Culinary Ambassador Program Continues in 2026 with Chef David Burke Joining Holland America Line’s 28-Day Solar Eclipse Cruise

Holland America Line’s Culinary Ambassador program will continue in 2026 with several cruises, including a special one hosted by Chef David Burke. Guests aboard the 28-day Legendary Solar Eclipse with Greenland and Scotland Voyage, departing July 24, 2026, will not only witness the eclipse in totality, but they’ll also get to sail with Burke, who will present cooking shows, host an exclusive dinner and showcase his signature culinary flair.

Burke’s cruise next year builds on the success of his recent sailing aboard Zuiderdam, where he joined the Legendary: Voyage of the Vikings from Aug. 13–21, 2025. Guests were treated to a week of culinary engagement — from cooking shows to a sold-out dinner at Pinnacle Grill.

During Chef Burke’s live cooking demonstration, he prepared several guest favorites:

·Braised Short Ribs with Chow Fun Noodles, a hallmark dish from the Dining Room menu.

·Tuna Crudo, featured during his exclusive dinner.

·Watermelon Pizza with basil, mozzarella and tomato sauce on sliced watermelon — one of Chef Burke’s summer specialties.

As he crafted each recipe, Chef Burke shared anecdotes from his career, along with personal tips and techniques to help guests elevate their own cooking.

“It was David’s rapport with the guests, his showmanship, being a storyteller and raconteur that were the highlights of his cooking demonstration,” recounted Zuiderdam Hotel General Manager Henk Mensink. “It isn’t often that you hear someone talk so freely and engaging from genuine experiences, as well as from the heart.”

Coffee Chat Offer Intimate Connection to Chef Burke
Adding to the sailing, Cruise and Travel Director Kimberly Wells hosted a Coffee Chat with Chef Burke in World Stage where they discussed his culinary journey, reputation of being a culinary prankster and entrepreneurship. Chef Bruke not only shared his approach to creating memorable dining experiences, Wells divulged that he revealed the origin of the “clothesline” phenomenon tied to his Clothesline Candied Bacon served in Pinnacle Grill, (which remains an exclusive “secret” for those who attended the Coffee Chat).                            

Curated Menu at Pinnacle Grill
The highlight of his sailing was a sold-out, reservations-only dinner at Pinnacle Grill, featuring a menu curated by Chef Burke and paired with a thoughtfully selected wine list. Guests indulged in a four-course dining experience that included Tuna Crudo, Basil Shrimp Spring Roll, Filet Mignon with Oxtail Stew, and Coconut Cheesecake Fritters with mixed berry sauce. Between overseeing preparations in the kitchen, Chef Burke visited each table, offering guests a rare opportunity to personally interact with the renowned chef.

“Chef Burke wrapped up his special dinner in Pinnacle Grill by having all the chefs involved in the meal sign a menu, and guests got to take it home as a keepsake,” said Wells. “It was a top-notch culinary experience.”

As a Holland America Line Culinary Ambassador, Chef Burke’s signature dishes are featured on the menus in the Dining Room and Pinnacle Grill aboard every ship.

2026 Culinary Ambassador Voyages
Chef Burke’s voyage is part of Holland America Line’s ongoing Culinary Ambassador program — a distinguished collaboration with some of the world’s most celebrated chefs and beverage experts. The Culinary Ambassador Cruises will continue in 2026 with several sailings, offering guests more opportunities to engage with culinary leaders like Burke.