Holland America restaurants: The ultimate cruise guide to food and dining on board
Nonstop access to food is one of the main draws of cruising, and Holland America Line offers a variety of venues and menus for every craving, no matter the time of day.
Every Holland America ship offers multiple restaurants included with your cruise fare, and any guest could be satisfied dining at these locations for the duration of their sailing. The rest of the venues come with additional charges (either a set cover charge or a la carte pricing). They are certainly worth the price of admission; these restaurants are an ideal way to taste more global flavors, dine in a more intimate setting and enjoy more attentive service.
I always recommend choosing two specialty dining experiences per seven-night sailing and spacing them out a few days apart from one another (doing main dining room “resets” in between).
Here, I’ll outline all your Holland America dining options and price points. Many of the restaurants detailed below are available on every ship, with a few distinct options reserved for the newest vessels in its fleet — including Iron Chef Morimoto’s new sushi-centric specialty dining concept, Morimoto By Sea, and Rudi’s Sel de Mer French eatery.
After that, we’ll dive into a series of frequently asked questions to ensure you’re up to speed on all the pertinent information about Holland America restaurants and dining.
The Dining Room
As the main restaurant on any Holland America ship, the Dining Room serves a sit-down breakfast, elevated lunch and multicourse dinner. Meals here are included, and Indian and kosher menus are available with advance notice. “Featured” and “Morimoto” specials do come with an extra charge (for example, the filet mignon and lobster tail is $18 and the Fresh Halibut XO from Morimoto is $25).
Related: The ultimate guide to Holland America cruise ships and itineraries
Lido Market
The Lido Market, included with your fare, offers a wide-ranging buffet morning, noon and night to cruisers who aren’t in the mood for changing their attire or don’t have time for a more formal experience. Expect an array of proteins and hand-carved meats, a large salad bar and custom-made salads of the day, pastries, vegetarian-friendly options, hearty dishes from nearly every global cuisine (Italian, Mediterranean, Asian, Indian and more), and tempting dessert stations.
New York Pizza
Satisfy your desire for thin-crust pizza with a 9-inch pie and your choice of toppings (think: spicy capocollo and sweet Italian sausage or roasted chicken with red onions and barbecue sauce) from New York Pizza. This casual eatery is included in your fare and available on Eurodam and Nieuw Amsterdam. (A New York Deli & Pizza on Koningsdam, Nieuw Statendam and Rotterdam serves pizzas along with Reubens on rye, corned beef or pastrami sandwiches, bagels and shmear, and more).
Related: Which line has the best cruise pizza? I tasted slices from 7 brands
Dive In
When hunger strikes poolside, choose Dive In, the included burger and gourmet hot dog bar — and don’t forget an order of crispy fries (served four ways!) on the side. The menu features several veggie-friendly Beyond Meat burgers as well, made from brown rice.
Grand Dutch Cafe
Located in the atriums of the Pinnacle Class ships — Koningsdam, Nieuw Statendam and Rotterdam — the Grand Dutch Cafe offers Belgian and Dutch beers, a variety of spirits, coffee beverages and made-to-order Dutch fare. Crowd pleasers include Dutch pea soup with buttered pumpernickel bread, apple and bacon pannenkoek (Dutch pancake), vegetable quiche, and toasted ham and cheese with a curry ketchup dipping sauce. Place your order at the counter (a la carte pricing) and a server will bring your drinks and snacks to your table.
Tamarind
Available on Pinnacle Class and Signature Class ships for a $35 cover charge, Tamarind specializes in the flavors of Southeast Asia, China and Japan — think Malaysian lamb and Indonesian pork satay, ramen soup, panang curry coconut chicken, roasted pork belly char siu and dan dan noodles. Sushi creations are made in collaboration with master sushi chef Andy Matsuda.
Pinnacle Grill
This classic steakhouse serves up a selection of 28-day wet-aged USDA Prime steaks and other dishes from James Beard award-winning chef David Burke. The wine collection here is extensive, so guests are sure to find the perfect pairing with any dish. Pinnacle Grill is found on every ship with a cover charge of $19 for lunch and $46 for dinner (half-price for kids 12 and under or free when they order from the kids menu).
Related: The 8 best cruise ship steakhouses and steak-serving restaurants
Canaletto
An Italian restaurant featuring such classics as ossobuco, spaghetti with shrimp and clams, and veal meatballs, Canaletto is available on every ship for a $29 cover charge (half-price for kids 12 and under or free when they order from the kids menu). The pasta is made fresh daily, and Italian-inspired cocktails (think: negroni, Aperol spritz and bellini) flow freely for an additional charge.
Rudi’s Sel de Mer
Rudi’s Sel de Mer, named for master chef Rudi Sodamin, is known for French-inspired seafood, such as Dover sole meuniere and fruits de mer. Guests will also find non-fishy classic French dishes, such as coq au vin and steak frites, on the menu, alongside an impressive wine list. This restaurant is available on Pinnacle Class ships for a $55 cover charge, but the menu is available in the main dining room on other ships on select evenings.
Related: The ultimate guide to cruise ship food and dining
Morimoto By Sea
As Holland America’s newest specialty restaurant, Morimoto By Sea opened on Nieuw Amsterdam in December 2023. Showcasing Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto’s talent and creativity, the menu includes everything from Hamachi tacos and vegetable curry to sushi and lobster pad Thai. Expect a $55 cover charge, and look for Morimoto By Sea pop-up experiences offered once per cruise on the fleet’s other 10 ships in either Pinnacle Grill or Tamarind.
Holland America Line food: Frequently asked questions
Is the food free?
Meals in the main dining room, Lido Market, New York Pizza and Dive In are included with your cruise fare. All other eateries have a la carte pricing (per item) or a cover charge. (Some specialty restaurants with a cover charge also feature specific menu options with additional a la carte fees.) Each specialty restaurant also adds an 18% service fee.
Related: Are cruises all-inclusive? What's actually included in your cruise fare
Do I need a reservation?
Dinner times in the dining room are at 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. Alternatively, you can arrive at any time between 5:15 and 9 p.m. to be seated at the first available table. You must select your preference for set-seating dining or anytime dining prior to your cruise.
Reservations are recommended for specialty restaurants and can be made prior to boarding (for best date/time choices) or once on board.
What dining options are available for kids?
Children are welcome in any of Holland America Line’s dining venues. A special kids menu is available at each venue, including such fare as pizza, chicken strips, mac and cheese, salads and fresh fruit. Menu items from the daily menu are also available in half portions upon request. Children 12 or under pay half price in the specialty dining restaurants or can select items from the regular kids menu for free.
Is room service available?
Yes, 24-hour room service is included in your cruise fare, unless otherwise noted in the in-room menu.
Where does Holland America source its fish?
Holland America recently launched a Global Fresh Fish Program, an initiative that engages a global network of 60 ports to source and serve 80 types of fresh fish on board in all restaurants. This fish goes from port to plate in less than 48 hours. Additionally, Holland America was the first cruise line to serve 100% fresh, certified sustainable Alaska seafood on board its ships in Alaska.
Is there an all-inclusive package that includes specialty dining?
Specialty dining is featured as part of Holland America’s Have it All package. Guests receive one night at Pinnacle Grill, Canaletto or Tamarind on six- to nine-night voyages, two nights on 10- to 20-night cruises and three nights on cruises of 21 nights or more (excludes Grand Voyages).
What if I have food allergies?
Guests with food intolerances or allergies that are not life-threatening should contact the Ship Services Department at 800-541-1576. Guests with life-threatening food allergies must provide detailed information to the Guest Accessibility Department by completing a Special Requirements Information Form. Passengers should indicate on this form which foods might cause a severe reaction.
Are there any other food-related offerings to know about?
Don’t miss the Cake Me Away dessert celebration event in the Lido Market, which occurs once per seven-night cruise, and the Sea Food Boil pop-ups, which take place mainly on Alaska and Canada/New England itineraries.
What beverages are included with my cruise fare?
Non-bottled water, iced tea, lemonade, milk, some juices and regular coffees and hot teas are available at no cost. You can purchase a drink package to get unlimited beverages for a set price.
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
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Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.