Holland America Line is First Global Cruise Brand to Get Top Seafood Eco-Certificates

Monday, April 8, 2024

Holland America Line is enhancing its acclaimed dining offerings by achieving a significant milestone: It’s now the inaugural global cruise company to attain certifications from both the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) and the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC). These esteemed credentials mark a pinnacle for Holland America Line’s Global Fresh Fish Program, emphasizing the brand’s dedication to providing guests with top-tier seafood sourced sustainably from wild-caught origins and responsibly farmed according to the most stringent global criteria.

“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.” 

The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) specializes in certifying sustainable wild-caught seafood, while the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) focuses on responsibly farmed seafood. Both organizations strive to reduce environmental impacts. By partnering with these ecolabels, Holland America Line demonstrates its dedication to initiatives that promote sustainable fishing practices, safeguard the marine environment, and promote sustainability in the seafood industry.

“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

Every vessel in the fleet, totaling 11 ships, is certified with Chain of Custody accreditation, guaranteeing the provision of seafood that is certified and labeled by both the Marine Stewardship Council and the Aquaculture Stewardship Council. The full implementation will commence across five Holland America Line ships starting in May 2024, coinciding with the launch of the Europe and Canada/New England season.

These ships include Volendam in the Canada/New England region, and Rotterdam, Nieuw Statendam, Zuiderdam, and Oosterdam in Europe. Moreover, Holland America Line’s six ships in Alaska exclusively serve 100% sustainable seafood under the Responsible Fisheries Management (RFM) certification.

Guests will have the opportunity to savor a variety of Marine Stewardship Council and Aquaculture Stewardship Council certified seafood dishes in Holland America Line’s Main Dining Room, Lido Market, and specialty restaurants onboard. The seafood offerings will encompass certified selections from nine regions worldwide: Asia, Australia, Canada/New England, Mexico, Mediterranean, Northern Europe, South America, the Caribbean, and Hawaii.

Menus onboard will feature symbols denoting the certification type, with the Marine Stewardship Council blue fish, Aquaculture Stewardship Council sea green, and Responsible Fisheries Management logos accompanying the dishes. Although not all seafood species aboard Holland America Line ships currently hold certification, the cruise line is actively working toward achieving 100% accreditation for eligible species meeting the organizations’ standards.

Examples of seafood falling under the Marine Stewardship Council and Aquaculture Stewardship Council certification umbrella on Holland America Line voyages include Asian Barramundi, Tasmania Atlantic Salmon, Canadian and New England Examples of such seafood include Haddock, Hawaiian Swordfish, Mediterranean Sardine, Mexican Tuna, Dover Sole from Northern Europe, and Chilean Seabass from South America, among various others.
Global Fresh Fish Program

The recent certifications mark significant milestones for Holland America Line’s Global Fresh Fish Program. This innovative initiative involves a network of 60 ports globally to procure and serve 80 varieties of fresh fish — from port to plate within 48 hours — across all onboard restaurants. Guests can relish fresh fish and ingredients reflective of the regions visited by the ships, leading to menus inspired by destinations and featuring local specialties that narrate the story of each itinerary through cuisine.

Furthermore, the Marine Stewardship Council and Aquaculture Stewardship Council certifications follow Holland America Line’s pioneering step as the first cruise line to introduce 100% fresh, certified sustainable, and traceable wild Alaska seafood onboard its six ships in Alaska through the Responsible Fisheries Management certification.

« Back to Page