Holland America Line Debuts Morimoto By Sea on the Nieuw Amsterdam

Famed Chef Masaharu Morimoto known as the star of Iron Chef and Iron Chef America, and Holland America Line, part of Carnival Corporation, will debut a permanent restaurant Morimoto By Sea onboard Holland America’s Nieuw Amsterdam. Morimoto is known as the cruise line’s “Fish Ambassador”, and his menu will offer elevated dining experiences for passengers.

Nieuw Amsterdam – Photo courtesy of Holland America Line

Every Holland America Line ship will offer a few of Chef Morimoto’s creations in the main Dining Room. The launch of its global fresh fish program with Morimoto By Sea pop-up experiences will be on 10 of the fleets ships in either the Pinnacle Grill or Tamarind.  Menu items across Holland America Line’s fleet are sourced globally from a network of 60 ports to serve 80 types of fresh fish on board.

This new and exclusive dining experience is the first stand-alone restaurant at sea for Chef Masaharu Morimoto. Opening just in time for the holidays on Dec. 16, 2023, the restaurant will offer delicious fresh fish, Asian-inspired dishes, and beverages from Chef Morimoto.

Departing from Fort Lauderdale, FL the ship will sail roundtrip for 14 days to Eastern and Tropical Caribbean. Stops include Turks & Caicos, Key West, Half Moon Cay and Dominican Republic.

Photo courtesy of Holland America Line

Morimoto By Sea will be located adjacent to the Tamarind restaurant on the Observation Deck. Guests will enjoy a multi-course meal with a selection of fish, beef, chicken, vegan and vegetarian options. Passengers can make a reservation on Holland America Line’s Navigator App or when they are onboard the ship. The restaurant does have a $55 per person cover charge and an additional 18% gratuity.

“Featuring cuisine from esteemed culinary authority like Chef Morimoto in his signature restaurant elevates our specialty dining experience for guests on Nieuw Amsterdam,” said Michael Stendebach, Vice President of food, beverage and guest services at Holland America Line. “The menu showcases a symphony of flavors and the freshest ingredients, reflecting the highest standards of culinary excellence from both Holland America Line and Chef Morimoto. We’re thrilled to welcome guests there nightly on Nieuw Amsterdam.”

Photo courtesy of Holland America Line

“The creation of this new restaurant has been a new and exciting experience, and I look forward to sharing my culinary passion with guests aboard Nieuw Amsterdam,” said Chef Morimoto. “Morimoto By Sea will bring exceptional flavors and one-of-a-kind dishes to guests sailing around the world with Holland America Line.”

Photo courtesy of Holland America Line

‘Morimoto by Sea’ menu items include a sushi plate with nigiri salmon, hamachi, rotate, maki with ebi tempura, Dungeness California salmon shikai maki.

Sushi Plate – Photo courtesy of Holland America Line

There will also be a tempura calamari salad with a white miso dressing and Morimoto fresh tuna pizza. Tori Ramen noodle soup, hamachi tacos and sticky ribs are also in the appetizer section.

Fresh tuna pizza. Photo by Holland America Line

The restaurant will also highlights Chef Morimoto’s exclusive alcoholic beverages by the bottle or by glass. Start with  Morimoto Dream Brut Rosé, or Morimoto Grgich Hills Chardonnay and Morimoto Grgich Hills Cabernet Sauvignon. Morimoto also offers four sakes, that include Sake Junmai Daiginjo Morimoto and Sake Sparkling Nigori.

Lobster Pad Thai – Photo courtesy of Holland America Line

Main courses include Angry Lobster Pad Thai, Shrimp Three Way “Morimoto Style” and Japanese vegetable curry. There is slow cooked Alaskan King Salmon in a white cream stew and crispy fried whole market fresh fish.

Photo courtesy of Holland America Line

Be sure to finish with a dark chocolate sphere with ganache, marshmallow and milk hot chocolate sauce.

The Nieuw Amsterdam is the second of Holland America Line’s Signature Class ships. The interior celebrates historic New York City with an inspired design and art collection. While on board, passengers can rejuvenate in the tranquil Greenhouse Spa & Salon, play pickleball at sea, and listen to music fill the room at Billboard Onboard with chart-topping hits. B.B. King’s Blues Club serves up R&B direct from Beale Street.

Sailing on Holland America Line during the holidays is a relaxing cruise getaway. There are 24 upcoming Holiday Cruises for families and friends to reconnect with loved ones. Leave all the planning, prepping and cleaning up to the talented staff onboard Holland American Line.