Holland America Line has always set the bar high when it comes to cruising, but their latest move with the Pinnacle Grill takes their culinary offerings to the next level. As a long-time fan of Holland America Line, having explored the finer details of their food and drink options, I couldn’t be more excited about this recent refresh of the Pinnacle Grill’s menu. This updated experience is not just about the classic steakhouse fare we know and love—there’s now a vibrant infusion of regional flavors, making it a true destination dining experience. If you’re a foodie who loves travel, this is a game-changer.
“The new Pinnacle Grill menu beautifully marries our classic steakhouse tradition with vibrant regional flavors and the freshest seafood. This enhancement is designed to offer our guests an extraordinary dining experience that reflects the diverse culinary landscapes of our destinations. We kept many of our most popular dishes on the menu and are excited to introduce an array of new options.”
– Michael Stendebach, Holland America Line’s vice president of food, beverage and rooms divisions
A Steakhouse with Global Inspiration
Let’s start with what we know and love: the core steakhouse offerings at Pinnacle Grill. Holland America Line has wisely retained the signature dishes from the legendary Chef David Burke, like the must-try Clothesline Candied Bacon and Braised Beef Short Ribs. These dishes have always been crowd favorites, and I’ve enjoyed them more times than I can count, particularly on my last cruise aboard the Koningsdam, where I ranked Pinnacle Grill highly among the specialty dining experiences.
But the big news here is the addition of regionally inspired dishes that vary depending on your itinerary. If you’re sailing through the Caribbean, you can indulge in Jerked Chicken Bao or Crab and Shrimp Cakes. In Alaska, you’ll find local gems like Dungeness Crab Salad and Seared Alaskan Halibut with a hint of Thai coconut curry. This rotating selection brings a unique culinary adventure to every voyage, allowing guests to taste the destination without leaving the ship. It’s like the local market is coming to you.
Classic Steakhouse Meets Regional Flavors
If you’re a steak lover, the Pinnacle Grill continues to shine with its top-tier cuts, including American Wagyu and the jaw-dropping Tomahawk Rib Eye for Two. I highly recommend splurging on the Wagyu—it’s absolutely worth the experience. And if you’re a fan of surf and turf, the seafood options have also expanded significantly. Honey-Lemon Glazed Chilean Sea Bass? Yes, please! I’ve tried something similar on a previous Holland America Line voyage, and it was the perfect balance of richness and light citrus zing.
That said, what truly stands out to me is how Pinnacle Grill’s regional menu aligns perfectly with Holland America’s itineraries. Whether you’re in Europe, Asia, or cruising down to South America, there’s a unique dish waiting for you. One of the highlights is the Grilled Lamb Chops “Gaucho” with lime mint chimichurri in South America—this is an absolute showstopper. The regional influences don’t stop at the entrees either; the desserts, like the Red Berry Pavlova in Australia and the Strawberry Romanoff Bread Pudding in Alaska, cap off the meal in a way that feels deeply tied to each locale.
The Drink Scene
To elevate this dining experience even further, Holland America has curated a selection of region-specific cocktails by renowned mixologists. Imagine sipping on a Tess Posthumus creation while cruising along the European shores or a Sam Ross cocktail inspired by the wilderness of Alaska. And if you’re a wine enthusiast, you’ll appreciate the local wines that pair beautifully with these regionally inspired dishes. I’ve always found that Holland America knows how to craft an excellent beverage experience. If you’ve seen my Koningsdam Specialty Dining video, you know how important a good drink pairing can be on these trips.
Lunch at Pinnacle Grill: A Daytime Delight
For those of you who might not want to wait until dinner, the Pinnacle Grill also offers a revamped lunch menu that hints at the full experience. From Filet Mignon to Grilled Lamb Chops, many of the evening favorites make their way onto the lunch plates. This is especially great for sea days, where a leisurely meal can break up your day of relaxation. I can already picture myself digging into a juicy steak with a glass of wine, watching the waves roll by.
And let’s not forget—if you’re cruising with family, Pinnacle Grill offers a fantastic deal where kids aged 12 and under dine for half price or even free if they order from the kids’ menu. This makes it not only a memorable but also a more accessible option for families looking for a premium dining experience.
My Take
As someone who has sailed with Holland America Line numerous times, this refresh of Pinnacle Grill’s menu feels like a natural and exciting evolution. The quality of food has always been top-tier, but now the addition of regionally inspired dishes is a perfect reflection of the adventure that cruising represents. It’s about more than just seeing new places—it’s about tasting them too.
I can’t wait to try these new offerings for myself. Whether it’s indulging in Mango Sticky Rice Sushi while cruising through Asia or savoring Prince Edward Island Mussels in Canada, the Pinnacle Grill is set to offer a taste of the world that’s as rich as the destinations on your itinerary. So if you haven’t made reservations for your next Holland America cruise—or you’ve been on the fence about trying Pinnacle Grill—now’s the time. Trust me, you won’t want to miss out on this elevated dining experience.
If you’re interested in learning more about my Holland America Line experiences, feel free to check out my full Koningsdam Specialty review or watch my latest Holland America food tour on YouTube.
Bon appétit, and happy cruising!
