Morimoto By Sea Opens Aboard Holland America’s Nieuw Amsterdam

Chef Masaharu Morimoto’s first restaurant at sea, Morimoto By Sea, is now open aboard HAL’s ship Nieuw Amsterdam.

Holland America Line‘s newest specialty restaurant, Morimoto By Sea, officially opened its doors on board Nieuw Amsterdam on December 21. Morimoto By Sea is the first standalone restaurant at sea by Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto.

The Japanese-inspired Morimoto By Sea restaurant is now open aboard *Nieuw Amsterdam* (image courtesy of Holland America Line)

Chef Morimoto also serves as the cruise line’s Fresh Fish Ambassador, part of the brand’s global fresh fish initiative. Morimoto was present for his namesake eatery’s opening night, along with Holland America Line officials and Nieuw Amsterdam guests.

In keeping with tradition, Chef Morimoto broke open a sake barrel during Morimoto By Sea’s opening celebration and offered a toast to all present.

Chef Morimoto broke open a sake barrel during Morimoto By Sea’s opening celebration (image courtesy of Holland America Line)

“We recently transformed space on Nieuw Amsterdam into a beautiful Morimoto By Sea restaurant, and we are thrilled to be here to officially open the dining experience for our guests,” said Michael Stendebach, Holland America’s VP of food, beverage, and rooms division.

“Adding Morimoto By Sea both as a stand-alone venue and a pop-up is another way we continue to elevate our culinary offerings, and we are honored to have Chef Morimoto on board to celebrate the launch,” continued Stendebach in a press release.

Morimoto By Sea features fresh fish sourced from HAL’s global network

The new Morimoto By Sea restaurant on Nieuw Amsterdam is part of Holland America Line’s global fresh fish program. A Morimoto By Sea pop-up experience is also offered once per voyage on the fleet’s other ten ships at either Pinnacle Grill or Tamarind.

The Japanese-inspired dishes served at Morimoto By Sea—as well as the 80 types of fresh fish offered across Holland America’s fleet—are sourced from a global network of 60 ports.

Morimoto By Sea’s seafood offerings are part of HAL’s global fresh fish program (image courtesy of Holland America Line)

Opening night at Morimoto By Sea on Nieuw Amsterdam

Morimoto By Sea was fully booked for its opening night, with guests choosing from a selection of dishes including Hamachi Tacos, Ishiyaki Buri Bop, Japanese Vegetable Curry, Slow Cooked Alaskan King Salmon, and White Chocolate Lime Ganache.

“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,” said Chef Morimoto. “I’ve cooked on land, on television, and now on the oceans. I look forward to Holland America Line guests experiencing my dishes.”

Dining at Morimoto By Sea

Morimoto By Sea on Nieuw Amsterdam is located adjacent to Tamarind restaurant on the ship’s Observation Deck (Deck 11). Guests at the new specialty dining venue, which is open nightly, can enjoy a multi-course meal highlighting Chef Morimoto’s specialties and the cruise line’s fresh fish program.

Guests at Morimoto By Sea can enjoy a multi-course meal highlighting Chef Morimoto’s specialties (image courtesy of Holland America Line)

Menu selections also include beef, chicken, vegetarian, and vegan options, as well as sushi offered à la carte.

The restaurant also features Chef Morimoto’s exclusive beverages, including Morimoto Dream Brut Rosé and Morimoto Junmai Daiginjo Sake, chosen to complement the dishes on the menu.

Guests cruising on Nieuw Amsterdam can make reservations for Morimoto By Sea pre-cruise on Holland America’s Navigator app or once on board. The restaurant has a cover charge of $55 per person, plus an additional 18% gratuity. Drinks and à la carte choices are not included in the cover charge.

More Holland America news

Have you tried any of Chef Morimoto’s dishes on Holland America? Are you excited to try the new standalone restaurant Morimoto By Sea? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!

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Carrie Ann Karstunen

Carrie Ann is the founder of Should Be Cruising and a lifelong travel fanatic. A former flight attendant, she now prefers cruise ships over airplanes and spends several months each year cruising and exploring cruise ports. Facebook | Instagram | TikTok

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