- Master Tea Blender Steve Schwartz joined the 2026 Grand World Voyage as a Culinary Ambassador to host exclusive tea-focused events across Asia.
- A signature Dutch Tea Time Blend was developed specifically for Holland America Line, featuring a black tea base with orange, bergamot, and floral notes.
- Onboard programming included “Rituals of Tea” seminars, guided tasting sessions, and an elevated High Tea experience designed to celebrate global tea culture.
- Curated shore excursions in Singapore and Vietnam provided guests with immersive hands-on experiences at authentic local teahouses and lotus tea workshops.
Holland America Line is enriching the guest experience on its 2026 Grand World Voyage by welcoming Master Tea Blender Steve Schwartz, the founder of Art of Tea, as a Culinary Ambassador. During an immersive week-long segment in Asia from March 24 to 30, Schwartz brought his extensive expertise to the Volendam, transforming the ship into a floating center for tea culture and education. This partnership underscores the cruise line’s commitment to high-level culinary storytelling and cultural immersion, offering passengers a unique opportunity to explore the global history and delicate rituals of tea.
The centerpiece of this collaboration is the bespoke Dutch Tea Time Blend, a custom black tea created by Schwartz to honor Holland America Line’s deep Dutch heritage. This signature blend features a robust profile with vibrant notes of orange, bergamot, marigold, and rose hips, reflecting the historic spice trade of the Dutch East India Company. Guests can savor this exclusive tea during the fleetwide Dutch Tea Time service, as well as in all onboard coffee shops and specialty dining venues. On the Grand World Voyage, Schwartz personally hosted “Rituals of Tea” seminars and intimate coffee chats on the World Stage, sharing his philosophy on how tea can serve as a bridge between cultures.
Beyond the ship, Schwartz led curated shore excursions in Singapore and Vietnam, allowing guests to step into authentic local teahouses. In Ho Chi Minh City, travelers explored the intricate lotus-scenting process at a traditional Vietnamese teahouse, while in Singapore, they enjoyed an elegant High Tea at the Rose Veranda. These destination-driven experiences, combined with the refined onboard programming, provide a holistic and meaningful connection to the regions visited. Whether participating in a guided tasting or enjoying a quiet moment with a cup of the Dutch Tea Time Blend, passengers are finding that this partnership adds an elegant and approachable layer of luxury to their global exploration.
