In a press release issued on August 31, 2022, Holland America Line announced that cruisers can set sail on a Holland America Line’s “Culinary Cruise” in 2022 with a member from the line’s Culinary Council. The celebrity chefs will share their expertise and secrets.
During each “Culinary Cruise,” guests will have the opportunity to attend cooking demonstrations led by the chefs, bring home recipes from each presentation and join an intimate reservation-only dinner at Pinnacle Grill, Rudi’s Sel de Mer or Nami Sushi, depending on the chef. Culinary Council chef signature dishes will be highlighted when available on all restaurant menus during the cruises.
“Holland America Line’s culinary program is guided by some of the world’s foremost talents, and no other cruise line has this level of experience from such a team of experts,” said Michael Stendebach, vice president of food, beverage and guest services, Holland America Line. “It’s not every day you learn a recipe directly from the famous chef who created it and hear their secrets to success in the kitchen. We have been eager to reengage our talented Culinary Council chefs to come back on board and offer guests this exclusive level of access.”
Holland America Line’s Culinary Council comprises a collection of elite chefs who bring global influence to the dining experience across the fleet. In addition to their featured recipes in the various on-board venues, one evening in the Dining Room on every cruise a special menu offers a collection of dishes from the Culinary Council members.
2022 CULINARY CRUISES:
Ethan Stowell
- Westerdam, 7-Day Alaskan Explorer, Sept. 11-18, 2022, roundtrip from Seattle, Washington.
Stowell incorporates the flavors of the Pacific Northwest on ships sailing in that region, using fresh, sustainably sourced Alaska seafood. His fare also is featured at New York Pizza and Lido Market across the fleet.
Jacques Torres
- Zaandam, 9-Day The Atlantic Coast, Oct. 1-10, 2022, from Montreal, Quebec, Canada, to Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
A French-trained master chef and artisan chocolatier, Torres guides chocolate desserts as well as the Chocolate Surprise Dessert Parade on board. After rising to executive pastry chef at New York’s legendary Le Cirque, he opened a chocolate factory and retail stores throughout New York.
Rudi Sodamin
- Koningsdam, 7-Day Mexican Riviera, Nov. 12-19, 2022, roundtrip from San Diego, California.
As Holland America Line’s master chef and Culinary Council chairman, Austrian-born Sodamin oversees all aspects of shipboard dining. Rudi’s Sel de Mer is his namesake French seafood brasserie on board.
David Burke
- Nieuw Amsterdam, 7-Day Eastern Caribbean, Dec. 4-11, 2022, roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale.
Burke enhances the menu at Pinnacle Grill, adding contemporary flavors and signature recipes. He recently opened five new restaurants, including Orchard Park by David Burke.
Andy Matsuda
- Nieuw Statendam, 10-Day Southern Caribbean Seafarer, Dec. 17-27, 2022, roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale.
The Japanese-born Matsuda leads the sushi offerings at Nami Sushi, Tamarind and Lido Market. At Matsuda’s Sushi Chef Institute in Los Angeles, California, he teaches aspiring chefs and professionals about sushi and Japanese cuisine.
All events are complimentary excluding the specialty dinner. Each chef will be aboard their designated “Culinary Cruise” for four to ten days.
For more information about Holland America Line’s ships, itineraries and meals onboard, please visit them here.
