Holland America Line is adding Cultural Ambassadors to all Mexico cruises aboard Nieuw Amsterdam during the 2025-26 season, bringing dance classes, Spanish lessons, and traditional craft workshops to passengers before they reach port.
Mexican Natives Lead Onboard Programs
Two people native to Mexico will join every Mexico cruise to share traditions through interactive activities, including mambo and salsa dance instruction, Spanish-language lessons for travelers, and cultural presentations on topics such as Mayan civilization, tequila heritage, and Day of the Dead traditions.
“From the moment guests step ashore in Mexico, they are immersed in a culture full of vibrant traditions and a deep sense of heritage, and we’re thrilled to bring that same spirit to life on board,” said Joe Chantry, vice president of entertainment and enrichment for Holland America Line.
The program expands Holland America’s existing Cultural Ambassador program from Alaska to include Mexico sailings. Ambassadors complement the cruise line’s Destination Dining program and shore excursions by connecting passengers with regional culture before arrival.
Hands-On Activities Throughout Voyage
Passengers can participate in workshops creating papel picado paper banners, ojo de dios yarn decorations, and traditional piñatas. Cultural game nights feature loterÃa, a Mexican bingo-style game featuring folklore imagery.
Language sessions teach practical phrases for restaurants, greetings, and directions, while dance classes cover traditional Mexican styles for beginners.
Presentations explore Mayan mysteries, tequila production from agave fields to aging barrels, and Day of the Dead storytelling with live dance performances.
Tequila and Mexican Cuisine Featured
Holland America partnered with Corazón Tequila to bring single barrel expressions aged in former Weller Bourbon Barrels aboard Nieuw Amsterdam. Passengers can sample Reposado, Anejo, and Extra Anejo expressions through dedicated tasting experiences.
The cruise line’s Destination Dining program features Mexican-inspired dishes including grouper salsa picante, Azteca grilled shrimp, Oaxacan lamb leg barbacoa, and smoked carne asada. Fresh fish sourced from Mexican ports includes cobia, grouper, pacific mahi-mahi, red snapper, and yellowfin tuna.
Mexico Season Details
Nieuw Amsterdam’s Mexico season runs October 2025 through March 2026 with roundtrip cruises from San Diego visiting Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan, Cabo San Lucas, Loreto, Manzanillo, and Pichilingue (La Paz). Itineraries range from seven to 11 days, with 14-day Collectors’ Voyages combining back-to-back sailings.
