Cruisers: your onboard seafood options are about to receive a major celebrity boost.
Masaharu Morimoto, the renowned chef, restaurateur and star of Iron Chef, Iron Chef America and Sushi Master, has been named Fresh Fish Ambassador for Holland America Line. In this new role, Morimoto oversees the shellfish, sashimi and other seafood offerings aboard Holland America ships. He has already developed signature dishes that debuted in dining rooms this fall, and a fleetwide pop-up restaurant is scheduled to begin appearing on sailings by early 2024.
© Courtesy of Holland America Line
Morimoto says his inspiration comes from a deep appreciation of the sea and a desire to give guests memorable dining experiences.
“The ocean has so many diverse flavors and textures, and I want to bring that spirit to the dining scene,” Morimoto said. “I aimed to create dishes that showcase the highest and freshest quality of ingredients while infusing them with Japanese culinary traditions.”
Among the dishes already available on Holland America ships are fresh halibut XO served with Asian vegetables and a scallop XO sauce — a savory Hong Kong-style condiment made with dried seafood, shallots, ham, chili oil and garlic. Another offering, Ishiyaki Buri Bop, features fresh Pacific yellowtail layered over rice and cooked tableside in a hot stone bowl. A curated sushi plate includes nigiri selections such as salmon, hamachi and hotate, plus maki featuring ebi tempura and a Dungeness California roll.
© Courtesy of Holland America Line
Beginning in November, Morimoto by Sea will pop up in either Tamarind or Pinnacle Grill depending on the ship, appearing at least once per cruise. For an additional $55, guests can enjoy a multicourse tasting menu that includes vegetarian and vegan choices. Beverage pairings include selections such as Morimoto Brut Rosé and Sake Junmai Morimoto.
Morimoto intends to source rare or harder-to-find seafood for the pop-up programs when possible, though menus will vary according to local availability and the ship’s ports of call. Dishes previewed for the pop-up include Angry Lobster Pad Thai with Thai red curry sauce; whole market fish, crispy fried and served with sweet-spicy chili sauce and pickled vegetables; and broiled beef tenderloin with a Japanese-style mushroom sauce. A standout experience, Savor My Catch, lets guests bring aboard fish they’ve caught to be prepared by the ship’s chefs.
© Courtesy of Holland America Line
This ambassador role is a first for Morimoto, and he says he is energized by the partnership, noting that his culinary values align with Holland America’s focus on fresh, regionally inspired cuisine.
Morimoto emphasizes that his aim extends beyond creating memorable dishes: he wants guests to understand the stories behind each plate and the care that goes into sourcing ingredients.
“I want guests to be able to savor the flavors but also have an understanding of the story behind each dish, the dedication to sustainability, and the significance of the ingredients that we used,” he said. “I hope all guests leave with respect for the ocean and its resources, encouraging them to make more sustainable choices when it comes to seafood.”