Art of Tea and Holland America’s Dutch Tea Time Blend

This International Tea Day, Holland America is celebrating our onboard tradition of Royal Dutch Tea by partnering with award-winning tea importers Art of Tea to create a custom Dutch Tea Time blend. Savour the journey with this new blend at our afternoon Royal Dutch Tea service during your days at sea. You can also bring home this new blend, along with Art of Tea favorites, Earl Grey Crème and Pacific Coast Mint, in special souvenir boxes for purchase on all our ships or order it online directly from Art of Tea.

Just as we support local fishermen and farmers through our port-to-plate cuisine, Art of Tea carefully selects ingredients directly from growers and distributors in Asia, India, Africa, and the Middle East to hand blend and custom craft the world’s finest organic teas. Together, we carefully curated an infusion inspired by the flavors and spirit of the Netherlands. Handcrafted with the finest botanicals, this blend captures the warmth, richness, and authenticity of a classic afternoon tea experience.

The Holland America + Art of Tea exclusive Dutch Tea Time blend features a black tea base with rose hips, marigold, rose petals, orange essence, bergamot, and other natural flavors. Each sip brings bright bergamot and floral notes to your nose, a rich creamy mouthfeel with vibrant warming spices, and a subtle orange and citrus finish. These flavors play homage to Dutch culture including a citrus nod to the House of Orange-Nassau — the Royal House of the Netherlands.

Traditional Afternoon Tea at Sea

Whether you need an afternoon pick-me-up or a moment of tranquility in a cup, sipping our delicious tea is an experience too good to hurry through. You’re invited to participate in our cherished onboard ritual of Royal Dutch Tea in the Dining Room on days at sea — now elevated through our collaboration with Art of Tea.

In addition to our selection of loose-leaf teas, nibble on sweet and savory snacks inspired by traditional Dutch recipes.

Savory Sandwiches:

• Bay Shrimp on Brioche with Dutch cocktail sauce
• Egg Salad and Cress on white bread with mayonnaise and mustard
• Smoked Salmon and Dill on whole wheat with cream cheese
• Coronation Chicken on whole wheat with curry, yogurt, dried apricots, and cilantro

Sweet Treats:

• Raisin and plain scones with jam and whipped cream
• Chocoladebol (Dutch Cream Puff)
• Maple Stroopwafel Napoleon with cream and fresh berries
• Boterkoek (Dutch Butter Cake with almond slice)
• Gevulde Koeken (Dutch cookie with Marzipan, a short sugar pastry)
• Appletaart (Mini Dutch Apple Tartlets with a cookie base and raisins with cinnamon)

Explore a World of Flavors

As a seafaring nation, The Netherlands played a significant role in the tea trade during the 1600s. Dutch traders transported tea by ship around the world including to France, the Baltic region, and to New Amsterdam — now known as New York City. Similarly, Art of Tea founder and Master Tea Blender, Steve Schwartz, travels extensively searching for rare and unique teas and develops close relationships with farmers and distributors to provide top-tier organic teas. Connect to the world and each other as you make your own journey with Holland America to explore UNESCO World Heritage sites in England, visit the iconic windmills of the Netherlands, or discover French gastronomy on a foodie tour of Marseille.

In addition to our afternoon tea, spend your days at sea savouring the journey by relaxing in the Spa & Salon, practicing your pickleball swing with an ocean view, or discovering new flavors at live cooking demonstrations. From a delicious Dutch Dinner to our festive Orange Party, experience even more onboard traditions inspired by the Netherlands during Dutch Day celebrated on board all sailings lasting seven days or longer.

Create Your Own Teatime Traditions at Home

Enjoy the modern elegance of our Dutch Tea Time blend at home. Purchase our Holland America and Art of Tea exclusive boxed medley on all our ships, which includes Dutch Tea Time, Earl Grey Crème, and Pacific Coast Mint.

An Art of Tea best seller, Earl Grey Crème blends fragrant bergamot oil and a touch of French vanilla for a rich and robust finish. The caffeine-free Pacific Coast Mint combines organic spearmint and peppermint grown and harvested on the coasts of Oregon and California for a sharp and smooth flavor. You can also order these blends online directly from Art of Tea.

As your cup of tea steeps, try placing a stroopwafel on top. The rising steam melts the caramel inside the cookie for a warm, gooey traditional Dutch treat sure to thrill your tastebuds.