Holland America Adds Tea Week to Volendam’s 2026 World Voyage

Holland America Line added a week of tea-focused programming to its 2026 Grand World Voyage aboard Volendam during the ship’s time in Asia, running March 24-30. The events were led by Master Tea Blender Steve Schwartz, founder of Art of Tea, through the cruise line’s Culinary Ambassador program.

How the tea week fit into the 2026 Grand World Voyage itinerary

The tea programming took place during Volendam’s 133-night Grand World Voyage, which departed Fort Lauderdale on January 4, 2026. During the voyage, the ship reached the Pitcairn Islands in February before continuing to later segments that included Asia, where the March 24-30 events were scheduled.

Holland America Line framed the tea week as an enrichment-focused, cultural and culinary experience with multiple touchpoints, designed to complement the pace of a world cruise itinerary.

Steve Schwartz’s role through the Culinary Ambassador program

Schwartz’s onboard engagement was tied to Holland America Line’s Culinary Ambassador program, which brings specialists onboard select sailings to host themed experiences for guests. Holland America Line said Schwartz also worked with the cruise line to develop a custom tea blend connected to the week’s programming.

“Tea has always been a bridge between people, cultures, and moments of ritual,” Schwartz said. He also described bringing that spirit onto the Grand World Voyage as “truly meaningful.”

Onboard programming: guided tastings, high tea, and tea education

The onboard schedule centered on structured tastings, tea service, and seminar-style sessions aimed at helping guests explore tea traditions and learn how different styles are evaluated. A recurring theme was tasting with intention, including paying attention to aroma and flavor, while giving guests space for questions and cultural conversations about tea rituals across regions.

• Exclusive High Tea in the ship’s Dining Room, where Schwartz guided guests through evaluating teas and how aroma, flavor, and structure come together in a cup.
• A hosted Tea Tasting Experience designed to give passengers a side-by-side framework for assessing tea characteristics through guided sampling.
• Educational sessions and conversations exploring tea history and the role of tea rituals in different cultures, positioned as enrichment rather than a one-off event.
• A concluding Rituals of Tea seminar that examined cultural meaning and tea-drinking practices, rounding out the week’s instruction-focused programming.

Holland America Line also offered afternoon tea services during the week as part of the broader tea theme.

Tea-focused shore excursions in Singapore and Vietnam

Schwartz’s programming extended beyond the ship through two shore experiences intended to connect the tea theme to local traditions. In Singapore, guests participated in the Journey Through Tea program. In Vietnam, the Lotus Tea Culture & Vegan Food Experience offered a closer look at how tea is woven into regional practices.

By pairing shipboard tastings with port experiences, the schedule tied tea education to destinations visited during the Asia portion of the voyage.

Volendam’s onboard atmosphere during the world cruise

Guests described Volendam’s world cruise environment as intimate and communal, with newcomers boarding at different ports, including in Asia, joining what some called a supportive floating community. The ship’s smaller size, with a capacity of 1,400 guests, was frequently cited as a factor in the onboard feel.

Passengers also pointed to what they described as a relative absence of digital distractions compared with larger ships, saying it encouraged face-to-face conversations and a sense of camaraderie that carried into daily routines, shore excursions, and evening entertainment. Some guests said the ship’s design and amenities made it easy to settle into a rhythm, whether working remotely during port days, spending time in quiet lounges, or listening to live music.

Ports that resonated during the Asia segment

Among the destinations highlighted by guests were Singapore and Halong Bay, Vietnam. Travelers described Halong Bay, in particular, as memorable for the experience of passing limestone karsts at sunrise, and some said the ports they visited during the voyage prompted plans for longer stays or return trips.

With the tea week completed, Volendam continues its 133-night world cruise itinerary with shipboard enrichment offerings alongside port visits.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When did the tea programming take place on Volendam?

The tea-focused events ran March 24-30 during Volendam’s 2026 Grand World Voyage while the ship was in Asia.

Who hosted Holland America Line’s tea events onboard Volendam?

Master Tea Blender Steve Schwartz, founder of Art of Tea, led the programming as part of Holland America Line’s Culinary Ambassador program.

What were the highlights of the tea programming during the voyage?

Featured events included an Exclusive High Tea in the Dining Room, a hosted Tea Tasting Experience focused on assessing aroma, flavor, and structure, and a concluding Rituals of Tea seminar examining cultural meaning and tea-drinking practices.

Were there tea-themed shore excursions connected to the program?

Yes. Shore experiences included Journey Through Tea in Singapore and the Lotus Tea Culture & Vegan Food Experience in Vietnam.

What makes Volendam unique for a world cruise?

Guests pointed to Volendam’s smaller size and 1,400-guest capacity, along with what they described as an intimate, welcoming onboard community. Some passengers also said fewer digital distractions compared with larger ships encouraged more conversation and connection during the voyage.