New Certifications Expand Our Global Fresh Fish Program
Holland America Line Becomes the First Global Cruise Line to Receive International Seafood Certifications Marine Stewardship Council and Aquaculture Stewardship Council for Sustainable, Responsible Seafood
Seafood lovers rejoice! We’re elevating our award-winning dining experience at Holland America Line by becoming the first global cruise line to receive both Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) and Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) certifications. This takes our Global Fresh Fish Program to the next level, as these distinguished certifications underscore our commitment to serving the highest-quality seafood that is sourced sustainably when wild-caught and raised responsibly when farmed according to the strictest global standards.
The two science-based and accredited organizations, the Marine Stewardship Council focusing on sustainable wild-caught seafood and the Aquaculture Stewardship Council working with responsibly farmed seafood, seek to help protect the environment, and ensure that there are seafood supplies for future generations. Aligning with both ecolabels reflects our commitment to programs that recognize and reward sustainable fishing practices, protect the ocean environment, and transform the seafood market toward greater sustainability.
Savor Flavors from Our Global Fresh Fish Program
When you cruise with us, you don’t just see the world from your doorstep; you taste it with fresh flavors, locally sourced ingredients and destination-inspired menus. With 80 types of fresh fish served through our Global Fresh Fish Program across thoughtfully crafted itineraries, we deliver fresh on a global scale. These new certifications are just the latest chapter to our story showcasing our commitment to fresh ingredients. Previously, Holland America Line became the first cruise line to serve 100 percent fresh, certified sustainable and traceable wild Alaska seafood onboard our ships in Alaska through the Responsible Fisheries Management certification.
This new endeavor will roll out across our fleet, beginning with our Europe, Canada and New England cruises in May 2024. You’ll be able to relish a variety of Marine Stewardship Council and Aquaculture Stewardship Council certified seafood dishes in our Main Dining Room, Lido Market and other onboard specialty restaurants. Get ready to soak up the sights and savor certified fresh fish from Asia, Australia, Canada and New England, Mexico, Mediterranean, Northern Europe, South America, the Caribbean, and Hawaii. Onboard menus will indicate the type of certification with a symbol marked next to the dish using the Marine Stewardship Council blue fish, Aquaculture Stewardship Council sea green, and Responsible Fisheries Management labels.
What’s your favorite fresh fish dish onboard, and in which destination would you like to relish flavors next? Share in the comments below.
I would like the menu to include some meals from each of the ports that we visit. We had that on Celebrity in their buffet when we did the British isles cruise, which allowed us to explore each country visited at a different level. We enjoyed that immensely.
Hello! Holland America Line has an extensive “Port to Table” program with local dishes on the dining room menus and in the Lido Market. Please ask the staff if you are not able to see these items.
I am a very avid fisher man, and have to say all the fish served aboard Holland Ships is truly exceptional . The verity’s and the many different preparations truly make for a dinning treat .
Freshness , verity and precise cooking are the hall marks of a Holland Cruise line Fish Dinner.
When asked how the fish is on a Holland Cruise, I can sum it up in one word,
OUTSTANDING !
This is my six cruise with Holland, and I have been on five different Holland Ships.
ALL are Exceptional in Service, Hospitality , Care, Friendliness ,
Activity’s , Information , And of course the Food !
The very best Bar None.
I thank you for making such a wonderful way to relax and enjoy life.
The very best to all of the people of the Holland Cruise Line
Thank you
Jerry Snedeker
Mariner# 112841283
Kudos on this important program.
My choices? We are on the Vikings cruise from Amsterdam to Boston. It could be called the salmon cruise… Norwegian salmon, Scottish salmon, faroe island salmon, icelandic salmon, Greenland salmon, and of course we can’t forget Canadian salmon.
When you are in the Caribbean don’t forget blackened red snapper. Yum.
So is fish wild caught or farmed? I only eat wild no farmed how do i know which fish is not farmed. Do not eat bioengineering food at all will this be a problem? Need to know what i am eating, don’t want to be sick!
Hi RoseMarie, we are working with both organizations. The Marine Stewardship Council focuses on sustainable wild-caught seafood and the Aquaculture Stewardship Council works with responsibly farmed seafood. If you only want wild-caught, look for the MSC logo next to the fish on the menus.
It’s still a misnomer as all fish onboard is frozen.
Misnomer or false advertising? I asked waitors about the fish (type, and fresh or frozen) and got different answers from everyone. I do think they’re trying for the Alaska salmon. It tasted like pink and looked small. So hopefully not Atlantic farm raised. But nobody knew the type. And said the halibut was fresh and caught that day. I doubt that was true but we were in juneau. Holland America, I think the service staff should be informed as to what they are serving.
Hi Drew, thank you for commenting about your fish experience on board your Alaska cruise. We can assure you that we only purchase from RFM Certified vendors in Alaska, so all Alaska seafood is local and fresh. Our goal is port to plate within 48 hours, and in Juneau we load from Taku, right there on the pier. In addition, all of our team members in Alaska went through Alaska SeafoodU training because understanding this program is a critical element to its success. That being said, it appears that we have some room to improve on ensuring our team members have solid knowledge on what is being served each day, which we will follow up on. Thank you so much for reaching out to us.