DINING

Overview


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ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Enjoy exquisite dining across a range of venues on Holland America Line cruises

Throughout your cruise vacation, you will enjoy delicious and innovative menus across a broad range of dining venues. From a casual bite poolside to a formal five-course affair in our classic main Dining Room, the crew of Holland America Line will orchestrate a truly memorable dining experience. Led by Master Chef Rudi Sodamin, our exceptional culinary staff creates signature Holland America Line dishes using only the freshest produce and the highest quality meats and seafood available. Our knowledgeable wine stewards are adept at pairing the perfect wine with every dish. Whether you desire the relaxed atmosphere of the Lido, the elegance of the Pinnacle Grill or dinner for two on your private verandah, the choice is always yours.

As You Wish® dining on all cruises

From a festive five-course affair to a quick, casual dinner for two, our As You Wish® dining lets you choose the venues and style that suit you.

The elegant main Dining Room

  • Luxurious Dining Room, graced with fine art and antiques
  • Sophisticated Rosenthal china and crisp white table linens
  • Five-course menus with offerings from classic preparations regionally inspired cuisine to vegetarian options
  • Your choice of traditional pre-set seating and dining times or a flexible open schedule

The Pinnacle Grill experience

  • Intimate dining featuring Sterling Silver Beef® and fresh seafood
  • Luxurious appointments including Bvlgari® china, Riedel® stemware and Frette® linens
  • Extensive wine list featuring many selections rated “Excellent” by Wine Spectator
  • Featuring "An Evening at Le Cirque" in the Pinnacle Grill
  • Featuring "Taste of De Librije" by Jonnie Boer

Other delightful ways to dine

  • Fresh, cooked-to-order specialties in the Lido Restaurant for breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Complimentary 24-hour in-room dining
  • The Terrace Grill on deck
  • Late-night snack; Chocolate Dessert Extravaganza
  • Explorations Café featuring pastries and espresso drinks
  • Daily Afternoon Tea service, elevated to Royal Dutch High Tea once per cruise

A master staff and crew

  • Enhanced menu design under the direction of Master Chef Rudi Sodamin
  • Executive chefs inducted into the prestigious Confrerie de la Chaine des Rotisseurs, an international food and wine society

Signature touches

  • Ice cream bar featuring complimentary treats
  • Hot hors d’oeuvres during cocktail hour.

Special dietary needs, such as vegetarian, diabetic or gluten-free meals, are easily accommodated with advance requests. Kosher meals and a Health Conscious Dining option are also available. To arrange special meals, please contact the Ship Services Department at 800-541-1576 at least 90 days prior to departure. As You Wish® dining is currently available on each of our ships on all cruises.

DINING

Culinary Council


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ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

The Holland America Line Culinary Council® is an innovative team of top-name chefs from around the world assembled to guide and enhance all aspects of the shipboard culinary experience. The Culinary Council will enrich Holland America Line’s culinary initiatives and present signature recipes to be featured in all dining venues on all 15 cruise ships.

Culinary Council members include Council Chairman and Holland America Line's Master Chef Rudi Sodamin, along with renowned international chefs Jonnie Boer, David Burke, Marcus Samuelsson, Jacques Torres and Charlie Trotter.

The Council's expertise and guidance will enhance every aspect of the Holland America Line industry-leading shipboard dining experience, from the Lido Restaurant breakfast buffet to the dinner menu of the Pinnacle Grill and everything in between.

In addition to sharing their insights on menus and culinary offerings, the Council will consult on the line’s Culinary Arts Center enrichment program to inspire new and even more creative learning experiences for guests.

DINING

Master Chef Rudi Sodamin


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ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Artisan and Master Chef Rudi Sodamin is Holland America Line’s Culinary Consultant and Chairman of its celebrated Culinary Council. Chef Rudi is the driving force behind the evolution and progressive development of fine dining at Holland America Line.

An internationally respected food authority, Rudi is the most highly decorated chef working on the world's oceans is considered one of the hospitality industries most innovative, characterful and widely travelled chefs.

Chef Rudi has revolutionized the culinary practices and perceptions of the most prestigious Cruise Line's Culinary offerings and has earned numerous awards for his creative approach to his cuisine. Chef Rudi is credited with innovations that continue to improve standards industry wide.

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 (the only such award presented at sea ever).

Chef Rudi has authored 13 cookbooks, including Seduction & Spice (Rizzoli, 2000) and Holland America Line’s A Taste of Excellence (Rizzoli, 2007), A Taste of Elegance (Rizzoli, 2009) and A Taste of Celebration (Rizzoli, 2010). His newest book, Appetizers (Rizzoli, June, 2012) and his forthcoming Desserts (Rizzoli, 2013) are the latest in Holland America's Culinary Signature Collection series. Rudi's books can be found on Amazon.com, on HollandAmerica.com and in bookstores nationwide.

With 30 years of hospitality and cruise industry experience, Rudi is a member of the prestigious Academy Culinaire de France, the Maîtres Cuisiners de France and an honoree member of the noble Club des Chefs des Chefs, whose members cook for presidents, kings and prime ministers worldwide.

DINING

The Pinnacle Grill


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The Pinnacle Grill offers a level of elegant sophistication unmatched anywhere on the seven seas. Beautifully appointed with Bvlgari china, Riedel stemware and Frette linens, the intimate Pinnacle Grill is ideal for a romantic dinner for two or a special group celebration. Creative and innovative menus, drawing from regional ingredients of the highest quality, will delight the palate and ignite the senses. Indulge in hand-selected aged Sterling Silver Beef®, fresh seafood and an extensive, world-class wine list.

Dinner reservations may be pre-booked online or with Ship Services at 1-800-541-1576 as soon as possible after booking (recommended). Upon embarkation you will be asked to reconfirm the exact time and date directly with the Pinnacle Grill. Lunch reservations may only be made on board. Total Charge: Dinner USD$25 per person

View a selection of samples from the Pinnacle Grill menu


An Evening at Le Cirque in the Pinnacle Grill

On every voyage, the Pinnacle Grill offers "An Evening at Le Cirque" for a unique taste of Sirio Maccioni’s legendary New York restaurant. On those special evenings: menu offerings, wine selections, table decorations and the restaurant setting will be tailored to create an authentic Le Cirque dining experience that is sure to impress both the eyes and palates of Holland America Line guests. Total Charge: $39 per person. For more information, click here.

View a sample from the Le Cirque menu


Taste of De Librije

Exclusively aboard the ms Rotterdam, "Taste of De Librije” will feature the cuisine of Culinary Council member and Michelin Star Chef Jonnie Boer and named after Boer’s restaurant, De Librije, in the Netherlands. Once per cruise, the Pinnacle Grill will be transformed into De Librije with a menu that showcases a selection of starters, soups, entrées and desserts from this land-based eatery. The wine list highlights a selection of labels from the Lady De Librije collection. Total Charge: USD$60 per person including wine pairing. For more information, click here.

View a sample from the Taste of De Librije menu


Master Chef’s Room

Available exclusively on the ms Nieuw Amsterdam, the Master Chef's Room is the ultimate culinary experience on board. Designed by Holland America Line Master Chef Rudi Sodamin, the seven-course set menu highlights his talents and culinary creations. Each course is paired with a specially selected premium wine. Available select evenings in the Pinnacle Grill, make reservations on board. Total Charge: USD$89 per person including wine pairing. For more information, click here.

View a sample from the Master Chef’s Room menu and wine list

DINING

Le Cirque


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Holland America Line Partners With Legendary Le Cirque Restaurant


Famed Dining Experience Offered to Guests on All Sailings


Le Cirque

Holland America Line is adding another famous partnership to its innovative culinary program as it enters into an exclusive agreement with the illustrious Le Cirque restaurant to offer “An Evening at Le Cirque” in the Pinnacle Grill aboard its fleet of 15 ships.

Holland America Line’s Master Chef Rudi Sodamin is working with Le Cirque’s Executive Chef Craig Hopson to re-create the legendary eatery’s whimsical ambiance and award-winning dining experience on board — from serving the amuse bouche on fanciful orange Le Cirque china to featuring the restaurant’s famous crème brûlée.

“Le Cirque epitomizes the best of the best, further expanding our culinary program with innovative partnerships and world-renowned names,” said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs. “To be able to extend one of the most exceptional dining experiences in the world to our guests is another exclusive element that we’re excited to be able to offer, and even the most discerning foodie will be impressed.”

On virtually every voyage, the Pinnacle Grill will be transformed for at least one night into a Le Cirque–like atmosphere. On those special evenings, menu offerings, wine selections, table decorations and the restaurant setting will be tailored to create an authentic Le Cirque dining experience that is sure to impress both the eyes and palates of Holland America Line guests. Reservations can be made for “An Evening at Le Cirque in the Pinnacle Grill” for a charge.

Not only will guests have the opportunity to dine on unique Le Cirque dishes including Lobster Salad “Le Cirque,” Sweet Corn Soup and Côte de Boeuf, they also will be able to learn how to cook a dish or two during special Le Cirque demonstrations in the on-board Culinary Arts Center.

“My family and I are excited to enter into a partnership with a cruise line that has such a celebrated and highly regarded reputation,” said Sirio Maccioni, founder of Le Cirque. “I recently sailed with Holland America Line and was very impressed with their cuisine, impeccable service and high level of hospitality. I look forward to putting my own culinary touch on the dining experience and sharing Le Cirque with Holland America Line guests."

Additional enhancements to the program include screenings of the HBO documentary “Le Cirque: A Table in Heaven” on in-stateroom television, as well as the opportunity to purchase a Le Cirque crème brûlée dish and Le Cirque founder Sirio Maccioni’s book, “Sirio: The Story of My Life and Le Cirque.”

A recipient of the coveted James Beard Award for restaurant of the year, Le Cirque has been ranked among the best in the world for decades by food experts, celebrities and high society. Le Cirque restaurants are located in New York, Las Vegas and the Dominican Republic and its founder, Sirio Maccioni, is a legend and one of the industry’s most-respected restaurateurs.

While the restaurant attracts many celebrity customers, Le Cirque and Maccioni also have helped launch the careers of many illustrious chefs, including Daniel Boulud, Christophe Bellanca, Alain Sailhac, Rick Moonen and Holland America Line Culinary Council Member Jacques Torres.

View a selection of samples from the Le Cirque menu

We recommend making your pre-confirmation reservations online or with Ship Services at 1-800-541-1576 as soon as possible. Total Charge: $39 per person.

DINING

De Librije


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Taste of De Librije


Menu features cuisine from Dutch chef’s Three Michelin Star restaurant


De Librije

We have expanded our culinary offerings with the debut of a new alternative dining option exclusively aboard the ms Rotterdam called “Taste of De Librije”. Featuring the cuisine of Culinary Council member and Michelin Star Chef Jonnie Boer and named after Boer’s restaurant in the Netherlands, the menu showcases a selection of starters, soups, entrees and desserts from De Librije.

Once per cruise the Pinnacle Grill will be transformed into De Librije. The service staff will wear the livery uniforms and tables will replicate that of the land-based eatery. The wine list will highlight a selection of labels from the Lady De Librije collection.

“De Librije is one of the finest restaurants in the world, and we are thrilled to expand Jonnie’s role beyond the Culinary Council,” said Richard Meadows, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs for Holland America Line. “Not only will our Dutch guests appreciate dining on Jonnie’s Three Michelin Star cuisine, but we know all of our Rotterdam guests will enjoy this new dining experience.”

The five-course menu starts with North Sea Scallops served to all diners. From there, guests can select among three appetizers, two soups, four entrees and three desserts. The tantalizing dishes include Oysters on the Beach with foie gras, oysters and micro greens; Chilled Tomato Gazpacho with black olive and celeriac mousse; Venison Loin and Beef Tenderloin with bulgur wheat and smoked olive oil foam; Duo of Lamb Loin and Crusted Lamb Neck with lentil sprouts, watercress, carrot coulis and lamb jus reduction; Deconstructed Apple Pie with vanilla gelato and Chantilly-style cream, and Rice Chocolate Stones with tuile and strawberries. Guests may enjoy this five-course meal with wine pairings for US$69 per person.

View a sample from the Taste of De Librije menu

Already booked on an upcoming ms Rotterdam voyage? We recommend making your pre-confirmation reservations online or with Ship Services at 1-800-541-1576 as soon as possible.


DINING

Master Chef’s Room


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Available exclusively on the ms Nieuw Amsterdam, The Master Chef's Room is the ultimate culinary experience on board.

Designed by Holland America Line Master Chef Rudi Sodamin, the seven course set menu highlights his talents and culinary creations. Hosted by the Pinnacle Grill Chef and the Cellar Master, the courses are served on elegant Versace china atop Fretté Linens, and paired with premium wines in Riedel stemware.

Available select evenings in the Pinnacle Grill, make reservations on board.
Total Charge: $89 per person including wine pairing.

View Sample Menu      View Sample Wine List

DINING

Canaletto Restaurant


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Canaletto Restaurant Logo

Named for a famous 18th-century Venetian artist, Canaletto is your destination onboard for an intimate Italian dinner. The evening begins with the chef’s selection of antipasti with a taste of the delicious fare and personal, polished service to follow. Three courses – il primo, il secondo, and il dolci – are offered, carefully selected to focus on fresh, authentic regional Italian cuisine.

Whether you are celebrating a special occasion, or simply desire a romantic alternative to the main Dining Room, you may make reservations at Canaletto for a mere $10 per person. We look forward to welcoming you to Canaletto at least once during your voyage.

View a selection of samples from the menu.

Already booked? We recommend making your pre-confirmation reservations online or with Ship Services at 1-800-541-1576 as soon as possible.

DINING

Tamarind Restaurant


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Tamarind logo

Exclusive to Holland America Line's Signature-class ships, ms Eurodam and Nieuw Amsterdam, the Tamarind Restaurant offers exceptional Pan-Asian fare. Recently noted for its "cuisine that rivals the top restaurants on land" by Condé Nast Traveler, Tamarind is located on the uppermost deck, providing stunning panoramic views port and starboard.

View a selection of samples from the Dim Sum menu

Classic, steamed dumplings filled with chicken, Asian pork, spring vegetables, spinach and mushrooms and shrimp shu mai make up the lunch-time dim sum offerings at the Tamarind.

Exotic dinner menus feature dishes created by Master Chef Rudi Sodamin, and are categorized into the elements of water, fire, wood, and earth. Choose from selections such as snapper baked in rice paper, Penang red curry coconut chicken, wasabi and soy crusted beef tenderloin served on an oak plank, and sweet and sour vegetable tempura. Sushi & sashimi also are available.

Lunch is complimentary, Dinner US$15.00

We recommend making your pre-confirmation reservations online or with Ship Services at 1-800-541-1576 as soon as possible after booking.

View a selection of samples from the Dinner menu

DINING

Main Dining Room


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As You Wish® Dining

Our elegant main Dining Room, graced with sophisticated Rosenthal china and crisp white linens, offers fine dining in a luxurious setting with fine art and antiques. During your cruise, dine on five-course menus creations designed by Master Chef Rudi Sodamin. Offerings vary from classic preparations and regionally inspired cuisine to vegetarian options.

Flexibility is the hallmark of our As You Wish® dining program, and in the main Dining Room, it’s your choice of a traditional pre-set seating and dining time or a flexible open schedule.

One level of the two-tiered restaurant will offer a flexible/open dining service from 5:15 to 9 p.m. daily, and the other will host two seatings, an early seating at 5:45 p.m. and main seating at 8 p.m. Guests selecting flexible open seating may make reservations daily during a cruise up to 4 p.m. or simply walk up anytime during dining hours.

Main Dining Rooms

  • La Fontaine Dining Room: ms Amsterdam, ms Prinsendam and ms Rotterdam
  • Manhattan Dining Room: ms Nieuw Amsterdam
  • Rembrandt Dining Room: ms Eurodam
  • Rotterdam Dining Room: ms Maasdam, ms Rydndam, ms Statendam, ms Veendam, ms Volendam and ms Zaandam
  • Vista Dining Room: ms Noordam, ms Oosterdam, ms Westerdam and ms Zuiderdam

View a selection of samples from the menu

DINING

Lido Restaurant


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Lido Restaurant Logo

Located in the center of the Lido deck, our Lido Restaurant offers relaxed dining, extensive menu selections and as always, impeccable service from our attentive, yet unobtrusive staff. Bountiful breakfasts feature fresh-squeezed orange juice, cooked-to-order omelets, pancakes, fresh fruits, natural cereals and yogurts. For lunch, cuisine from around the world, including Asian stir-fry, sushi, pizza, pasta, gourmet sandwiches and an extensive salad bar. At dinner time, the Lido features waiter service and entrees from both the Lido and main Dining Room menus. Dine indoors in air-conditioned comfort or enjoy the fresh salt air on deck.

For the first 48 hours of each cruise, guests dining in the Lido Restaurant will enjoy a full service buffet, where our trained and attentive staff will serve all dishes. Starting on the third day of each cruise, the Lido will convert to a self-service buffet where guests may serve themselves. We've found that this change in service has had a proven effect in greatly reducing illness onboard, while providing guests with the convenience and variety of Holland America Line's exceptional buffet.

View a selection of samples from the menu

DINING

Terrace Grill


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Terrace Grill logo

Located outside on the Lido Deck, the Terrace Grill features portable buffet bars offering pizza, nachos, grilled hamburgers and hot dogs with all the trimmings, sandwiches and gourmet sausages. Whether cruising the tropics where it's sunny and warm or enjoying the cooler destinations under our insulated sliding glass roof (except ms Prinsendam), enjoy a relaxed lunch poolside at the Terrace Grill.

DINING

Culinary Arts Center


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Culinary Arts Center - An Experience to Savor

The Culinary Arts Center program, presented by Food & Wine® magazine, is a groundbreaking program that integrates guests' love for fine food and wine with a unique and entertaining experience. Immerse yourself in the unique traditions and tastes of the ports of call you will visit. Sample fine wines from around the world or learn to make a new gourmet dish in a hands-on cooking class taught by our own Master Chefs or culinary guests.

Click here to view Kids & Teens Culinary Arts Center Program

The Culinary Arts Center also features:

  • An innovative theatre-style venue with a state-of-the-art demonstration kitchen
  • Multiple large plasma video screens so you don't miss the fine details (or you can watch the broadcast from the comfort of your own stateroom)
  • Cooking demonstrations and hands-on cooking classes by our own award-winning chefs and their culinary staff
  • Wine and cheese experts hosting special wine tastings and food pairing seminars
  • Special guest chefs, wine experts and leading cookbook authors who appear in the pages of Food & Wine® magazine
  • Book signings, Q&A sessions, market tours in selected ports of call

Demonstrations and Seminars from Top Chefs

The Culinary Arts Center, presented by Food & Wine Magazine®, provides guests on select Holland America cruises the opportunity to experience demonstrations and hands-on classes conducted by top chefs, wine experts, and leading cookbook authors from the pages of Food & Wine Magazine®. Onboard all sailings, you will learn tricks-of-the-trade from top professionals, try your hand at preparing dishes and taste wines representative of the specific ports-of-call you will visit. Guests on selected cruises will also receive Food & Wine® recipe cards and wine tasting notes that you may take home along with copies of the magazine. Other opportunities might include book signings, question and answer sessions, specially designed dinner menus and more. Previous guest chefs include:

  • Jacques Torres - Chocolatier Extraordinaire.
  • Max McCalman - Maître Fromager,
    Artisanal Premium Cheese.
  • Marcus Samuellson - Chef of Aquavit and Ringo, NYC.
  • Susan Sokol Blosser - President and wine visionary, Sokol Blosser Winery, Dundee, OR.

Scheduled culinary experts are subject to change at any time without prior notice.

Scheduling of classes can be done on board only and cannot be pre-reserved prior to sailing.

DINING

Guest Chef Schedule


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View Guest Chef Schedule

DINING

Sustainable Seafood


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Holland America Line Menus Feature Sustainable Seafood


At Holland America Line, we are committed to serving sustainable seafood on board our cruise ships. In partnership with the Marine Conservation Institute, we work to review the seafood served onboard our ships and to remove items that are caught or farmed in ways that do not protect marine life or the environment.

Marine Conservation Institute logo

Sustainable seafood comes from either fished or farmed sources that can to maintain or increase production in the future without jeopardizing the ecosystems from which it was acquired. The seafood that we are proud to serve in our restaurants is caught in a manner that does not irreparably harm the surrounding ecosystem and ensures a plentiful stock of fish remains in the sea to feed future generations and support local fishing communities.

We have implemented this program because we believe that offering responsibly sourced food choices is central to providing excellence in dining. Our commitment to sustainable seafood that is both responsibly produced, and of the highest quality, helps protect ocean resources and ensure that generations to come can enjoy the best available seafood.

For more information about our program and evaluation process please visit the Marine Conservation Institute website at www.marine-conservation.org.