// what to expect
Blend is a wine-blending venue designed to immerse guests in the art of winemaking. The intimate, stylish space features comfortable seating, low lighting, and wine-related décor that creates a relaxed ambience. Visitors can experiment with a curated selection of premium wines while guided sommeliers, learning about flavor profiles and blending techniques. Engaging workshops and tasting sessions allow both novice and experienced wine enthusiasts to create their own unique blends, which can be bottled and labeled as personal keepsakes. This venue fosters a social atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for guests to sip, learn, and connect with fellow wine lovers.
// traveler photos
// know before you go
Pricing
Drink prices on a Holland America cruise are estimated and do not include the 18% gratuity. A domestic beer typically costs $8-$9, while a premium beer is $9-$12. Wine by the glass is generally $11-$17, and a standard cocktail is $12-$17, with signature and frozen drinks being slightly more expensive. Non-alcoholic drinks range from $4-$5 for soda and bottled water to $5-$10 for specialty coffee and mocktails. Holland America also offers beverage packages that cover drinks up to a certain price limit.
Attire
Smart casual attire, such as dresses, collared shirts, or slacks, is recommended for wine bars like Blend to complement the refined wine-tasting experience. Avoid beachwear or overly casual clothing like shorts.
How to reserve
If you choose to wait, you can purchase a beverage package once you've boarded the ship. On embarkation day, you can inquire about packages at any bar on board or at a designated sales table, often found on the Lido Deck or near the main dining room. You will be able to purchase the package for the entire duration of your cruise, but it's important to do so on the first or second day of your sailing. Keep in mind that all adults of legal drinking age in the same stateroom are required to purchase the same alcoholic beverage package.
How to purchase
To pre-purchase your drink package for Blend, you can log in to your account on the Holland America Line website, navigate to your cruise booking, and select the "Manage My Cruise" or "Onboard Gifts & Activities" section. You will find the available beverage packages listed there, and you can add one to your booking and pay for it in advance. This is often the recommended method, as it ensures the package is ready for you upon embarkation and can sometimes offer a slightly better price than purchasing it on the ship.
Age restrictions
Blend is restricted to guests 21 and older for wine-blending workshops, which include tastings and alcohol service. Children and teens are not permitted due to the focus on alcoholic beverages.