Sweetest Ship in Our Fleet Debuts on World Chocolate Day
Special moments are sweetest when shared. That’s why we teamed up with Lindt & Sprüngli (USA) to create the sweetest ship in our fleet. Chocodam – built in honor of World Chocolate Day – is made entirely of Lindt chocolate. Handcrafted by Jacques Torres, Holland America Line Culinary Ambassador, and Lindt’s Master Chocolatier, Ann Czaja, this chocolate masterpiece is a replica of our beloved Rotterdam.
A lot of heart went into Chocodam, and we got a sneak peek behind the scenes of its creation.
Behind the Scenes of Creating Holland America Line’s Chocodam
This stunning chocolate ship is over 4 feet long and weighs 50 pounds! It took two weeks to make using three types of premium chocolate by Lindt. It also involved a sweet collaboration between two master chocolatiers who brought a vision to life from bow to stern. See how it all came together in the video below.
A Dream Come True on World Chocolate Day
When Jacques Torres received the request to build a large Holland America Line model ship made entirely of chocolate, it brought a smile to his face. He didn’t question how he would do it, or how much time it would take. It was an immediate “yes!”
“Holland America Line has those beautiful ships. It’s an extra challenge for me, and I love a challenge!”
Jacques always has. When he was younger, he would watch his dad create things from scratch as a carpenter. His grandfather and brother were craftsmen, too. So, for Jacques, there was no question he would follow in those footsteps. He just decided to pave a trail made of chocolate, and it led him to a partnership with Holland America Line where he showcases deliciously decadent desserts to delight our guests onboard. Partnering with another master chocolatier in commemoration of World Chocolate Day was a sweet project he couldn’t wait to work on.
Bringing Chocodam to life with Jacques was a dream in itself for Lindt’s Master Chocolatier, Ann Czaja. She, too, loved making things by hand. Often experimenting in the kitchen with desserts as a child, she honed her skills in Switzerland and later joined the Lindt & Sprüngli (USA) family. That journey led her to the latest collaboration with Holland America Line and the opportunity to join Jacques in the kitchen.
“Jacques Torres is the master. He has really reached the pinnacle of our profession. When I found out that I was going to be able to partner with him – to work with him to build a chocolate ship – I was so excited. It’s really a dream come true for me,” Ann said.
The creation of Chocodam took a lot of planning. First, Jacques and Ann had to design it. Next, they had to temper all the chocolate to ensure it had that smooth and shiny glow. They followed by cutting and gluing the pieces of the ship layer by layer, ensuring it had a solid foundation to support its core. One perk of the project: if they needed to adjust or cut a piece off, they could indulge in it.
“It’s like building a house. If one of the walls is not completely straight, then you redo it. That’s pretty much what we do with chocolates, but the good thing with chocolate is you can eat your mistake,” Jacques said playfully.
Chocodam made its debut on World Chocolate Day on July 7, and you can experience the sweet sight of it in person at the Lindt store in New York City. It will be displayed for all to enjoy throughout July. For Ann, this is just the beginning.
“I think we have so much more we can do together,” she said of Holland America Line’s partnership with Lindt. “You can say the sea is the limit, and I can’t wait to see where we go together.”
Learn more about our sweet collaboration with Lindt and share what you think about Chocodam in the comments below.
