Prinsendam doesn't offer the plethora of options of some of today's megaships, but the personal service, ambiance and attention to details (such as special decorations on holidays) more than make up for it.

The LaFontaine Dining Room is the centerpiece of mealtime. Totally reconfigured from the two-tiered space that existed on the ship under the Seabourn flag, the dining room has been downsized and is centered on one deck. It features wraparound windows with fabulous views and Holland America's usual elegant Rosenthal china and white linens. Cut glass chandeliers and sconces in the shape of flower blossoms complete the decoration. There are two seatings and table mates are assigned. LaFontaine has just a handful of tables for two.

The Lido Restaurant is open for casual breakfast, lunch and dinner. It features a broad assortment of entrees, many cooked to order. Sandwiches and individually baked pizzas are made to order as well. It's a pleasant change from the steam-tray warmed fare on the buffet lines of other ships. We did notice that the Lido's dining area can seem a bit claustrophobic because of its low ceilings, so here's a tip -- just outside are a number of lovely tables that sit on the aft deck under a tented cover. As with other Lido Restaurants on Holland America ships, crew members are on hand to carry trays and fetch drinks.

Another casual option at lunchtime is the Terrace Grill, near the midship pool, which offers a convenient menu of burgers, hot dogs, chicken sandwiches and French fries.

The 52-seat Pinnacle Grill at the Odyssey, the ship's swank alternative restaurant, is gorgeous. Wood paneling, accented with graceful columns, embraces guests as they ease into sumptuous, undulating upholstered banquettes. Meals are served on Bulgari china. The restaurant's menus feature mostly Northwest-inspired cuisine, such as Chicken Thai soup, Dungeness crab legs, grilled salmon, and duck breast with pickled Walla Walla onions, among others. Chefs also will cook up the basics -- filet mignon, lamb chops and cioppino are always offered, along with delectable cuts of porterhouse and ribeye steaks. There is a $15 per person charge to eat at the Pinnacle Grill.

Special food-related events offered on every cruise include both Dutch- and Indonesia-themed dinners, and the Royal Dutch Tea. On the Grand World Voyage, add to these an array of themed dinners that coincide with the various exotic ports of call, as well as with holidays such as St. Valentine's Day and St. Patrick's Day.

Room service is available 24 hours a day. Passengers with special dietary needs are asked to advise Holland America about these needs at the time of booking.

Breakfast and Lunch: During the appropriate meal time, arrive at La Fontaine Dining Room and you’ll be seated “open-seating-style.� Arrive with friends and family and you’ll be seated with friends and family. The Lido Restaurant offers casual, buffet-style dining for breakfast and lunch and offers indoor or outdoor seating.

Dinner: There are two sittings in La Fontaine Dining Room, the main dining venue:
First Sitting is at 6:00 pm.
Main Sitting is at 8:15 pm.

Because of Prinsendam’s variable, worldwide itineraries and extensive shore excursion offerings, these times may be adjusted slightly to better fit the day’s port schedule. 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. Dinner at the upscale Pinnacle Grill is by reservation only. There are no seating times or reservation requirements for evening meals at the Lido Restaurant.

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. The cuisine is Continental; the views are 270 degrees! 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 some table service.

Any evening meal aboard Prinsendam may be made even more special – just by making 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! As an added plus, Pinnacle Grill is also open for lunch! Whether for dinner or lunch, a modest charge is added for this dining experience. In-stateroom or in-suite dining is available, too. Don’t just think of it as “room service� because most nights guests may make their selections from the main dining room menu – and as an added treat – their meal is served on the line’s signature, Rosenthal china! There is no extra charge for this service. So, put yourself in this picture: you and your companion enjoying a private, evening meal on your verandah, served on elegant china. Time to toast the sunset!