Holland America Line's Culinary Council Named 'Best Culinary Initiative' in Porthole Cruise Magazine's 2016 Editor-in-Chief Awards

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Jan 20, 2017, 12:30 ET

Esteemed group of world-renowned chefs earns accolades from cruise authority

SEATTLE, Jan. 20, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Holland America Line's Culinary Council — a team of world-class celebrity chefs — was named "Best Culinary Initiative" in Porthole Cruise Magazine's 2016 Editor-in-Chief Awards. The annual awards are chosen by Bill Panoff, the magazine's editor-in-chief and publisher, who honors his favorite travel experiences that left an impression in terms of service, quality and memorable moments.

The winners were announced in the Jan./Feb. 2017 issue of Porthole Cruise Magazine that hit newsstands Jan. 10 and online at Porthole.com.

"In partnership with our esteemed Culinary Council, Holland America Line has continued to elevate its culinary program through the guidance and influence of these talented chefs, and we're honored to receive this award from someone as well-respected as Bill," said Orlando Ashford, president of Holland America Line. "Our Culinary Council is one-of-a-kind in the cruise industry, and each member deserves this award for their dedication and commitment to keeping us at the forefront of innovation."

The Culinary Council is a collaboration of some of the greatest international chefs, chaired by Holland America Line's Master Chef Rudi Sodamin — a past recipient of Panoff's "Best Cruise Line Chef" Editor-in-Chief Award. Sodamin leads Jonnie Boer, David Burke, Elizabeth Falkner and Jacques Torres in providing guidance and advice about onboard menus and culinary programming. The chefs also showcase signature dishes on board, adding their own inspiration to the line's menus.

"Holland America Line's cuisine has impressed me time and again, and I consider the line at the forefront of the cruise industry's food and beverage offerings," said Panoff. "Lead by Master Chef Rudi Sodamin, Holland America's Culinary Council sets a high bar in terms of quality and excellence. I commend the chefs, the initiative and, ultimately, the culinary experience on board."

The bimonthly Porthole Cruise Magazine was established in 1993 and covers all aspects of cruise travel. The magazine serves as a consumer cruise travel magazine for experienced and first-time cruisers alike. Editorial emphasis is on cruise vacation information, ship reviews, news, popular ports of call and travel tips.

For more information about Holland America Line, consult a travel professional, call 1-877-SAIL-HAL (1-877-724-5425) or visit hollandamerica.com.

Find Holland America Line on Twitter, Facebook and the Holland America Blog. Access all social media outlets via the Online Communities quick link on the home page at hollandamerica.com.

About Holland America Line [a division of Carnival Corporation and plc (NYSE: CCL and CUK)]
Holland America Line's fleet of 14 ships offers more than 500 cruises to more than 400 ports in 98 countries, territories or dependencies around the world. From shorter getaways to 113-day itineraries, the company's cruises visit all seven continents with highlights including Antarctica explorations, South America circumnavigations and exotic Australia/New Zealand and Asia voyages; four annual Grand Voyages; and popular sailings to the Caribbean, Alaska, Mexico, Canada/New England, Bermuda, Europe and the Panama Canal. The line currently has a new 2,650-guest ship, ms Koningsdam, delivered in April 2016, as well as a second Pinnacle Class ship, ms Nieuw Statendam, due for delivery in November 2018.

The company recently announced $300 million in brand enhancements to secure its position as the leader in premium cruising. Fleetwide, the ships feature innovative initiatives and a diverse range of enriching experiences focused on destination immersion and personalized travel. Guests can expand their knowledge onboard at an America's Test Kitchen show; Explorations Café, powered by The New York Times and Digital Workshop powered by Windows. Outstanding entertainment fills each evening at venues including Lincoln Center Stage, Billboard Onboard and B.B. King's Blues Club. The dining experience can be savored at a variety of restaurants with menus that feature selections from Holland America Line's esteemed Culinary Council that comprises world-famous chefs who design dishes exclusively for our guests.