Holland America has been well known for its quality food and dining for years. However, if you’ve cruised on HAL ships recently, you’ll likely have noticed improvements to their offerings, including the Global Fresh Fish Program.
Now, Holland America is going a step further and elevating their dining experience by becoming the first global cruise line to receive both Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) and Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) certifications.
The two organizations serve as the most credible standards worldwide for certified seafood.
What Holland America Guests Can Expect
Holland America’s fresh fish and seafood will be of the highest quality, sourced sustainably when wild-caught and raised responsibly when farmed according to the strictest global standards.
In a press release, Holland America shared details of what the certifications mean and what guests can expect.
“Our guests care about the quality and sustainability of the fresh fish we serve, and so do we,” said Gus Antorcha, president, Holland America Line. “These certifications build on our commitment of bringing regionally inspired fresh seafood dishes from port to plate in 48 hours. We’re proud to partner with two organizations that share our dedication to protecting the vitality of the oceans we sail.”
Marine Stewardship Council | Aquaculture Stewardship Council
Marine Stewardship Council’s focus is on sustainable wild-caught seafood, while Aquaculture Stewardship Council works with responsibly farmed seafood, with both organizations seeking to minimize environmental impacts. Aligning with both ecolabels signifies Holland America Line’s commitment to programs that recognize and reward sustainable fishing practices, protect the ocean environment, and transform the seafood market toward greater sustainability.
“As the first global cruise line to successfully complete the Marine Stewardship Council’s rigorous Chain of Custody audit, Holland America Line is extending our important work around sustainable, ocean-friendly fishing to a new category,” said Erika Feller, Americas Director, Marine Stewardship Council.
“Consumer interest in sustainable fish options is growing and, by achieving this commitment, Holland America Line is helping to support our goal of ensuring responsibly farmed seafood supplies for future generations,” said Chris Ninnes, CEO, Aquaculture Stewardship Council.
Onboard Dining and Guest Experience
All 11 ships in the fleet are Chain of Custody certified to serve Marine Stewardship Council and Aquaculture Stewardship Council certified and labeled seafood, with the full rollout starting across five Holland America Line ships in May 2024 at the beginning of Europe and Canada/New England season.
They include Volendam in the Canada/New England region, and Rotterdam, Nieuw Statendam, Zuiderdam and Oosterdam in Europe. Holland America Line’s six ships in Alaska serve 100% sustainable seafood under its Responsible Fisheries Management (RFM) certification.
Guests will be able to enjoy a variety of Marine Stewardship Council and Aquaculture Stewardship Council certified seafood dishes in Holland America Line’s Main Dining Room, as well as in Lido Market and onboard specialty restaurants. Certified seafood from nine regions worldwide will be incorporated into Holland America Line seafood offerings: Asia, Australia, Canada/New England, Mexico, Mediterranean, Northern Europe, South America, the Caribbean, and Hawaii.
Onboard menus will indicate the type of certification with a symbol marked next to the dish using the Marine Stewardship Council blue fish, Aquaculture Stewardship Council sea green, and Responsible Fisheries Management logos. While not all seafood species aboard Holland America Line are currently certified, the cruise line is working toward 100% accreditation of species that are eligible to meet the organizations’ standards.
Examples of seafood that will fall under the Marine Stewardship Council and Aquaculture Stewardship Council certification umbrella on Holland America Line cruises 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, to name a few.
Global Fresh Fish Program
The new certifications are the latest achievements for Holland America Line’s Global Fresh Fish Program. The pioneering initiative engages a global network of 60 ports to source and serve 80 types of fresh fish — from port to plate in less than 48 hours — in all restaurants on board. Guests can find fresh fish and ingredients native to various regions where the ships sail, yielding destination-inspired menus and local specialties that tell the story of each itinerary through cuisine.
Additionally, the Marine Stewardship Council and Aquaculture Stewardship Council certifications fall on the heels of Holland America Line becoming the first cruise line to serve 100% fresh, certified sustainable and traceable wild Alaska seafood on board its six ships in Alaska through its Responsible Fisheries Management certification.
Final Thoughts
We were recently onboard Holland America’s Nieuw Statendam, where we heard about the initiatives and Holland America’s commitment to fresh, regional and local fish and seafood – served from port to table within 48 hours.
As a cruise enthusiast and food lover, I’m thrilled with this enhancement to the onboard dining experience!
Do you enjoy fresh seafood and fish on a cruise? Please let me know your thoughts in the comments below.
Happy Cruising!
Ilana
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