Holland America’s ms Koningsdam is the first in a new class of ship from a line known for its stunning grand ocean liners.   The new vessel will debut several innovative concepts and  public spaces, while still featuring popular amenities guests associate with Holland America Line.   Detailing those upcoming features, new culinary concepts have been announced for the 2,650-guest ship.  Artist renderings released simultaneously confirm that Koningsdam’s design does indeed incorporate the essence of the line’s renowned and award-winning dining experience. It’s the story of a culinary focus magnified and set to please both long time fans of the line and a new generation that will propel Holland America Line well into the future.

“Koningsdam allows us to leverage our culinary creativity and debut new brand-exclusive venues and magnificent food concepts as well as enhance our current successful offerings,” -Orlando Ashford, president, Holland America Line.

Self-described as having ‘an interior that blends a fresh, contemporary styling in perfect harmony with the line’s renowned classic elegance,’  Holland America Line has the bar set high for new Pinnacle class. Already known for their Culinary Arts Center that brings Holland America guests up close and personal with world-class chefs through cooking demonstrations, lectures and more; offerings on Koningsdam go even further.

While some other cruise lines seem to be or are moving away from a main dining room experience, Holland America Line is embracing it as a centerpiece of an expanded roster of culinary options.  Yes, there will be alternative dining efforts; some new, some tried and true.  From what we can see, each looks to fit in quite nicely with the overall plan for Konnigsdam and that’s a significant distinction. In the world of new ship building, it seems there is always a venue or two that we never walk into; those spaces are just not of interest to us.  From what we can see through these artist renderings and Holland America Line’s description of them, every dining option and culinary venue look to be of viable interest to most travelers.   Let’s take a look.

 

The Culinary Arts Center presented by Food & Wine magazine, becomes a dedicated shipboard setting with a dramatic show kitchen and individual cooking stations that will be used exclusively for Culinary Arts Center activities such as cooking demonstrations and hands-on classes by visiting celebrity chefs and the ship’s own experts.

Regionally inspired workshops,  kids’ and teens’ cooking classes and more happen through the use of large mirrors, viewing screens and an open kitchen,  making it possible for everyone to watch the food preparation and learn from the comfort of their table.

Dinner at the Culinary Arts Center
In a ‘why didn’t anyone think of this before’ flavored move, in the evening the room transforms into a new dining concept called Dinner at the Culinary Arts Center, an immersive farm-to-table experience where the chefs prepare simple, artisanal dishes in the show kitchen and guests enjoy each course as it’s freshly prepared. Every meal will emphasize fresh, thoughtfully sourced selections while incorporating select ingredients harvested from a glass-enclosed growing area just off the kitchen.

Vibrant shades of Delftware’s blue and white converge with the silhouettes of charming Amsterdam buildings in the whimsical Grand Dutch Cafe. Located on Deck 3 at the top of the Atrium, the new venue is a nod to Holland America Line’s rich heritage and the ideal place to grab Dutch-themed snacks or beverages, with Heineken beer on tap.

When guests head to Lido Market on Koningsdam, they’ll notice a transformation from traditional Lido dining areas into a modern marketplace, offering a curated selection of delicious options guests can grab either on-the-go or have quickly made to order.

Different themed stations with walk-up service will showcase specific types of food, such as fresh-made innovative sandwiches, salads, international fare, comfort-style dishes, desserts and more. The area will have a market-like atmosphere with display shelves, daily specials highlighted on menu boards, servers in distinct uniforms and market-style signage.

Stations will feature:

• Breadboard- serving freshly baked breads, pastries, and delicious signature sandwiches.
• Wild Harvest–  offering a bountiful selection of salads, fruits and health-conscious options.
• Homestead-  serving home-style scrambled eggs at breakfast and herb-roasted chicken and other comfort classics at lunch and dinner.
• Distant Lands-  presenting great tastes from around the globe as well as from the regions visited by the ship.
• Sweet Spot- offering delicious desserts and treats.

Adjacent to the Lido dining area, every evening the festive Canaletto features an authentic Italian “sharing” dinner experience that offers a variety of dishes to enjoy and share with family and friends. The small-plate menu wasconceived out of the desire to slow down the meal and create a more authentic Italian experience. Dining at Canaletto carries a minimal fee.

New to Koningsdam is an intimate French seafood brasserie called Sel de Mer. Located next to the popular Pinnacle Grill, Sel de Mer, or “salt of the sea” in French, will serve a classic selection of French seafood dishes with a contemporary twist — from fresh oysters, seafood chowder and fruits de mer to salt-crusted whole fish, scallops and bouillabaisse.

The award-winning Pinnacle Grill is located beside Sel de Mer. The popular alternative restaurant will continue to feature Pacific Northwest cuts of beef and other traditional steakhouse favorites. The centerpiece of the Pinnacle Grill is a dramatic glass-enclosed wine room situated between the two restaurants. Guests will be able to view all of the wines from both venues and chose their favorite vintage from among hundreds of selections. As on all the ships, a fee is charged for the Pinnacle Grill.

Tamarind carries on the success found aboard ms Eurodam and ms Nieuw Amsterdam with an enhanced experience on Koningsdam. Featuring the culinary traditions of Southeast Asia, China and Japan, Tamarind will be located on the uppermost deck, providing guests with stunning panoramic views. New to Koningsdam will be an intimate sushi bar inside Tamarind with select seating for seven guests for lunch and dinner. Dining at Tamarind is available for a nominal fee.

Now, for that main dining room experience, a first glimpse at what Holland America Line guests will see in the multi-level venue.

You know how it would be nice to be close to a window at dinner time on a cruise ship?  Look outside and see the ocean while dining?   From what we can see, that will be possible for far more guests aboard Holland America Line’s Koningsdam.

The Main Dining Room twill continue to offer two seatings and menus that highlight the dishes of Holland America Line’s Culinary Council.  A grand wine tower that stretches between the two decks of the restaurant will be the focal point.

An impressive list of Holland America culinary focus magnified choices, all of the above come in addition to additional venues on Koningsdam, including the outdoor Dive-In at the Terrace Grill by the ship’s Lido pool that features signature burgers, hot dogs and fries as well as one of our top-rated room service experiences.

Up Next- A look at staterooms on Holland America Line’s Koningsdam.  Here’s a sneak peek.  This is an inside stateroom.  This next part should be good.

See More Right Now
Although the still under construction, travelers can already on board through a new video at HollandAmerica.com that explores the culinary experience through sweeping visuals and vibrant renderings.

Catch Up And Follow Along
We don’t normally dive in too deep on new ship coverage, but reflecting readers keen interest in all things culinary, this ship is commanding our attention, early on.

Available For Booking Right Now
Guests can now book Koningsdam sailings in a travel window that extends from the Premier Sailings in Feb. 2016 through the summer Europe sailing season.