Warning!  Don’t open this if you are hungry!

We embarked on a short 5- day cruise departing from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale to the Bahamas, which had a scheduled stop at the private island Half Moon Cay.  Unfortunately, due to one of those pesky hurricanes in the Caribbean, we had to skip the private island and stayed overnight in Nassau.   A short cruise like this one offers the perfect mix of relaxation, exploration, and indulgence.  Personally, if I’m being completely honest, which I am, the food was exceptional! I really had no expectations, but I was BLOWN AWAY!

We really enjoyed all the dining options onboard. The dining experience aboard Holland America Line is a feast for the senses. With their reputation for culinary excellence, you will find several options for any foodie and even if you are not a food or wine connoisseur you will love the experience!

Before we get to the really juicy stuff, here’s a bit of history about this legendary cruise line. 

Holland America Line (HAL) is a fascinating example of how the cruise industry has evolved over time, blending history with modern luxury. Founded in 1873, HAL began as the Netherlands-America Steamship Company (NASM), a vital link for Dutch immigrants traveling to the United States. From its home port in Rotterdam, the line gave hope, adventure, and connection to those passengers who sailed from Europe to America. As air travel rose in popularity, HAL charted a bold new course. In the 1970s the line swapped transatlantic crossings for more dreamy destinations to their passengers.  In 1989, HAL was acquired by Carnival Corporation, one of the largest brands in cruising. Today, Holland America Line’s itineraries span the globe, featuring everything from Caribbean escapes to bucket-list world voyages. 

One of the festive ways Holland America Line celebrates their Dutch heritage is with a celebration onboard called the Orange Party.  Guests are encouraged to wear orange, the national color of the Netherlands, while enjoying fun themed cocktails, live music, and of course dancing. 

My culinary journey onboard the Eurodam included all of the dining options that were offered on this ship. If I had to choose my favorite dining experience, Tamarind/Nami would be at the top of the list.  Below are the highlights of each dining experience with my personal favorite dishes-Dine On!

Tamarind/Nami Sushi:

Tamarind brings the sensuous flavors of Asia to the table. Located in an elegant setting, guests can enjoy dishes like wok-seared lobster, cashew-crusted barramundi, and Thai beef salad. The menu is crafted to balance sweet, salty, sour, and spicy elements. On a few select ships, there is a delicious sushi bar, Nami.  The word “nami” is Japanese in origin and means “wave.”

Shrimp Tempura -watermelon, radish, pomegranate, sweet miso, white soy ponzu

Chicken Lollipops-chicken wings, honey, sesame, tamarind

Tom Khakai -sweet and sour soup, coconut chicken, bean sprouts, chili oil

Panang Red Curry Coconut Chicken-crispy lotus, wok-seared vegetables, roasted peanuts

Wasabi & Soy Crusted Beef Tenderloin-tempura of onion rings, tom katsu sauce

Yuzu Cheesecake -honey tuile, white chocolate

Mango Posset-coconut macaroon, passion fruit jelly, mango sorbet

At just $35 per person, this venue offers exceptional value for a high-end Asian dining experience. It’s a steal of a deal!  Keep in mind that this restaurant is only available on a few of their ships.  (Eurodam, Koningsdam, Nieuw Amsterdam, & Rotterdam)

Pinnacle Grill:

This upscale dining experience is for those steak and seafood lovers.  The menu includes delicacies like Ossetra caviar, lobster bisque, and a 35 oz Tomahawk Rib Eye for two. Complementing the fine cuisine is an extensive selection of award-winning wines. Exclusive creations by chef David Burke include the Clothesline Candied Bacon and Beef Tenderloin with lobster dumplings.  The bacon was to die for!

Clothesline Candied Bacon-Maple, black pepper, half-sour pickles

Lobster Bisque-Crème fraîche, aged cognac

Filet Mignon 8 oz- with the bordelaise sauce

Beef Tenderloin with Lobster Dumplings

Baked Alaskan Halibut -Morels, panko, dilled leeks, champagne vinaigrette

Side Dishes– roasted baby beets with blue cheese & Beecher’s lobster mac & cheese

Not-So-Classic Baked Alaska-Ben and Jerry’s Cherry Garcia ice cream, Bing cherries jubilee

Lunch is served for $19, and dinner is $49 per person.  Pinnacle Grill is available on Eurodam, Noordam, Koningsdam, Oosterdam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Zaadam, Nieuw Statendam, Volendam, and Zuiderdam.

Canaletto:

Attention Italian food lovers!  The dining experience is a bit more of a casual yet refined atmosphere. It’s a great place to share dishes with family and friends.  Hand-made pasta, veal saltimbocca, and mascarpone-stuffed desserts create a communal dining experience. It’s perfect for family-style dinners with an emphasis on authentic Italian flavors. 

Veal and Sage Meatballs-Glazed cipollini onions, rustic tomato sauce 

Burrata-Plum tomato salad, pistachio-garlic gremolata, extra virgin olive oil

Chianti-Braised Beef Short Rib-Shallots, onion, roasted butternut squash, vincotto

Seared Mediterranean Sea Bass-Fava bean purée, fresh ricotta, roasted vegetables, romesco

Affogato-Malaga gelato, espresso, lemon zest

Tiramisu -Mascarpone, espresso, chocolate

Dinner is available for $25 per person.

Main Dining Room:

Holland America Line’s dining rooms are the centerpiece of the onboard culinary experience.  Beautifully adorned with sparkling chandeliers, rich wood finishes, and ocean-view windows, it’s the perfect setting for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The menu features a diverse selection of crafted dishes, often inspired by the ship’s global itineraries.  Daily options range from classic continental fare like filet mignon, salmon, and rosemary chicken to regionally inspired specialties.  These menus include five courses and are available “As You Wish Dining” from 5:15pm-9:00pm or if you prefer traditional dining, either early seating at 5:45pm or 8:00pm.  

The Dive-In:

For those sun seekers who are those grab and go kind of cruisers, the Dive-In is perfect.  It offers those casual culinary classics like a burger and fries or a succulent Nathan’s Famous gourmet hot dog with golden French fries. Perfect with a Bloody Mary poolside! 

The Lido Market:

Steps from the Lido pool, the Lido Market is a modern marketplace that includes a curated selection of delicious options that you can grab on the go or have made to order.  My favorite was the omelet station for breakfast.  Options include a breadboard with freshly baked bread and pastries, a selection of hearty salads, hand-carved meats, fish, and, of course, plenty of ice cream and desserts. A bonus in the Lido on the sea day afternoon was the “Cake Me Away” with a huge selection of cakes to indulge yourself! 

Christmas Dinner + Cocktails:

The ship comes alive with festive cheer through its special Christmas menu offerings, creating a true culinary celebration at sea. Guests can savor a feast of traditional holiday favorites alongside gourmet dishes inspired by the ship’s itineraries. From roasted Christmas turkey with all the trimmings and honey-baked ham (my favorite) to savory sides and indulgent desserts like traditional English pudding, a white chocolate snowman or a santa sundae, there’s something to delight every guest. To add a dash of holiday spirit, sip on a Minty Elf Martini or a Rudolph the Red Margarita—playful, holiday-themed cocktails that perfectly complement the festive atmosphere onboard.

Culinary Experiences:

Holland America debuted a new culinary program called the Global Fresh Fish Program. It’s a first-of-its-kind that offers 80 varieties of fresh fish sourced locally from across their worldwide network. With more fresh fish and ingredients native to the destinations the ships visit, the dining experiences tell the story of each region through its unique flavors. In addition to the Global Fresh Fish Program, the ambassador of this program is celebrity Chef Masaharu Morimoto. He brings his signature style to curated dishes served in the main Dining Room, as well as in a pop-up restaurant on a few of the ships. Holland America Line became the first cruise line to serve 100% fresh, certified sustainable and traceable wild Alaska seafood onboard their ships in Alaska through the Responsible Fisheries Management certification. This is near and dear to my heart since I lived in Alaska and love fresh caught Alaska seafood! 

Holland America Line enhances the dining experience with an array of culinary activities to enhance their cruise experience. The Port-to-Table program brings the flavors of the ship’s destinations to life through engaging cooking demonstrations and tastings. Hosted by the executive chef and cruise director across the fleet, this program offers guests the chance to explore regional cooking techniques, learn about the culinary traditions of each port, and savor the featured dishes in the dining room that evening. As an added bonus, participants receive a copy of the recipe to take home. 

For a touch of luxury, the Chef’s Table provides an exclusive multi-course dinner paired with fine wines, hosted by the ship’s Executive Chef. Wine aficionados can enjoy curated tastings or explore unique vintages with sommelier-led events. Holland America Line also hosts themed cruises, such as Food & Beverage Aficionado voyages enhancing the experience by featuring celebrity chefs and culinary experts who host special demonstrations, tastings, and interactive events.  Sounds like a cruise calling my name! 😉 During our time onboard, we had the opportunity to experience a Mixology class with a couple of the most fantastic bartenders at sea.  It was so much fun and we were able to jump behind the bar and mix our own drinks!  Yes with supervision! Definitely recommend this experience if it is offered onboard. 

If you are a food or beverage connoisseur, Holland America Line is definitely an experience you need to explore.  Are you ready to plan your Holland America Line adventure? Let us help you set sail on your dream vacation.  Whether you’re seeking a quick Caribbean getaway or an epic world journey, HAL invites you to write your own chapter in its remarkable story!