by Sarah Kuta
Last updated: 8:10 AM ET, Thu August 14, 2025
Holland America Line is unveiling a reimagined version of its onboard chef’s table offering.
The new immersive six-course dining experience is called Koningstafel, which is Dutch for “king’s table.” Available on cruises 14 days and longer, Koningstafel launched on Oosterdam in July and will expand to Westerdam, Zaandam and Volendam in the fall, followed by the rest of the fleet in the spring of 2026.
Guests can make reservations online, onboard or prior to their departure for a fee of $149 per person plus gratuities.
“Koningstafel is more than a meal—it’s a celebration of craftsmanship, artistry and connection,” says Michael Stendebach, vice president of food, beverage and rooms division for Holland America Line. “Our chefs are the heart and soul of our culinary program, and this experience offers guests a rare opportunity to step into their world, witness their creativity firsthand and savor the results in an unforgettable setting. The name adds a distinctive touch that reflects our heritage while highlighting the elevated nature of the evening.”
The experience begins with a private cocktail reception in Ocean Bar, including “You Should See Me In A Crown,” made with Holland America Line’s own De Lijn Gin. Then, guests can enjoy an exclusive, behind-the-scenes galley tour, led by the ship’s executive chef.
Koningstafel culminates with a six-course dinner at a styled table in the Dining Room, with floral accents and elegant table details. Each dish is introduced by the chef and paired with a curated wine selection, with a vegetarian menu available upon request.
The set menu will include:
- Amuse-Bouche: Asian Wagyu Steak Tartare with soy-mirin marinated egg yolk, nashi pear and tempura shiso leaf.
- First Course: Butter Poached Lobster Tail with lemongrass coconut served with an aromatic “Smoked Champagne Cocktail.”
- Second Course: Spinach Ricotta Malfatti with truffle garlic butter, seasonal black truffle and parmesan espuma.
- Intermezzo: Sour Cherry Granite pour with lemon sorbet.
- Main Course: Herb Roasted Lamb Loin with pistachio crust, date purée, Mediterranean vegetables and lamb jus poured tableside.
- Finale: Artisan cheese selection and Honey Crémieux with lemon curd, bergamot gel, honeycomb, and lavender honey.
Beyond Koningstafel, Holland America Line is rolling out additional culinary highlights in the coming months. The Rijsttafel Dinner will be a Dutch-Indonesian tasting experience debuting on Baltic sailings, offered in Tamarind for a supplemental fee.
The Tiki Dinner, meanwhile, will be a tropical-themed evening in Pinnacle Grill, launching on South Pacific crossings and offered once per voyage on cruises 20 days and longer. The Indian Pop-Up Menu is a rotating pop-up that will launch on Legendary Voyages, featuring regional Indian specialties such as Lamb Vindaloo, Paneer Butter Masala and Rasgulla.
New Indian menus are also now offered fleetwide in the main Dining Room, including on shorter sailings, and can be arranged by guests upon embarkation.
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