Thanks so much for watching my Dining Guide from Holland America! If you're new here, please support my channel by joining me on more ships by clicking 'subscribe' - welcome aboard!
What a wonderful summary, thank you! My extended family is cruising on Holland America next year and I am sharing this video and your video on the top 20 things to do on board with them. Good information, nice pace, and helpful. One thing that you forgot to mention are the late night dining options in addition to the Pizza place. Room service is available late and a few stations at the Lido buffet open again at 10:30 pm for about half an hour or 45 minutes. Happy cruising!
Oh, thanks SO much for sharing this with your family - I’m so appreciative of all of the support for my channel 😊 You’re right - how could we forget about late night snacks?!? Mmmm! Thanks again!
Really enjoyed your videos of Holland America . We are going on out first one next year as the itinerary was just what we wanted . We are Elite plus on Celebrity , your video has really wetted out appetite for HA , thank you for your very comprehensive videos . I have subscribed and liked .
I agree - Dive in is such a good poolside option! Unfortunately app ordering wasn’t working for most of my cruise, but you’re right - it would save time! Thanks so much for watching!!
Just a year and a half ago, we were on a 14 day cruise to Alaska on the Noordam and we ate at the Canelleto four times (so good) and we had as much food as we wanted and were not charged extra. Even got a couple of the main courses as appetizers so I could see if I liked them. Husband got alot of gelato for dessert, he loves it. Sorry they raised the prices so much!
Oh, wow - this sounds amazing! I dread to think what it would cost you now, ha! Thanks for watching, and thanks a lot for taking the time to comment, too!
I watched your video today and watched the tour of the ship video. Tonight I booked a solo cruise on the Rotterdam for next May. I hope Holland America realizes how influential you are.
Oh, what a wonderful message to read this morning - you’ve made my morning! Thanks so much for trusting my viewpoint - I hope you’ll have a ball! Thanks again! 😊
Thank you for all the information. I will be on Rotterdam for Baltic cruise in May and found your video very helpful! Safe travels, Fraser, and thanks.
Fraser, another great videography. So well presented. Very detailed and comprehensive description of each venue and their offerings. I have sailed a few times on the beautiful Pinnacle class ships and the culinary experiences are exactly as you mentioned. Well done you. 😊
Hey, thanks so much! This one took a bit of time to pull together, so the positive feedback is so appreciated - thanks very much! This was my first time on Pinnacle class, but I’d absolutely go again!
You shall possibly think of MS Queen Anne being the fourth Pinnacle Class vessel in the Carnival Corporation & PLC portfolio. It is definitely a ship to look forward to.
This brought back fond memories of my experience on HAL in 2017! I honestly ate so much everyday that I was in the gym almost twice a day to offset the calorie intake 😂😅
The food looks delicious! I keep seeing HAL pop up on my timeline and I am very intrigued about them! May have to find a cheeky solo cruise somewhere on them! Great video Fraser, really nicely covered!
Hey! I’d really recommend them, but good luck finding solo deals with HAL - it was my ‘one off’ trip last year that I just decided to pay the full double fare. That said, the experience was wonderful, so I don’t mind too much in hindsight. Thanks for watching!!
@@FraserAtSea I was finding this already! The price seemed rather steep for a solo but think I may have to try them still one day! Looked like a great experience for sure!
My mom and I celebrated my birthday in glacier bay on Noordam two years ago. This year we are celebrating her belated birthday in Edinburgh this June on the Nieuw Statendam. Last minute booking, and we have enjoyed your pi backs class series for HAL as research! Keep up the great content!
Nice overview, thanks! I still have a bit of an issue with specialty dining in the buffet space. However, I've never actually ate in one, so I will take your word that it works. 😊 I like the deli option on that ship. I would definitely use it for lunch.
Yeah, I do totally agree - I used to hate it if I’m honest, but it’s grown on me! The cafe is excellent - they did a chips and Mayo which was a delight, ha. Thanks so much for watching!
This is a great overview, thank you! I’m looking forward to an Alaskan cruise on Holland America in September. Regarding the lower quality of offerings through Room Service, I read somewhere that during main dining meal times you can order anything off the main dining room menu to be delivered to your room. I’m not sure if that applies to all three meals, or if it’s only during the dinner hours. Also, I believe the Club Orange restaurant has the same breakfast and dinner hours as the main dining room.
Thanks so much for watching, Cynthia, and have a great trip to Alaska - that’s going to be beautiful with HAL! Ahh, I didn’t know that about dining room meals - you’ll need to try that and let me know!!
Hi Fraser, asking for some advice. I would love to do a Scotland cruise, hitting all (or most) of the islands. As a Scot, do you have any suggestions or local knowledge of what cruise to book? Love your videos!
Hey! So I haven’t actually done a Scotland trip by ship, but would love to. I know Princess do some great itineraries including Scotland, so they could be worth a try! There’s also a few British lines - Ambassador for example - who do cruises there too!
I love eggs Benedict-yum! A lot of dining options! I’m American, and I love an afternoon tea. I’ve never heard of an Indonesian tea either. Very complete dining guide, & the pizza & burger places look great! Noodle and wok fresh Asian stir fry sound good too. Specialty dining room looks good, but high w/service charge.
Hey Sierra, good question! Room service is included in the basic fare - they have a selection of ‘included’ items, then another list that you pay extra for. Hope this helps!
When I was staying in a Neptune suite on the Eurodam the pinnacle grill was open to us for breakfast but it’s a smaller ship so not sure if it wouldn’t be available on a pinnacle ship?
On Pinnacle class ships the suite guests in Neptune or Pinnacle rooms get access to Club Orange and it's dedicated dining room for breakfast and dinner. On the other classes of ships they utilize the Pinnacle Grill as a dedicated dining space for the suite guests and Club Orange passengers.
We just came back from a 9 days Caribbean cruise on Rotterdam. The food was only very average , it doesn’t even looks like the food in this video. The fruits was raw, and the specialty restaurant was not worth the extra cost ( presentation and the actual taste is 2 different thing ) . The service at the specialty restaurant is not better than the main restaurant. I compare the food on other cruise line like the Disney, Celebrity and Princess … Holland is on the bottom of the list. Of course , when it is about food, it’s all depends on everyone subjective opinions.
Thanks for commenting! Sorry to hear you weren’t overly impressed with the food - it sounds like we’ve had very different experiences. I’m also used to the likes of Princess, Cunard etc, and was impressed. Thanks a lot for watching my video!
@@FraserAtSea No, I think we have different standard of taste and expectations 😊 The food at Lido was not that good and I even complained to the Chef, he just gave me many excuses.. and really don’t care. The bottom line is when the cruise is trying to cut cost , ( eg. no more Lobster tail dinner on the formal night , only if you pay an extra $20 ) …there is nothing much the staffs can do except to find excuses for the problem. 🤥🤥
@@wilson3575 sure - also sounds like different experiences, as I found the quality to be largely there. I totally appreciate people can have different experiences though - doesn’t mean expectations are higher/lower on one part :)
I am on the HAL Rotterdam now and things are getting on my nerves. Most cocktails used to be included in the Signature Beverage Package. Now popular choices are a surcharge. Not by much but you can reckon between 1 and 2 dollar. No, the milkshakes from Gelato are NOT included. Asked twice just to make sure (different people of course). Moreover, the Fresh orange juice during breakfast in the Main Dining room is OUTSIDE your package. Any! I have Elite at the moment and was charged for it two times. “This was changed last month” or some BS like that. Your “have it all” is more like HIA* (additional charges required). People - check your onboard statement often. HAL pulls a lot of this kind of crap!
Sorry to hear you’re having a different experience - I’m surprised the milkshakes have changed - I was drinking LOTS of vanilla ones, and didn’t pay any extra! Your point about checking statements is a good one - always good to check. Thanks for watching, and I really hope your experience improves!
@@FraserAtSeaI personally think it’s fine. You are sweet to be kind but we shouldn’t expect you to put all this together for us for free. I appreciate it!
Thanks so much for watching my Dining Guide from Holland America! If you're new here, please support my channel by joining me on more ships by clicking 'subscribe' - welcome aboard!
What a wonderful summary, thank you! My extended family is cruising on Holland America next year and I am sharing this video and your video on the top 20 things to do on board with them. Good information, nice pace, and helpful. One thing that you forgot to mention are the late night dining options in addition to the Pizza place. Room service is available late and a few stations at the Lido buffet open again at 10:30 pm for about half an hour or 45 minutes. Happy cruising!
Oh, thanks SO much for sharing this with your family - I’m so appreciative of all of the support for my channel 😊 You’re right - how could we forget about late night snacks?!? Mmmm!
Thanks again!
You have done the best rollout of this I have yet to see. And timely since we will be on board soon. 😊
Oh, that’s great to hear - thanks so much for watching. Have the best cruise!!
Really enjoyed your videos of Holland America . We are going on out first one next year as the itinerary was just what we wanted . We are Elite plus on Celebrity , your video has really wetted out appetite for HA , thank you for your very comprehensive videos . I have subscribed and liked .
Ahh, thanks so much - welcome to my channel. Really appreciate your support - lots more to come 😊
@@FraserAtSea we are actually going on the OOsterdam have you any videos of that ship
@@bingbong46 ahh, I don’t - sorry! Rotterdam was my first HAL experience. More to come though, but not for a while!
Thanks for the comprehensive review.
Thank you for watching!!
The Dive in Burgers and Hit Dogs are amazing. Hint: Order ahead in the App. Then head up. No line just show up and pick your food.
I agree - Dive in is such a good poolside option! Unfortunately app ordering wasn’t working for most of my cruise, but you’re right - it would save time! Thanks so much for watching!!
Just a year and a half ago, we were on a 14 day cruise to Alaska on the Noordam and we ate at the Canelleto four times (so good) and we had as much food as we wanted and were not charged extra. Even got a couple of the main courses as appetizers so I could see if I liked them. Husband got alot of gelato for dessert, he loves it. Sorry they raised the prices so much!
Oh, wow - this sounds amazing! I dread to think what it would cost you now, ha! Thanks for watching, and thanks a lot for taking the time to comment, too!
Thanks Fraser, we are sailing Noordam to Alasaka in June and have late dining booked, last time we were club orange and didn't use the dining room!
Ooh, amazing - I’m so jealous - HAL will be perfect for Alaska. Have the best time - thanks for stopping by!
I watched your video today and watched the tour of the ship video. Tonight I booked a solo cruise on the Rotterdam for next May. I hope Holland America realizes how influential you are.
Oh, what a wonderful message to read this morning - you’ve made my morning! Thanks so much for trusting my viewpoint - I hope you’ll have a ball! Thanks again! 😊
Fraser, you're a delight and very helpful. Thank you.
What a nice comment - you’ve made me smile tonight - thanks so much!
Thank you for all the information. I will be on Rotterdam for Baltic cruise in May and found your video very helpful! Safe travels, Fraser, and thanks.
Ooh, I’m so jealous. Have the best trip on there - come back and let me know how you get on please!!
Excellent review as always! Many thanks,🙏🙏
Thanks so much for watching!!
That candied bacon reminds me of the Virgin's Maple Glazed bacon in Razzle Dazzle. Can’t wait to try it on Noordam soon.
Ooh, I didn’t know this was a thing on Virgin - I’ll need to give that a try! If you’re on HAL, PLEASE go and try it - it’s to die for!
@@FraserAtSea will do! We actually booked Pinnacle Grill for the first night 👍
@@debbiegibbssmith ah, what a treat. That’s dangerous too - you’ll want to go again, haha!
Fraser, another great videography. So well presented. Very detailed and comprehensive description of each venue and their offerings. I have sailed a few times on the beautiful Pinnacle class ships and the culinary experiences are exactly as you mentioned. Well done you. 😊
Hey, thanks so much! This one took a bit of time to pull together, so the positive feedback is so appreciated - thanks very much! This was my first time on Pinnacle class, but I’d absolutely go again!
You shall possibly think of MS Queen Anne being the fourth Pinnacle Class vessel in the Carnival Corporation & PLC portfolio. It is definitely a ship to look forward to.
Another great video Fraser! Thank you 🇨🇦
Thanks so much for watching - hello from the U.K.! 👋🏼
This brought back fond memories of my experience on HAL in 2017! I honestly ate so much everyday that I was in the gym almost twice a day to offset the calorie intake 😂😅
Yeah, almost a month on there almost killed me 😂 Their food is excellent - especially that hanging bacon… Thanks for watching!
Rudis is absolutely awesome! Really really love your videos!
The menu looked lovely - I wish I’d tried it now! Thanks for watching and following!!
The food looks delicious! I keep seeing HAL pop up on my timeline and I am very intrigued about them! May have to find a cheeky solo cruise somewhere on them! Great video Fraser, really nicely covered!
Hey! I’d really recommend them, but good luck finding solo deals with HAL - it was my ‘one off’ trip last year that I just decided to pay the full double fare. That said, the experience was wonderful, so I don’t mind too much in hindsight. Thanks for watching!!
@@FraserAtSea I was finding this already! The price seemed rather steep for a solo but think I may have to try them still one day! Looked like a great experience for sure!
My mom and I celebrated my birthday in glacier bay on Noordam two years ago. This year we are celebrating her belated birthday in Edinburgh this June on the Nieuw Statendam. Last minute booking, and we have enjoyed your pi backs class series for HAL as research! Keep up the great content!
Hi, thanks so much for watching, and for taking the time to comment! Sounds like a few great trips - hope you enjoy Scotland!!
My "Mom & I celebrated" my birthday says it all! Good British wishes to all and lots of aid!
Thank you for this overview! We are booked on this ship for Christmas.Well, also on the Sun Princess as we can’t decide 😅
Ahh, you’re so welcome - thanks for watching! This ship for Christmas would be beautiful - enjoy whichever you choose!
Great video. You missed the late dining in the lido and Rudy’s has great meat options too.
Ahh, I thought it covered that - thanks for flagging! Thanks a lot for watching, and for taking the time to leave a comment!!
FAbulous video, very informative and helpful!
Thanks so much, Jan!
Nice overview, thanks! I still have a bit of an issue with specialty dining in the buffet space. However, I've never actually ate in one, so I will take your word that it works. 😊 I like the deli option on that ship. I would definitely use it for lunch.
Yeah, I do totally agree - I used to hate it if I’m honest, but it’s grown on me! The cafe is excellent - they did a chips and Mayo which was a delight, ha. Thanks so much for watching!
Beautiful content nice sharing have a good day take care 💖
Thank you - have a good day!
@@FraserAtSea you r welcome 🤗
This is a great overview, thank you! I’m looking forward to an Alaskan cruise on Holland America in September. Regarding the lower quality of offerings through Room Service, I read somewhere that during main dining meal times you can order anything off the main dining room menu to be delivered to your room. I’m not sure if that applies to all three meals, or if it’s only during the dinner hours. Also, I believe the Club Orange restaurant has the same breakfast and dinner hours as the main dining room.
Thanks so much for watching, Cynthia, and have a great trip to Alaska - that’s going to be beautiful with HAL!
Ahh, I didn’t know that about dining room meals - you’ll need to try that and let me know!!
Hi Fraser, asking for some advice. I would love to do a Scotland cruise, hitting all (or most) of the islands. As a Scot, do you have any suggestions or local knowledge of what cruise to book? Love your videos!
Hey! So I haven’t actually done a Scotland trip by ship, but would love to. I know Princess do some great itineraries including Scotland, so they could be worth a try! There’s also a few British lines - Ambassador for example - who do cruises there too!
@@FraserAtSea Thanks so much. I will check those out.
I love eggs Benedict-yum! A lot of dining options! I’m American, and I love an afternoon tea. I’ve never heard of an Indonesian tea either. Very complete dining guide, & the pizza & burger places look great! Noodle and wok fresh Asian stir fry sound good too. Specialty dining room looks good, but high w/service charge.
Oh, me too - I love them a bit too much, ha! The options on this ship were so impressive but I do agree - pricey! Thanks so much for watching!
Oh, me too - I love them a bit too much, ha! The options on this ship were so impressive but I do agree - pricey! Thanks so much for watching!
Oh, me too - I love them a bit too much, ha! The options on this ship were so impressive but I do agree - pricey! Thanks so much for watching!
Is room service included in the fare or the have it all? I keep looking online and cannot find a definitive answer
Hey Sierra, good question! Room service is included in the basic fare - they have a selection of ‘included’ items, then another list that you pay extra for. Hope this helps!
@@FraserAtSea Thank you for the reply! That helps a lot!
@@sierrah6406 no problem, and glad to hear it!
Other than through room service, can I get complimentary coffee/tea before the lido market opens?
From memory, tea and coffee was available all day up at the Lido Market 😊
@@FraserAtSea Thanks for your reply. I like how clear and to the point your presentation is. Well done!
@@Lovesapuzzle thanks so much!
When I was staying in a Neptune suite on the Eurodam the pinnacle grill was open to us for breakfast but it’s a smaller ship so not sure if it wouldn’t be available on a pinnacle ship?
Ah, you’ve stayed in a Neptune suite - I’m so jealous! Really good addition - thanks for leaving this comment!
@@FraserAtSea you can do it if you plan in advance! Worth every penny! Thanks for the great videos!
On Pinnacle class ships the suite guests in Neptune or Pinnacle rooms get access to Club Orange and it's dedicated dining room for breakfast and dinner. On the other classes of ships they utilize the Pinnacle Grill as a dedicated dining space for the suite guests and Club Orange passengers.
@@bobfrees2290 thank you!
From Scotland and not into seafood?😅
MDR closing off breakfast at 9am = wayyyyy too early!😣😣😣 (I am not a fan of the buffet for most meals on a cruise - & avoid it as much as possible…….)
Oh, I agree that 9am is so early - I felt like I was getting up to go to work at the office walking in there are 8am, ha! Thanks for watching!!
We just came back from a 9 days Caribbean cruise on Rotterdam. The food was only very average , it doesn’t even looks like the food in this video. The fruits was raw, and the specialty restaurant was not worth the extra cost ( presentation and the actual taste is 2 different thing ) . The service at the specialty restaurant is not better than the main restaurant.
I compare the food on other cruise line like the Disney, Celebrity and Princess … Holland is on the bottom of the list.
Of course , when it is about food, it’s all depends on everyone subjective opinions.
Thanks for commenting! Sorry to hear you weren’t overly impressed with the food - it sounds like we’ve had very different experiences. I’m also used to the likes of Princess, Cunard etc, and was impressed.
Thanks a lot for watching my video!
@@FraserAtSea No, I think we have different standard of taste and expectations 😊
The food at Lido was not that good and I even complained to the Chef, he just gave me many excuses.. and really don’t care.
The bottom line is when the cruise is trying to cut cost , ( eg. no more Lobster tail dinner on the formal night , only if you pay an extra $20 ) …there is nothing much the staffs can do except to find excuses for the problem. 🤥🤥
@@wilson3575 sure - also sounds like different experiences, as I found the quality to be largely there. I totally appreciate people can have different experiences though - doesn’t mean expectations are higher/lower on one part :)
Shouldn’t fruit always be raw?
Where is the cabin review for Rotterdam?
It’ll be coming in due course - I also have a full vlog series coming too 😊
I am on the HAL Rotterdam now and things are getting on my nerves.
Most cocktails used to be included in the Signature Beverage Package. Now popular choices are a surcharge. Not by much but you can reckon between 1 and 2 dollar.
No, the milkshakes from Gelato are NOT included. Asked twice just to make sure (different people of course).
Moreover, the Fresh orange juice during breakfast in the Main Dining room is OUTSIDE your package. Any! I have Elite at the moment and was charged for it two times. “This was changed last month” or some BS like that.
Your “have it all” is more like HIA* (additional charges required).
People - check your onboard statement often. HAL pulls a lot of this kind of crap!
Sorry to hear you’re having a different experience - I’m surprised the milkshakes have changed - I was drinking LOTS of vanilla ones, and didn’t pay any extra!
Your point about checking statements is a good one - always good to check. Thanks for watching, and I really hope your experience improves!
Westerdam
TOO MANY ADS FOR ME TO SUBSCRIBE OR LIKE
Ah, sorry - my ads help to grow/fund my channel - apologies that you felt there were too many. Thanks for watching!
Up to sixth ad break at halfway
@@kathyb1011 I've made a few tweaks 'behind the scenes' which will reduce ad volumes on this video going forward - thanks for the feedback!
@@FraserAtSeaI personally think it’s fine. You are sweet to be kind but we shouldn’t expect you to put all this together for us for free. I appreciate it!
You're Scottish. You aren't a seafood fan? Are you Scottish?
Haha, I hear this ALL THE TIME 😂 It is growing on me to be fair - maybe I’m now sinking into embracing my roots, haha!
"promo sm"
Thanks for watching!