Each session is co-hosted by the ship’s executive chef and the cruise and travel director, creating an engaging blend of culinary expertise and travel insights. The shows take place at least twice on seven-day sailings, with increased frequency on longer itineraries, ensuring plenty of opportunities for guests to dive into the world of regional cuisine.
Participants will not only learn valuable cooking techniques but also gain an understanding of the culinary traditions of the destinations they visit. The experience extends beyond the show, as guests can savor the featured dishes in the Dining Room that same evening. To bring the flavors of their cruise back home, attendees are provided with recipe copies to recreate these dishes for their friends and family.
This initiative reinforces Holland America Line’s commitment to delivering authentic, destination-inspired experiences, offering travelers a taste of the world both onboard and ashore.
“We are thrilled to bring back a favorite tradition that is among our most popular enrichment activities. Our new cooking shows are all about connecting guests to the culinary culture of the region they’re visiting with a fun and attainable experience,” said Michael Stendebach, vice president of food, beverage and room division for Holland America Line. “We’re being purposeful in ensuring our guests can take a piece of the immersive traveling experience home with them after the cruise ends.”
Cooking Show Recipes Celebrate Global Flavors on Holland America Line Cruises
Holland America Line’s cooking shows bring the essence of travel to life with dishes inspired by the destinations on their itineraries. Guests can savor the flavors of their journey as each cooking demonstration highlights recipes tailored to the ship’s current region. Many of these shows showcase the cruise line’s Global Fresh Fish program, featuring dishes crafted with freshly sourced seafood from nearby ports.
Destination-Inspired Recipes for Every Region
Each destination has its own unique culinary offerings, providing a flavorful variety for guests to enjoy. The regional highlights include:
Alaska
- Barbecue Salmon Bowl
- Honey Sriracha Salmon Bowl
Australia and New Zealand
- Panko Crusted Australian Flathead
- Australian Bass with Orange Vermouth Sauce
- Coral Trout with Porcini and Bacon
- Seared Yellow Fin Bream
Asia
- Red Snapper Coconut Curry with Vegetables
- Crumbed Miso Sesame Lamb Chops
- Teriyaki Salmon Bowl with Cauliflower Rice
- Mongolian Barbecue Lamb Chops
- Macadamia Crusted Grouper
- Japanese Pork Katsu with Curry Sauce
- Pan Seared Honey Sake Barramundi
Caribbean
- Bahamian Grouper with Bacon Grits
- Grilled Seabass Tacos with Spicy Slaw and Lime Crema
- Crusted Rockfish with Cou-Cou and Coconut Shrimp Bisque
Hawaii
- Macadamia Crusted Grouper
- Kauai-Style Poke
- Lomi-Lomi Salmon
- Seared Opah with Mango Avocado Relish
South Pacific
- Japanese Pork Katsu with Curry Sauce
- Crackling Pork Ceviche
- Huli Huli Chicken
- Lomi-Lomi Salmon
- Honey Sriracha Salmon Bowl
South America
- Seared Grouper with Chilean Salsa
- Grilled Shrimp with Chimichurri and Polenta
- Braised Short Rib Empanadas
- Peruvian Half Roasted Chicken
Mexico
- Blackened Tuna Oaxaca-Style
- Grouper with Rice Pilaf and Salsa Picante
- Grilled Seabass Tacos with Spicy Slaw and Lime Crema
Enhancing the Onboard Experience
The introduction of these cooking shows is part of Holland America Line’s ongoing commitment to enriching the onboard experience. Guests can enjoy regionally inspired cuisine not only during demonstrations but also in the ship’s dining venues.
Other recent enhancements include the debut of Holland America Line’s first-ever branded sparkling wine and updates to the Pinnacle Grill menu, which now features even more locally inspired flavors. These additions reflect the cruise line’s dedication to pairing culinary excellence with the spirit of travel.
Tags: culinary program dynamic cooking shows, Michael Stendebach, Holland America Line
