Holland America Line Hosts Chocolate Afternoon Tea with Jacques Torres During Rare Grand Voyage Meetup in Sydney
Every now and then, something happens on a cruise that feels truly special…the kind of moment travelers will talk about long after the voyage ends.
That’s exactly what happened recently in Sydney, Australia, when two of Holland America Line’s 2026 Grand Voyages crossed paths in port and guests celebrated the occasion with something that instantly caught my attention: a Chocolate Afternoon Tea curated by Jacques Torres.
Yes – that Jacques Torres. The legendary chocolatier.
As someone who enjoys sailing with Holland America Line and has a soft spot for truly good chocolate, this sounded like one of those magical cruise moments that perfectly blends travel, culinary artistry, and a sense of community at sea.
A Rare Grand Voyage Reunion in Sydney
On March 7, 2026, Holland America Line brought together guests from two of its longest itineraries, the Zaandam and Volendam, while both ships were docked in Sydney.
Grand Voyages are special in the cruise world. These extended itineraries can last three to four months, taking travelers across continents and oceans. Guests often form close friendships along the way, and the shared experience creates a unique onboard community.
This rare port overlap offered the perfect opportunity to bring those communities together.
The celebration took place aboard Zaandam, where guests from both ships gathered for an elegant Chocolate Afternoon Tea designed especially for the occasion.
Chocolate Afternoon Tea with Jacques Torres
Leading the experience was Holland America Line Culinary Ambassador Jacques Torres, who curated a menu filled with indulgent chocolate creations.
Guests enjoyed a traditional afternoon tea service featuring:
- Fresh scones
- Classic finger sandwiches
- Chocolate madeleines
- Chocolate canelé de Bordeaux
- Le Lion chocolate-dipped marshmallows
- Gâteau de Voyage
Everything was paired with Holland America Line’s Royal Dutch Tea Time Blend, creating an elegant afternoon that felt equal parts European café culture and luxury cruise experience.
For chocolate lovers, this kind of curated tasting is a dream. Torres is known worldwide for his dedication to high-quality chocolate craftsmanship, and having him design a menu specifically for Grand Voyage guests made the experience even more memorable.
A Celebration of the Grand Voyage Community
The gathering wasn’t just about the desserts (although I would happily attend for that alone).
Captains and senior officers from both ships joined the event, mingling with guests as travelers shared stories from months spent exploring the world together.
According to Zaandam’s Hotel General Manager Darren Lewis:
“Moments like this are what make a Grand Voyage truly unforgettable. When guests sail with us for months at a time, they become a community.”
Seeing that community come together… guests from two ships meeting halfway around the world, is a reminder of what makes long voyages so special.
Two Epic Journeys Around the World
While the ships met in Sydney, their journeys continue in very different directions.
- Volendam is sailing a 133-day Grand World Voyage, continuing through Asia before crossing the Pacific and transiting the Panama Canal, ending in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
- Zaandam will continue exploring Australia and New Zealand, then sail to French Polynesia before finishing its 93-day Grand Voyage in San Diego, California.
These voyages represent some of the most immersive cruise experiences available today: months of travel, multiple continents, and unforgettable moments along the way.
Why Experiences Like This Matter
Events like the Chocolate Afternoon Tea are part of Holland America Line’s broader Grand Voyage program, designed to create once-in-a-lifetime experiences for long-sailing guests.
And honestly, it’s the kind of detail that makes cruising memorable.
Travel is about destinations, of course, but it’s also about the little moments along the way. An afternoon tea with world-class chocolate while two ships meet in Sydney Harbor? That’s the kind of story you tell for years.
And if Jacques Torres chocolate is involved… I’m definitely paying attention.
Learn More About Holland America Line
To learn more about Holland America Line itineraries or Grand Voyages, visit
https://www.hollandamerica.com
You can also connect with a travel advisor or call 1-877-SAIL HAL.
