Holland America Line Revitalizes the Tradition of Sailaway to Ensure Guests Savour the Journey on Every Cruise

With Taittinger as its featured Champagne, the cruise line invites guests to celebrate alongside crew and fellow travelers as they depart

Seattle, Wash., April 15, 2025 — Holland America Line is reviving the grandeur of sailaway celebrations as a cherished tradition at the start of each cruise, making it an experience too good to hurry through. The cruise line is partnering with premier Champagne producer Taittinger and has curated entertainment, music, food and beverages for guests to enjoy as the ship leaves port on the first day of every voyage.

The enhancements honor the rich history of sailaway celebrations, a long-standing maritime tradition and part of the shipboard experience. These festivities date back to the early days of sea travel when passengers would stand on the ship’s deck during a bon voyage party, bidding farewell to friends and family on the pier as they embarked on their adventure.

“A new level of service and excitement infused into our sailaway celebration is the perfect way to start a cruise — whether it’s to the glaciers of Alaska or the sunshine of the Caribbean,” said Michael Smith, senior vice president of guest experience and product development for Holland America Line. “Our guests can look forward to an enhanced experience designed to make the voyage truly unforgettable, one that honors the rich tradition of sailaway while elevating the deck party with touches of today.”

Toast with Taittinger at Sailaway

Nothing embodies the spirit of sailaway quite like Champagne. That's why Holland America Line has teamed up with Taittinger as the new featured Champagne for the cruise line’s sailaway parties. The partnership pays homage to the luxury of cruising that only Holland America Line can offer.

On embarkation day, guests can enjoy two exclusive cocktails featuring Taittinger crafted just for sailaway: the “Bubbly Bon Voyage” with notes of vanilla and passion fruit, and the “Cast Off” featuring Flor de Caña rum, honey and lime juice. These cocktails are included in the Signature and Elite Beverage Packages or can be purchased individually. Additionally, guests can opt to buy Taittinger by the glass or bottle for an extra cost.

The sailaway experience is also elevated with co-branded Champagne carts that will be rolled out in late summer 2025 so the cruise line can bring the celebration to guests around the ship.

“Taittinger is thrilled to help celebrate sailaway with Champagne,” said Vitalie Taittinger, president of the historic House. “For over a century and a half, the time-honored tradition of sailaway has been a moment for Holland America guests to indulge in elegance and excellence — what better way for them to enjoy this elevated experience than with effervescence.”

A Unique Sailaway Tradition Only Holland America Line Can Provide

Holland America Line’s revitalized sailaway has formalized the experience with a welcome toast and speech from the ship’s cruise director, accompanied by the exclusive sailaway soundtrack, “Home to Rotterdam,” as the ship leaves port. The tune will be available as a ringtone this summer so guests can take home the experience. Ship officers will be in attendance at sailaway to meet and mingle with guests. Additionally, celebratory music, coupled with dancing led by the ship’s activities team, will commemorate a festive atmosphere to kick off the cruise.

Destination Dining™ from the Start of the Cruise

Holland America Line will integrate Destination Dining™ into sailaway by featuring passed appetizers that reflect the region where the ship is cruising. For example, in Alaska, guests can savor Alaskan crab, hot smoked salmon and Alaskan wild game sausage with onion huckleberry marmalade. On ships sailing in Canada and New England, mini lobster rolls and tourtière with maple syrup will be served. Guests cruising through Northern Europe can enjoy Frikadeller with beetroot and cucumber, as well as caramel cheese with huckleberries. Those exploring the Mediterranean can sample grilled mushroom and roasted pepper tapenade as well as seafood antipasti.