Introducing Holland America Line’s Global Fresh Fish Program

Calling all seafood lovers! Holland America Line is serving a mouthwatering port-to-plate experience for guests through our new global fresh fish program beginning October 2023. That means you won’t just see the world from your doorstep when you cruise with us; you’ll taste it with fresh flavors, locally sourced ingredients and destination-inspired menus. With 80 types of fresh fish being served across our thoughtfully crafted itineraries, we’re delivering fresh on a global scale.

“We know fresh fish is part of our guests’ daily lifestyle, and when they come on board, we are excited to expand their options beyond what they have access to at home,” said Gus Antorcha, president, Holland America Line. “The ability to source and prepare so many types of fish globally is a testament to our outstanding culinary team. From yellowtail snapper in the Caribbean to barramundi in Australia, the variety of fresh fish we offer is unrivaled in the cruise industry.”

This comes after an already successful initiative where we became the first cruise line to serve 100% fresh, certified sustainable Alaska seafood on board while cruising in Alaska. Now we’re taking fresh fish worldwide. The program also includes daily fresh fish specials and a planned expansion of Savor My Catch, where guests can have their fresh catch from select shore excursions prepared and served to them on board.

Whether you’re cruising the Caribbean, basking in the Mediterranean sun, sailing the fjords in Northern Europe, or embarking on adventures in other destinations around the world, you’ll enjoy a variety of dining options with fresh fish and flavors inspired by your destinations. Our award-winning dining experience is just one way we deliver an unforgettable journey for guests.

We have another great catch to share – a chef catch, that is. We’re pleased to announce that the ambassador of our new global fresh fish program is celebrity Chef Masaharu Morimoto. He’ll bring his signature style to curated dishes served in the main Dining Room, as well as in a pop-up restaurant to be introduced fleetwide by early 2024.

“Embarking on this type of culinary journey at sea is a first for me, and I am excited to bring my passion for fresh fish and fresh ingredients onto Holland America Line’s fleet,” said Chef Morimoto. “I chose to partner with Holland America Line because we share a commitment and passion for fresh and regionally inspired foods, and you will see that come to life in the special dishes and pop-up experience we’ve created together.”

Chef Morimoto’s creations are being crafted for our main Dining Room menus and will be available for a supplemental charge fleetwide in October. Menu items include:

• Fresh Black Cod Yuzu with Yogurt miso pickle vegetables, Kimchi eggplant, fried rice and garlic soy.
• Morimoto Epice Lobster Tails with lemon foam, seasonal vegetables and Morimoto Epice.
• Fresh Halibut XO with Asian vegetables, dried shrimp and scallop XO sauce.

Beginning in November, Holland America Line guests can indulge in a full Chef Morimoto experience with an exclusive pop-up restaurant: Morimoto by Sea. The restaurant and its menu of artfully presented dishes and beverages will take over Tamarind or Pinnacle Grill, depending on the ship, at least once per cruise. Offered to guests for a $55 per person cover charge, the experience dishes up a multi-course dinner that celebrates the fresh fish program with inspired cuisine for a broad range of palates. Vegetarian and vegan selections will also be available.

Here’s a sneak peek of some of the mouthwatering meals you could delight in at the Morimoto by Sea pop-up experience:

Appetizers

• Sushi Plate: (Vegetarian can be requested.) Nigiri with salmon, hamachi, hotate, maki with ebi tempura, Dungeness California, salmon shikai maki.
• Morimoto Fresh Tuna Pizza: Anchovy aioli, kalamata olive, red onion, jalapeno.
• Tempura Calamari Salad: (Can be served without calamari on request.) Quinoa two ways, white miso dressing.
• Pork Gyoza Dumpling: Ginger-scallion sauce.
• Tori Paitan Ramen Noodles Soup: Soy egg, bamboo shoot, hot creamy broth poured at the table.

Main Courses

• Crispy Fried Whole Market Fresh Fish: Sweet spicy chili sauce, pickle vegetables.
• Ishiyaki Buri Bop: Fresh Pacific yellowtail on rice, cooked at the tableside in a hot stone bowl.
• Shrimp Three Way “Morimoto Style”: Tempura, panko, arare-age, tartar, tonkatsu and gochujang sauce.
• Angry Lobster Pad Thai: Maine lobster, rice noodles, Thai red curry sauce.
• Broiled Beef Tenderloin steak: Japanese-style mushroom sauce.
• Jidori Chicken Teriyaki, Chicken Oyster Yakitori: Shichimi togarashi.
• Japanese Vegetables Curry: Tofu steak, seasonal vegetables.

Side Dishes

• House fried rice, steamed rice or brown rice.
• Wasabi mashed potato.
• Wok seared bok choy.
• Basket steamed vegetables.

Desserts

• Dark Chocolate Sphere: Ganache, marshmallow, milk hot chocolate sauce.
• Tofu Cheesecake: Mango passion, pineapple salsa.
• White Chocolate Lime Ganache: Coconut foam, mango sorbet, rice pudding.
• Sorbet and Ice cream or Trio: Chef’s seasonal selection.

Guests can also delight in Chef Morimoto’s line of refreshing alcoholic beverages on board, by both glass and bottle. Selections include Morimoto Brut Rosé, Morimoto Grgich Hills Chardonnay, Morimoto Grgich Hills Cabernet Sauvignon, Sake Junmai Morimoto, Sake Junmai Ginjo Morimoto, Sake Junmai Daiginjo Morimoto and Sake Sparkling Nigori.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with Chef Morimoto, the foremost expert in this niche,” said Michael Stendebach, vice president of food and beverage at Holland America Line. “We share a commitment to serving the freshest ingredients, fish and seafood, in particular. We are excited to have his refined skills and celebrate his culinary style on board. Chef Morimoto brings his mastery and excellence to Holland America Line and is a great partner to bring this port-to-plate program to life.”

Cheers to new adventures, fresh fish and delicious delights as we sail the seas. Check out our YouTube video and news release highlighting our global fresh fish program, and stay tuned for more treats as we prepare to highlight some of Holland America Line’s recipes in our Fresh Flavors blog series.