New Certifications Expand Our Global Fresh Fish Program

View of grilled fish filet on white plate with vegetables and garnish. ASC and MSC certification logos appear above filet.

Holland America Line Becomes the First Global Cruise Line to Receive International Seafood Certifications Marine Stewardship Council and Aquaculture Stewardship Council for Sustainable, Responsible Seafood     

Seafood lovers rejoice! We’re elevating our award-winning dining experience at Holland America Line by becoming the first global cruise line to receive both Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) and Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) certifications. This takes our Global Fresh Fish Program to the next level, as these distinguished certifications underscore our commitment to serving the highest-quality seafood that is sourced sustainably when wild-caught and raised responsibly when farmed according to the strictest global standards.

The two science-based and accredited organizations, the Marine Stewardship Council focusing on sustainable wild-caught seafood and the Aquaculture Stewardship Council working with responsibly farmed seafood, seek to help protect the environment, and ensure that there are seafood supplies for future generations. Aligning with both ecolabels reflects our commitment to programs that recognize and reward sustainable fishing practices, protect the ocean environment, and transform the seafood market toward greater sustainability.

Savor Flavors from Our Global Fresh Fish Program

When you cruise with us, you don’t just see the world from your doorstep; you taste it with fresh flavors, locally sourced ingredients and destination-inspired menus. With 80 types of fresh fish served through our Global Fresh Fish Program across thoughtfully crafted itineraries, we deliver fresh on a global scale. These new certifications are just the latest chapter to our story showcasing our commitment to fresh ingredients. Previously, Holland America Line became the first cruise line to serve 100 percent fresh, certified sustainable and traceable wild Alaska seafood onboard our ships in Alaska through the Responsible Fisheries Management certification.

This new endeavor will roll out across our fleet, beginning with our Europe, Canada and New England cruises in May 2024. You’ll be able to relish a variety of Marine Stewardship Council and Aquaculture Stewardship Council certified seafood dishes in our Main Dining Room, Lido Market and other onboard specialty restaurants. Get ready to soak up the sights and savor certified fresh fish from Asia, Australia, Canada and 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 labels.

What’s your favorite fresh fish dish onboard, and in which destination would you like to relish flavors next? Share in the comments below.

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6 Comments

  1. Richard Davis June 18, 2024 at 4:00 am - Reply

    Kudos on this important program.
    My choices? We are on the Vikings cruise from Amsterdam to Boston. It could be called the salmon cruise… Norwegian salmon, Scottish salmon, faroe island salmon, icelandic salmon, Greenland salmon, and of course we can’t forget Canadian salmon.
    When you are in the Caribbean don’t forget blackened red snapper. Yum.

  2. RoseMarie Nazarak April 20, 2024 at 6:03 am - Reply

    So is fish wild caught or farmed? I only eat wild no farmed how do i know which fish is not farmed. Do not eat bioengineering food at all will this be a problem? Need to know what i am eating, don’t want to be sick!

    • Julie April 22, 2024 at 4:13 pm - Reply

      Hi RoseMarie, we are working with both organizations. The Marine Stewardship Council focuses on sustainable wild-caught seafood and the Aquaculture Stewardship Council works with responsibly farmed seafood. If you only want wild-caught, look for the MSC logo next to the fish on the menus.

  3. Don Hamilton April 12, 2024 at 5:40 am - Reply

    It’s still a misnomer as all fish onboard is frozen.

    • Drew August 1, 2024 at 8:41 am - Reply

      Misnomer or false advertising? I asked waitors about the fish (type, and fresh or frozen) and got different answers from everyone. I do think they’re trying for the Alaska salmon. It tasted like pink and looked small. So hopefully not Atlantic farm raised. But nobody knew the type. And said the halibut was fresh and caught that day. I doubt that was true but we were in juneau. Holland America, I think the service staff should be informed as to what they are serving.

      • Julie August 9, 2024 at 11:35 am - Reply

        Hi Drew, thank you for commenting about your fish experience on board your Alaska cruise. We can assure you that we only purchase from RFM Certified vendors in Alaska, so all Alaska seafood is local and fresh. Our goal is port to plate within 48 hours, and in Juneau we load from Taku, right there on the pier. In addition, all of our team members in Alaska went through Alaska SeafoodU training because understanding this program is a critical element to its success. That being said, it appears that we have some room to improve on ensuring our team members have solid knowledge on what is being served each day, which we will follow up on. Thank you so much for reaching out to us.

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