What is Dutch Day? Holland America celebrates their Dutch heritage aboard all their ships on King’s Day on April 27, a cherished holiday tradition in The Netherlands honoring the birthday of the reigning Dutch monarch. From concerts to street parties, the people of the Netherlands host big, orange-accented celebrations in honor of the royal House of Orange-Nassau. At Holland America Line, they take great joy in celebrating King’s Day each year, and you’ll discover that same spirit on board through their new and exciting Dutch Day delights. 

Here’s a sneak peek of the spirited fun you’ll experience at sea on cruises that sail for seven days or more:

A Sweet Exclusive for Holland America Line Guests

Calling all Stroopwafel lovers! Holland America has partnered with Daelmans to bring you a sweet exclusive that will have your taste buds leaping with joy.

Before you lay your head down for sweet dreams after a day of enjoying Dutch Day activities, you can delight in a complimentary authentic Mini Stroopwafel. Trust us when we tell you that although it’s a cookie, it’s not like any other cookie. Every Daelmans Stroopwafel is made of a delicious caramel syrup filling, or “stroop” in Dutch. This sweet filling sits between two thin layers of freshly baked dough. Bourbon Vanilla, Cinnamon and Stroop flavors can be paired with a cold drink, but you’ll relish enhanced flavors when you pair it with a warm beverage. Proost (that’s “Cheers” in Dutch) to this exciting new partnership!

Celebrating Dutch Heritage at the Orange Party

From wild orange wigs and giant hats to boas and bow ties, there’s plenty of fun fashion on display at Holland America Line’s iconic Orange Party. Combine that with live entertainment, cocktails and dancing, and you have an incredibly festive event! If you’re new to cruising with Holland America Line, you won’t want to miss the orange bash cherished by guests and crew alike.

Everyone dons their best orange attire, grooves to incredible music and takes memorable photos showcasing their fun fashion choices with orange hues. If you forgot your orange accessories at home, don’t sweat it! The onboard shops carry trendy accessories for purchase, from orange boas and hats to sunglasses and shimmering jewelry.

Delight in a Dutch Dinner

Enjoy an evening of Dutch flavors in the Dining Room, beginning with Green Pea Soup served with pumpernickel bread and bacon. You can also enjoy additional Dutch dishes, like the tastes of Hodge Podge Klapstuk with braised beef brisket, carrots, potatoes, onions and butter gravy. Then dive into Bosche bol, a chocolate cream puff that tastes ahhh-mazing!

The History of King’s Day

Recognized as a holiday on April 27 in the Netherlands, King’s Day honors the birthday of the reigning Dutch monarch. The original holiday began on August 31, 1885, as Prinsessedag, or Princess’s Day, in honor of the fifth birthday of Princess Wilhelmina. She was crowned as Queen in 1890 under the regency of her mother, Queen Emma, and the first Koninginnedag was celebrated in 1891 in the Netherlands. The date of the holiday then moved to recognize her daughter, Queen Juliana, when she assumed the throne in 1948. King’s Day took on its current name, Koningsdag, on April 27, 2014, after His Majesty King Willem-Alexander, King of the Netherlands, Prince of Orange-Nassau, ascended to the throne the previous year.

Holland America takes great joy in celebrating King’s Day each year, given their roots in the Netherlands and ties to its royal family. In fact, members of the Dutch Royal Family have launched 13 Holland America Line vessels — from Prince Hendrik naming Statendam III in 1929 to Princess Margriet christening Rotterdam in 2022. Most recently, Holland America Line President Gus Antorcha was joined by Princess Margriet for a 150th anniversary celebration at Hotel New York, home to Holland America Line’s original headquarters from 1901 to 1977.

Join the Dutch Day Celebrations next year!