Holland America Line's Rudi Sodamin Named Top Chef in Cruise Industry by Porthole Cruise Magazine

SEATTLE, March 20, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Holland America Line's culinary consultant Master Chef Rudi Sodamin was again named Best Cruise Line Chef by Porthole Cruise Magazine. One of the world's leading cruise travel publications, Porthole also recognized Holland America Line as having the Best On-Board Art Collection.

Chosen annually by Editor-in-Chief Bill Panoff, the Porthole Awards are a selection of his current favorites from the cruise and travel industries.

"Chef Sodamin's talent is legendary," said Panoff.  "Year after year, Chef Sodamin continues to be the most innovative and inspiring chef in the cruise industry.  Always looking to elevate the culinary experience for cruise guests, Rudi's leadership and mentorship of chefs has expanded the many possibilities for gourmet cuisine at sea."

An internationally recognized food authority and one of the hospitality industry's most innovative chefs, Sodamin has directed the evolution of fine dining and unique menu options at Holland America Line since 2005 through his role as consulting Master Chef. 

Sodamin's distinctive vision has been instrumental in the development of Holland America Line's interactive culinary program on board as well. He also chairs Holland America Line's Culinary Council, which was formed to enrich the line's culinary program and is composed of internationally renowned chefs Jonnie Boer, David Burke, Jacques Torres, Charlie Trotter and Marcus Samuelsson.

"Rudi is a leader in the industry and his forward-thinking approach to cuisine has enabled us to consistently deliver an exceptional culinary experience onboard," said Richard Meadows, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs for Holland America Lane. "We are proud that Rudi's hard work and dedication earned him this recognition once again, and we look forward to continuing to leverage his creative ideas to ensure the best dining at sea."

Sodamin is the author of numerous internationally published cookbooks, including "Seduction & Spice" and Holland America Line's Signature of Excellence cookbook series that includes:  "A Taste of Excellence," "A Taste of Elegance," "A Taste of Celebration" and "A Taste of Appetizers."  Sodamin belongs to the Academy Culinaire de France, and is an honoree member of the Club de Chefs des Chefs.

"I am deeply honored to win this award for the third year for my achievements at Holland America Line," said Sodamin.  "The line's commitment to culinary excellence has made it possible for me and the culinary team to expand dining opportunities and restaurant concepts to create exciting options for our guests and fresh inspiration for our chefs."

In addition to recognizing Sodmin, Porthole Cruise Magazine also honored Holland America Line for its extensive on-board art collection.  Valued at tens of millions of dollars, thousands of pieces of unique works of art and antiques are displayed throughout the line's 15 ships. 

From classic maritime paintings by artist Stephen Card to 5,000-year-old pre-Columbian carved limestone figures from Ecuador, the pieces play an integral part of the elegant and sophisticated decor. Guests wanting to learn more about the collections can take a museum-quality, self-guided art tour aboard each ship using a hand-held iPod device that can be rented out free of charge. In addition, the tours are available for download to a home computer or handheld device from the Holland America website at http://www.hollandamerica.com/cruise-vacation-onboard/Activities.action. Guests wanting to view various works of shipboard art can browse an on-line gallery on the Holland America website: http://www.hollandamerica.com/artcollection.

For cruise brochures or for more information, consult a travel professional, call 1-877-SAIL-HAL (877-724-5425) or visit www.hollandamerica.com. For more information on Holland America Line's Culinary Council, visit http://www.hollandamerica.com/cruise-vacation-onboard/Dining.action?tabName=Culinary+Council&cat=1. For more information on Porthole Cruise Magazine, visit www.porthole.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 www.hollandamerica.com.

About Holland America Line [a division of Carnival Corporation and plc (NYSE:  CCL and CUK)]
Holland America Line's fleet of 15 ships offers more than 500 cruises to 350 ports in more than 100 countries, territories or dependencies. Two- to 110-day itineraries visit all seven continents and highlights include Antarctica, South America, Australia/New Zealand and Asia voyages; a Grand World Voyage; and popular sailings to ports in the Caribbean, Bermuda, Alaska, Mexico, Canada/New England, Europe and Panama Canal.

Fleetwide, the company features Signature of Excellence enhancements, a commitment totaling more than $525 million, that showcase the Culinary Arts Center presented by Food & Wine magazine — a state-of-the-art onboard show kitchen where more than 60 celebrated guest chefs and culinary experts provide cooking demonstrations and classes — Explorations Café powered by The New York Times, Digital Workshop powered by Windows, teens-only activity areas and all new stateroom amenities highlighted by flat-panel TVs and plush Euro-top Mariner's Dream Beds.

World's Leading Cruise Lines
Holland America Line is a proud member of World's Leading Cruise Lines. Our exclusive alliance also includes Carnival Cruise Lines, Cunard Line, Princess Cruises, Costa Cruises and Seabourn. Sharing a passion to please each guest and a commitment to quality and value, World's Leading Cruise Lines inspires people to discover their best vacation experience. Together, we offer a variety of exciting and enriching cruise vacations to the world's most desirable destinations. Visit us at www.worldsleadingcruiselines.com.

SOURCE Holland America Line