A New Global Fresh Fish Program Is Boarding Holland America Line Cruises

20.09.2023 - 20:29 / forbes.com / Gus Antorcha / Cruises / Holland America Line

A new sea to table culinary program is coming aboard a fleet of luxury cruise shops.

Holland America Line just announced a new global fresh fish program, partnering with a a global network of 60 ports to source and serve 80 types of fresh fish on board. The relationships will allow all on-board restaurants to serve seafood from port to plate in less than 48 hours. Menu items will reflect the regions guests are cruising too, with ingredients indigenous to the itinerary, and locally inspired, destination specific menus that enhance the dining experience.

“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 of 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.”

Holland America Line was the first cruise line to serve 100% fresh, certified sustainable Alaska seafood on board its ships in Alaska, and is now expanding that ethos worldwide. The program also includes daily fresh fish specials, plus a planned expansion of the cruise line’s “Savor My Catch” excursion where guests can catch fish that is then prepared and served by chefs on board.

New to the team is Chef Masaharu Morimoto, serving as Holland America Line’s “Fresh Fish Ambassador.” Chef Morimoto’s new pop-up restaurant will be available fleetwide by early 2024, and in the meantime, his curated dishes will be served in the ship’s Dining Rooms this fall.

“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 dishes will be served on the cruise line’s main Dining Room menus starting this week and will be available for a supplemental charge fleetwide by early October. Menu additions 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; and Fresh Halibut XO with Asian vegetables, dried shrimp and scallop XO sauce.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with Chef Morimoto, the foremost expert in this niche,” said Michael Stendebach, vice president of food and beverage at