by Sarah Kuta
Last updated: 12:45 PM ET, Wed December 27, 2023
Celebrity chef Masaharu Morimoto has opened his first restaurant at sea.
The Japanese chef, best known for his appearances on the cooking show “Iron Chef,” opened Morimoto By Sea aboard Holland America Line’s Nieuw Amsterdam ship this month.
The new restaurant is a nightly specialty venue on Nieuw Amsterdam, situated on the Observation Deck next to the Tamarind restaurant. But guests sailing on Holland America Line’s 10 other vessels can also experience Morimoto By Sea during once-per-cruise pop-up experiences at either Pinnacle Grill or Tamarind.
“Adding Morimoto By Sea both as a stand-alone venue and a pop-up is another way we continue to elevate our culinary offerings,” says Michael Stendebach, vice president of food, beverage and rooms division at Holland America Line.
The Asian-inspired, multi-course menu features lots of seafood but also includes beef, chicken, vegetarian and vegan options, as well as sushi. Dishes range from lobster pad thai to crispy fried fish and broiled beef tenderloin steaks, to name a few. A variety of exclusive drinks developed by the chef complement the food menu, including Morimoto Dream Brut Rosé and Morimoto Junmai Daiginjo Sake.
Holland America Line serves 80 different types of fresh fish onboard its ships through its global fresh fish program, for which Morimoto serves as official ambassador. The cruise line sources its seafood from 60 international ports.
Holland America Line's Nieuw Amsterdam ship (Photo Credit: Holland America Line)
Morimoto was onboard Nieuw Amsterdam to celebrate the restaurant’s official opening on December 21, along with Holland America Line executives. He cracked open a barrel of sake and shared it with guests for a toast.
“I am always excited to open a new restaurant, and this grand opening is very special because it is my first restaurant on a cruise ship,” says Morimoto. “I’ve cooked on land, on television and now on the oceans.”
Morimoto By Sea reservations are available onboard or through Holland America Line’s Navigator App. Guests can dine at the restaurant for $55 per person, plus an extra 18 percent gratuity.
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