Holland America Line’s Master Chef Rudi Sodamin Named ‘Best Cruise Line Chef’ for Second Time in Porthole Cruise Magazine’s Editor-in-Chief Awards

Seattle, Wash., Jan. 28, 2015 — Rudi Sodamin, longtime master chef consultant for Holland America Line, has been named Best Cruise Line Chef in Porthole Magazine’s Editor-in-Chief Awards for 2015. The annual awards are chosen by Bill Panoff, the magazine’s top editor and publisher, who first named Sodamin best chef in 2011.

“The words cruise and cuisine practically go hand in hand, and today’s cruise guests expect the very best of dining at sea,” said Bill Panoff, publisher and editor-in-chief of Porthole Cruise Magazine. “For more than 20 years, Rudi Sodamin has managed to keep up with — and exceed — those expectations in terms of innovation, quality and excellence.”

“Rudi’s creativity and innovative spirit continue to drive Holland America Line’s culinary programs to the forefront of cruise industry cuisine,” said Orlando Ashford, president of Holland America Line. “His enthusiasm and attention to detail prove that Rudi truly loves what he does and he deserves this recognition.”

For 14 years, Sodamin has directed the evolution of fine dining and unique menu options at Holland America Line through his role as culinary consultant, and is internationally recognized as a food authority and one of the hospitality industry’s most innovative chefs. His ideas have been instrumental in the development of Holland America Line’s interactive onboard culinary-arts program. Sodamin also chairs Holland America Line’s Culinary Council, which was formed to enrich the premium line’s culinary program and is composed of top international chefs.

Sodamin is the author of numerous internationally published cookbooks including “Seduction & Spice” (Rizzoli, 2000) and Holland America Line’s “A Taste of Excellence” (Rizzoli, 2007), “A Taste of Elegance” (Rizzoli, 2009), “A Taste of Celebration” (Rizzoli, 2010) and “Culinary Signature Collection Appetizers” (Rizzoli 2013).

His many accolades include a rating of 17 (out of 20) and Three Toques from the prestigious Gault-Millau Guide, the first for an onboard restaurant (and the only such award ever presented at sea). Sodamin belongs to the prestigious Academy Culinaire de France, the Maîtres Cuisiners de France and is an honorary member of the noble Club des Chefs des Chefs, whose members cook for Presidents, Kings and Prime Ministers. In early 2014, the Gastronomy Club Wien and the Chamber of Commerce in Austria presented him with the “Golden Cloche” award.

In December 2014, it was announced that Sodamin will receive the Order of Merit in Silver of the Austrian Republic, an honor conferred by the Republic of Austria. The award will be presented in spring 2015.

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 on Holland America Line’s cruises and Alaska Land+Sea Journeys, consult a professional travel seller, call 1-877-SAIL-HAL (1-877-724-5425) or visit www.hollandamerica.com.

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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 415 ports in 98 countries, territories or dependencies. One- to 110-day itineraries visit all seven continents and highlights include Antarctica, South America, Australia/New Zealand and Asia voyages; four annual Grand World Voyage; and popular sailings to ports in the Caribbean, Alaska, Mexico, Canada/New England, Europe and Panama Canal. The line currently has a new ship on order from Fincantieri shipyard for delivery in February 2016.

Fleetwide, the company features Signature of Excellence enhancements, a commitment totaling more than $500 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