These days, it is sort of a given that Holland America Line has some of the best food at sea for the larger mass-market cruise lines. The buffet tends to be out of control good, the main dining rooms provide excellent food on a regular basis, and the Pinnacle Grill set an industry standard for fine dining at sea.  But this commitment to good eats isn’t limited to mealtime on Holland America Line ships.

A few years ago, as Holland America started to revitalize their ships, they did something that was – at the time – unique. They took their movie theater and gave it a new purpose. Sure, movies still get shown in the big room, but during the day something special happens. When the screen lifts, a full test kitchen is revealed, and the days are filled with cooking demonstrations and classes.

Curated by Food and Wine magazine, celebrity chefs regularly make appearances and there are even cooking classes for kids and teens at the center as well. Topics cover a wide variety of different options. One of our favorite options is the wine tasting and mixology classes. Learning about wine and then getting to know a few new cocktails is pretty great. And on Alaska sailings, the emphasis is on seafood with their “Fresh Ketch” program. These special classes give guests a chance to get up close and personal with Alaska King Salmon, Halibut and King Crab. Getting a chance to walk away from a vacation armed with a couple new recipes is a great way to remember it come meal time.

Check out this little video about what Holland America offers with their Culinary Arts Center. It’s one of the things that makes a Holland America cruise truly special.

Experience “Fresh Ketch” classes on Alaska sailings with Holland America in 2013. To see the different Alaska cruises that Holland America offers, click here.

For more videos about Holland America Line, click here.