Holland America Line ULTIMATE Dining Guide for Noordam, Oosterdam, Westerdam and Zuiderdam

[@visitwithus]

Thank you so much for watching! It really does mean the world to us! Please give this video a THUMBS UP, please SUBSCRIBE and please leave us a comment too as that's extremely important to us (and it also encourages KZbin to suggest it with other viewers who might be interested), and also we’d LOVE to hear from you. R&H x

[@Mar-te1fd]

I love the video keep going

[@TSVitanza]

We are 4-Star Mariners: That is to say, experienced HAL cruisers. This video is beautifully accurate. The DIVE-IN is fab fun.

[@visitwithus]

So glad you enjoyed it and we managed to make it as accurate as possible given we were newbies 😆 Thanks for watching 😊

[@chancellorjake]

Helen always looks fabulous, but she definitely went glamorous for the Valentine's Day dinner.

[@visitwithus]

So kind, thank you 😊

[@bootsmith8016]

I loved that HAL had aloo masala with eggs and some other Asian items the breakfast menu. Something I can’t get where I live, so a real treat.

[@visitwithus]

Thanks for watching 👍 We absolutely loved having breakfast in the main dining room every day - there were so many lovely options to choose from 😋

[@debraluszczynski8955]

My husband and I enjoyed your informative and well presented video. No jerky panning of camera. Very easy to watch. Thank you. Looking forward to our Noordam Cruise and using your tips!

[@visitwithus]

Thanks for watching and for your kind words 😊 Happy cruising 🛳️

[@jetguy1205]

You make some of the highest quality cruise content on KZbin

[@visitwithus]

Thank you. There’s quite a lot of poor quality, click baity stuff out there so we try and avoid such things and do our best with every video. ☺️

[@nigelcartwright5986]

The breakfast Eggs Benedict are the best ever. Indulge!!

[@andreas4268]

We are HAL fans! The dining is lovely and food choices are excellent! We are going on another HAL cruise next week!

[@visitwithus]

Thanks for watching Andrea 😊

[@ktrmeadow]

Such soothing imagery. Awesome descriptions. So well produced. Lovely

[@visitwithus]

Thank you 😊

[@happytraveller2122]

First time cruiser on HAL. ( plenty of other cruise companies though) November 2024. So super happy to see this. Thanks. Vegetarian here so looking forward to it

[@visitwithus]

Thanks for watching and commenting 👍 We hope you have a fabulous cruise and enjoy your first HAL experience ❤️

[@andrewfulcher4011]

Entertaining video told me all I need to know about HAL food. Thank you so much, great commentary with humour and wit. Beautiful photography. Best cruise video I have seen.

[@visitwithus]

Thank you 😊

[@Kevo-YTC]

how do you guys not have more views!! this was the best youtube video ive seen for the most comprehensive dining guide ! Thank you for doing this!

[@visitwithus]

Thank you Kevin 😊 And thanks for watching, glad you found it helpful 👍

[@janearmstrong2463]

I've already seen a few of your other videos but the photography on this one just blew my mind. It was so beautiful and clean that the food didn't have anywhere to hide flaws but it seems Holland America had that covered nicely. This time I subscribed. Thanks for the quality entertainment!

[@visitwithus]

Thank you so much for the kind words and the subscription. We promise not to let you down. ❤️

[@chapman301875]

Beautiful!!!

[@cyndimoore8792]

Great information! Thank you so much for creating this video. My husband and I will be taking our first HA cruise on the Noordam through Alaska this summer. Your very detailed videos are helping us to get informed and even more excited!

[@visitwithus]

Glad it was helpful! Hope you have a great cruise. Thanks for watching 👍

[@RW4-5]

Very well done video. Clear, informative, and I only gained a few pounds watching. I haven't cruised Holland America yet but we are looking at a Aus/NZ on this ship. Can't wait. As you said, this food looks like something from a very high class cruise.

[@visitwithus]

Thank you for watching and your kind comment 👍

[@jennifergreed1729]

Thank you for your great video , we are travelling to Alaska next August on Noordam , I truly have to admit I am dreading the food , as a vegetarian I know my choices will be extremely limited and boring but I know my husband will enjoy the normal menu so that is very reassuring 💓

[@visitwithus]

Please don’t worry, we’re sure you’ll find plenty of choice, and it’s always worth speaking to the maitre’d if you have any specific requirements 👍 Enjoy your cruise ❤️

[@ManWhoLovesTheMary]

The Pinnacle Grill looks creatively and delightfully delicious. Love how many of the restaurants have a lot of ocean views. Because that’s not abundantly the case, even with some of the BIG modern cruise ships.

[@visitwithus]

Absolutely 👍 Thanks for watching and commenting ☺️

[@jec1ny]

I'm a type 2 diabetic and almost went into a coma watching this video. But it was worth it. Alas, this is as close as I am ever likely to get to all those delicious looking foods.

[@visitwithus]

Thanks for watching. Sorry for the temptations 😆😊

[@sullisgma]

Once again, this brought back memories of our time on the Noordam in December. Would sail on her again in a heartbeat!

[@visitwithus]

Glad you enjoyed it Michal. Thanks for watching 😊

[@CruiseLife22]

It's a fantastic dining guide! We really enjoyed watching this video. Thank you! 😊

[@visitwithus]

Thank you 😊 And thanks for watching 👍

[@TheRicsilver48]

You guy were great! One of the best tours.

[@visitwithus]

Thank you for watching and your kind words! 😊

[@ronfletcher8969]

Thank you so much for your view of the menu, we go in sept 2023,,,yum yum

[@visitwithus]

Thanks for watching 👍 Happy cruising 🚢💙

[@christophere.herbert418]

The Cannnonball gouda cheese, apple wood smoked bacon, sweet caramelized onions, all topped with chop-chop lettuce salad and slice tomato on a toasted brioche bun with Dive-In Sauce, also with grilled portabella mushroom and avocado added. I will be seeing the Dive-In area for lunch on sea days just for that combination, instead of the Lido Buffet so often.

[@visitwithus]

Hmmm, sounds perfect 😋 👌 Thanks for watching 👍

[@williamrussell3811]

I always used room service as my alarm clock!

[@visitwithus]

Good idea 👍 Thanks for watching 😊

[@baroo52]

Thank you so much for this informative and beautiful video! We are headed on our first cruise next month to Alaska with HAL on the Westerdam and I could not be more excited! Also, your accent is awesome and so soothing. I felt like I was watching a Bake Off narration!

[@visitwithus]

Haha, thank you 😊 Enjoy your cruise and thanks for watching 👍

[@welltravelledlife]

New subscribers here. We were on the Noordam for 3 1/2 months last year and then switched to the Westerdam for another 18 days. The Indian and vegetarian menus were my go to! Your narration, editing and photography is really terrific. We’re inspired!

[@visitwithus]

Wow, that’s a long time at sea - how amazing 🤩 Yes, we found the vegetarian options very good and some authentic Indian cuisine which can sometimes be hard to find in cruise ships. Glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks for watching and subscribing 👍

[@welltravelledlife]

@@visitwithus My favorite cruise hack is meeting an awesome crew member on embarkation day and letting them know we love some spice. From then on, we have fresh jalapeños, sambar, and our choice of hot sauce for those dishes that need a little extra something something!

[@lesleywithall2720]

@@visitwithus Where do you find good vegetarian and Indian food? From what I can see from their menus, there is very little choice and just lazy substitutions of Beyond Meat (which only meat-eaters would find appetising). Even Tamarind does not seem to have anything Indian.

[@carinolsson5544]

Lovely and professionally narrated video! We're cruising this summer to Nordkap & Norwegian fiords with Nieuw Statendam and I reckognize the menu choices! Yummy!

[@visitwithus]

Wonderful, have a great time 👍 Thanks for watching 😊

[@rondosavage9594]

Great video. Very informative and high quality camera work and editing. Your voice reminds me of the GEICO gecko (a commercial mascot of a U.S. insurance company) lol.

[@visitwithus]

Haha, you’re not the first person to say that 😁 Thanks for watching and commenting 👍

[@loumello8813]

Looks like an excellent menu across the board, thanks for sharing.

[@visitwithus]

Thanks Lou 😊

[@jancyking582]

Increasingly, like other cruise lines, HA menus are beginning to sneak in more and more ‘extra charge’ selections on dining room menus. Paying extra at a specialty restaurant onboard is understandable; however, I don’t agree with nickel and dimming us in the main dining room. I feel I’ve paid enough for the trip without them trying to grab every $ from me. It’s Viking for me from here on 🇨🇦

[@visitwithus]

We tend to agree with you but it does seem to be happening on more and more lines, and it does offer guests the option to have something that might otherwise only be available in a speciality restaurant. In all honesty we never feel the need to order anything from the ‘extra charge’ menu as there is always something we like as much on the main menu 👍

[@debbiegibbssmith]

Currently on Seabourn with amazing 🤩 food we were a bit worried about HAL food but we are excited not worried about our upcoming Noordam cruise thanks to your food guide 😍

[@visitwithus]

We loved the food on Noordam, it never disappointed us. Enjoy the rest of your Seabourn cruise. Thanks for watching 😊

[@mb3558]

I'm generally not into fine dining and gourmet scene as your average laymen, but holy crap the selection - particularly the Dessert Extravaganza was pure 👁 🍬 alone, let alone imagining the feast.

[@visitwithus]

Thanks for watching 👍

[@adrianhartridge7062]

Hello guys. Firstly, great job on your videos. Extremely informative and really well presented. As a novice cruiser though, I would really appreciate some breakdown of cost per night and your feeling of value vs cost 'rating' between the ultra luxury cruise lines (silversea, regent and seabourn); and premium lines (celebrity, azamara, holland america, viking, norwiegan ).

[@visitwithus]

It’s juts really difficult to comment on costs because it varies so much depending on ship, itinerary, where you are booking from and any deals or offers you may be able to secure, so we tend not to do it and hope that people will be able to seek that information out for themselves depending on their needs (the costs difference between the UK and the US for example can be quite significant). Thanks for watching and for your kind comment though 😊

[@adrianhartridge7062]

@@visitwithus Thanks, I understand, but the 'feeling' of experience vs value could be suggested?

[@visitwithus]

@@adrianhartridge7062 That again is very subjective. I for one would jump for joy at a decent jazz band playing at our favourite bar in the evening, while others would moan there’s no variety in that. One would feel value, another would not. You can apply this to every element of a cruise, big or small. 🙂

[@Robertagirl1]

I will be on zuiderdam on Dec. Perfect vid thanks.

[@visitwithus]

Thank you Roberta 😊 Happy cruising 🛳️❤️

[@Joanv314]

Going on the Oosterdam in November. Thank you for this video. Can’t wait.

[@visitwithus]

Thank you for watching. Have a great time on Oosterdam. 😀

[@ewallace791]

Awesome video! You've made me seriously consider HAL.

[@visitwithus]

Thanks for watching. Glad you enjoyed it 😊

[@terringuyen5470]

We can’t wait to cruise Alaska with HAL next summer embarking in Vancouver. All my last 4 Alaska cruises were 5:47 with Celebrity and departed from Seattle. Thank you so much for your thorough videos. Keep up the good work! 😊

[@visitwithus]

Thank you. Hope you enjoy Alaska with HAL as much as we did 👍

[@ordelmere]

Many thanks for the presentation. The food looks excellent and better than we had expected. Best wishes from Hertfordshire

[@visitwithus]

Thanks for watching, glad you enjoyed it 😊

[@youtubewatcher1135]

We've been on the HAL Noordam , but it was the one before the Vista class. It was gorgeous. Our cruise was a special Jazz Cruise, with the headliner being Dave Brubeck and his band. We've also been on a Vista class ship, the Zuiderdam. I can't say that we are fans of that class of ship and that ship was in very poor shape in the corridors, etc. That was in 2007 and the ship wasn't even old. (We also aren't a fan of the primary plumbing fixture in the bathroom, which might mean we'll not be traveling on HAL again, as we were told the item is now used fleet wide.) It's a pity, as the Vista ship looks so much nicer in your video. The Pinnacle Grill food looks delicious. I hope the cruise lines appreciate how much better you make them look!

[@visitwithus]

Ah that’s a shame you didn’t like Vista Class. It’s one of our favourite class of ships ever. As for making the ships look better than in real life, I’ll take that as a compliment lol. Seriously though we only film what we see through our eyes as a guest. We’re not trained marketing people, just enthusiasts. What we hope to convey is what everyone else can experience too. Although I have to say, we are very much ‘glass half full’ types and we will not nit pick every little problem because unless they are fundamental problems, they will not adversely affect the viewers cruise, if that makes sense. We’re not into sensationalism unless we have something truly sensational to show you. 😆

[@brummienik4273]

Another great (mouth-watering) video ! Although I have yet to undertake an ocean cruise, I have really enjoyed your videos since I “discovered” your site and the world of cruise vloggers (more generally) just a few months ago. Just based on watching these, the quality and presentation of this food experience looks as good as anything else I have seen; even the ultra luxury ones. When we eventually take our first step into the ocean cruise world (have done river cruise), I do think that HAL looks a really good quality line for us to consider.

[@visitwithus]

Thanks Nik. Hope you take the plunge one day soon - you won’t regret it 😁

[@patti-bell]

I really appreciated this video! Thank you! We love HAL! We have cruised on other cruise lines but keep coming back here. Recently we returned from a cruise to Mexico & we were disappointed. The food wasn’t that good & it seemed as if everything was extra. The crew was friendly & helpful but HAL was better in every way. Looking to book another cruise within the year. We also like that there aren’t as many kids on HAL. When we attempted to go in the pool it was full with kids also. We didn’t find that on this cruise line. Thank you again!

[@visitwithus]

Thanks for watching and your comments Patti. We honestly found the food to be outstanding for a mainstream cruise line 👍

[@patti-bell]

@@visitwithus your very welcome. I just subscribed to your videos. ✌🏼. Have a great day!

[@CruisingColemans]

That dessert extravaganza looked amazing 🤩 The pool grill looks like the best we’ve seen on any ship. We’ve recently booked our first cruise with HAL so we’re really looking forward to trying the food after this. Thanks for another great video!

[@visitwithus]

We still dream about the Dive In, the best lunch venue ever 🤤 Hope you enjoy HAL as much as we did 👍 Thanks for watching 😊

[@josephwong5755]

HAL for the contest :)

[@visitwithus]

Entered 👍

[@EricD_]

Thanks for the content. Great info.

[@visitwithus]

Glad it was helpful! Thank you for watching. :D

[@elainewickstead4714]

Going on our first HAL cruise in 10 days time on the Koningsdam. So hoping the food is as good as your experience. Looking forward to trying HAL after Princess, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian. The Music Walk has enticed us onto the ship and we are really looking forward to the experience. Love your videos and commentary!

[@visitwithus]

Thanks Elaine. We very much enjoyed the Music walk venues and the food - make sure to try the Dive In for lunch 👍😋 Have a great cruise 🚢 ❤️

[@xr6lad]

Food looks lovely. Although disappointed (surprised) that they charged for a couple of main meals in the main dinner room. Makes me wonder where that’s heading.

[@visitwithus]

Nah, you shouldn’t feel too concerned about that. If you want filet mignon every night (for example) you can have it. If that was part of the fare, you’d be paying Silversea prices. 🙂

[@Ocean2OceanTravel]

New subscriber here. Great information and guide. Thank you for sharing

[@visitwithus]

Thanks for watching and subscribing 😊

[@pattymc4726]

Will be on the Koningsdam in a few days. I think I will pack some larger sized clothing. I’m sure I gained weight just watching this video 😂.

[@visitwithus]

😂😂😂 Have a great cruise 🚢 ❤️ Thanks for watching 👍

[@doughooks7411]

Thank you so much for the video and content! We love HAL and will be on the Noordam for a 14 night Alaskan cruise in September. We have only ever been on the larger, newer ships so were a bit skeptical of the smaller and older ships, but the reviews seem to be pretty good. Have you been on any of the newer HAL ships, and can you compare/contrast? Thanks again!

[@visitwithus]

Thanks for watching Doug. We have only cruised on the Noordam. We have visited the larger ships and would love ti. Those on them, they look amazing. Although the Noordam doesn’t have some of the ‘bells and whistles’ of the larger ships it has the same DNA with wonderful crew and the charm that only a slightly smaller ship can have. Hope you enjoy it as much as we did 😍

[@doughooks7411]

@@visitwithus Thanks so much. I appreciate the response. 🙏

[@ktrmeadow]

@@doughooks7411enjoy your holiday. If you leave this weekend, we’re on the same sailing.

[@doughooks7411]

@@ktrmeadow We will arrive in Vancouver this afternoon for the 17 September cruise. We were supposed to get in last night but our airplane had engine issues in ATL so we missed our connection in MSP.

[@cherifurr3935]

Nice editing, captioning and narration in your video, plus great pictures of the different food dishes. Food presentation is beautiful. You mention a lot of dishes to share, but do they have sharing tables for solo travelers so they can sit with other people? Just not sure I’d want to keep track of everything I’d have to pay extra for. I also don’t like buffets where everyone touches the serving utensils. The app and buzzer indicating when your freshly made food is ready at the pool grill look like good options to have, though. Do many children sail on HAL?

[@visitwithus]

Thanks for your kind words Cheri. We hope you subscribed. :D Yes, you can share with other solo travellers. We're not fond of buffets either for the reasons you give also. The amount of children on HAL varies with the voyage you've booked and the time of year (School vacations etc). Best to check before booking what's expected. :)

[@irismusicgroup1]

I just love your videos. Prefer silversea and viking. No kids lol

[@visitwithus]

Thanks for watching 👍

[@jayhoughton4174]

Hi Guys, thanks for the info, we will be on Noordam in September and your videos are invaluable! I haven’t seen a video about onboard drinks yet, my wife doesn’t drink but enjoys alcohol free wine or beers. Just wondering if drinks are included in the price or if you have to pay for some of them?

[@visitwithus]

There are a few drinks packages to purchase for the whole cruise (including a soft drinks one) but generally the drinks are extra cost (unless you buy the package). There is tea/coffee and a few cold drinks available 24/7 at the buffet free of charge but otherwise they’re extra cost. Hope this helps.

[@joelwasinger]

Thanks for a thoughtful, well-produced and informative video. However I am dismayed at the lack of options for those with dietary restrictions, especially in that it seems that some items not so-designated could be prepared to meet those needs. Moreover, while there are many items (such as fresh fruit), that could be presumed to be safe, cross-contamination-and thus, preparation and presentation-may make them unsafe. Finally, different brands and sources may themselves introduce allergens. Given the general quality of your videos, I would love to see fuller treatment of dietary restrictions on Holland America, probably in a separate video. Fwiw, I have celiac disease and so must be especially careful to avoid even the tiniest amount of gluten; the harmful impacts transcend immediate symptoms, including countless serious conditions across every part of the human anatomy. Thanks for your consideration.

[@visitwithus]

Thanks for watching and for your comment 👍

[@seankelly5223]

would you do a world cruise on it

[@visitwithus]

We’d love to do a world cruise ❤️

[@ordelmere]

On Holland America do they have any time style dining in the main dining room please?

[@hettytravels]

Yes

[@hettytravels]

I’m on the Zuiderdam this summer for several cruises. Thanks for the review. I’m just off the Eurodam and now on the Nieuw Statendam where food is equally great.

[@visitwithus]

Yes they do. Indeed most guests choose this option and have open seating in the lower level of the dining room 👍 Thanks for watching 😊

[@Sheila6020]

Do you always have to pay extra for wine and non alcoholic beverages

[@visitwithus]

There are various drinks packages (non alcoholic, alcoholic and wine) which can be bought or may be included in your fare if you book during a promotion 👍

[@Mike-mc5vv]

Is these menu still current on 2024 cruises?

[@visitwithus]

We sailed in February 2023. Not sure if they would have changed some of the individual dishes in the main dining room but this guide should give you a flavour of the sorts of dishes on offer 👍 Thanks for watching.

[@doktordermedizin]

thanks for your video, can you say which of the restaurants, bars, cafes and breakfast areas are included and which you have to pay for as a "normal passenger"? I will cruise on Oosterdam this summer

[@visitwithus]

Hi and thanks for watching. I think I mentioned which ones were chargeable but to summarise both Sabatini's and Bayou Steakhouse are both chargeable. :)

[@welltravelledlife]

The Pinnacle, Tamarind, Rudi sea de Mer and Canaletto are all specialty restaurants with a separate charge. The Gelato Ice cream shop charges for items there as well. "Regular" passengers can also pay for access to the Club Orange restaurant. All food is free in the Explorations Cafe, Dutch Cafe, New York Pizza Deli, and the Dive In Burger/hot dog cafe. Everything is free in the Lido Market and the Main Dining Room has a complete selection of free items, but also offers "Indulge" items that come with a surcharge.

[@brucegordon4992]

A) Suddenly I am hungry. B)Do I understand the room service menu correctly that I could have an All American breakfast with no charge however the fresh squeezed orange juice would be $3.50?

[@visitwithus]

We think you can get orange juice with your breakfast without charge (sorry we don’t drink it) but maybe if you wanted a freshly squeezed juice it would be an additional charge.

[@brucegordon4992]

@@visitwithus Thanks - I guess that makes sense. Is it bad that if I were there I would have snacks a couple times having that Dutch apple tart? And by a couple times I mean probably six and by snack I mean probably a few slices in lieu of actual dinner or lunch?

[@angelwingz892]

Looking forward to better food than Virgin Voyages. Totally bored with the same food...over and over. Ship eats on VV are dull too. If HA can do better...we are in! June 2024 on Oosterdam.

[@visitwithus]

Hope you enjoy Oosterdam. We found the food on Noordam to be very good. Thanks for watching.

[@antonioavilashiraz]

nice menu but why don't you visit the crew mess where all those asian people eat only rice and chichen bones while the managers and euroipean eat in a nice place

[@visitwithus]

The dining guides only feature guest areas, not crew areas. Thanks for watching.

[@LeslyWilliams]

why so many jabbs about calories and eating too much...jeezzz its a vacation...let us enjoy with out the damm guilt

[@visitwithus]

LOL! Feel free to indulge.

[@Peaches100]

having someone else choosing my portion size ... which always seems to be small/miniscule after watching your videos lol ... and keep lurching up with more food as if i couldnt get up and go over to the buffet/disabled and being charged per portion/per beveridge for the whole cruise ... is absolutely a nauseous idea to me!!! i would not be very happy!!!

[@visitwithus]

Thanks for watching. Sorry we made you feel ill 🤷