Holland America Line Rotterdam Southern Caribbean Cruise Review – Day 8: March 20, 2026

Day 8 on Rotterdam and it’s our second straight sea day as we make our way toward the final stop on this ABC… or CBA… cruise, Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas. With no port to explore today, it’s a good time to step back and talk about the ship itself and, more broadly, Holland America as a whole.

If you’ve been following along or checked out my Holland America review page, you know this isn’t my first rodeo on Rotterdam or with HAL in general. I keep coming back for a reason… actually several reasons. But there are also a few things that have changed over the years, especially post-COVID, that haven’t exactly been for the better.

Let’s start with the good.

One of the biggest reasons I keep sailing Holland America is the ship size. These mid-size ships hit a sweet spot that a lot of other cruise lines have completely abandoned. You’ll hear some die-hard HAL loyalists complain that the Pinnacle-class ships like Rotterdam are “too big,” but let’s put that into perspective. You’re talking about roughly 2,700 passengers versus about 2,100 on the previous Signature class. That’s a difference, sure, but it’s not like you’ve suddenly boarded one of those mega ships carrying 6,000+ people. Length-wise, we’re talking less than a 50-foot difference. In the grand scheme of things, these ships still feel manageable. Even on this sold-out spring break sailing, it never feels out of control. No insane lines, no fighting for space, just a comfortable, easygoing experience.

Overview of the Holland America Line Fleet

Then there’s the service, which is still one of Holland America’s strongest selling points. You’ve got crew members who have been with the company for decades, and it shows. There’s a level of consistency here that you don’t always find on other lines. Staterooms are still serviced twice a day, which is becoming a rarity these days, and whether you’re dealing with a bartender, server, or guest services, the experience is almost always top-notch. People genuinely seem to care about what they’re doing, and that goes a long way.

Another thing I’ve always appreciated is the promenade deck. It sounds like a small detail, but it’s one of those classic cruise ship features that a lot of lines have ditched in favor of more revenue-generating spaces. Holland America has kept it, and having a full wraparound promenade where you can walk, take in the ocean views, and just disconnect a bit is something I don’t take for granted. The only downside on the Pinnacle-class ships is that the promenade isn’t quite as wide due to the lifeboat configuration, so you don’t get the traditional rows of deck chairs. Not a dealbreaker, just one of those design quirks.

Loyalty is another area where HAL does a great job. I’ve talked about the Mariner Society quite a bit, and it really starts to pay off once you hit that 4-Star level. The benefits are meaningful, the recognition is consistent, and there’s a very strong base of repeat cruisers here. When you’ve got people sailing 1,400+ days and hitting President’s Club status, that tells you something about the product.

The ships themselves also deserve a mention. Holland America still leans into a more classic, understated design. You’re not walking into a floating theme park with neon lights and sensory overload. The décor is clean, modern, and elegant without trying too hard. It feels like a ship, not an amusement park.

Entertainment is where things get a little mixed. The live music venues are fantastic. B.B. King’s, Rolling Stone Lounge, and the return of classical music with the Vivace trio all add a lot to the onboard experience. But then you’ve got the Step One Dance Company shows… and this is where things fall apart a bit. They’ve improved over time, but they’re still nowhere near what other lines are doing with their production shows. It’s an area where HAL is clearly behind and needs to rethink what they’re offering.

And finally, the itineraries. This is another big reason to sail Holland America. When they’re based in Florida, they don’t just recycle the same Eastern and Western Caribbean routes over and over. You’ll see Southern Caribbean, Panama Canal, and more unique itineraries that the bigger ships simply can’t do. That’s one of the perks of sailing on a mid-size ship… access to places others can’t go.

Now… let’s talk about the not-so-great.

Post-COVID, like every cruise line out there, Holland America made cuts. Some were understandable at the time, but a lot of them have stuck around. The biggest one is food quality in the Main Dining Room. It’s just not what it used to be. Portions are smaller, quality is inconsistent, and overall it’s taken a noticeable step back. And this isn’t unique to HAL. It’s happening across the industry. The reality is, cruise lines make more money when you go to specialty restaurants, so the MDR has become less of a focus.

Staffing is another area where cuts have been made. For the most part, it’s not something you notice day-to-day, but there are moments where you can tell things are a bit stretched. Again, not just a HAL issue, but it’s there.

And then there’s something that has nothing to do with COVID and everything to do with poor planning… the smoking situation.

The smoking area at the Sea View Pool, right next to the Sea View Bar, is one of the worst setups I’ve seen on any ship. If you don’t smoke and you want to sit at that bar and enjoy a drink outside, good luck. You’re basically sitting in a cloud of cigarette smoke. It completely ruins what should be a great outdoor bar space. This is something that Holland America really needs to rethink, because as it stands, that area is unusable for a lot of people.

And while we’re on the topic, the casino smoke situation isn’t great either. I’m not even going to go down that rabbit hole too far, but I will say this… I spent a lot less time (and money) in the casino over the past three weeks because of how smoky it was. Whether it’s better ventilation or expanded non-smoking areas, something needs to change there.

A lot to like, a few things that need work, and overall still a product that keeps me coming back.

Cake Me Away – Sugar Rush at Sea!

Now let’s talk about one of the most dangerous events of the entire cruise… and I mean that strictly from a calorie standpoint.

If you scroll down to the daily schedule, you’re going to see something called “Cake Me Away.” And if you’ve never experienced it before, let me explain.

This is basically Holland America’s way of saying, “you’ve made it this far… let’s finish you off with sugar.”

Once per cruise, usually on the final sea day, the pastry team goes all out. We’re talking fresh baked… cakes, cakes, and more cakes. Then around 11:30 a.m., they roll everything out into the Lido Market and for about an hour and a half, it turns into an all-you-can-sample cake festival.

And when I say all-you-can-sample, I mean it.

Red velvet, chocolate, cheesecake, layered cakes, gluten-free options, sugar-free options… if it can be baked and covered in frosting, it’s probably there.

This event is wildly popular. People start lining up well before it even opens just to get first crack at the full selection before things start disappearing. And they do disappear.

By the time you get closer to 1:00 p.m., it’s a bit of a free-for-all with people still going back for “just one more slice” before they shut it down.

The problem is, this isn’t one of those “I’ll just have a bite” situations. You start with one, then another, then suddenly you’ve got the rest of the day to deal with the consequences.

Which is where that wraparound promenade deck comes back into play, because after Cake Me Away, you’re going to be doing a lot of walking. And I mean a lot.

Totally worth it though.

Dinner at Canaletto on Holland America Line

Let’s stick with the food theme for a minute and take a look at what was on the menu tonight in both the Lido Market and the Main Dining Room, which you can check out below.

Rotterdam Caribbean Lido Dinner E (3/2026)

Menu from Rotterdam, March 2026

Available on: all ships

Bakery Shop Rise

Cherry Tomato Oregano, Basil, Feta Cheese, Mozzarella Focaccia

Savory Focaccia

Soft Rolls

Bread Roll

Loaf Bread

Pretzel

Blueberry Pie

Mango Blueberry Crisp

Lemon Pound Cake & Blueberry

Sweet Streusel Loaf

Baked Grand Ma Sheet Plum Pan Cake

Bread Board

Deli Sandwiches

3 Cheese Sandwich

Challa Brioche

Romesco (Roastbeef)

Sandwich Made to Order

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

Wild Harvest

Bay Shrimps Cocktail

Chop Chop

Chicken Caesar

Cobb Salad

Asian Sesame with Seared Tuna

Distant Lands Italian

Casareccie with Beef Shortrib Bolognese

Potato Gnocchi with Mushroom and Basil Pesto

Lasagna

Garlic Rolls

Focaccia Wheel

Marinara

Bolognese

Alfredo

Basil Pesto

Distant Lands Asia

Chinese Egg Roll

Chow Mein (Shrimps and Chicken)

Yang Chow Fried Rice

Stir-Fried Garlic Broccoli

Steamed Ginger Soy Glazed Swai

Crispy Duck

Pork with Black Bean Paste

Paneer Mattar Kofta

Aloo Methi

Chicken Do Pyaza

Vegetable Pulao

Roasting Pan

Carrot and Coconut Soup

Pork Strip Loin

Rosemary Roasted Chicken

Red Wine Gravy

Bearnaise

Brussels Sprouts

Mixed Vegetables

Loaded Mashed Potatoes

Mac n Cheese

Yorkshire Pudding

Homestead

Cornmeal Crusted Cobia

Mediterranean Salmon

Petite Beef Tenderloin, Creamed Leeks, Bacon

New York Strip Loin

Fried Chicken

Parmesan Baked Zucchini

Chicken Parmigiana

Mashed Potatoes

Roasted Potatoes

French Fries

Sweet Spot

Dulce de Leche Cheesecake

Caribbean Dark Chocolate Cake

Orange-Lime Panna Cotta

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

Brown Rice, Broccoli and Hazelnut Salad

Heart of Palm with Avocado and Mango

Blue Cheese

Brie Cheese

Leiden Cheese

Mozzarella, Cherry Tomato, Avocado, Roasted Corn

Selection of Artisan Breads

Panini Grilled to Order

Beef Strip Loin Club

Lettuce, tomato, red onion, Apple wood bacon, sharp cheddar, horseradish mayo, French baguette

Lamb Kebab, Tzatziki Sauce

Burritos

Chicken Cordon Bleu

French Fries with Toppings

Cheese Sauce, Bolognese Sauce, Ketchup, Mayo

Chicken Kung Pao

Jasmine Rice

Onion Bagji

Spaghetti Carbonara

Garlic Bread

Lemon Meringue

Chocolate Éclair

Raspberry Swirl

Almond Fruit Cake

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Rotterdam MDR Caribbean Menu E (3/2026)

Menu from Rotterdam, March 2026

Available on: all ships

Drinks

Dutch 150

$11.00

De Lijn Gin, Sparkling Wine, fresh lemon juice

Bahama Mama

$12.00

Flor De Cana Rum, Malibu Rum, orange juice, pineapple juice, grenadine

Pusser's Painkiller™

$13.00

Pusser's Rum, pineapple juice, cream of coconut, orange juice, grated nutmeg

El Presidente

$13.00

Planteray 3 Star, Vermouth blanc, dashes of orange curaçao and grenadine

Trader Vic's Mai Tai

$13.00

Appleton Aged Rum, orange curaçao, fresh lime juice, orgeat

Featured Beer

$8.00

Kalik

Appetizers

Spiced Coconut Crusted Meatballs

pork, garlic aioli

Watermelon and Feta Cheese

mint, orange, arugula

Seared Tuna, Lime, Chili

scallion, siracha mayo, mango, passion fruit

French Onion Soup

Gruyère cheese crouton

Classic Caesar Salad

Parmesan cheese, garlic croutons, anchovies

Gourmet Greens

toasted pecans, cherry tomatoes, orange segments

Carrot and Coconut Soup

ginger, orange, chives, crème fraiche

Mains

Cornmeal Crusted Fresh Blue Cobia

okra, tomato, coconut shrimp bisque

Spaghetti Puttanesca

anchovies, capers, black olives, garlic, oregano

Gremolata Crusted Pork Chop

Parmesan mashed potato, zucchini

Petite Beef Tenderloin, Creamed Leeks, Bacon

thyme roasted potatoes

New York Strip Loin, Steak Fries

garlic herb butter

Rustic Home-Made Lasagna

tomato sauce, basil

Chicken Parmigiana

fresh mozzarella, zucchini, spaghetti, basil-tomato sauce

Mediterranean Salmon Bowl

quinoa, tomatoes, olives, chickpeas, feta, lemon

Parmesan Baked Zucchini

basil, spaghetti, garlic, sauteed spinach

Roasted Leg Lamb, Cardamom and Orange

white beans and spinach

Featured

Fresh Stone Crab

$49.00

mustard dipping sauce, frisée, lime

5 oz Filet Mignon & Lobster

$18.00

grilled asparagus, baked potato, garlic butter

12 oz Pinnacle Grill Strip Loin Steak

$20.00

baked potato, creamed spinach

Featured - By Global Fresh Fish Ambassador Chef Morimoto

Crispy Fried Market Whole Fresh Fish

$25.00

sweet tamarind chili sauce

Yuzu Butter Grilled Lobster Tails

$25.00

seasonal Asian greens

Desserts

Caribbean Bread Pudding

warm rum vanilla sauce

Dulce de Leche Cheesecake

coconut meringue

Caribbean Dark Chocolate Cake

spiced rum, whipped cream

Orange-Lime Panna Cotta

vanilla sauce

Artisan Cheese Selection

Cookies & Cream Sundae

vanilla ice cream, chocolate cake crumbs, Oreo cookies

Ice Cream of the Day

Cappuccino

$3.75

Espresso

$2.75

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As for me, I made one final stop at Canaletto, the ship’s Italian restaurant that continues to be one of the best values onboard at $25 per person plus 18%… and half off for 4+ Star Mariners, which makes it even better.

Canaletto

Canaletto keeps things simple in the best Italian way, with handmade pasta prepared fresh each day and a menu built around rich, comforting flavors. It’s a warm, relaxed spot where sharing good food and lingering a little longer at the table just feels natural.

Available on: Eurodam, Koningsdam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Nieuw Statendam, Noordam, Oosterdam, Rotterdam, Volendam, Westerdam, Zaandam, Zuiderdam

Small Plates

Antipasti Plate

Prosciutto di Parma, Finocchiona salami, truffle salami, Parmigiano-Reggiano, Sicilian olives

Burrata

plum tomato salad, pistachio-garlic gremolata, extra virgin olive oil

Canaletto Salad

mixed lettuce, roasted beets, candied walnuts, Gorgonzola, balsamic reduction

Grilled Tiger Shrimp

salsa verde, fennel, lemon-herb grattato

Veal and Sage Meatballs

glazed cipollini onions, rustic tomato sauce

Housemade Pastas & Entrées

Spaghetti with Shrimp and Clams

spaghetti, chili, shrimp, clams, garlic

Casarecce Pesto Genovese

roasted almonds, semi-dried cherry tomato, Parmesan

Italian Sausage Paccherì

tomato, chili, black olives, pecorino Romano cheese

Mussel, Scallop and Calamari Trenette

seafood tomato reduction, lemon, anchovy-herb crumb

Veal Scaloppine

marsala reduction, vincotto cipollini, spinach, potato-parmesan corn cake

Broiled Lobster Tails

spaghetti with garlic and olive oil, asparagus, warm crab mayonnaise - $19 supplement

Herb & Parmesan-Crusted Chicken Breast

haricot verts, fresh mozzarella, basil roasted potatoes, crispy zucchini

Chianti-Braised Beef Short Rib

shallots, onion, roasted butternut squash, vincotto

Grilled Scampi

almond cream, baby spinach, roasted bell peppers

Seared Mediterranean Sea Bass

fava bean purée, fresh ricotta, roasted vegetables, romesco

Desserts

Tiramisu

mascarpone, espresso, chocolate

Baked Lemon Ricotta Cheesecake

mixed berries, Galliano syrup, whipped cream

Chocolate Hazelnut Tart

Nutella, chocolate sauce

Affogato

malaga gelato, espresso, lemon zest

Gelato

malaga, pistachio or bacio

Coffee

solo espresso, solo cappuccino

Cocktails

Aperol Spritz

$12.00

Aperol, prosecco

Canaletto Bellini

$13.00

choice of peach, strawberry or passion fruit purée

Negroni

$12.00

Campari, sweet vermouth, gin

Spumoni

$12.00

De Lijn gin, Campari, grapefruit, tonic water

Tuscan Lemon Drop

$13.00

Stoli Citrus vodka, limoncello, fresh lemon juice, rosemary

Canaletto Pairing

Canaletto Pairing

$23.00

Aperol Spritz, Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio, Coppo Barbera d'Asti, Limoncello

Wine - White

Elena Walch Gewürztraminer

$58.00

Italy

Frescobaldi Pian di Remole Bianco

$44.00

Italy

Feudi di San Gregorio Greco di Tufo

$54.00

Italy

Wine - Red

Frescobaldi di Nipozzano Chianti Riserva

$75.00

Italy

Allegrini Palazzo Della Torre

$60.00

Italy

Zeni Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico

$78.00

Italy

Frescobaldi Castelgiocondo Brunello di Montalcino

$135.00

Italy

Digestivo

Grappa di Alexander

$10.00

Limoncello

$10.00

Sambuca

$10.00

Disaronno Amaretto

$10.50

Frangelico

$11.00

Beer

Peroni

$7.75

Amstel Light

$7.75

Stella Artois

$7.75

Corona

$7.75

⬇ Download PDF

🖼️ Menu Images

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I kicked things off with the Canaletto salad, a really nice mix of greens, roasted beets, walnuts, and gorgonzola.

I went right back to the Italian sausage paccheri pasta, which has quickly become my go-to dish here. I’ve had it multiple times this cruise and it hasn’t missed once. Rich, flavorful, and exactly what you want from a good Italian dish.

Dinner, once again, was excellent. Service was on point, everything came out as expected, and it’s just one of those places that consistently delivers.

Dessert?

Not happening.

After the earlier Cake Me Away situation, there was absolutely no room left for anything else. Not even a bite.

When I got back to the room, though, reality hit.

Sitting there on the bed was the dreaded disembarkation packet… luggage tags, instructions, timelines… basically an eviction notice.

After three weeks onboard Rotterdam, seeing that sitting there is a pretty harsh reminder that this ride is coming to an end.

One more stop at Half Moon Cay tomorrow before it’s back to reality.

In tomorrow’s report, why comments matter and how they can backfire (with a real example that I’ve been flustered with for DAYS), as well as the overall rating for this 9-day segment.

More then, and as always, thanks for following along.

Daily Schedule

Personal Day-By-Day Rotterdam Cruise Review: