Andrew Zimmern, the renowned chef and television personality, recently took a cruise to Japan and South Korea and said that it was the best food he’s ever experienced on a cruise line.
Zimmern hosted a group of guests from the U.S. on Mitsui Ocean Fuji, an escorted culinary adventure designed to take guests beyond sightseeing and into the country’s food culture through markets, tastings, restaurants, and immersive experiences in Japan and South Korea. He said that “Japan is one of the most extraordinary food cultures on Earth“.
The cruise ship offers a culinary experience that is unlike any other: HOKUSAI Fine Dining. It is overseen by legendary Japanese Chef Kiyomi Mikuni, and after the meal, Zimmern said it was the best food on any cruise line he’s ever had.
“The best food on any cruise line I’ve ever experienced.”
Zimmern is an Emmy and four-time James Beard Award winner and has spent his life traveling around the world in pursuit of the stories, traditions, and people behind extraordinary food.
HOKUSAI Fine Dining
Named for celebrated Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai, whose iconic works include depictions of Mount Fuji, HOKUSAI showcases Chef Mikuni’s Japanese-French cuisine through seasonal Japanese ingredients, refined presentation, and attentive service.
The five-course prix fixe dinner features an amuse-bouche, hors d’oeuvres, Japanese-French-inspired main courses, desserts and ,petits fours, with vegetarian and gluten-free selections also available.
Menu highlights, which rotate seasonally, include Lobster Salad, Sakura Shrimp Fritters and Truffle, Sauce Américaine and Green Mustard; Lightly Smoked Flounder, Caviar, Sauce Vin Blanc; Pan-Seared Wagyu Beef Fillet and Langoustine, Sauce Périgueux and Sauce Américaine; and Green Apple Pâte de Fruit, Vanilla Tartlet, Chocolate Meringue. Chef Mikuni has also personally curated wines to complement the dining experience.
Mitsui Ocean Cruises
Mitsui Ocean Fuji is one of two cruise ships in Mitsui Ocean Cruises’ fleet. Each ship carries just 458 guests in all-suite accommodations.
The cruises are all-inclusive and include the following:
- Drinks
- WiFi
- Minibar
- Room service
- Japanese amenities such as robes, slippers, tea kettles, washlet toilets, and wellbeing products
The cruise line launched its first ship in 2024, with a second vessel added to the fleet last month. They offer exclusive itineraries around Japan with a focus on authentic cultural encounters, natural beauty, and cuisine.
Both ships previously sailed with Seabourn before being purchased by Mitsui Ocean Cruises.
Looking for the Best Cruise Deals?
Search Multiple Sites at Once
Instant Real Time Pricing
Search Now
