Holland America Line Brings Magnolia Bakery's Banana Pudding Onboard for Caribbean Sailings
Holland America Line is adding a distinctly sweet reason to book a Caribbean cruise this season. To mark the 30th anniversary of RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay, the cruise line has partnered with the iconic Magnolia Bakery to bring its famous Banana Pudding onboard — marking the very first time the bakery's desserts have been served at sea.
A Milestone Partnership
Michael Stendebach, Holland America Line's vice president of food, beverage and rooms division, said the partnership reflects a shared commitment between the two brands to creating memorable guest experiences, calling it a fitting way to bring one of Magnolia Bakery's signature offerings to guests exploring the Caribbean. He added that it's a meaningful way to celebrate 30 years of Half Moon Cay and the destination's distinct culinary flavours.
Bobbie Lloyd, Magnolia Bakery's chief brand officer and chief baking officer, described the collaboration as a landmark moment for the bakery — the first time its desserts will be available at sea — and expressed excitement about sharing the joy of Banana Pudding with guests onboard.
To ensure authenticity, Holland America Line chefs trained directly with Magnolia Bakery's team in New York, learning the exact preparation and presentation behind the dessert's signature creamy texture before bringing it onboard.
Where to Find It
Guests sailing on Holland America's Caribbean cruises during the 2026-27 season can enjoy the Banana Pudding at the Lido Market, alongside the rest of the ship's Caribbean-inspired dining lineup.
A Full Caribbean Culinary Experience
The Banana Pudding partnership is just one part of a broader Caribbean dining experience onboard. In the Dining Room, guests can explore Caribbean specialties across every course, including:
- Rum Barbeque Chicken Wings
- Jamaican Braised Oxtail
- Tomato Braised Pork Ossobuco
- Pineapple Upside Down Cake
Seafood lovers can look forward to the Global Fresh Fish menu, featuring locally sourced options like roasted grouper and spiced barramundi, while the Lido Market also offers a Caribbean Seafood Boil. Additional themed experiences include a Caribbean Brunch, Caribbean Teatime, and a festive Caribbean-themed dinner by the Lido Pool.
For beverages, Holland America's exclusive Rum Ambassador program — available only on Caribbean sailings — features more than 35 distinct rums for guests to explore throughout their voyage.
Why This Matters for Your Next Caribbean Cruise
Culinary experiences have become one of the biggest draws for modern cruisers, and collaborations like this one show how far cruise lines are going to elevate onboard dining beyond the standard buffet. For travellers planning a Caribbean getaway, this partnership adds one more reason to choose Holland America Line this season — a chance to enjoy a beloved New York bakery favourite while sailing through the Caribbean.
Planning a Caribbean cruise this season? Connect with our cruise specialists to book your Holland America Line sailing and explore the best cabin categories, itineraries and add-on experiences for the 2026-27 Caribbean season.
