Guests cruising on Holland America Line’s “Majestic Japan” voyage are in for a special treat. Fresh Fish Ambassador Masaharu Morimoto will be on board a portion of the cruise to visit his hometown of Hiroshima, Japan.

“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,” Morimoto said in a press release.

“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,” Morimoto said.

Morimoto will be on board a portion of the 53-day cruise onboard the Westerdam from Sept. 24-30, 2024. Departing Sept. 1, 2024, the Majestic Japan Legendary Voyage sets sail for Alaska, Japan and Hawaii, roundtrip from Seattle, Washington.

The journey visits 21 total ports and extensively explores the beauty of Japan during the fall months with 13 calls throughout the country. Overnight visits include Yokohama (Tokyo) and Honolulu, Hawaii.

Chef Morimoto will embark Westerdam on Sept. 24 at Osaka and sail to Kochi, Sakaiminato and Toyama before disembarking at Kanazawa on Sept. 30. The ship will visit the chef’s hometown of Hiroshima on Sept. 26.

“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,” Michael Stendebach, vice president of food and beverage division for Holland America Line, said in a news release.

“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,” Stendebach said.

Chef  Morimoto will be offering special experiences, a culinary demonstration and a coffee chat where guests will get to know the chef in a more intimate environment.

A highlight of Chef Morimoto’s time on board will be three Morimoto By Sea pop-ups dinners in Pinnacle Grill where guests will have up-close access to the chef while they dine.

Marmot By Sea — a stand-alone venue on Nieuw Amsterdam and a pop-up on the remaining 10 ships in the fleet — is a multi-course dinner with signature dishes created by Morimoto that celebrate Holland America Line’s Global Fresh Fish Program. Other guest experiences with  Morimoto are still being planned.

Global Fresh Fish Program

Holland America Line’s Global Fresh Fish Program is pioneering initiative that engages a global network of 60 ports to source and serve 80 types of fresh fish engages a global network of 60 ports to source and serve 80 types of fresh fish — from port to plate in less than 48 hours — in all restaurants on board.

Guests can find fresh fish and ingredients native to various regions where the ships sail, yielding destination-inspired menus and local specialties that tell the story of each itinerary through cuisine.

Under the Fresh Fish program, Holland America Line is the first cruise line to receive both Marine Stewardship Council and Aquaculture Stewardship Council certifications, underscoring the brand’s commitment to serving guests the highest quality seafood that is wild-caught or originates from a responsible farm or sustainable fishery. Holland America Line also serves 100% fresh, certified, sustainable and traceable wild Alaska seafood on board its six ships in Alaska through its Responsible Fisheries Management certification.

Photos courtesy of Holland America

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