Good news for sushi lovers! Holland America Line is taking its culinary offerings to the next level by expanding its partnership with world-renowned Chef Masaharu Morimoto. The cruise line has announced the introduction of Morimoto By Sea Sushi Bar, a specialty sushi experience that will be available on five ships across the fleet.
This intimate sushi bar will bring Chef Morimoto’s signature flavors and techniques to sea, offering an exclusive menu of sushi, sashimi, and small plates crafted by the cruise line’s Global Fresh Fish Ambassador.
Cruise passengers onboard Rotterdam, Koningsdam, Nieuw Statendam, and Eurodam will soon enjoy this premium sushi experience, with the rollout scheduled between March and June 2025. The concept originally debuted on Nieuw Amsterdam in 2023, operating alongside the stand-alone Morimoto By Sea restaurant.
A High-End Sushi Experience at Sea
The Morimoto By Sea Sushi Bar is designed to be intimate and exclusive, seating just 12 guests at the counter, with additional table seating in the surrounding area on select ships. While Nieuw Amsterdam features a full Morimoto By Sea restaurant, this new sushi bar will complement the existing Morimoto By Sea pop-up dining experience, available across the fleet at least once per cruise.
Holland America’s Vice President of Food and Beverage, Michael Stendebach, expressed excitement about the expansion, saying: “With Chef Morimoto’s knowledge and expertise in the sushi world, it made sense for him to expand beyond his Morimoto By Sea restaurant and develop a specialized sushi bar featuring his signature style and flavors.”
For sushi lovers, this means more fresh fish, expertly crafted rolls, and innovative flavors, all available in an elegant setting aboard some of Holland America’s most popular ships.
A Menu Designed by a Master Chef
The Morimoto By Sea Sushi Bar menu is packed with fresh, high-quality seafood and bold flavors. Some of the highlights include:
Sushi and Sashimi Selections
- Chef’s Combination: A curated mix of sushi and sashimi
- Premium Nigiri & Sashimi: Seasonal white fish, maguro tuna, sake salmon, hamachi yellowtail, kampachi amberjack, unagi freshwater eel, hotate scallop, ebi shrimp, tako octopus, Ikura salmon roe, otoro fatty tuna, and cutoro medium fatty tuna
Signature Rolls
- Shrimp Tempura Roll – California roll, tempura shrimp, gochujang aioli
- Lobster Tempura Roll – Tempura lobster, avocado, tobiko, cucumber, scallions
- Aburi Salmon Roll – Spicy mayo, avocado, and torched salmon
- Spicy Tuna Roll – Tuna, scallions, and spicy sauce
- California Roll – Snow crab, cucumber, and avocado
Additional Signature Plates
- Tuna Pizza – Anchovy aioli, kalamata olives, red onion, jalapeño
- Sticky Ribs – Hoisin sweet chili sauce, cilantro
- Angry Lobster Pad Thai – Maine lobster, rice noodles, Thai red curry sauce
- Chicken Katsu Curry – Panko-crusted chicken breast with Japanese curry sauce
Dessert
- White Chocolate Lime Ganache – Coconut foam, mango yuzu sorbet, rice pudding
Part of Holland America’s Global Fresh Fish Program
The launch of the Morimoto By Sea Sushi Bar is part of Holland America’s Global Fresh Fish program, which brings fresh, locally sourced seafood from port to plate in less than 48 hours. The cruise line has made a strong commitment to elevating its seafood offerings, sourcing over 80 varieties of fish from around the world to provide guests with the freshest seafood experience possible.
How to Experience Morimoto By Sea Sushi Bar
The Morimoto By Sea Sushi Bar will be located in the former Nami Sushi venue and will operate on an à la carte basis, meaning guests can order what they want and pay per dish. Reservations for the sushi bar can be made pre-cruise or once onboard.
Guests can experience this premium sushi bar as it launches aboard Rotterdam, Koningsdam, Nieuw Statendam, and Eurodam, with rollouts scheduled between March and June 2025.
If you’re sailing on Nieuw Amsterdam, the full Morimoto By Sea restaurant is already available, offering an elevated dining experience beyond just sushi.
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Would you try Morimoto By Sea Sushi Bar on your next Holland America cruise? Please let me know in the comments below!
Ethan Schattauer, a seasoned cruiser since the age of four, has gone on over 40 cruises with his family. Drawing from his extensive travel experiences, Ethan offers a fresh and youthful perspective on the world of cruising. He also writes about cruise cuisine, onboard experiences, and practical tips, providing valuable insights for cruise travelers worldwide.