SEATTLE, Jan. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Rudi Sodamin was named Best Cruise Line Master Chef by Porthole Cruise Magazine in its January issue. The Editor-in-Chief Award recognizes Sodamin's vision and unique contribution to the culinary arts on the high seas.

"Rudi has made an indelible impact on cruise ship cuisine over the years, especially with his recent innovations at Holland America Line," said Bill Panoff, publisher and editor-in-chief of the magazine. "He has elevated the standards for fine dining aboard the line's premium ships and continues to push the industry to follow his lead."

Sodamin is master chef and culinary consultant for Holland America Line. Internationally recognized as a 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 the line. Award-winning Tamarind, for example, creates a pan-Asian restaurant with traditional and eclectic offerings aboard ms Eurodam and the new ms Nieuw Amsterdam, which will launch in July. His ideas have been instrumental in the development of Holland America Line's interactive culinary program on board the ships, too.

"Rudi is a true culinary visionary and has transformed cruise industry cuisine into a leading discipline today," said Stein Kruse, president and chief executive officer, Holland America Line. "His unique style and professionalism have positively influenced our chefs and our training programs."

Sodamin has revolutionized the culinary practices and perceptions of the most prestigious cruise lines in the world and is the author of numerous internationally published cookbooks, including Seduction & Spice (Rizzoli, 2000) and Holland America Line's A Taste of Excellence (Rizzoli, 2007) and A Taste of Elegance (Rizzoli, 2009). He is working on the third volume, A Taste of Celebration, due in June 2010. Sodamin belongs to Academy Culinaire de France, Master Chef Society and Club de Chefs des Chefs.

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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 14 ships offers nearly 500 cruises to 320 ports in more than 100 countries, territories or dependencies. Two- to 108-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, Alaska, Mexico, Canada/New England, Europe and Panama Canal. A 15th ship, ms Nieuw Amsterdam, is scheduled to join the fleet on July 4, 2010.

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, 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

The highest-rated premium cruise line in the world, Holland America Line is a member of the exclusive World's Leading Cruise Lines alliance, which also includes Carnival Cruise Lines, Princess Cruises, Cunard Line, Seabourn Cruise Line and Costa Cruises. Sharing a passion to please each guest and a commitment to quality and value, these lines appeal to a wide range of lifestyles and budgets. The World's Leading Cruise Lines offer exciting and enriching cruise vacations to the world's most desirable destinations. 


    CONTACT:         Sally Andrews
    PHONE:           800-637-5029
    FAX:             206-262-5934
    EMAIL:           pr@hollandamerica.com

SOURCE Holland America Line