Each Holland America Line cruise will now feature a Farewell Dinner in the Dining Room on the final night of the cruise. When guests enter the Dining Room, they’ll hear “Home to Rotterdam” in the background. The ship’s director will highlight memorable moments from the cruise, including locations explored, shipboard highlights and the blossom of friendships that were witnessed during the cruise.
This meal brings crew and guests together to celebrate the connections made during the cruise, uniting both with the “Gelang Sipaku Gelang” song as a sendoff. The Farewell Dinner features a specially curated menu that celebrates the culinary heritage of Holland America Line. The cruise’s culinary team will also be honored during the Farewell Dinner and guests will have an opportunity to meet the people behind the meals they enjoyed during their time aboard.
“As a brand built on more than 150 years of history and hospitality, we know some of the most meaningful moments of a cruise happen around the dinner table,” said Michael Stendebach, senior vice president of food, beverage and rooms division for Holland America Line. “The ‘Farewell Dinner’ is designed to celebrate the journey guests have shared together while creating a memorable farewell before they return home. Featuring dishes that have long been connected to cruising and to Holland America makes the last night with us even more special.”
Culinary Offerings Celebrating Holland America Line
The Farewell Dinner features culinary offerings that have been a part of the brand’s dining experience for over a century. Highlights include:
Set Sail Starters:
- Chilled Sweet Potato and Stracciatella Salad
- Classic Caesar Salad
- Captain’s Antipasto Plate with bresaola beef, dry-cured pork and prosciutto
- Coconut Crusted Shrimp
- Iceberg Wedge Salad
- Crab Bisque
- French Onion Soup

Sea Day Entrées:
- Truffled Mushroom Risotto
- Port Braised Lamb Shank
- Fillet of Beef Wellington
- Pork Tenderloin with Cider Apple Puree
- Chicken Supreme with Mushroom in White Cream Sauce
- Buttered Shrimp
- Salmon with Capers and Dill
- Oven-Baked Eggplant Parmigiana
For a surcharge, guests can choose from additional entrée items like a 15-ounce Pinnacle Grill Boneless Ribeye, Steamed Fresh Halibut and Broiled Lobster Tail.
Set Sail Desserts:
- Apple Crisp with French Vanilla Ice Cream
- Baked Alaska with Brandy Bing Cherry Sauce
- Pistachio Chocolate Cheesecake
- Banana Pudding
- Black Forest Sundae with vanilla ice cream, chocolate sponge cake and cherry compote
Cocktails such as the Paper Plane, Como Spirit, Penicillin and Dutch 75 are available as a pre-boarding drink menu that complements the cuisine offerings.
Booking
For more information about Holland America Line or to book a cruise, consult a travel advisor, call 1-877-SAIL HAL (877-724-5425) or visit hollandamerica.com.

