Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1545782
CRUISE NEWS B M & T ••• July/August 2026 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 43 tion about the United States Virgin Islands, go to www.VisitUSVI.com, follow us @VisitUSVI on Facebook, Instagram, Threads and Pinterest, and @USVITourism on TikTok, X and LinkedIn. HOLLAND AMERICA LINE PARTNERS WITH BOLS TO ELEVATE ONBOARD 'ORANGE PARTY' INTO THE ULTIMATE DUTCH CELEBRATION AT SEA The collaboration introduces Bols cocktails to complement Dutch-inspired garnishes and onboard festivities inspired by the Netherlands' iconic orange celebrations In honor of Koningsdag in the Netherlands, Holland America Line is announcing a new partnership with Bols, the world's first cocktail brand and a company rooted in Dutch heritage and craftsmanship. As a sponsor of Holland America Line's popular Orange Party, the collaboration will introduce exclusive Bols cocktails that will be served at the event, which is held once a cruise across the fleet. Inspired by the festive spirit of Koningsdag in the Netherlands, Holland America Line's Orange Party invites guests to dress in orange and join a lively onboard gathering filled with music, dancing, interactive moments and festive Dutch flair. Through the new partnership with Bols, the cel- ebration will be elevated with signature cocktails and thoughtful touches that bring an authentic Dutch spirit to the experience. "Holland America Line and Bols are two brands deeply rooted in Dutch heritage with a shared commitment to innova- tion, craftmanship and quality," said Drew Foulk, director of food and beverage revenue and innovation at Holland America Line. "Collaborating with Bols for the Orange Party allows us to bring authentic Dutch flavors, creative mixology and immersive experiences to life, giving guests a celebration they'll remember long after their cruise." Guests can look forward to an elevated Orange Party that highlights Dutch flavors and festive touches. A welcome cock- tail will be served in a traditional jenever glass featuring a spe- cially crafted Bols cocktail, complemented by classic garnishes like stroopwafel and hagelslag. The enhanced celebration also will offer limited-edition Dutch collectibles for purchase and memorable photo moments, enhanced by décor that transforms the shipboard venue into an immersive Dutch experience— allowing guests to savour the journey with every festive detail. Holland America Line places a strong emphasis on its bev- erage program as a key element of the onboard guest experi- ence. The collaboration with Bols builds on Holland America Line's creative cocktail development and strategic partnerships, introducing authentic Dutch flavors and mixology to the popu- lar Orange Party celebration. "Bols has been part of Dutch culture for over four centuries, and we are thrilled to partner with Holland America Line, a time-honored brand that shares our Dutch roots and dedica- tion to exceptional experiences," said Quirijn de Koning, brand director at Bols. "Together, we are elevating the Orange Party with exclusive cocktails that are as fun and vibrant as the cele- bration itself." BRINGING DUTCH TRADITIONS ONBOARD Holland America Line's Dutch heritage is woven into the onboard experience, dating back to the company's founding in Rotterdam, Netherlands, in 1873. In addition to the Orange Party, every sailing holds "Dutch Day," a themed day with tra- ditional Dutch cuisine, special menus and cultural treats like poffertjes. Royal Dutch Tea is served as part of afternoon tea services on sea days, and Grand Dutch Cafe on Pinnacle Class ships serves Dutch treats like Bossche Bol and Apple and Bacon Pannenoek. A member of the Dutch Royal Family has served as godpar- ent for 12 ships, starting with Prince Hendrik launching Statendam III in 1929. Most recently, Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet of the Netherlands named Rotterdam in 2022. ABOUT BOLS Founded in 1575 in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, Bols is one of the world's oldest continuously operating distilled spirits brands, rooted in the Dutch Golden Age. The brand grew alongside the Netherlands' rise as a global maritime power, using botanicals and ingredients flowing into Amsterdam through historic trade routes. Bols played a foundational role in cocktail history through its production of genever, the Dutch spirit widely regarded as the predecessor to modern gin. In 1816, Bols received a Royal Warrant from the Dutch monarchy, recognizing the company's long-standing quality and contribu- tion to Dutch industry. Today, Bols continues to champion Dutch craftsmanship and flavor innovation, carrying forward more than four centuries of heritage from Amsterdam to the world. For more information about Holland America Line, call 1- 877-SAIL HAL (877-724-5425) or visit hollandamerica.com.