This photo essay article will focus on a few dishes served during our 10-night Southern Caribbean cruise onboard Holland America Line Nieuw Statendam over Christmas 2022.
Along with the ports of calls and entertainment, dining onboard any cruise ship is of utmost concern to many. Holland America Line is well known for their exquisite dining. So much so that they have their very own culinary council.
According to the Holland America Line website:
“With the collective experience, passion and creativity of six world-class celebrity chefs, the Holland America Line Culinary Council® brings global influence and expertise to dining venues across our fleet. On board our ships, each of our executive chefs is a member of the prestigious Confrérie de la Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, an international food and wine society.”
Holland America Line Culinary Council changes every year. At the time of writing, the culinary council includes the following well-known celebrity chefs:
- Chef Rudi Sodamin
- Chef Ethan Stowell
- Chef David Burke
- Chef Jacques Torres
- Chef Jonnie Boer
- Chef Andy Matsuda
Fine dining options (an extra fee) are aplenty, including the Pinnacle Grill Steak and Seafood Restaurant, Canaletto Italian, Tamarind Pan Asian, Rudi’s Sel de Mer Seafood Brasserie, and Nami Sushi. As well as a multitude of complimentary casual restaurants such as Lido Market Buffet, Dive-In Burgers and Hot Dogs, Grand Dutch Cafe, and the New York Deli & Pizza.
Looking for other cruise ship articles?
- MSC Meraviglia cruise ship dining photo essay
- French Hotel Barge Cruise Experience in South Burgundy
- Holland America Line Half Moon Cay Private Island Escape
Dinner is Served in the Nieuw Statendam Main Dining Room
Bread Basket
“Man cannot live on bread alone.” Still, the bread onboard any Holland America Cruise is pretty darn good, with different items in the bread basket each night.
French Onion Soup with Gruyère cheese crouton
Well-rounded beef broth, but I would have preferred more gooey cheese
Grilled Salmon with Capers and Dill served with vegetables and cilantro rice
Perfectly cooked flaky salmon. I’m not a fan of capers, so I asked them to omit it. That’s what I love about cruise ship dining; even though the chefs are cooking for thousands of passengers, they can still accommodate requests. I appreciate the plating.
Fresh Pan Seared Cod with saffron risotto, mussels, clams, peppers
If you are a lover of seafood, then this dish is for you. Each element is perfectly cooked and beautifully presented.
Beef Tenderloin and Beer-Battered Shrimp
Beef tenderloin and beer-battered shrimp served with grilled Portobello mushrooms, asparagus, rice orzo pilaf, garlic-shallot butter
Breakfast in the Dining Room of Holland America Lines Nieuw Statendam
You should skip the Lido Market Buffet for breakfast every so often and head down to the main dining room. It’s only open for a limited period, typically 8 AM to 9:30 AM, and it takes much longer to have your meal, but if it’s a day at sea and you aren’t in a hurry, it’s definitely a relaxing must-do.
Pan Asian Breakfast
Hot miso soup, steamed white rice, tamagoyaki, and broiled salmon
- This is the first time I’ve had this dish on a cruise ship, and it was simply delicious. It reminded me of breakfasts that I’ve eaten in Japan. The salmon was perfectly cooked.
Asian Congee
Rice porridge with ginger, tofu, chicken, scallions, and boiled egg
Eggs Benedict
Served with toasted English muffin, two poached eggs, and Hollandaise sauce
Available in three ways:
- Classic with Canadian bacon
- Dungeness with asparagus and tarragon
- Forest mushroom with mushrooms and spinach
Croissant and Bread Pudding
Croissant and bread pudding with pomegranate seeds and candied citrus. A comforting, decadent breakfast choice!
The Grand Dutch Café onboard Nieuw Statendam Holland America Line
Located in the middle of the ship, the Grand Dutch Café onboard Holland America Line Nieuw Statendam is a pleasant little surprise. On the surface, it looks like a beautiful Dutch coffee station and bar area with the ubiquitous glass display case with cookies and nibbles. But look closer, and you’ll see a full menu available with lots of Dutch specialties for you to enjoy.
Apple and Bacon Pannenkoek
Dutch pancake of apple and bacon with powdered sugar.
Dutch Poffertjes
Mini pancakes dusted with powdered sugar and whipped butter. Addictive.
Triple Berry Pannenkoek
Forest berries, powdered sugar, whipped cream. I’m not going to lie; I ate this multiple times. It was so good.
