Holland America Line is bringing the world’s finest Neapolitan-style pizza to its vessels through its partnership with Caputo, a 100-year-old flour mill based in Naples, Italy. The cruise line will begin offering “made fresh daily” Neapolitan-style pizza using Caputo’s premium flour.
The Neapolitan-style pizza was first introduced by Fleet Chef Marco Marrama leading to the discovery of Caputo’s flour. Marrama and John Mulvaney, director of culinary operations for Holland America Line, worked together to form the partnership blending tradition, technique and taste for an elevated dining experience.
“We’re proud to bring the true tradition of Neapolitan pizza to our guests by partnering with Caputo, one of Italy’s most respected flour producers. Every element — from the ingredients to the techniques — has been carefully selected to ensure an experience that’s not only delicious, but deeply authentic.” said Michael Stendebach, vice president of food, beverage and room division for Holland America Line.
Members of the fleet chef team traveled to New York to receive immersive training at Keste, the Caputo family restaurant. The team included Fleet Executive Chefs Daniel Hrgic, Marco Marrama, Sinu Pillai, Pablo Cesar and pam Sta Ana. Pizza Master Chef Roberto Caporuscio trained the team, honing their skills in traditional Neapolitan techniques. They learned everything from dough proofing to hand-stretching and baking.
“Hearing the excitement from our chefs after training with a true master like Chef Caporuscio was incredible. It’s inspiring to see their passion ignited by learning alongside such talent — and we’re thrilled for our guests to taste the difference this brings to our pizza program,” said Marisa Christenson, director of food & beverage operations and development for Holland America Line.
In addition to the team’s training in New York, Caputo’s corporate chef, Domenico “Mimmo” Tolomeo will visit each ship to lead onboard training in the art of Neapolitan pizza-making with Caputo’s premium flour. Tolomeo brings the expertise of a true artist in the craft of pizza making to the program. The ships’ culinary teams will learn from an authentic pizza making master. The training will ensure every pizza meets the highest standards of the cruise line and Caputo, offering guests the most exceptional Neapolitan-style pizza at sea.