Holland America Line’s exclusive Rum Ambassador program is rolling out the barrels on all sailings of its seven ships in the Caribbean. It’s developed in collaboration with world-renowned beverage experts and historians David Wondrich and Jeff “Beachbum” Berry.
Guests can immerse themselves in the rich history and flavors of rum through tastings and seminars led by an onboard Rum Ambassador, making this a unique, interactive experience for the Caribbean season. An artisanal treat on cruises including San Juan is the San Juan Distillery. Established in 2011 in the coastal town of Vega Alta, this is the first and only sugarcane estate distillery in Puerto Rico.
Following a rum-based welcome beverage, you’ll discover how sugarcane from Puerto Rican includes heirloom varietals. For making rum, these are grown, harvested, and fermented before the juice is distilled in French Cognac pot stills.and have a tasting of four of the signature rums made there.
Onboard, a new menu of five Caribbean cocktails created by Wondrich will feature the flavors of the region. A pirate-inspired rum punch debuted last season and will make a return to the bars and lounges.
Green Swizzle: Choice of Planteray 3 Star or Fords Gin, Velvet Falernum, lime juice, absinthe, soda and Angostura, swizzled.
El Presidente: Planteray 3 Star, Vermouth blanc, dashes of orange curaçao, grenadine.
Myrtle Bank Special Punch: Planteray 3 Star and Smith and Cross Rum, pot-still Jamaican rums plus lime, sugar and a dash of Italian cherry brandy.
Big Youth: Planteray Xaymaca Rum and Smith and Cross Rum, sweetened condensed milk, coconut water, bitters and nutmeg.
17th Century C1aribbean Pirate Punch: Two kinds of rich, pot-stilled Jamaican rum, a dash of orange curaçao, three kinds of citrus juice and sprinkling of fresh-grated nutmeg.
