HAL-Holland America Line is introducing an updated Morimoto by Sea menu across its fleet this autumn, ahead of Chef Masaharu Morimoto’s scheduled appearance aboard Nieuw Amsterdam during an Alaska cruise in 2027. The revised menu, developed by the line’s Global Fresh Fish Ambassador, debuts on Nieuw Amsterdam in September and is expected to be available across all 11 ships by mid-November.
Morimoto by Sea operates as a dedicated restaurant aboard Nieuw Amsterdam and as a pop-up dining experience on the remainder of the fleet. The revised offering maintains Morimoto’s Japanese-inspired culinary approach and begins with his Shokupan Bread Service, based on Japanese milk bread.
The new appetisers include Popcorn Shrimp with Morimoto-style gochujang, Vegetable Wonton with Asian sesame garlic chili sauce and Lobster Miso Soup served in a white miso broth. Pork Gyoza, Taco Two Ways and Sticky Ribs remain on the menu.
New main courses include Tan Tan Noodles in a red curry broth with miso-infused ground chicken, Miso Lamb Chop with kombu-braised daikon and gochujang-infused lamb jus, and Butter Poached Lobster Tail with warm yuzu butter. Japanese Curry and Morimoto Buri-Bop return from the previous menu, while the updated Morimoto Sushi Mori offers a chef-selected assortment of sushi.
Morimoto said the revised dishes were developed to combine distinctive flavours and presentation with an accessible dining experience. He described the menu as an extension of his approach to food, in which taste, texture and presentation are used to establish a connection with diners.
The chef is scheduled to join Nieuw Amsterdam for an 8-day round-trip Alaskan cruise departing Vancouver on May 8th, 2027. As part of the Culinary Ambassador sailing, Morimoto will host special onboard activities focused on his culinary approach and fresh fish. The programme is expected to include experiences similar to those offered during his appearance on HAL's 2026 Grand World Voyage, which featured intimate dinners, a cooking demonstration and Japanese cuisine-themed trivia.
Michael Stendebach, HAL's VP of Food, Beverage and Rooms division, said the refreshed menu would expand the range of dishes available under Morimoto’s culinary concept while providing an opportunity for the chef to present his approach to the line’s Global Fresh Fish Programme during the 2027 Alaska sailing.