HAL introduces its new Culinary Arts Program

Jason · November 5, 2004

Holland America Line Introduces Groundbreaking New Culinary Arts Program

SEATTLE, Nov. 3 -- Holland America Line announced today that it is continuing to enhance guests' onboard experience with the introduction of the groundbreaking Culinary Arts Program across its entire fleet of five- star ships. The new program integrates passengers' love for fine food and wine with an entertaining enrichment experience. Special gourmet presentations, demonstrations, tasting events and intimate cooking classes highlight cuisine that reflects the ship's itinerary or different special occasions. Holland America Line has long been famous for its innovative culinary concepts. Working together with renowned Master Chef Rudi Sodamin, Holland America Line has developed a program to continue that tradition, allowing guests an interesting way to immerse themselves in the rich culture and unique traditions of the many fascinating ports of call that Holland America Line visits.

During every sailing Holland America Line's exceptional onboard culinary experts, lead the demonstrations, classes and tastings. Celebrity and guest regional chefs will participate on select cruises.

The new Culinary Arts Center is located in the Wajang Theatre or, on Vista-class ships, in the Queens Lounge. As the hub for these interactive gourmet experiences, the Culinary Arts Center features a state-of-the-art show kitchen outfitted with premier tools and equipment from industry leaders such as Wolf, Sub Zero and Kitchen Aid. Guests in the audience get an up-close view of the cooking action on large, plasma screens while broadcast capabilities provide all guests the opportunity to watch these events from the comfort of their staterooms. In addition to the onstage kitchen, each Culinary Arts Center will have portable cooking stations where groups of up to 16 guests can participate in hands-on classes.

"We have always been committed to bringing our fascinating destinations to life," said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, senior vice president, marketing and sales, Holland America Line. "To support our commitment, we have developed a comprehensive program that uses our guest's passion for fine food and wines as a way to complement our rich itineraries and provide guests with yet another way to savor the unique destinations they visit."

Holland America Line guests can attend several different culinary demonstration events during each cruise. These free, one-hour demonstrations will feature innovative cooking techniques and specially designed recipes that reflect the itinerary or a special occasion. In addition, several different cooking classes are offered for those guests who prefer to get in on the cooking action. These private, interactive sessions are US$19 per person. Participants will also receive a 10 percent discount at the renowned Pinnacle Grill restaurant or complimentary admission to the select wine tasting events.

Highlighting the Culinary Arts Program are several Culinary Signature Cruises, bringing acclaimed celebrity and regional chefs on board to lead guests on a culinary adventure, including themed lectures, wine and liquor tastings, seminars and related shore excursions. Celebrity chefs will host a variety of demonstrations and classes per cruise.

In addition to these large-scale Culinary Signature Cruises, Holland America Line will partner with celebrated regional chefs. Each ship will feature a regional chef at least four times per year who will help provide guests with an authentic taste of the destinations they visit. For example, a Culinary cruise aboard the ms Ryndam in March features renowned chef, author and restaurateur, Richard Sandoval. Sandoval will lead demonstrations and classes inspired by the delicious cuisine from the interesting port cities visited during the 10-day cruise to the Mexican Riviera and Sea of Cortez. Born in Acapulco, this dynamic chef will share with guests how he's helped evolve Mexican cuisine through the recipes and fare served in his modern Mexican restaurants. Sandoval will also host and exclusive dinner in the Pinnacle Grill, featuring premier Mexican wines and tequilas.

The Culinary Arts Program will debut on the ms Ryndam in October during a cruise to the Mexican Riviera and will be rolled out to all ships in Holland America Line's five-star fleet by the end of 2006.

Shari2 · November 7, 2004

This sounds great, Jason. I would really be interested in this. On the Norway, years ago, I watched the chef do a flambe. It was really interesting! He gave us the recipe after the demonstration.

GottaCruz · November 9, 2004

Sounds great but aside from gaining weight on the cruise, I'd be gaining by trying out all those great recipes. :shocked: :shocked: :shocked: Seriously, though, I think it's a fantastic idea.