Morimoto Pop Up Dinner on Holland America (Full Breakdown)

By Brian Dohrn | Dohrn Travels | Morimoto Pop Up Dinner Holland America

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If you’re cruising with Holland America and debating whether to upgrade your specialty dining, the Morimoto Pop Up Dinner is one of the most distinctive experiences at sea right now.

We experienced it during our ABC Islands cruise aboard Rotterdam, and it became our final specialty dinner of the sailing. This isn’t simply another night at Tamarind. The Morimoto Pop Up feels intentional and limited — a chef-driven event built around Masaharu Morimoto’s signature style — and it stands apart from the regular specialty dining options on board.

Here’s exactly what it’s like, what you’ll eat, what it costs, and whether it’s worth booking.

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Table of Contents

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What the Morimoto Pop Up Dinner on Holland America Is Really Like

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We booked the 8:00 PM seating in Tamarind on Deck 10. This pop-up concept is still fairly new to the cruise line, and I had wanted to try it the previous year but it wasn’t offered on that sailing. When I saw it available this time, I reserved it early.

The cost was $55 per person plus 18% service charge.

One important note: if you have the Have It All package, your included specialty dining credit cannot be used for this dinner. It’s an upcharge experience.

The setting is still Tamarind, but the energy feels slightly elevated. There’s a sense that something special is happening — a limited menu, theatrical presentations, and dishes that lean more toward bold Japanese-Asian fusion than the standard Tamarind lineup.

Our server was fantastic. We ate at Tamarind three times on this cruise and had the same server each time — she was attentive, polished, and paced the meal perfectly. Service absolutely enhances this experience.

Specialty dining format remains the same:

• Two starters
• One main (with up to two sides)
• One dessert

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Morimoto Pop Up Dinner Menu Highlights

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The Morimoto Pop Up Holland America menu blends signature dishes with some overlap from Tamarind and Morimoto by Sea Sushi Bar. It’s a focused but well-rounded menu.

Starters We Ordered

Morimoto Fresh Tuna Pizza
Anchovy aioli, kalamata olive, red onion, jalapeño, crispy tortilla.

This is essentially a sushi-style pizza. The tortilla base is crisp and light, topped with silky raw tuna. The anchovy aioli adds umami depth without overpowering the fish. The jalapeño gives just enough brightness and mild heat. It was surprisingly balanced and very good.

Sushi Plate
Nigiri salmon, hamachi, hotate, maki roll ebi tempura, Dungeness California roll, salmon shikai maki.

If sushi is your go-to, you’ll be happy with this plate. Everything tasted fresh and thoughtfully prepared. The salmon had a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture, the hamachi carried a subtle sweetness, and the scallop was soft and clean on the finish. The Morimoto sushi bar already sets a solid standard, and this offering absolutely lives up to it.

Main Courses We Tried

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We ordered three mains between us to get a full picture.

Crispy Fried Whole Market Fresh Fish
Sweet tamarind chili sauce, pickled vegetables.

This was the showstopper.

The fish is served whole — but it’s filleted, deboned, and then reassembled so it looks intact. When the server pours the hot chili sauce over it tableside, the fish reacts slightly from the heat, creating that dramatic “alive” effect.

Texture-wise, the exterior was perfectly crisp while the inside stayed tender and flaky. The sweet tamarind chili sauce added a glossy, slightly sweet finish. Despite the name, it wasn’t spicy. Just layered and flavorful.

This dish alone makes the dinner memorable.

Angry Lobster Pad Thai
Maine lobster, rice noodles, Thai red curry sauce.

It’s served as a lobster tail split in half on a hot plate. When the sauce is poured over it at the table, it sizzles dramatically.

The lobster was tender and sweet. The curry sauce carried a subtle coconut richness with just enough red chili warmth to wake up the lobster without overpowering it. The rice noodles absorbed the sauce well, making each bite rich and savory.

It’s indulgent. Heavy. But satisfying.

Shrimp Three Ways
Panko, tempura, grilled with yakisoba, tartar, gochujang, tonkatsu sauce.

The shrimp were massive — thick, meaty, and cooked perfectly so they stayed juicy inside. Honestly, some of the largest shrimp I’ve had.

You get:

• Light tempura
• Crispy panko-crusted
• Grilled shrimp with yakisoba noodles

All three were cooked perfectly — juicy inside, crisp outside where intended. The sauces added variety without overwhelming the shrimp itself.

If you love shrimp, this is a safe and excellent choice.

Desserts and Final Impressions

Dark Chocolate Sphere
Marshmallow cream, chocolate sorbet, hot salted caramel sauce.

The server pours hot caramel over the chocolate sphere, and it melts open. Visually impressive.

Personally, I’m not a marshmallow cream fan, so it wasn’t my favorite. Michelle enjoyed it more than I did. The chocolate sorbet added richness, but the sweetness level is high.

White Chocolate Lime Ganache
Coconut foam, mango-yuzu sorbet, rice pudding.

Lighter. Airy. The lime brightens it up. Not overly sweet. A better finish if you prefer something refreshing over heavy chocolate.

Pro Tip: If you have the drink package, order by the glass. Bottles are an additional charge.

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Who the Morimoto Pop Up Dinner Is Best For (And Who Should Skip It)

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Great Fit If:

• You enjoy Asian-inspired cuisine.
• You appreciate presentation and tableside theatrics.
• You like seafood (especially lobster, sushi, whole fish).
• You want a unique specialty dining night.

Not Ideal If:

• You prefer classic steakhouse flavors.
• You’re not into sushi or seafood.
• You’re trying to minimize specialty dining spend.
• You expect large buffet-style portions (this is refined, plated dining).

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Where to Find the Morimoto Pop Up Dinner on Board

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The Tamarind Morimoto Pop Up takes place inside Tamarind on Deck 10 aboard the Rotterdam. It’s located on the back of the ship, above the Sea View pool area, and accessible by elevator or stairs. It’s just a short walk from Lido Market. Because it’s hosted inside Tamarind, you get the same quiet, upscale atmosphere with floor-to-ceiling windows and a relaxed evening setting.

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Tips Before Booking the Morimoto Pop Up Dinner

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1. Reserve Early – Availability can be limited.
2. Understand It’s an Upcharge – Have It All credit does not apply.
3. Come Hungry – Portions are generous when you add sides.
4. Lean Into Seafood – That’s where this menu shines.
5. Plan It for a Date Night – Makes it feel more special.

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How the Morimoto Pop Up Dinner Fits Into Your Cruise Dining Plan

Not every specialty restaurant needs to be done on every cruise — but this is one worth planning for.

On itineraries like the ABC Islands, this works especially well as a final-night celebration or a sea day dinner. It feels more intentional and elevated than a standard specialty reservation and makes a great upgrade beyond your included dining credit.

If you’re deciding between this and Pinnacle Grill, it really comes down to preference:

• Classic steakhouse experience → Pinnacle Grill
• Asian fusion, seafood-forward menu → Morimoto Pop-Up

If you’ve already eaten at Tamarind, this feels like the chef-driven, elevated version of that experience — more focused, more theatrical, and more seafood-centered.

For a deeper look at the ship and itinerary, see:

• Holland America Rotterdam Review: What It’s Really Like On Board
• Holland America ABC Islands Cruise Review & Ultimate Guide (What to Know Before You Book)

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Is Morimoto Pop Up Dinner Holland America Worth It?

Yes — if you enjoy Asian-inspired cuisine and seafood, this is one of the best specialty dining upgrades on Holland America right now.

It’s one of the more visually impressive specialty dining experiences on Holland America. The whole fish and Angry Lobster Pad Thai are standouts. Service is polished. The setting feels intimate.

At $55, it’s not cheap — but it feels like a true specialty event rather than just another restaurant option.

We left full and glad we tried it.

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What to Wear at the Morimoto Pop Up Dinner

Smart casual is the standard in Holland America specialty restaurants.

• For men: slacks or nice pants and a collared shirt.
• For women: dresses, skirts, or dressy pants.

Avoid beachwear, shorts, flip-flops, or distressed jeans. On formal nights, many men wear suits or sport coats, though it’s not required unless you want to dress up.

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Quick Summary: Is the Morimoto Pop Up Dinner Worth It?

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If you like sushi, lobster, and bold Asian flavors with a little tableside drama, it’s worth booking. It’s not included in Have It All, but it feels like a true upgrade experience rather than just another meal.

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FAQs About the Morimoto Pop Up Dinner

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How much does Morimoto Pop Up Dinner cost?

$55 per person plus 18% service charge. Pricing may vary slightly by itinerary.

Is the Morimoto Pop Up menu different from Tamarind?

Yes. Some overlap exists, but the pop-up features signature Morimoto dishes not normally on the standard Tamarind menu.

Can you use the Have It All dining credit?

No. The Morimoto Pop Up dinner Holland America is an additional upcharge experience.

Is Morimoto Pop Up better than Tamarind?

It’s more theatrical and seafood-forward. If you love bold Asian fusion, it’s an upgrade. If you want broader variety, Tamarind alone may be enough.

Is the food spicy?

Not overly. Even the Angry Lobster Pad Thai had warmth but not aggressive heat.

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Closing Thoughts on Morimoto Pop Up Dinner

The Morimoto Pop Up dinner Holland America experience is best for cruise travelers who want something a little elevated — especially if seafood and Asian flavors are your thing.

If you’re hesitant because of the price, think of it as a specialty event rather than just another dinner reservation. It’s not something you’ll do every night — but it’s memorable enough to justify it once.

If you enjoy chef-driven menus and memorable meals, this is one to book.

Adventure Awaits. Book It!