Holland America Line's New Onboard Cooking Shows Bring Regional Cuisine from Port to Stage

Return of popular live food demos include recipes to be served later in the Dining Room for immersive culinary experience

Seattle, Wash., Nov. 19, 2024 — Holland America Line’s renowned culinary program takes the stage onboard with new, cooking shows that spotlight regional culinary specialties and locally sourced seafood from the cruise line’s Global Fresh Fish Program. 

Co-hosted by each ship’s executive chef and cruise & travel director, the demonstrations are fleetwide and occur at least twice per seven-day sailings and more often on longer itineraries.

Guests can learn cooking techniques and the culinary history of the region from the executive chef, with the opportunity to taste the dishes in the Dining Room that evening. Guests also will be able to take a copy of the recipes home to make in the comfort of their own kitchen for friends and family.

"We are thrilled to bring back a favorite tradition that is among our most popular enrichment activities. Our new cooking shows are all about connecting guests to the culinary culture of the region they’re visiting with a fun and attainable experience,” said Michael Stendebach, vice president of food, beverage and room division for Holland America Line. “We’re being purposeful in ensuring our guests can take a piece of the immersive traveling experience home with them after the cruise ends."

Cooking Show Recipes by Region
Cooking Shows on Asia-bound voyages include different recipes than those in the Caribbean or Alaska, as each show will focus on the current destination. Several of the cooking shows will feature Holland America Line’s Global Fresh Fish program, with recipes using fresh fish sourced from a nearby port.  

Dishes prepared during the shows include:

    - Alaska: Barbecue Salmon Bowl; Honey Sriracha Salmon Bowl.

     - Australia/ New Zealand: Panko Crusted Australian Flathead; Australian Bass with Orange Vermouth Sauce; Coral Trout         with Porcini and Bacon; Seared Yellow Fin Bream.

     - Asia: Red Snapper Coconut Curry and Vegetables; Crumbed Miso Sesame Lamb Chops; Teriyaki Salmon Bowl         with Cauliflower Rice; Mongolian Barbecue Lamb Chops; Macadamia Crusted Grouper; Japanese Pork Katsue with         Curry Sauce; Honey Sriracha Salmon Bowl; Pan Seared Honey Sake Barramundi.

       - Caribbean: Bahamian Grouper with Bacon Grits; Grilled Seabass Tacos with Spicy Slaw and Lime Crema; Crusted         Rockfish with Cou-Cou & Coconut Shrimp Bisque.

       - Hawaii: Macadamia Crusted Grouper; Kauai-Style Poke; Lomi-Lomi Salmon; Seared Opah with Mango Avocado Relish.

       - South Pacific:  Japanese Pork Katsu with Curry Sauce; Honey Sriracha Salmon Bowl; Macadamia Crusted Grouper;         Lomi-Lomi Salmon; Crackling Pork Ceviche; Huli Huli Chicken.

       - South America: Seared Grouper with Chilean Salsa; Grilled Shrimp with Chimichurri and Polenta; Braised Short Rib         Empanadas; Peruvian Half Roasted Chicken.

       - Mexico: Blackened Tuna Oaxaca-Style; Grouper with Rice Pilaf and Salsa Picante; Grilled Seabass Tacos with Spicy         Slaw and Lime Crema.

The new cooking shows are the latest in entertainment, culinary and beverage enhancements onboard Holland America Line ships. Other recent enhancements include the introduction of the cruise line’s first-ever branded sparkling wine and a refreshed Pinnacle Grill Menu that features regionally inspired local flavors.