Passengers looking to learn tips, tricks, and techniques from some of the world’s best chefs can set sail on one of Holland America’s Culinary Cruises with a member of the line’s Culinary Council.
The program has officially been extended into 2023, as celebrity chefs will share their expertise and kitchen secrets on select cruises this year. Each Culinary Cruise will feature live cooking demonstrations led by the chefs, complete with recipes to take home. The sailings will also include coffee chats with the chefs and an intimate reservation-only dinner at either Pinnacle Grill, Rudi’s Sel de Mer, or Nami Sushi.
Culinary Council chef signature dishes will also be highlighted on various restaurant menus during the cruises.
“Our Culinary Cruises have proven to be popular with our guests who appreciate having access to these amazing chefs, and we’re excited to have our Culinary Council members back on board in 2023,” said Michael Stendebach, vice president of food, beverage and guest services, Holland America Line. “We strive to cultivate unique experiences for our guests, and to learn from a renowned chocolatier or the world’s foremost sushi master is something we hope they will always remember.”
Holland America’s Culinary Council is comprised of elite chefs who bring a global influence to the dining experience across the fleet. In addition to their featured recipes in various onboard venues, one evening in the main dining room on every cruise has a special menu offering a collection of dishes from the Culinary Council members.
Here are this year’s Culinary Cruises:
Ethan Stowell
A 35-day Hawaii, Tahiti, and Marquesas voyage roundtrip from San Diego from February 18 to March 25, 2023 aboard Koningsdam
Stowell incorporates the flavors of the Pacific Northwest on ships sailing in that region, using fresh Alaska seafood. His fare is also featured at New York Pizza and in the Lido Market buffet across the fleet.
Stowell is founder and CEO of Ethan Stowell Restaurants, which has an impressive roster of highly-acclaimed restaurants. He was named one of the Best New Chefs in America by Food & Wine magazine and one of the Best New Chef All-Stars.
David Burke
A 20-day Panama Canal cruise from Fort Lauderdale to Seattle from April 9-29, 2023 aboard Eurodam
Burke enhances the menu at Pinnacle Grill, adding modern flavors and signature recipes. He recently opened five new restaurants, including Orchard Park by David Burke. During the pandemic, Burke’s #FeedtheHeroes program cooked and delivered 100,000 meals to frontline workers and charities. He’s been featured on “Iron Chef America” and “Top Chef Masters.”
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Jacques Torres
An 11-day Atlantic Coast cruise from Fort Lauderdale to Montreal from April 18-29, 2023 aboard Zaandam
A French-trained master chef and artisan chocolatier, Torres guides chocolate desserts as well as the Chocolate Surprise Dessert Parade on board.
After rising to executive pastry chef at New York’s Le Cirque, he opened a chocolate factory and retail stores throughout New York City. The James Beard Award winner is co-host and head judge on the Netflix culinary show “Nailed It” with Nicole Byer.
Andy Matsuda
A 14-day Great Alaskan Explorer cruise roundtrip from Vancouver from May 7-21, 2023 aboard Nieuw Amsterdam
The Japanese-born Matsuda leads the sushi offerings at Nami Sushi, Tamarind, and the Lido Market buffet.
At Matsuda’s Sushi Chef Institute in Los Angeles, he teaches aspiring chefs and professionals about sushi and Japanese cuisine. Matsuda is at the forefront of sushi trends and techniques.
Rudi Sodamin
A 14-day Northern Isles voyage roundtrip from Copenhagen from June 18 to July 2, 2023 aboard Nieuw Statendam
Austrian-born Sodamin oversees all aspects of Holland America’s onboard dining. Rudi’s Sel de Mer is his namesake French seafood brasserie on board. His latest culinary masterpiece is an art table book called “Food Faces” that features over 150 images of edible creations.
Excluding the specialty dinner, all culinary events on these cruises are complimentary. Each chef will be aboard their designated Culinary Cruise for four to 14 days.
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