Cruises, Cruise Deals & Cruise Holidays

The non-smoking Rotterdam Dining Room, with smoking and no-smoking sections, spans two decks. It is located at the stern of the ship, is quite dramatic, and has two grand staircases to connect the two levels, panoramic views on three sides, and a music balcony. Both open seating and fixed (assigned tables and times) seating are available, while breakfast and lunch are open-seating (you’ll be seated by restaurant staff when you enter). There are tables for two, four, six or eight. The waiter stations in the dining room are very noisy for those seated near them. Fine Rosenthal china and good-quality cutlery are provided.

Alternative Dining Option: The intimate Pinnacle Grill, added in 2002, is located just forward of the balcony level of the main dining room on the starboard side. The 66-seat dining spot has Pacific Northwest cuisine (fresh Alaskan salmon and halibut, and other regional specialties, plus a selection of premium steaks such as filet mignon from Black Angus beef). The venue (reservations are necessary, and a cover/service charge of $20 applies for dinner, $10 for lunch) was created out of the former private dining wing of the main dining room, plus a slice of the Explorer’s Lounge. A Bulgari show plate, Rosenthal china, Reidel wine glasses, and Frette table linen are featured. The Pinnacle Grill is a much better dining experience than the main dining room and worth it for that special celebration.

Instead of the more formal dining room or Pinnacle Grill, the Lido Buffet is open for casual dinners on all but the last night of a cruise, in an open-seating arrangement. Tables are set with crisp linens, flatware and stemware. A set menu includes a choice of four entrées.

For more casual evening eating, the Lido Buffet is open for casual dinners on all except the last night of each cruise, in an open-seating arrangement. Tables are set with crisp linens, flatware and stemware. A set menu is featured, and this includes a choice of four entreés.

The dual-line, self-serve Lido Buffet is also the place for casual breakfasts and lunches. At night, a section is transformed into Canaletto for casual Italian meals. It is open 5.30–9pm and reservations are requested.

There is much use of canned fruits (good for dentally challenged older passengers) and packeted items, although there are several commercial low-calorie salad dressings. The choice of cheeses and accompanying crackers is poor. The beverage station also lets it down, for it is no better than those found in family outlets ashore in the United States. In addition, a poolside grill provides basic American hamburgers and hot dogs.

Passengers will need to eat in the Lido Cafe on any days when the dining room is closed for lunch (typically once or twice per cruise, depending on the ship’s itinerary).

Berlitz Guide © Apa Publishing 2010.

Berlitz Guide © Apa Publishing 2008