Holland America Line is taking its afternoon tea experience to the next level through a flavorful new collaboration with premium tea purveyor, Art of Tea. This partnership brings a bespoke tea blend to every ship in the fleet, infusing Holland America Line’s signature tea service with the heritage and charm of Dutch tea culture.
Introducing the Dutch Tea Time Blend
The newly crafted Dutch Tea Time Blend has been thoughtfully developed to honor Holland America Line’s roots and elevate the afternoon tea ritual on board. Created using the finest botanicals, this unique blend features a robust black tea base with delicate notes of orange, bergamot, marigold, and rose hips, a warm and aromatic nod to traditional Dutch flavors.
This special blend will now be served during all afternoon tea services in the main dining room, making it a central part of the guest experience. Whether it’s the Royal Dutch Tea, the Regionally Themed Afternoon Tea, or the Standard Afternoon Tea, guests can now savor a cup of history and indulgence.
When to Enjoy Afternoon Tea Onboard
Cruisers sailing with Holland America Line can enjoy a variety of afternoon tea experiences throughout their cruise:
- Royal Dutch Tea – Served on the first sea day of every voyage.
- Regional Afternoon Tea – Offered on the second sea day, with flavors reflecting the ship’s itinerary.
- Standard Afternoon Tea – Available on the third sea day for cruises lasting seven days or longer.
The Dutch Tea Time Blend will be featured at all of these services, as well as available in all coffee bars and specialty dining venues fleetwide.
Take the Taste Home: Tea Sampler Packs
For those who wish to bring the experience home, Holland America Line will offer a tea sampler pack in its onboard gift shops. This includes the new Dutch Tea Time Blend along with Art of Tea’s Earl Grey Crème and Pacific Coast Mint.
The sampler will also be available for purchase online via Art of Tea’s website, allowing guests to relive their tea moments long after their cruise has ended.
The Story Behind the Blend
To create this custom blend, Drew Foulk, Holland America Line’s Senior Manager of Beverage and Dining Operations and Innovation, partnered with Steve Schwartz, founder and CEO of Art of Tea. The pair traveled to Amsterdam to immerse themselves in Dutch tea culture and discover what makes an authentic Dutch blend.
Their journey included sampling local teas, exploring the renowned Albert Cuyp Market, and consulting with Tess Posthumus, a global beverage program partner for Holland America Line. Posthumus shared insights into Amsterdam’s historical connection to coffee and tea, rooted in the Dutch East Indies Company’s early trade routes.
“Along the journey, one particular expression that really resonated with us is that there are two Dutch words used across the globe and are present in almost all languages in one shape or form—these words being coffee and tea,” said Foulk.
A Blend Rooted in Heritage and Hospitality
The resulting Dutch Tea Time Blend is more than just a beverage, it’s a reflection of Amsterdam’s legacy, the Dutch spice trade, and centuries of hospitality. This infusion of flavor and tradition is designed to create a memorable, relaxing experience for guests as they sail with Holland America Line.
Whether you’re enjoying a leisurely sea day or indulging in a refined tea service, this new offering promises to make every sip a moment worth savoring.
Do you have any Holland America cruises planned? Please let me know in the comments below.
Happy Cruising!
Ethan
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Ethan Schattauer, a seasoned cruiser since the age of four, has gone on over 40 cruises with his family. Drawing from his extensive travel experiences, Ethan offers a fresh and youthful perspective on the world of cruising. He also writes about cruise cuisine, onboard experiences, and practical tips, providing valuable insights for cruise travelers worldwide.