Holland America Line (HAL) is launching a new fresh fish program. The initiative will include a worldwide network of 60 ports to source and serve 80 types of fresh fish onboard all of HAL's restaurants, "going from port to plate in less than 48 hours."
"After becoming the first cruise line to serve 100% fresh, certified sustainable Alaska seafood on board its ships in Alaska, Holland America Line is now taking fresh fish worldwide," HAL said in a statement.
Under the new program, the cruise line plans to offer guests fresh fish and ingredients native to various regions, with "destination-inspired menus and local specialties."
"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 HAL. "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."
The program also includes daily fresh fish specials and 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.
Chef Masaharu Morimoto will serve as HAL's "Fresh Fish Ambassador," curating dishes to be served in the ships' Dining Rooms this fall, as well as in a new pop-up restaurant available fleetwide by early 2024.
Chef Morimoto said, "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."
By early OCT, Chef Morimoto's Dining Room menus will be available for a supplemental charge fleetwide. Menu additions include "Fresh Black Cod Yuzu," "Morimoto Epice Lobster Tails," and "Fresh Halibut XO."
'Morimoto by Sea' Pop-Up
Beginning in NOV, HAL guests can indulge in a Chef Morimoto experience with an exclusive pop-up restaurant: "Morimoto by Sea." The experience will include a multi-course menu and vegetarian and vegan selections, offered to guests for a USD $55 per person cover charge
According to HAL, an evening at "Morimoto by Sea" is a multi-course dinner. The pop-up restaurant will be open fleetwide by early 2024.
Chef Morimoto's Dining Room Dishes
Examples starting in late SEP with the remainder of the fleet rollout in OCT:
- 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.
'Morimoto by Sea' Sample Seafood Menu Items Include:
- 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.
- Crispy Fried Whole Market Fresh Fish: Sweet spicy chilli 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.
More information on HAL's website.
