Holland America Debuts Dutch-Inspired Tea Experience

Holland America Line has teamed up with Art of Tea to enhance its afternoon tea offerings by introducing a custom tea blend that pays homage to its Dutch heritage.

The newly created Dutch Tea Time Blend will be served during Royal Dutch Tea, Regional Afternoon Tea, and Standard Afternoon Tea in the main dining rooms across the entire fleet, the cruise line announced in a press release.

To develop the blend, Holland America’s senior manager of beverage and dining operations, Drew Foulk, collaborated with Art of Tea founder and CEO Steve Schwartz. The pair traveled to Amsterdam to capture the essence of Dutch tea traditions. Their journey included tasting local teas, visiting the Albert Cuyp Market to explore native ingredients, and meeting with Tess Posthumus, a partner in Holland America’s global beverage program.

Posthumus provided insights into Amsterdam’s beverage culture and the historical significance of the Dutch East Indies Company in introducing tea and coffee to Europe.

The result of their efforts is a traditional black tea infused with orange, bergamot, marigold, and rose hips. This signature blend will now be featured fleetwide and served during each tea service.

According to the cruise line, Royal Dutch Tea is presented on the first sea day of every cruise, with regionally inspired afternoon tea on the second, and a classic afternoon tea on the third sea day for sailings of at least seven days.

The blend will also be available in all onboard cafes and specialty dining venues, as well as in a tea sampler set offered in the ship’s gift shops. The sampler includes the new blend alongside Art of Tea’s Earl Grey Crème and Pacific Coast Mint. For those wanting to enjoy the tea at home, it will be available online via Art of Tea’s website.