Porthole Cruise Magazine Names Master Chef Rudi Sodamin Tops in Cruise
Industry

    



    
</pre>
<p><location>SEATTLE</location>, <chron>Jan. 13</chron> /CNW/ -- 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.</p>
<p/>
<p>"Rudi has made an indelible impact on cruise ship cuisine over the years, especially with his recent innovations at Holland <person>America Line</person>," 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."</p>
<p/>
<p>Sodamin is master chef and culinary consultant for Holland <person>America Line</person>. 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 <location>Amsterdam</location>, 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.</p>
<p/>
<p>"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 <person>America Line</person>. "His unique style and professionalism have positively influenced our chefs and our training programs."</p>
<p/>
<p>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 <chron>June 2010</chron>. Sodamin belongs to Academy Culinaire de <location>France</location>, Master Chef Society and Club de Chefs des Chefs.</p>
<pre>
    



    
</pre>
<p>Find Holland <person>America Line</person> on Twitter, Facebook and the Holland America Blog. Access all social media outlets via the Online Communities quick link at <a href="http://www.hollandamerica.com">www.hollandamerica.com</a>.</p>
<pre>
    


    
</pre>
<p>About Holland <person>America Line</person> [a division of Carnival Corporation and plc (NYSE:  CCL and CUK)]</p>
<p>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, <location>South America</location>, Australia/New Zealand and Asia voyages; a Grand World Voyage; and popular sailings to ports in the Caribbean, Alaska, <location>Mexico</location>, Canada/New England, <location>Europe</location> and <location>Panama</location> Canal. A 15th ship, ms Nieuw <location>Amsterdam</location>, is scheduled to join the fleet on <chron>July 4, 2010</chron>.</p>
<p/>
<p>Fleetwide, the company features Signature of Excellence enhancements, a commitment totaling more than <money>$525 million</money>, 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.</p>
<pre>
    

    World's Leading Cruise Lines
    
</pre>
<p>The highest-rated premium cruise line in the world, Holland <person>America Line</person> is a member of the exclusive World's Leading Cruise Lines alliance, which also includes Carnival Cruise Lines, <person>Princess Cruises</person>, 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.</p>
<pre>
    


    
</pre>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<pre>
    
    CONTACT:         Sally Andrews
    PHONE:           [phone]
    FAX:             206-262-5934
    EMAIL:           [email protected]





    

For further information: Sally Andrews, 1-800-637-5029, or fax, [phone], [email protected], for Holland America Line