Holland America Line has begun a new culinary training program that was designed by the Culinary Institute of America (CIA).
Culinary staff will live at Holland America’s training center in Manila, Philippines, while completing a three-week course.
The curriculum was designed by the CIA under the direction of a Holland America team led by Steve Kirsch, director of culinary operations, and Rudi Sodamin, master chef.
Students will receive culinary training as well as specific coursework that covers Holland America’s Pinnacle Grill restaurants, main dining rooms, Lido restaurants, specialty lounges and the Tamarind and Canaletto restaurants on the Eurodam, said Richard Meadows, Holland America’s executive vice president of marketing, sales and guest programs.
The training center also functions as a school for front-desk personnel and beverage staff. There is space to conduct leadership training and other classes for crew and officers, said Holland America.
A former Holland America hotel manager, Brian McNeil, serves as director of training at the facility.
Holland America Line operates a similar residential program in Indonesia at its Nieuw Jakarta facility, where dining room waiters, housekeeping stewards, clerks and other staff receive training.