Largest Sushi Roll at Sea Created Aboard HAL’s Koningsdam

The World Mega Roll celebrates International Sushi Day was created by Holland America Line Culinary Council Member, and Sushi Master, Andy Matsuda

Seattle, Wash., June 18, 2018 — Today is International Sushi Day, and Holland America Line is celebrating the beloved delicacy by revealing the Largest Sushi Roll at Sea made on June 9 by Culinary Council Member Andy Matsuda while he sailed aboard Koningsdam on a special Food & Beverage Aficionado Cruise in Norway. Dubbed the “World Mega Roll,” the creation measured 49 feet long (15 meters) before getting rolled, 3.3 feet (100 centimeters) wide and used 70 pounds of sushi rice.



The Largest Sushi Roll at Sea was prepared around the Lido Pool so guests could join in the festivities and watch as Matsuda assembled the culinary feat. Once delicately rolled, Matsuda cut the large roll in half so guests could view the swirled ingredients that included rice, salmon, tuna, shrimp, crab, tamago (Japanese omelet), tobiko (flying fish roe), cucumber, red onion and radish.

Largest Sushi Roll at Sea Fun Facts at a Glance:

49 feet long (15 meters) pre-rolled.

3.3 feet wide (100 centimeters) rolled.

150 sheets of Nori seaweed.

70 pounds of sushi rice.

3 pounds each of tuna, salmon and shrimp.

1 pound of tobiko (flying fish roe).

“Having Andy on board Koningsdam in June made it the perfect time to show off his sushi skills and create the Largest Sushi Roll at Sea in honor of International Sushi Day,” said Orlando Ashford, president of Holland America Line. “As the only cruise line with seven Culinary Council members advising our culinary offering, it’s exciting to be able to tap specific expertise like the exceptional skills of Andy to wow our guests with such a fun, unique and memorable experience.”

Since 2016 Matsuda has been sharing his knowledge with and training Holland America Line’s shipboard chefs to ensure that the cruise line’s staff is at the forefront of sushi trends and techniques. Guests can indulge in Matsuda’s signature rolls at Tamarind — the award-winning Asian-fusion restaurant on board several Holland America Line ships — and at Tamarind’s sushi counter on Koningsdam. To further enhance the sushi experience, Nieuw Statendam — Holland America Line’s newbuild due for delivery in December 2018 — will boast a separate sushi bar called Nami Sushi that will feature more rolls created exclusively by Matsuda.

Liam Cusack

Liam P. Cusack is the Managing Editor of Cruise & Travel Report (www.cruiseandtravelreport.com), a publication dedicated to providing travelers the same news that industry insiders receive. A self-described “travel nerd”, Liam is an Ocean Liner and Cruise Industry historian who has traveled to more than 60 countries, every US state and sailed on more than 60 cruises. After nearly two decades as an award-winning political journalist and investigative reporter at a major NYC daily newspaper, he decided to dedicate his career to helping avid travelers, like himself, be more well-informed. With Cruise & Travel Report, Liam strives to provide news and tips to make every vacation a dream vacation.