Summary
The dining venues and culinary options on the Holland America Koningsdam cruise ship feature a diverse mix of size, cuisines, and ambiance. Many of the restaurants and culinary venues are familiar names to past Holland America cruise lovers, while others are new to the cruise line. This article offers an overview of various places on the ship where you can enjoy a meal or a quick snack.
The Dining Room
The Dining Room is the largest dining venue on the Koningsdam, located aft on decks 2 and 3, seating 1,098 guests under spectacular chandeliers across two decks. It serves dinner each evening and offers breakfast and lunch during sea days. The menu is diverse, offering selections ranging from starters and soups to main courses and desserts. Options include seafood, poultry, beef, pork, and plentiful vegetarian choices, with regional selections based on the cruise itinerary.
When visiting the Dining Room, guests can opt for one of two pre-set dining times or choose the “as you wish” dining option, providing flexibility to enjoy meals whenever they desire.
Tamarind Restaurant
Tamarind is the Asian restaurant on the Holland America Koningsdam, located on deck 10 aft, seating 140 guests. While it carries a surcharge, it offers a superior dining experience for Asian cuisine enthusiasts. The menu features a variety of Asian dishes including appetizers like shrimp tempura and Thai beef salad, with vegetarian options on offer as well.
Make sure to leave room for dessert, with highlights like the Tamarind chocolate shell filled with a tamarind-flavored mousse and the delightful Thai mini doughnuts.
Sel de Mer Restaurant
Sel de Mer is a quaint seafood brasserie located on deck 2, seating just 44 guests. It offers an a la carte menu that focuses on seafood German and French favorites. Don’t miss the daily specials that may include du jour offerings that highlight seasonal ingredients.
Pinnacle Grill
The Pinnacle Grill combines classic steakhouse dining with Pacific Northwest inspirations. This popular restaurant seats 116 guests and is renowned for dishes including lobster bisque, steak tartare, and various cuts of steak. A surcharge applies, but the culinary experience is deemed worthwhile by many.
Canaletto Italian Restaurant
Canaletto is situated in the Lido Market area and offers a casual Italian dining experience. The dishes are designed for sharing, making for a fun and interactive dining atmosphere. There is an additional surcharge for this venue.
Grand Dutch Cafe
Located on deck 3 near the Atrium, the Grand Dutch Cafe is a casual cafe that serves coffee and traditional Dutch treats. It provides a relaxed atmosphere, making it a popular spot throughout the day and evening.
Explorations Cafe
The Explorations Cafe, located on deck 12 in the Crow’s Nest lounge, offers seating for 30 guests and a cozy atmosphere where guests can enjoy coffee, pastries, and a good book or internet surfing.
Lido Market
The Lido Market on deck 9 features a layout that enhances the dining experience, offering a wide variety of specialty stations rather than traditional buffet lines, catering to various cravings and dietary preferences.
New York Deli and Pizza
Located poolside on deck 10, the New York Deli and Pizza offers a quick bite with a variety of sandwiches, salads, and pizza options, making it a convenient choice for light meals.
Dive-In Casual Eatery
The Dive-In is located poolside and offers a casual dining experience with made-to-order burgers and hot dogs. Guests simply order and await a buzzer to collect their meal, streamlining the dining process.
Gelato Shop
The Gelato Shop, located next to the Dive-In, offers authentic gelato made on the ship. Crafted by chefs trained in Italy, this is a must-try for those looking for a sweet treat.
Culinary Arts Center
The Culinary Arts Center, located on deck 2, serves as both a cooking school and a restaurant, offering a farm-to-table dining experience. Seating 74 guests, the center allows diners to watch chefs prepare each course in a live kitchen setup, enhancing the meal experience.
Blend Wine Tasting
Blend offers a unique opportunity to create your own wine blend under the guidance of an instructor. Guests can taste various wines, apply their preferences, and take home their personalized edition. It’s a fun and interactive experience for any wine enthusiast.