Holland America Line Welcomes Art of Tea Founder Steve Schwartz Aboard Grand World Voyage

Guests aboard Holland America Line’s Grand World Voyage are discovering tea in a new way through exclusive experiences hosted by Master Tea Blender Steve Schwartz, founder of Art of Tea. As part of Holland America Line’s Culinary Ambassador program, Schwartz joined Volendam from March 24–30 for his first appearance on the Grand World Voyage, bringing his expertise to a week of immersive onboard programming in Asia. During the voyage, Schwartz also participated in the cruise line’s Dutch Tea service, which includes  a custom tea blend created in collaboration with Holland America Line.

“Tea has always been a bridge between people, cultures and moments of ritual,” said Steve Schwartz, founder of Art of Tea and Culinary Ambassador for Holland America Line. “To bring that spirit aboard Holland America Line’s Grand World Voyage in Asia and to help shape a custom tea experience for guests was truly meaningful.”

Asia’s Tea Culture Comes Aboard Through Exclusive Programming
Throughout the voyage, Schwartz led a series of curated experiences designed to deepen guests’ appreciation for tea as both an art form and a cultural tradition. From guided tastings and elevated afternoon tea service to conversational gatherings and educational seminars, guests were invited to explore the history, craftsmanship and rituals behind some of the world’s most celebrated teas.

A highlight of Schwartz’s time on board was an elevated afternoon tea experience in the Dining Room, where he hosted an Exclusive High Tea that paired Holland America Line’s refined service with storytelling and tea expertise. The experience offered a fresh expression of the cruise line’s tea tradition while introducing guests to the recently launched Dutch Tea service.

Schwartz also hosted a Tea Tasting Experience focused on the fundamentals of tea appreciation, guiding guests through the evaluation of aroma, flavor and structure while offering insight into sourcing, production and preparation. At World Stage, guests joined Schwartz for a Coffee/Tea Chat, where he shared his personal journey, philosophy and perspective on global tea culture in an intimate and conversational setting.

His time on board concluded with a “Rituals of Tea” seminar at World Stage, where he explored the intention, techniques and cultural significance that transform tea from a daily beverage into a meaningful ritual.

Custom Tea Blend Reflects Shared Vision for Tea and Hospitality
In collaboration with Holland America Line, Schwartz also created a custom tea blend that reflects a shared commitment to quality, hospitality and memorable guest experiences. The blend and the Dutch Tea service expands Holland America Line’s tea offering with a signature expression developed specifically for the brand.

Curated Shore Excursions Steep Guests in Local Tea Culture
Ashore, Schwartz hosted specially curated shore excursions that immersed guests in the tea culture of the region. In Singapore, guests joined the “Journey Through Tea” excursion, where they visited an authentic Chinese teahouse to learn the art of brewing before enjoying High Tea at the elegant Rose Veranda. In Vietnam, guests who joined the “Vietnamese Lotus Tea Culture & Vegan Food Experience” explored Saigon’s tea heritage at Tra Viet, a traditional Vietnamese teahouse, where they discovered the intricate craft of lotus tea and participated in the scenting process.

Through thoughtfully curated onboard programming and experiential shoreside encounters, Schwartz’s time on the Grand World Voyage offered guests a deeper connection to tea, culture and place. His presence underscored Holland America Line’s commitment to enriching travel through meaningful culinary experiences and highlighted the continued evolution of its tea program through the Culinary Ambassador partnership.