Dining was a major part of the fun on our five-day girls trip aboard Holland America’s Koningsdam from San Diego to Vancouver. We ate in the Main Dining Room and several specialty restaurants. Here’s highlights and what to know before you book.
Editor’s note: the writer was hosted.
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Tamarind (+$35pp)
Tamarind was our favorite setting. The Pan-Asian menu draws from Southeast Asian, Chinese and Japanese cooking, with curries, seafood, wok dishes and sushi among the choices.
Morimoto By Sea is a pop up dining experience aboard the Koningsdam (+$55) offering a multi-course menu of signature dishes and fresh seafood curated by Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto. It was a feast and my favorites were the sticky ribs with hoisin sweet chili sauce and the flaky black cod Yuzu. The lychee martini was on the sweet side for me and they happily swapped it out for a smooth dirty martini.
Pinnacle Grill (+$25pp)
Pinnacle Grill delivered the classic steakhouse night. The menu centers on Prime steaks, seafood and substantial sides, served in a formal dining room.
The captain joined us for dinner and he and I shared my first ever tomahawk steak, which was both dinner and entertainment when it arrived at the table. It was gigantic and cooked to perfection. Splitting the meal made it more fun and left room to try the sides. Another guest said that the lobster was also incredible at Pinnacle Grill.
Canaletto (+$25pp)
The Italian menu is known for house-made pasta and hearty dishes made for sharing. The Chianti-braised short rib and seared seabass with fava bean puree were the standouts for us.
The Main Dining Room and Cake Me Away Night
The main Dining Room delivered the classic cruise experience: a large, elegant setting, full table service and enough time to linger. Chef went all out one night with an Indian themed delicious dinner, serving homemade roti and naan, a variety of homemade curries and delicious rice.
Cake Me Away night turned dessert into an event: Chefs displayed an impressive selection of cakes, each with a different flavors.
SheBuysTravel Tip: If you’re celebrating something, mention it when you book — our birthday trip got cake and a round of Happy Birthday from the crew without us having to ask.
Club Orange
Club Orange is Holland America’s optional premium-access program.
On Koningsdam, it includes access to a separate dining room, priority services, stateroom upgrades and other benefits, depending on the cabin category and sailing.
Published pricing is:
- $25 per person, per day on cruises up to 13 days
- $15 per person, per day on cruises longer than 13 days
SheBuysTravel Tip: Club Orange is included automatically if you book a Neptune Suite.
Dining is a small part of a five-day girls trip from San Diego to Vancouver. Read the full Koningsdam review for my take on the Blend Bar, bourbon tasting, our stateroom and everything else worth knowing before you sail.
FAQs
Yes. Reserve through the Navigator app before boarding. Popular venues and prime dinner times fill up.
No. Club Orange is a separate dining room with its own priority-access perks. It is included with Neptune Suite bookings.
Our pick is Pinnacle Grill and Morimoto By Sea because the food is outstanding, the venues are more intimate.
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