Holland America Line Brings Grand Voyage Guests Together for Celebratory Chocolate Afternoon Tea in Sydney

Chocolate Afternoon Tea Marks Rare Meetup of Holland America Line’s Two 2026 Grand Voyages

Seattle, Wash., March 9, 2026 – Holland America Line brought guests from its two 2026 Grand Voyages together in Sydney, Australia, on Saturday, March 7 to celebrate a rare meetup of Zaandam and Volendam. A special Chocolate Afternoon Tea was designed as a reunion moment for travelers on the cruise line’s longest and most immersive itineraries.

Hosted aboard Zaandam, the Chocolate Afternoon Tea was led by Holland America Line Culinary Ambassador Jacques Torres, who curated a menu of signature chocolate creations for the occasion. Guests enjoyed an elegant selection that included scones and finger sandwiches, as well as treats created by Torres exclusively for the event, such as chocolate madeleines, chocolate canelé de Bordeaux, Le Lion chocolate dipped marshmallows and Gâteau de Voyage, paired with Holland America Line’s Royal Dutch Tea Time Blend.

Guests from both Grand Voyages gathered to enjoy the experience, connect with fellow travelers and share stories from months of exploration around the world. The celebration was joined by the captains and senior officers from both Volendam and Zaandam, who attended alongside guests to help mark the significance of the two ships meeting in port.

“Moments like this are what make a Grand Voyage truly unforgettable,” said Darren Lewis, Zaandam’s Hotel General Manager. “When guests sail with us for months at a time, they become a community. Seeing that community from two ships come together in Sydney to share stories, celebrate the journey and enjoy a beautifully crafted afternoon tea was a powerful reminder of what makes Grand Voyages so special.”

The Sydney reunion coincided with the ships’ overlapping call, creating a rare opportunity for guests sailing on different Grand Voyages to come together in one place. Volendam is currently sailing on the 133-day Grand World Voyage, heading to Asia before crossing the Pacific Ocean and transiting the Panama Canal to end in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Meanwhile, Zaandam will continue exploring Australia and New Zealand before sailing to French Polynesia and eventually ending its 93-day Grand Voyage in San Diego, California.

The Chocolate Afternoon Tea was part of Holland America Line’s broader 2026 Grand Voyage guest engagement program, which focuses on creating meaningful, once‑in‑a‑lifetime moments through exclusive onboard and shoreside experiences. These events are designed to deepen guest connections, celebrate culinary excellence and reinforce the sense of community that defines the Grand Voyage experience.