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Holland America Line is known for serving destination-inspired cuisine on board, and this culinary focus extends to holiday celebrations. While the winter holidays often feature comfort spices and holiday sweets, spring sailing brings its own seasonal traditions.
During Passover and Easter, passengers can look forward to meaningful celebrations, special menus and festive moments across the fleet.
Passover celebration on board
Guest-led cross-fleet family dinner
Passover begins at sunset on April 1, 2026, and every Holland America Line ship will host a guest-hosted Passover Seder. In Volendam, a rabbi who sailed the Great World will officiate at the ceremony.
The traditional Seder plate will display symbolic foods including baked eggs, roasted shank bones, parsley, horseradish, romaine lettuce and charcoal.
Traditional Passover menu
The multi-course Seder dinner will feature classic Passover dishes that honor the culinary traditions of the holiday. Guests can enjoy fish balls with beet and horseradish sauce, matzo chicken ball soup, and tomato and cucumber salad.
Entrees include imperial chicken with carrots, sweet potatoes, prunes, asparagus, lemon and potato balls. Desserts include fruit salad with cinnamon sugar sauce and hazelnut macaroons.
Easter at sea
Good Friday favorites across the fleet
The Easter food celebrations kick off on Good Friday with freshly baked hot cross buns served across the fleet. Guests can find them at venues such as the Grand Dutch Café, Lido Market, The Dining Room and Pinnacle Grill.
Easter Sunday sunrise service
On Easter Sunday, April 5, guests are invited to gather on deck at dawn for a sunrise interdenominational service. A chaplain and chaplain will be on board each ship to lead the commemoration, creating a peaceful moment of reflection as the sun rises over the sea.
Easter brunch and seasonal delights
On Easter morning, a variety of seasonal delicacies are served in the ship’s dining venues. Guests can enjoy Easter Nest Bread and Chocolate Brioche, and enjoy a festive brunch at the Pinnacle Grill, including caramel banana pancakes, red velvet French toast and spiced waffles.
Traditional Easter lunch and dinner
While enjoying lunch at Lido Market, guests will find traditional Easter favorites including glazed ham, sweet potatoes, stuffing, green beans, and macaroni and cheese. Dessert options include Easter cupcakes, Easter cake in a jar and themed pan cakes, adding a playful touch.
The day’s festivities are rounded out with a special Easter dinner menu from Lido Market and Restaurant.
Family-friendly Easter activities on board
Festive fun for all ages
In addition to dining options, Easter weekend will also bring family-friendly activities to guests on board. The Family Rabbit Scavenger Hunt invites cruisers to search for 12 hidden rabbits on board.
Younger guests can also join in on the Easter egg hunt and games in the Kids Club to add even more festive fun to the holiday weekend.
Spring Vacation at Sea with Holland America Line
From traditional seder to Easter sunrise services to holiday meals filled with familiar favorites, Holland America Line’s spring holiday celebrations blend meaningful traditions with unforgettable experiences at sea.
For guests sailing during Passover or Easter, this is an opportunity to enjoy comforting seasonal flavors and festive moments while celebrating away from home.
Happy cruising!
Ethan