Holland America Line’s newest specialty restaurant, helmed by Chef Masaharu Morimoto, was recently launched.
Aboard Nieuw Amsterdam, Morimoto By Sea is the first stand-alone ship restaurant by Chef Masaharu, who doubles as HAL’s Fresh Fish Ambassador.
Helmed by HAL’s Fresh Fish Ambassador
The Chef presided over the launch on December 21, along with Holland America Line executives and ship guests. The event started with a traditional sake barrel ceremony, with Chef Morimoto cracking open the barrel and offering a celebration toast for all.
“We recently transformed space on Nieuw Amsterdam, and we are thrilled to be here to officially open the dining experience,” said Michael Stendebach, VP of the food, beverage, and rooms division. “Adding Morimoto By Sea both as a stand-alone venue and a pop-up is another way to elevate our culinary offerings.”
Morimoto By Sea pop-up experiences on each ship
Morimoto By Sea forms part of HAL’s global fresh fish program. This includes a pop-up Morimoto By Sea experience on each cruise across the fleet on either Pinnacle Grill or Tamarind restaurants.
Morimoto By Sea showcases seafood offerings sourced from 60 ports. Overall, it serves up to 80 types of fresh fish on board. Nieuw Amsterdam’s Morimoto By Sea is beside the Tamarind restaurant on the Observation Deck.
Guests enjoy multi-course dining with beef, chicken, vegetarian, vegan options, and fresh seafood. There is also a separate sushi menu.
“I am always excited to open a new restaurant, and this grand opening is very special as my first restaurant on a cruise ship,” said Chef Morimoto. The restaurant also features Chef’s exclusive alcoholic drinks, including Morimoto Dream Brut Rosé and Morimoto Junmai Daiginjo Sake.
The opening night was fully booked, with guests served varied dishes, including Hamachi Tacos, Ishiyaki Buri Bop, Japanese Vegetable Curry, Slow Cooked Alaskan King Salmon, and White Chocolate Lime Ganache.
Morimoto By Sea has a cover charge of $55 per person, plus 18% gratuity, with reservations available via HAL’s Navigator App or on board.
