Holland America Line Rotterdam Panama Canal Cruise Review – Day 10: March 10, 2026

Day 10 aboard Rotterdam and it’s another sea day. And when you’re on a sea day on a cruise ship, especially one like Holland America, the honest truth is there isn’t always a whole lot to report on because a lot of people spend the day doing exactly what sea days are meant for… a whole lot of nothing.

Relaxing, wandering around the ship, grabbing a drink, maybe a snack or two, and just enjoying the fact that you’re not rushing off to a port somewhere.

But even on a lazy sea day there are a few things that always end up being the most popular activities on a Holland America ship.

Pool Time, Baby!

First up, the pools. If the weather is nice, and since we’re cruising through the Caribbean the weather has been fantastic, the ship’s two pool areas get a lot of traffic.

On Rotterdam, the main pool area is the Lido Pool located on Deck 9. It’s essentially a two-level outdoor space. The lower level is where the pool itself is located along with the Dive-In burger spot, the gelato stand, and the Lido Bar. Surrounding the pool are rows and rows of loungers for people who want to soak up the sun, and of course there are the hot tubs for anyone who enjoys sitting in what can best be described as a bubbling cauldron of human soup.

One deck up on Deck 10 is the second level of the Lido Pool area which overlooks the pool below. Up here you’ll find additional seating, some daybeds, and also the Panorama Bar along with New York Pizza where you can grab pizza, sandwiches, salads, and desserts throughout the day.

The ship’s second pool is located all the way aft on Deck 9 and is appropriately called the Sea View Pool. It’s much smaller than the Lido Pool, but the real draw back here is the large sun deck that’s packed with loungers for people who want to catch some rays while looking out over the ship’s wake. There’s also a bar here along with covered seating areas on both sides.

Now a quick word about the Sea View Pool area… smoking.

This is also where the ship’s only smoking section is located and if you hate the smell of cigarette smoke, you’re probably going to hate this part of the ship. For reasons that are a bit puzzling, the smoking area is located right next to the bar.

That means if you want to grab a seat at the bar, order a frozen margarita, and relax for a bit, you’re doing it with a side of cigarette smoke. And when there are a handful of people a couple feet away going through Marlboros like they’re ice cream cones, it can be pretty unpleasant. Honestly it’s a very poor placement decision. If the smoking section were moved to the opposite side of the deck the bar would be a far more enjoyable place to hang out.

Trivia

Another big sea day activity is trivia. All cruise lines have trivia, but on Holland America people take it very seriously. The trivia sessions are almost always packed and on a sea day you can expect to see three or sometimes even more sessions scheduled throughout the day. That’s a lot of people sitting around guessing answers to some pretty random bits of knowledge.

Then There’s Pickleball.

Yes, pickleball.

I’m not entirely sure who invented this game that has somehow become wildly popular with the 65+ crowd, but it has quite the following. Holland America has pickleball courts on their ships and you’ll often see groups of people out there playing matches during sea days.

Art Auctions with a side of Beware

Another thing that draws a crowd is the art auctions. Believe it or not, people actually participate in these things and not just for the free sparkling wine they serve during the event. The auctions are run by Park West Galleries, the same company that operates the art galleries on what seems like just about every cruise ship afloat.

A quick search online will reveal plenty of complaints and negative reviews about them, and their reputation often gets compared to something just a step above a carnival barker. Yet despite all that, the auctions still draw crowds and people continue to bid on what they’re told are priceless works of art that many later discover they paid far too much for.

As P.T. Barnum famously said, there’s one born every… oh, nevermind.

Gambling

And finally, there’s the casino.

Sea days are the casino team’s favorite days of the cruise because the ship isn’t in port and the casino stays open all day. For the hard-core gamblers, this is when they really settle in and start feeding the one-armed bandits hoping they’ll leave the ship with more money than they boarded with, which rarely happens.

Here on Rotterdam the casino is a smoking casino with a very small non-smoking section tucked off to the side. Unfortunately it isn’t really separated well enough to keep the smoke out, so the entire space can get pretty smoky. I stopped in last night for a bit and after about twenty minutes my eyes were burning enough that I had to call it quits.

There are a few machines in the non-smoking section, but it’s extremely small and honestly feels more like a closet than a casino.

So those are probably the five most popular ways people spend a sea day on Holland America.

Of course, there’s one other activity that always ranks near the top of the list.

Eating.

Which brings us to dinner, where tonight marks the final dressy night of the cruise, and that means another gala dinner menu being served up in the ship’s main dining room.

Rotterdam Caribbean Lido Gala Dinner B (3/2026)

Menu from Rotterdam, March 2026

Available on: all ships

Bakery Shop Rise

Smoked Bacon and Mozzarella Focaccia

Savory Focaccia

Soft Rolls

Bread Roll

Loaf Bread

Pretzel

Lemon Pie

Rhubarb Crisp

Lemon Pound Cake & Blueberry Sweet Streusel Loaf

Baked Grandma Sheet Berry Pan Cake

Bread Board

3 Cheese Sandwich, Challa Brioche

Romesco (Roastbeef)

Sandwich Made To Order

Compound Salad

Apple, Pear, and Pecan Salad

Heart of Palm, Mango and Avocado Salad

Seasonal Programming

Caribbean Roasted Pork Sandwich

cumin, allspice, mayonnaise, chipotle mayo, lime zest, ciabatta rolls, lettuce, tomatoes

6 Kinds of Hot Sauce, Salsas, Jalapeno Cornbread, Fried Plantains

Daily

Bay Shrimps Cocktail

Wild Harvest Signature Salads

Chop Chop

Chicken Caesar

Cobb Salad

Asian Sesame with Seared Tuna

Distant Lands Italian

Cheese Tortellini with Sauteed Spinash

Baked Conchiglie Mozzarella and Tomato Basil

Lasagna

Garlic Rolls

Focaccia Wheel

Create Your Own Pasta

Marinara Pasta

Bolognese Pasta

Alfredo Pasta

Basil Pesto Pasta

A Taste of Malaysia

Kerabu Mango

Penang Fried Noodles

Coconut Rice

Chop Suey

Malaysian Chicken Curry

Beef Satay

Soya Braised Pork Belly

Soup

Celery Ham Cream Soup

Carvery

Dry Rubbed Beef Brisket

Rosemary Roasted Chicken

Sauces

Red Wine Gravy

Bearnaise

Sides

Italian Roasted Vegetable

Butter Sauteed Beans and Dates

Loaded Mashed Potatoes

Mac n Cheese

Yorkshire Pudding

Indian Vegetarian

Malai Kofta

Tofu Makhani

Indian Protein

Methi Chicken

Indian Rice

Lempon Rice

Homestead Mains

Parmesan-Crusted Baramundi

Dried-Cherry and Thyme Coated Salmon

Beef Tenderloin

New York Strip Loin

Fried Chicken

Vegan Stir Fry Tofu

Comfort Dish

Cherry-Port Duck Breast

Homestead Sides

Mashed Potatoes

Roasted Potatoes

French Fries

Desserts

Dulce De Leche & Coconut Tart

Warm Chocolate Lava Cake

Tiramisu

Crepes Made To Order

Selection of Ice Creams

Rum Butter Caramel Sauce with Choice of Fresh Fruit Topping

Lido - Late Night 10:30pm - 11:30pm

Sliced Fruits

Apple, Pears, Banana, Orange, Grapes

Pinto Bean, Red Onion and Croutons

Seafood Jicama Salad in Coconut Emulsion

Cheese Selection

Stilton, Old Amsterdam, Cheddar

Tossed to Order

Chicken Caesar

Selection of Artisan Breads

Panini Grilled to Order

Holler

roasted lamb, Greek yogurt dressing, pickled cucumbers, arugula, tomato, feta, sour dough baguette

Pot Sticker Ponzus

Ham and Cheese Croissant

Spicy Chicken

French Fries with Toppings

Cheese Sauce, Bolognese Sauce, Ketchup, Mayo

Bami Goreng

Pork Fried Rice

Arancini

Spaghetti Alfredo

Garlic Bread

Pecan Pie

Chocolate Ganache Tartlet

Strawberry Cake

Berries Trifle

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Rotterdam MDR Caribbean Gala Menu B (3/2026)

Menu from Rotterdam, March 2026

Available on: all ships

Cocktails

Classic Negroni

$12.00

Bombay Sapphire Gin, Carpano Antica Vermouth, Campari

Yuzu Margarita

$13.00

Cazadores Silver Tequila, lime juice, Yuzu, Agave

Gala Lemon Drop Martini

$14.00

Chopin Vodka, Cointreau, lemon juice

Ship Shape Manhattan

$13.00

Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Carpano Antica, Noilly Prat Dry, Angostura Bitters

Wines

Holland America Line Sparkling Wine

$10.00 | $40.00

Washington

Chateau Ste. Michelle Chardonnay

$12.00 | $48.00

Washington

Sokol Blosser Evolution Pinot Noir

$14.00 | $56.00

Willamette Valley, Oregon

Oberon Cabernet Sauvignon

$18.00 | $72.00

California

Starters

Grilled Zucchini, Carrots

tahini-yogurt dressing

Avocado Shrimp Cocktail

layered diced avocado, shrimp, creamy chipotle sauce

Escargot Bourguignon

herb garlic butter, Burgundy wine, French bread

Quinoa, Romaine Lettuce Cups

cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, pine nuts

Cream of Four Mushroom Soup

chive oil

French Onion Soup

Gruyère cheese crouton

Classic Caesar Salad

romaine lettuce, Parmesan cheese, garlic croutons, Caesar dressing, anchovies

Mains

Rotelle with Oxtail

red wine reduction, gremolata

Beef Tenderloin, Crab Cake

béarnaise sauce, fingerling potatoes, asparagus

Parmesan-Crusted Fresh Branzino

carrots, asparagus, pearl onions, Beurre Blanc

Cherry-Port Duck Breast

truffle mashed potatoes, port reduction

Vegan Stir-Fry Tofu

shiitake, beans, sesame, scallions, avocado brown rice

Dried-Cherry and Thyme Coated Fresh Salmon

pilaf rice, green beans, caramelized onions

Garlic-Herb Roasted Chicken

avocado-corn tomato salsa

New York Strip Loin Steak Fries

garlic-herb butter

Featured

15 oz Pinnacle Grill Boneless Ribeye

$20.00

shallot confit, aged balsamic, green peppercorn, baked potato, creamed spinach

By Iron Chef Morimoto

Fresh Catch Grouper

$25.00

braised, soy ginger reduction, steamed baby bok choy, baby carrot

Yuzu Butter Grilled Lobster Tails

$25.00

seasonal Asian greens

Desserts

Dulce De Leche & Coconut Tart

vanilla ice cream

Warm Chocolate Lava Cake

orange cream

Tiramisu

mascarpone cream, coffee, Kahlúa sponge cake

Hot Fudge Sundae

vanilla ice cream, warm chocolate ganache, chopped nuts, marshmallows, whipped cream

Crème Brûlée

burnt sugar

After Dinner Drinks

Disaronno Amaretto

$10.50

Rémy Martin VSOP

$17.00

Highland Park Single Malt

$13.00

Graham's Six Grapes Port

$13.00

Solo Espresso

$2.75

Cappuccino

$3.75

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Dinner at Pinnacle Grill on Rotterdam

My original plan tonight was to have dinner in the main dining room, but time got away from me, which tends to happen.

By the time I realized it, it was getting pretty close to closing time and I really didn’t feel like walking into the dining room five minutes before nine and getting the“seriously?” look. So instead I headed over to Pinnacle Grill, which conveniently takes reservations and walk-ins up until about 9:30pm.

A few minutes later I was seated and ready to start noshing.

Pinnacle Grill - Dinner

Pinnacle Grill Dinner is Holland America’s classic upscale steakhouse experience, with prime steaks, fresh seafood, and polished service that feels like a proper night out. If you’re looking for the ship’s most traditional specialty dinner, this is usually the reservation people book first.

Available on: all ships

Appetizers

Table-Side Caesar Salad

heart of romaine, Parmesan, croutons, anchovies

Vine Ripened Beefsteak Tomato Salad

sliced purple onion, balsamic vinaigrette or blue cheese dressing

Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes

cucumber, sweet chili-mustard

Lobster Bisque

crème fraîche, aged cognac

Panko Fried Stuffed Mushroom Caps

Beyond Meat mince, vegan mayonnaise remoulade, parsley, quinoa salad

Mafaldine, Marinated Grilled Eggplant, Burrata & Chiles

preserved lemon, Calabrian chili, olive oil

Steakhouse Wedge Salad by David Burke

crispy bacon, blue cheese, tomato, candied walnuts, ranch dressing

Shrimp Cocktail

brandy-horseradish cocktail sauce

Clothesline Candied Bacon by David Burke

maple, black pepper, half-sour pickles

Ossetra Malossol Caviar

$50.00

crème fraîche, buckwheat blinis

Caribbean Starters

Jerked Chicken Bao

mint, coriander, tomato chutney

Crab & Shrimp Cakes

charred spring onion & pineapple salsa

Steaks

8oz Filet Mignon

Choice of sauce: Shallot and Red Wine Bordelaise, Green Peppercorn, Béarnaise

15oz Boneless Rib Eye

Choice of sauce: Shallot and Red Wine Bordelaise, Green Peppercorn, Béarnaise

12oz New York Strip

Choice of sauce: Shallot and Red Wine Bordelaise, Green Peppercorn, Béarnaise

36oz Tomahawk Bone-In Rib Eye for Two

$49.00

Choice of sauce: Shallot and Red Wine Bordelaise, Green Peppercorn, Béarnaise

10oz American Wagyu Strip Loin

$28.00

Choice of sauce: Shallot and Red Wine Bordelaise, Green Peppercorn, Béarnaise

Entrées

Braised Beef Short Ribs with Chow Fun Noodles by David Burke

wild mushrooms, carrots, scallions

Grilled Lamb Chops

controne bean purée, garlic chips

Honey-Lemon Glazed Chilean Sea Bass

dill butter

Table-Side Dover Sole, Lemon Butter

$15.00

boiled new potatoes

Caribbean Entrées

Lobster Agnolotti

spiced tomato cream, crab butter

Yellow Tail Snapper

golden curry, spiced orange marmalade, kumquat butter

Mojo Pork Chop

pickled fennel & mango slaw, vermouth jus

12 oz Lobster Tail

$19.00

broiled, lemon-garlic butter

On the Side

Creamed Spinach

Asparagus with Hollandaise

Roasted Baby Beets with Blue Cheese

Mashed Potatoes

Baked Potato

French Fries

Sautéed Mushrooms

Beecher's Lobster Mac & Cheese

$12.00

Add a 5 oz Lobster Tail

$12.00

Desserts

Coconut Pudding

cinnamon, coconut flakes, caramelized banana

Key Lime Pie

whipped cream

Not-So-Classic Baked Alaska

amarena cherry ice cream, bing cherries jubilee

Jacques Torres Chocolate Soufflé

vanilla Chantilly foam, crème anglaise

Warm Chocolate Daelmans Stroopwafel Cobbler

caramel-streaked coffee-laced sauce or molten chocolate sauce

Crème Brûlée

vanilla bean

Artisan Cheeses

dried fruits, apricot chutney

Ice Cream Or Sorbet

Cocktails

Table-Side De Lijn Gin Tonic

$14.00

Double Dutch tonic, seasonal botanicals

Green Swizzle

$14.00

Planteray 3 Star Rum, Velvet Falernum, lime, absinth, soda, Angustura bitters

El Presidente

$13.00

Planteray 3 Star Rum, vermouth blanc, orange curaçao, grenadine

Myrtle Bank Special Punch

$13.00

Planteray 3 Star and Smith & Cross pot stilled Jamaican rums, lime, demerara syrup, cherry brandy, cayanne

Big Youth

$13.00

Planteray Xaymaca Rum and Smith & Cross rum, condensed milk, coconut water, bitters, nutmeg

Wines

Holland America Line Sparkling Wine

Washington

Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc

New Zealand

Rocky Pond 11 Dams Bordeaux Blend

Washington

After Dinner Drinks

Disaronno Amaretto

$10.50

Remy Martin VSOP

$17.00

Highland Park Single Malt

$13.00

Espresso

$2.75

Cappuccino

$3.75

⬇ Download PDF

🖼️ Menu Images

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I began with one of the Caribbean featured starters, the crab and shrimp cakes. They were lightly breaded and fried to a nice crisp on the outside, and inside was a solid portion of crab and shrimp rather than a bunch of filler. A good start to the meal.

Next up was the Vine Ripened Beefsteak Tomato Salad, which worked pretty good a fried appetizer. Light, fresh, and simple.

For the main course I decided to go with the Dover sole, which is one of the table-side preparations Pinnacle Grill is known for. This one does come with a $15 upcharge on top of the $52 per person cover charge, but in my opinion it’s worth it.

When the dish arrived, my server wheeled over her little magic cart and went to work deboning the fish right at the table. A few quick moves and the fillets were plated and ready to go. The fish itself was light, flaky, and mild with a buttery flavor that makes it one of my favorites whenever it’s on the menu.

To wrap things up I went with the stroopwafel cobbler for dessert. This one leans heavily into Holland America’s Dutch roots and is basically a rich, sweet dessert built around the classic Dutch stroopwafel cookie.

It was delicious, but also the kind of dessert where halfway through you start wondering exactly how much sugar is packed into the bowl. My guess is somewhere in the neighborhood of about five thousand calories.

Totally worth it.

OMG! ANOTHER Time Change!

Now Holland America… we need to talk.

One thing that has driven me, and quite a few others on this sailing, a little bit crazy has been the number of time changes we’ve had during this cruise. And no, I’m not even talking about the switch to Eastern Daylight Time.

Let me lay this out so you can see where this starts getting ridiculous.

• Day 1 – We leave Fort Lauderdale on Eastern Standard Time.
• Day 4 – At 2:00am the clocks move forward one hour.
• Day 7 – At 2:00am the clocks move back one hour.
• Day 9 – At 2:00am the clocks move back another hour.
• Day 11 – At 2:00am we move ahead one hour.
• Day 12 – At 2:00am we move ahead another hour, which finally puts us back in sync with Eastern Daylight Time in Fort Lauderdale – FIVE days later than the official “spring ahead.”

If you’re keeping score at home, that’s five time changes on one cruise.

Now most cruise lines sailing Caribbean itineraries avoid this entirely. The typical approach is simple: you leave Florida on Eastern Time and you stay on Eastern Time for the entire cruise. Sure, technically you may not match the exact local time at every port, but it avoids confusing thousands of passengers who are on vacation.

Instead, we’ve been playing time change ping-pong for the past week and a half.

The end result? Everyone’s biological clock is completely scrambled.

At one point during the cruise we were two hours behind Eastern Time, which meant when my body decided it was time to wake up at my normal 6:00am… it was actually 4:00 in the morning.  By the time dinner rolled around that evening my brain was convinced it was already bedtime.

And judging by the number of people I heard grumbling about it around the ship, I’m definitely not the only one whose internal clock has been completely thrown off.

Whenever the clocks change, these little cards get put on your bed at night when the turndown service is done, as you can see I have a little collection:

The funny thing is there’s a very simple solution to this.

Just leave Florida on Eastern Time… and stay on Eastern Time.

Problem solved.

Nobody has to wonder whether their watch is wrong, nobody wakes up two hours earlier than expected, and nobody needs a spreadsheet to figure out what time trivia starts today.

Sometimes the easiest fix really is the best one.

Tomorrow, we arrive in George Town, Grand Cayman the final port call for this cruise.  More on that tomorrow!

As always, thanks for following along.

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