The Lido on the Oosterdam offers that proverbial something for everyone: Breakfast options include full breakfast, continental and omelet stations. Then at lunch, passengers can choose from salads, Asian specialties, pasta and pizza, deli fixings for sandwiches, a traditional buffet line, a grill and a Taco/Fajita bar. Of course it wouldn't be Holland America without the complimentary ice cream and yogurt bar. Casual dining is offered nightly in the Lido and seems to be very well attended. Passengers choose their salads and starters from a buffet and then order an entree, which is brought to the linen-covered table of your choice.

The "food station" concept replaces the long buffet line with everything in a row. One of the prettiest Lido areas on any ship, the hot pinks, orange-y red, yellows, blues and turquoises, are tied together in plaid draperies and laminated table tops. Plenty of help is in evidence and if you request aid in carrying your tray, you will get it but know that help isn't offered automatically. Cloth napkins holding forks, knives and spoons, are found at each place setting, eliminating the need to juggle flatware along with a tray.

The attractive two-level Vista dining room at the aft end of the ship offers two seatings at assigned tables, at 6 p.m. and 8:15 p.m., and standard cruise ship fare. A lovely Rosenthal flatware service makes for an attractive table. Notable menu items include a wonderful snapper dish, excellent sole, tasty and well prepared lamb chops. Service is good; food is brought in a timely manner and if your server observes you are not eating with gusto he quickly will offer an alternative. Iced tea and coffee are promptly refilled. A silver sculptured ceiling is graceful and exceptional and adds elegance to the dining room ambiance. Tables are nicely spaced and conversation is made easy by good acoustics.

Wine selections range from moderate to pretty pricey and include whites and reds from "Captain's reserve" which are offered at discounted prices. Wine packages for the week are also available.

The absolute pinnacle of food, service and presentation, is the Pinnacle Grill at the Odyssey Restaurant. The menu includes an outstanding filet mignon, better than a Morton's or Palm, delicious cioppino, and dramatically presented Baked Alaska. It is a dining experience designed for the gourmet. The room features red jacquard banquets and blue leather seats while a collage of famed Dutch Masters look on approvingly from on high. A $20 per person surcharge applies.

A HAL tradition, tea is served each afternoon, usually in the Explorer's Lounge (sometimes in the dining room). Once weekly there's a "Dutch High Tea" and live music accompanies this high caloric repast.

And if you want pizza or ice cream at 1 a.m., the Lido offers both, plus the option of 24-hour coffee and tea.

Twenty-four hour room service is timely and served hot, just make sure your room has the space for the experience (see accommodations, below). Room service breakfast menus offer both continental and hot entree choices; the 24-hour menu features burgers, sandwiches and salads, along with other basics like salmon and grilled chicken. Dining room menus are not available. Mini bars contain water, cold drinks and liquor for which there is a charge.

If you have any specific dietary needs kosher, vegetarian, sugar-free let the line know when booking or speak with the dining room captain upon boarding. Every effort will be made to accommodate your needs.

• To announce the evening meals, uniformed staff members tour the ship, signaling the dining time with chimes. It’s a nice touch and another timeless tradition familiar to millions of loyal Holland America guests.
• Sophisticated dining amid an atmosphere of fine art, museum-quality antiques, crisp white table linens and fine Rosenthal china.
• Five-course meals ranging from classic French cuisine to lighter alternatives. Delicious vegetarian selections are available at every meal.
• Choice of four dining times in the main dining room. An upscale, reservation-only restaurant and an always-casual buffet alternative are available.
  

Vista Dining Room: Your arrival to your evening dining venue is accompanied by the lilting sounds of a string quartet. Decorative Murano glass fixtures add a soothing glow to the elegant, two-tiered room. Rosenthal china and fresh flowers await you at your carefully set table. By day, the views out to sea are expansive, courtesy of floor-to-ceiling windows on three sides. By night, the room feels warm and intimate.

Lido Restaurant: A variety of fresh, cooked-to-order specialties are offered in this buffet-style eatery. But no high school cafeteria, this! The Lido Restaurant features a constantly changing menu of international favorites ranging from Caribbean to Cajun. Fresh-carved turkey and beef, mouth-watering pizza and fancy desserts are available, too. And at night the lights are dimmed and made-to-order entrées and waiter service is featured.

Pinnacle Grill is Oosterdam’s extra special, extra-cost alternative restaurant, well-positioned for either atrium or sea views. Fine wood accents and warm fabrics set the mood; Bvlgari® china, Riedel® stemware and Frette® linens set the table. Sterling Silver beef, fresh seafood and a wide selection of regional specialties will pay a short visit to your plate! And the wine list is one of the most extensive at sea!