Holland America Line Introduces ‘Koningstafel’ Chef’s Table Experience

Holland America Line is putting more focus on food with the introduction of ‘Koningstafel’ — what it calls “a regal reimagining of the Chef’s Table experience.” 

Dutch for “King’s Table,” the Koningstafel evening combines a galley tour with a multi-course feast rooted in rich culinary traditions.  Available on cruises 14 days and longer.

Koningstafel debuted on Oosterdam in July and will expand to Westerdam, Zaandam and Volendam in the fall. The rest of the fleet is scheduled to follow in spring 2026.

The elevated Koningstafel Chef’s Table experience begins with a private cocktail reception and an exclusive galley tour, culminating in a six-course dinner. Reservations for Koningstafel can be made online prior to departure or on board, pending availability, for a supplemental fee of $149 per person plus gratuities.

“Koningstafel is more than a meal — it’s a celebration of craftsmanship, artistry and connection,” said 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 savour 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 Koningstafel experience includes:

A pre-dinner cocktail reception: guests are welcomed with signature cocktails in Ocean Bar, including “You Should See Me In A Crown,” made with Holland America Line’s own De Lijn Gin.

Later, the ship’s executive chef will lead guests into the heart of the galley for a behind-the-scenes tour.

A six-course dinner: guests are seated at a beautifully styled table in the Dining Room, where floral accents and elegant table details set the tone for an intimate and elevated experience. Each dish is introduced by the chef and paired with a curated wine selection. A vegetarian menu is available upon request.

The Menu: Dutch Elegance Meets Culinary Theater

Guests will enjoy a set menu that blends innovation with haute cuisine, including:

• 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.

More Expanded Dining Experiences Coming

Holland America guests on cruises 14 days or longer can look forward to additional culinary highlights that will be rolled out in the coming months:

Rijsttafel Dinner: A Dutch-Indonesian tasting experience debuting on Baltic sailings, this special dinner will be offered in Tamarind for a supplemental fee. The menu features a variety of small plates, inspired by the cultural influences that have shaped Dutch-Indonesian cuisine.

Tiki Dinner: A tropical-themed evening in Pinnacle Grill, launching on South Pacific crossings. Offered once per voyage on cruises 20 days and longer, the experience includes beverage pairings, souvenir tiki mugs and themed service touches.

Indian Pop-Up Menu: Launching exclusively on Legendary Voyages, this rotating pop-up features regional Indian specialties such as Lamb Vindaloo, Paneer Butter Masala, and Rasgulla. In addition, new Indian menus are now offered fleetwide in the main Dining Room — including on shorter sailings — and can be arranged by guests upon embarkation.