Ultimate Dining Guide for the ms Westerdam: Menus and Dining Experiences
Prepare for a culinary journey aboard the ms Westerdam, Holland America’s floating gourmet paradise. After two summers cruising to Alaska, I still think about this ship’s splendid dining experiences. That is why I am so excited to share this post highlighting Holland America Line’s ms Westerdam menus. Undoubtedly, you will be satisfied with the food served on this cruise line.
From hearty breakfasts to elegant dinners, each mouthful promises a delightful surprise.
The ms Westerdam doesn’t just serve meals; it presents a harmony of flavors from around the world that delight your senses.
As a cruise passenger on Holland America, the food will surely be a highlight.
Let’s not forget all the stellar experiences this cruise offers. For a detailed dive into these delights, be sure to check out my comprehensive Holland America Alaska cruise review post.
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Holland America 24-hour Room Service
My favorite part of cruising on Holland America is ms Westerdam’s 24-hour room service menu, which is included in the cruise price.
The room service is a perk I thoroughly enjoy. Having a snack or meal delivered to your cabin is so convenient.
A primary room service menu is available on your cabin television. What is not widely known is that you can have anything from any restaurant delivered to your room. You just need to ask when you call the room service attendant.
Room Service Breakfast
There are few things in life that are as blissful as waking up to the smell of hot coffee. The best part of getting room service is that the coffee is brought to your door, so you don’t have to get out of bed.
For your convenience, a printed breakfast menu is left in your room during turn-down service in the evening. Before you go to bed, hang the menu on the cabin door.
The following day, your breakfast tray arrives at the time you choose.
You don’t have to leave the bed or get dressed to eat breakfast, and you can linger over a hot cup of coffee while enjoying the view from your window.
Room Service, Anytime
Room service is like a best friend who knows what you want before you know yourself.
In addition to breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks can be delivered. You can even get a cheese tray with dried fruit, nuts, and cheese.
When you are in Glacier Bay, the view is too amazing to miss, so order dinner from the dining room and enjoy it on your balcony. You can thank me later.
Believe me when I say you will enjoy the ms Westerdam menus the most from your balcony!
ms Westerdam Fine Dining Experiences
The fine dining options are my second favorite food experience on the Holland America Line cruise.
Among the most memorable dinners are those at The Pinnacle Grill and the Gala Night dinner in the main dining room.
The Pinnacle Grill Steakhouse and Seafood Restaurant
What is the Pinnacle Grill?
The Pinnacle Grill is a specialty dining experience aboard most Holland America Line cruise ships.
When you think of food served on a cruise ship, a fine dining experience at a steakhouse may not be your first thought. However, you will get just that with Holland America.
The Pinnacle Grill Holland America menu will delight your tastebuds and exceed your wildest food imaginations. Although the food in the main dining room is fantastic, the Pinnacle Grill includes a more dynamic menu and impeccable service.
In addition to the steakhouse, the Pinnacle Grill serves as the location for the Morimoto at Sea pop-up restaurant one night during your cruise.
What is the Pinnacle Grill Dress Code?
Dress for the Pinnacle Grill as you dress for any fine steakhouse you visit on land.
Combine a visit to the Pinnacle Grill with a Gala Night when cocktail attire is encouraged, and you will be dressed appropriately.
Women who wear dresses, skirts, or dress pants with a nice blouse and gentlemen who wear suits or jackets will be fine. My printable Alaskan cruise packing list will guide you in packing everything you need.
How Much Does the Pinnacle Grill Cost?
As a specialty dining experience, The Pinnacle Grill is an additional charge. In 2024, the extra cost for lunch is $19 plus an 18% service charge, and dinner is $46 plus an 18% service charge per person.
The Pinnacle Grill is included as a specialty dining choice for the Have it All promotional cruise fare.
Holland America Pinnacle Grill Menu
Let’s get to the best part: the ms Westerdam menus at the Pinnacle Grill.
The moment you walk into the restaurant, the symphony of service begins. The servers synchronize their arrival and departure from the table with such fluidity you feel like royalty.
Begin dinner by choosing from the mouth-watering appetizer menu.
You can’t go wrong with the jumbo lump crab cakes, the iceberg wedge salad, or the signature appetizer, the clothesline candied bacon. An entire appetizer dedicated to bacon is genius in my book!
The presentation alone earns kudos, but the flavors are even better. Slices of maple, black pepper, and sour pickle-flavored bacon hang alongside rosemary sprigs.
Do I even need to tell you there wasn’t a bite left?
The main menu includes items such as beef tenderloin with lobster dumplings, filet mignon, and a Tomahawk bone-in rib eye for two. Choose as many sides as you would like and watch your table overflow with deliciousness.
The best part of any meal is dessert, especially when they are decadent desserts.
In honor of Holland America Line’s origins, the Pinnacle Grill serves Dutch chocolates after your meal. Bonus win!
I recommend the chocolate soufflé from Jacques Torres. It is absolutely delicious!
You gently crack open the top of the soufflé with the back of your spoon. Next, drizzle the custard inside. The cake-like filling and warm custard blend to create a velvety chocolate delight. My mouth is watering just thinking about it.
Gala Night in the Main Dining Room
What is a Gala Night Dinner?
There are typically two Gala Nights on a seven-day Holland America Line cruise. Not sure what to wear? Use my printable packing list for an Alaskan cruise for everything you might need.
Guests are encouraged to dress in formal or semi-formal attire, while special events are planned for gala nights.
The main dining room invites guests to enjoy a special Gala Night menu included at no extra charge. Very few people took part in the Gala Night dinner, which is a shame because it is an exceptional experience.
ms Westerdam Sample Menus for Gala Night
The menus for Gala Night feature sumptuous dishes.
Don’t be intimidated by the name of some of the menu items. I think you will be pleasantly surprised if you try new things.
Here is the ms Westerdam Gala Night menu from our Alaskan cruise.
Holland America ms Westerdam Lido Market Menus
The Lido Market is Holland America’s answer to buffet dining.
The casual restaurant on the Lido Deck has many food stations in the ship’s center, while numerous tables line the sides. Finding a place to enjoy a meal is easy.
I am all for endless amounts of food, but the idea of buffets where others can touch the food I may consume legitimately grosses me out.
If you are like me, do not worry!
Unlike most buffets that allow guests to serve themselves, the attendants on board the ms Westerdam serve the food as you walk through the stations.
Although dressing for meals can be enjoyable, there are days when you may want to stay in more comfortable clothes. The Lido Market is the perfect choice for such days.
Even though this is considered a buffet, servers take care of all your needs at the table, including serving drinks.
Below is a sample of the ms Westerdam’s menus for the Lido Market.
Holland America Sample Lido Market Breakfast Buffet Menu
Order made-to-order eggs, omelets, crepes, pastries, oatmeal, and more for breakfast.
There are foods to please every taste bud, even unusual items from different cuisines.
Holland America Sample Lido Market Lunch Buffet Menu
Eating lunch at the Lido Market is an excellent place to take a midday break.
The tables line the floor-to-ceiling windows, so you eat lunch with a view.
The pre-made salads, fresh fruit, sandwiches, and desserts are fresh and delicious.
Holland America Sample Lido Market Dinner Buffet Menu
One of the highlights of the Lido Market dinner menu is the made-to-order Chinese bowls.
You choose which ingredients you want, and the employees stir-fry them for you.
Similar menu items from the main dining room are on the dinner buffet but served buffet style in a more casual environment.
The Dive-In Burgers and Hot Dogs
Next to the Lido Deck pool is the Dive-In, a casual walk-up spot included in the cruise price and open daily until 6 PM.
Grab a grilled hamburger, a grilled chicken sandwich, Nathan’s brand hot dogs, fries, and shakes.
ms Westerdam Dive-In Menu
Holland America’s Main Dining Room
The main dining room serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner in an elegant setting.
Both timed seating and walk-up seating are offered. We chose to step in when we were hungry, but we never had to wait for a table.
The dress code for the Holland America dining room is dressy casual. Nobody will turn you away due to how you are dressed, but you should respect the dress code.
The food in the main dining room is included in the cruise price.
Sample Breakfast Menu
ms Westerdam Sample Lunch Menu
Sample Dinner Menu
RELATED POST: Are you ready to start planning your cruise? Check out my helpful hints in the post, Planning a Group Cruise? Tips for an Alaska Cruise.
In Conclusion
It is evident from the menus that the Holland America Westerdam food satisfies even the pickiest palate. I hope you take an Alaskan cruise soon and discover your favorite dining experiences.
I must warn you, though; you may find it difficult to travel home and leave the room service behind.
