3 minute read
As a long-time fan of afternoon tea—especially while cruising—this announcement from Holland America Line has me genuinely excited. There’s something timeless about sipping a warm cup of tea while watching the ocean roll by, and now, Holland America is taking that experience to the next level by introducing a custom Dutch Tea Time Blend in collaboration with Art of Tea.
A Taste of Tradition: Dutch Heritage in Every Sip
Holland America Line has partnered with Art of Tea, a premium tea purveyor known for handcrafted blends, to create something truly special: a bespoke tea blend inspired by Dutch history and the cruise line’s heritage. The result? A rich black tea infused with orange, bergamot, marigold, and rose hips—flavors that pay homage to the Netherlands’ deep-rooted connection to global trade, spice, and of course, tea.
This new blend won’t just be tucked away on a specialty menu. It will now be the highlight of every afternoon tea served in the main dining room fleetwide, bringing a little piece of Amsterdam to every sailing.
When and Where to Enjoy the Dutch Tea Time Blend Onboard
Guests sailing with Holland America can indulge in the Dutch Tea Time Blend during a variety of afternoon tea offerings:
- Royal Dutch Tea – Served on the first sea day of each voyage.
- Regional Afternoon Tea – Available on the second sea day, themed to reflect the area you’re sailing through.
- Standard Afternoon Tea – Offered on the third sea day for cruises lasting seven days or longer.
The blend is also available at all onboard coffee shops and specialty dining outlets—so if you’re like me and prefer your tea paired with a quiet corner and a sea view, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to enjoy it.
From Amsterdam to Your Teacup: How the Blend Was Born
This wasn’t a quick collaboration slapped together for branding’s sake. Holland America’s Drew Foulk and Art of Tea’s Steve Schwartz went all-in, even traveling to Amsterdam to fully explore what makes a Dutch tea experience authentic.
They explored local markets, sampled native flavors, and consulted with beverage expert Tess Posthumus to learn about the Netherlands’ pivotal role in the global tea trade through the Dutch East India Company.
That depth of research shows in the final product, which is more than just a tea—it’s a story in a cup.
