Dining
The dining experience begins with the two-deck La Fontaine Dining Room, which features floor-to-ceiling windows at the rear of the ship, and a sweeping double staircase. While Holland America's food hasn't always been the line's strong point, we see signs of improvement with the Rotterdam.
As is typical with Holland America, there are many tables for two. If the ship isn't sailing full, tables for four along the port and starboard windows are transformed into wonderful tables for two.
The menus in La Fontaine strike a nice balance between contemporary cuisine and more traditional fare. Each lunch and dinner menu features several creative choices involving unique preparation, sauces, or pairings. But the menus offer 'plain' options as well, including 'From the Grill' items like salmon, prime rib, and more, as well as lighter cuisine and a vegetarian choice. Special diets can be accommodated by La Fontaine chefs with 30 days notice. The wine list is outstanding and the wine stewards are knowledgeable without being overbearing (there's a four- or six-wine 'Wine Navigator' package of moderately priced and varied bottles that many passengers enjoy).
The Pinnacle Grill at the Odyssey Restaurant is obviously a huge hit with Rotterdam passengers. The menu is currently creative Italian, with the pastas and veal consistent favorites. The wine list is different from La Fontaine's, with several more excellent Italian choices and a popular two-glass white and red choice to accompany what many consider one of the top "alternative" restaurants afloat. There's a $20 per person fee.
The Lido Restaurant is a nice dining surprise. The breakfast and lunch offerings are fairly standard at the cafeteria-style restaurant, though excellent omelets for breakfast and occasional lunchtime Indonesian 'rice tables' or Indian curry stations provide unusual choices. At dinner, the Lido transforms into a 'bistro' that is quite popular with those who don't always want to get dressed up on more formal nights. The Lido also has espresso and cappuccino available 24 hours a day. Just outside, a self-serve stand is open practically all day, with choices like hamburgers, hot dogs, and Mexican fare for a more casual meal.
It comes as no surprise that Holland America, the proud purveyors of tradition, maintains a traditional approach to dining aboard its vessels. It’s for one very simple reason: their guests prefer it that way! Evening meals enjoyed in elegant surroundings served by a gracious wait staff who remember their patron’s preferences – it’s all part of the pleasure of a Holland America cruise vacation.
Here’s how their Traditional Dining in the Main Restaurants works:
Breakfast and Lunch: Open seating. During the appropriate meal time, arrive when and with whom you’d like and you’ll be promptly seated.
Dinner: There are two sittings; First and Main. Each is further divided into an earlier and later dining time utilizing the two levels of the beautiful La Fontaine Dining Room
5:45 pm (First Upper). Guests dine in the restaurant’s upper level
6:15 pm (First Lower). Guests dine in the restaurant’s lower level
8:00 pm (Main Upper). Guests dine in the restaurant’s upper level
8:30 pm (Main Lower). Guests dine in the restaurant’s lower level
Sitting times may be adjusted according to the cruise and some ships may maintain a two-sitting (6:00 pm and 8:15 pm) arrangement; Alaska cruise dining times are about 15 minutes earlier than those shown above. Guests may request any sitting time, table size and table mate(s). Sitting time may be confirmed (or waitlisted) at time of booking but specific table location and even table size may be assigned by the Maītre d’ on board.
 |
All Holland America chefs are members of the prestigious Confrerie de la Chaine des Rotisseurs gourmet society. And it shows, the moment you take your seat in the elegant La Fontaine Dining Room. A pianist or string quartet accompanies your evening meal as you sample the Continental cuisine.
Regional specialties are introduced according to your cruise and traditional favorites (steak, fish, chicken) are always available for the asking. Crisply starched linens, gleaming silver, elegant china and fresh flowers grace your table every night.
|
 |
“Relaxed and casual� are the operative words for the Lido Restaurant. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the buffet-style Lido Restaurant offers a broad selection of seafood, freshly carved meats, fresh-baked bread, fruits, vegetables, cereals, beverages, and delicious desserts. Regional specialties such as Asian stir-fry, and the ever-popular pizza, burgers and pastas are available here, too.
Especially good are the fresh salads and gourmet sandwiches. Dine inside or al fresco. Evening meals provide made-to-order entrées and table service.
|
 |
Any evening meal aboard Rotterdam can be made even more special. Make a reservation at the Pinnacle Grill, the ship’s upscale, reservations-only restaurant. The menu is themed to the freshest from the Pacific Northwest – Alaskan king salmon; Dungeness crab cakes and Northwest clam chowder are specialties.
Succulent steaks and savory pastas are always on the menu, too. The wine list is equally extensive. Bvlgari® china, Riedel® stemware and Frette® linens are on the table; a smile is on your face! A modest charge is added for this dining experience. The Pinnacle Grill is open for both lunch and dinner.
|
| |
In-stateroom or in-suite dining is available aboard Holland America. In most cases, guests may choose from the main dining room menu and as an added treat, the meal is served on the line’s signature, Rosenthal china! There is no room service charge for this service. So, put yourself in this picture: you and your companion enjoying a private, evening meal on your balcony, served on elegant china. Time to toast the sunset!
Of course, there are plenty more opportunities to up the calorie count. The outdoor Terrace Grill serves up hamburgers, chicken burgers, hot dogs and regional specialties (Indonesian cuisine is tops on Holland America). Exploration’s Café serves pastries throughout the day; daily Afternoon Tea Service – and once each cruise they elevate the service to “Royal Dutch High Tea�; and the famous, late-night “snack,� in the form of a chocolate extravaganza!
Oh – there’s a complimentary Ice Cream Bar, too! Additionally, guests who choose Penthouse and Deluxe Verandah Suites (Categories PS & S) have complimentary use of the private Neptune Lounge which serves complimentary beverages, breakfast pastries, afternoon snacks and evening hors d’oeuvres.
Holland America’s innovative Culinary Arts Center warrants special attention in this “Dining� section. Included within the spacious Wajang Theater, this center is the place to be for gourmet presentations, tasting events, cooking presentations and optional cooking classes. There’s a fully-equipped kitchen up on stage and close-in cameras and large plasma screens give all in attendance a front row seat. Just across the hall from the center is a well-placed wine tasting bar and boutique wine and culinary shop.
|
If you're looking for the ideal cruise that offers the priceless dining experience, the Rotterdam would be the perfect vessel to choose. Our World-Renown chefs aim to please the pickiest taste buds and the largest appetites with ease. You'll have the opportunity of savoring the most delectable cuisines and pastries on the open seas.
- La Fontaine and Upper La Fontaine Dining Room Odyssey Restaurant
- Crow's Nest
- Lido Restaurant
|
 |