasize.
“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.
To help foster the tradition, a stunning menu of signature dishes is featured for the “Until We Sail Again” dinner, many of which are favorites of long-standing guests.
French onion soup and coconut-crusted shrimp are on offer as appetizers, while the fillet of beef wellington and port-braised lamb shank top the entree selections. For dessert, time-honored classics such as baked Alaska and pistachio chocolate cheesecake are available.
All menu items are crafted with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, supporting local communities even while honoring the final dinner of a great vacation.
While the Farewell Dinner is returning to all 11 Holland America Line ships in 2026, exact rollout dates for the fleet have not been released. It is possible some ships may already be featuring the event while it is yet to return to other vessels.
More Traditional Events With Holland America Line
There are several other onboard traditions that are part of sailing with Holland America Line that help foster connection and continuity from embarkation to the Farewell Dinner.
It starts with the Sailaway Celebration and a welcome champagne toast from the cruise director. Festive dancing helps get the vacation vibes flowing as the ship pulls away.
On each cruise, the Royal Dutch Tea and Orange Party events are also guest favorites. The Royal Dutch Tea is held on the first sea day afternoon of every sailing, with bespoke blends of tea for an elevated event that brings back the elegance of traditional cruising.
The Orange Party is a fun nod to Dutch Heritage inspired by Koningsdag (King’s Day) and the House of Orange, the current reigning house in the Netherlands. Guests are encouraged to dress in their best orange shades and join the fun, with orange decor, signature orange cocktails, live entertainment, and unique activities to celebrate all evening.
Many cruise lines have signature events, from the Pirate Night on Disney Cruise Line to Scarlet Night on Virgin Voyages to the iconic ’80 Rock-and-Glow parties on Carnival Cruise Line.
No other line so fully embraces its lengthy history as Holland America Line, however, bringing favorite events to every sailing and ensuring that all guests have wonderful memories of these very special traditions.
“Bringing back beloved onboard traditions, such as the Farewell Dinner, is just one more way we continue to deliver experiences too good to hurry through,” the cruise line said.
“Before guests return to their regular lives, they are invited to connect to the world and each other one final time through delicious cuisine, impeccable entertainment, and heartfelt hospitality — at least Until We Sail Again.”
With such memorable events on every sailing, guests are sure to want to sail again and enjoy their favorite events over and over on every Holland America Line ship.
