Chef Morimoto to Join Holland America "Majestic Japan" Cruise

A platter of fresh fish
Cruise Industry Asia
By
Updated Published

Holland America Line announced that their Fresh Fish Ambassador, Chef Masaharu Morimoto, will be joining the Westerdam’s "Majestic Japan" cruise, which includes a visit to his hometown of Hiroshima, according to a press release.

Departing on September 1, 2024, the cruise will feature three exclusive Morimoto By Sea pop-up dinners at the Pinnacle Grill, giving guests a unique opportunity to interact with Chef Morimoto during their meals.

Morimoto By Sea, which is a permanent venue on the Nieuw Amsterdam and a pop-up experience on the other ten ships in the fleet, offers a multi-course dinner showcasing Chef Morimoto’s signature dishes, which are part of Holland America Line’s Global Fresh Fish Program.

The company has indicated that additional guest experiences with Chef Morimoto are being planned.

“Having Chef Morimoto cruise with us is an experience that our guests will never forget. Learning from such a renowned expert and hearing about his background while visiting his homeland is a perfect way to bring more of Japan on board,” said Michael Stendebach, vice president of the food and beverage division for Holland America Line.

“Throughout the Majestic Japan cruise, our guests also will get to sample some incredible local fish that we feature on our menus as part of our Global Fresh Fish program. The dishes are a wonderful way to showcase the destinations for our guests.”

Chef Morimoto expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “I am excited to sail on board a Holland America Line cruise that puts such a deep focus on my home country of Japan, its unique local ingredients and visits my hometown. To be able to share my passion for fresh fish while visiting a place that means so much to me will be memorable for not only the ship’s guests but for me personally.”

Chef Morimoto will embark on the Westerdam on September 24 at Osaka, with stops in Kochi, Sakaiminato, and Toyama, before disembarking in Kanazawa on September 30. The ship will visit Hiroshima, Chef Morimoto’s hometown, on September 26.