Holland America Line and Chef Masaharu Morimoto Introduce New Morimoto By Sea Menu Ahead of May 2027 Alaska Cruise

New Morimoto by Sea menu to begin rollout this month; Iron Chef Morimoto joins a special Alaska sailing aboard Nieuw Amsterdam on May 8, 2027

Seattle, Wash., Sept. 14, 2026 — Holland America Line and Chef Masaharu Morimoto are refreshing the Morimoto by Sea menu with new dishes and updated favorites. The menu debut is in anticipation of Chef Morimoto—Holland America Line’s Global Fresh Fish Ambassador—hosting a cruise to Alaska in 2027. The new menu will begin rolling out across the fleet this month, giving guests an opportunity to experience his latest creations ahead of his May 8, 2027, sailing aboard Nieuw Amsterdam.

The refreshed menu builds on Chef Morimoto’s signature Japanese-inspired cuisine while continuing to showcase his passion for fresh fish and high-quality ingredients. Among the additions are Chef Morimoto’s Shokupan Bread Service, Tan Tan Noodles, Miso Lamb Chop and Lobster Miso Soup, along with an updated Morimoto Sushi Mori inspired by the popular pop-up experience.

“Chef Morimoto is one of the most celebrated chefs in the world, and his culinary influence continues to bring something truly distinctive to Holland America Line,” said Michael Stendebach, vice president of food, beverage and rooms division for Holland America Line. “This refreshed menu brings his signature Japanese-inspired approach to new dishes, and we’re excited he will be able to share his passion for our Global Fresh Fish Program in person with guests aboard Nieuw Amsterdam in 2027.”

A Fresh Take on Morimoto By Sea
The new menu—featured at the Morimoto by Sea standalone restaurant on Nieuw Amsterdam and as a pop-up experience on the remainder of the fleet—will roll out this fall starting with Nieuw Amsterdam, and it is expected to be on all 11 ships by mid-November.

The dining experience begins with Chef Morimoto's Shokupan Bread Service, his personal take on Japanese milk bread known for its pillowy texture and subtle sweetness, alongside a selection of new and returning appetizers.

New appetizers include Popcorn Shrimp with Morimoto-style gochujang, Vegetable Wonton with Asian sesame garlic chili sauce, and Lobster Miso Soup with white miso broth. Returning favorites include Pork Gyoza, Taco Two Ways and Sticky Ribs.

New main dishes include Tan Tan Noodles served in a red curry broth with miso-infused ground chicken; Miso Lamb Chop with kombu-braised daikon and gochujang-infused lamb jus; and Butter Poached Lobster Tail with warm yuzu butter. Returning favorites include Japanese Curry and Morimoto Buri-Bop, Chef Morimoto’s iconic dish from “Iron Chef Japan.”

Rounding out the new offerings is an updated Morimoto Sushi Mori, a chef-selected assortment of sushi inspired by the popular Morimoto by Sea pop-up experience.

“When developing these dishes, my goal was simple: create an experience that feels both exciting and approachable,” said Chef Morimoto. “For me, great food is about more than a recipe. It's about creating a connection through taste, texture and presentation. I’m excited for guests to experience these new dishes and then join me in Alaska where I’ll have the opportunity to share my passion for fresh fish and connect with guests in a different way.”

Chef Morimoto to Sail Alaska in 2027
Guests will have an opportunity to experience Chef Morimoto’s culinary perspective in person when he joins Nieuw Amsterdam’s May 8, 2027, eight-day Alaska cruise roundtrip from Vancouver, Canada. As Holland America Line’s Global Fresh Fish Ambassador, Chef Morimoto will bring his passion for fresh fish to a destination where the cruise line’s fresh fish program is particularly robust.

During the Culinary Ambassador cruise, Chef Morimoto will connect with guests through special onboard experiences that offer a closer look at his approach to food and the inspiration behind his cuisine. During his time on the 2026 Grand World Voyage, he hosted intimate dinners, a cooking demonstration and Japanese cuisine-themed trivia; his Alaska sailing is expected to feature similar opportunities.

Whether cruising with Chef Morimoto in Alaska or dining at Morimoto by Sea, guests will experience a culinary partnership that has become a hallmark of Holland America Line's dining program.