HAL-Holland America Line has made maritime history by becoming the inaugural global cruise line to attain both Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) and Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) certifications. These accolades, recognized as the foremost standards globally for certified seafood, signify a remarkable milestone for the cruise line's renowned dining experience.
The prestigious certifications represent a significant advancement for the company's Global Fresh Fish Program, affirming its steadfast dedication to serving guests with seafood of the highest quality sourced sustainably. The program ensures that wild-caught seafood adheres to MSC standards and responsibly farmed seafood meets ASC requirements, fostering environmental preservation and responsible fishing practices.
With all 11 ships in the fleet now Chain of Custody certified, HAL will begin implementing the program across 5 vessels starting in May 2024. Notable ships include ms Volendam in the Canada/New England region, and Rotterdam, Nieuw Statendam, Zuiderdam, and Oosterdam in Europe. Additionally, the cruise line's six ships in Alaska proudly serve 100% sustainable seafood under the Responsible Fisheries Management (RFM) certification.
Guests will have the opportunity to savor a diverse selection of MSC and ASC-certified seafood dishes across various dining venues onboard. Menu items will feature symbols denoting certification status, showcasing the company's commitment to transparency and sustainability. While not all seafood species are currently certified, efforts are underway to achieve 100% accreditation for eligible species.
Examples of certified seafood offerings include Asian Barramundi, Tasmania Atlantic Salmon, Canadian and New England Haddock, Hawaiian Swordfish, Mediterranean Sardine, Mexican Tuna, Northern European Dover Sole, and South American Chilean Seabass, among others.
These certifications mark significant milestones for HAL's Global Fresh Fish Program, which boasts an extensive network of ports worldwide to deliver a diverse array of fresh fish to guests within 48 hours. By incorporating destination-inspired menus and local specialties, the program enhances the onboard culinary experience, reflecting the cultural richness of each itinerary.
Furthermore, these achievements follow HAL's pioneering initiative to serve 100% fresh, certified sustainable, and traceable wild Alaska seafood on its Alaskan ships through the RFM certification, further solidifying its commitment to responsible sourcing and environmental stewardship.