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.

Editor’s note:  Photographs are available at http://www2.cleanpix.com/cleanpix/portal/WPp3-r7K-YAE.