Holland America Line’s “Majestic Japan” cruise is set to be an extraordinary experience for guests as renowned Chef Masaharu Morimoto will be joining the Westerdam for a week-long culinary adventure. The famed chef, known as the Fresh Fish Ambassador, will be sharing his expertise and passion for Japanese cuisine with passengers during the 53-day voyage.

A highlight of Chef Morimoto’s time on board will be exclusive pop-up dinners in the Pinnacle Grill, offering guests a unique opportunity to dine in the presence of the culinary master. These special dinners will feature a multi-course menu showcasing Chef Morimoto’s signature dishes and celebrating Holland America Line’s commitment to fresh seafood.

In addition to the pop-up dinners, guests will have the chance to learn from Chef Morimoto through cooking demonstrations and intimate “Coffee Chats.” This exceptional opportunity to interact with the chef will provide valuable insights into his culinary philosophy and personal journey.

By combining the expertise of Chef Morimoto with the cruise line’s focus on fresh, local seafood, Holland America Line aims to deliver an unforgettable culinary experience for guests while showcasing the best of Japanese cuisine.

“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,” said Chef Morimoto. “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.”  

‘Majestic Japan’ Legendary Voyage 

Departing Sept. 1, 2024, the 53-day ‘Majestic Japan’ Legendary Voyage aboard Westerdam 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 Sept. 24 at Osaka and sail to Kochi, Sakaiminato and Toyama before debarking at Kanazawa Sept. 30. The ship will visit the chef’s hometown of Hiroshima Sept. 26. 

The three options for guests to book while Chef Morimoto is sailing are:   

• 53-days (full cruise), roundtrip Seattle, Sept. 1 — Oct. 24, 2024. 
• 51-days (full cruise), Vancouver, Canada, to Seattle, Sept. 3 — Oct. 24, 2024.  
• 34-days (segment), Yokohama (Tokyo) to Seattle, Sept. 21 — Oct. 24, 2024.  

A fourth bookable segment, prior to the chef’s visit, is a 19-day segment from Seattle to Yokohama, from Sept. 1 to 21. 

Morimoto By Sea Stand Alone Restaurant and Pop-Up Experience 

Whether at the stand-alone venue on Nieuw Amsterdam or at a pop-up experience in Tamarind or Pinnacle Grill, Morimoto By Sea’s menu of artfully presented dishes and beverages features inspired cuisine for a broad range of palates. The dishes served at Morimoto By Sea — and all seafood offerings across Holland America Line’s fleet — are sourced from a global network of ports to serve fresh fish on board. 

The experience, offered for a cover charge, includes a multi-course menu, along with Chef Morimoto’s exclusive alcoholic beverages that complement his dishes.  

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 — 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.  

Cruise-only fares for the full 53-day Majestic Japan cruise begin at $7,894 per person, double occupancy. Taxes, fees and port expenses are now included in all cruise fares.  

For more information about Holland America Line, consult a travel advisor, call 1-877-SAIL HAL (877-724-5425) or visit hollandamerica.com.