When it comes to cruise ship dining, there’s no shortage of food, which explains why we usually gain a few extra pounds after a week at sea.
From breakfast in the dining room or on your verandah, to lunch at the lido or poolside, to dinner in the ship’s main dining room or one of the speciality restaurants on board, food is one of the highlights of a crusie vacation.
With each new ship, cruise lines are stepping up their game with onboard dining venues. Whether it be increasing the number of for-fee specialty venues, re-tooling menus, or introducing new concepts, there is one thing that remains a constant.
The steakhouse.
Royal Caribbean ships have Chop’s Grille. Carnival has the Steakhouse. Regent Seven Seas has Prime 7. Oceania has the Polo Grill. Princess has either the Crown Grill or Sterling Steakhouse.. and the list goes on.
Today we’re going to take a culinary tour of the Pinnacle Grill – the for-free steakhouse which is available on all Holland America Line cruise ships. Having sailed on many HAL ships, I can say that the service, food quality and consistency of the experience from ship-to-ship is something they should be proud of.
Dinner in the Pinnacle Grill is one of my recommended “musts” if you’re taking a Holland America cruise. It’s a nice break from the main dining room, service isn’t rushed and you’re in an intimate setting that’s perfect for dinner for two or for a group.
I’m going to be totally honest with you. When I’m on a Holland America Line ship, I’ll eat one night in the main dining room and one night in Canaletto (the Italian restaurant on select ships). The rest of the time I will have dinner in the Pinnacle Grill.
The menu features a variety of cuts of beef such as the filet mignon, New York strip, Porterhouse and ribeye, as well seafood such as salmon or shrimp, a chicken or pork entree and usually lamb. If you have a vegetarian joining you, there is usually a dish or two on the menu that they can enjoy as well – just ask beforehand when making reservations.
What does an evening in the Pinnacle Grill involve?
You will need to make a reservation for dinner either ahead of time or while you’re onboard. I recommend stopping by the Pinnacle Bar before dinner for a glass of wine then head to the restaurant to start off your evening.
Once seated, you will be introduced to your server, the sommelier, and the assistant server. All will assist you throughout the evening and will do their best to make your dining experience spectacular.
Being in a steakhouse, your server will explain the different cuts of meat available and will make his/her recommendations. The sommelier will be happy to pair a glass or bottle of wine with what you ordered and will certainly recommend what he/she feels is the best choice to compliment your meal.
Before your appetizers start to arrive, you’ll be presented with a starter compliments of the chef. Some of these may include an elegantly prepared scallop:
A Mushroom Cappuccino:
Or a Mushroom Ravioli:
There are several different appetizers to choose from at The Pinnacle Grill on Holland America ships. Some of these include a classic shrimp cocktail:
A steak tartare if you’re a fan. I am and it’s always delicious!
Or have some crabcakes:
If you’re looking for something a little lighter, a classic Caesar Salad is available as well as one of my personal favorites, the Beefsteak Tomato salad:
Then there’s the Lobster Bisque. Always a favorite in the Pinnacle Grill.
The entrees are where the Pinnacle Grill shines. There are several different cuts of beef to choose from including a 10oz filet mignon:
Of course, a favorite cut – the New York Strip is available:
A huge Porterhouse if you’re in the mood for some serious steak!
For something with a little more flavor, the bone-in ribeye in the Pinnacle Grill is always a hit:
If you’re not in the mood for beef, there are other options including the double-cut pork chop:
Roasted chicken:
Or, if you’re in the mood for some lamb, try the Lamb Chops:
No dinner in the Pinnacle Grill on Holland America Line is complete without dessert. One of the top picks include the “Not So” Baked Alaska:
Or just some simple ice cream to end the evening.
Whether you choose to order dessert or not, your server will bring over some sweet indulgences to crave your sweet tooth.
Out of all the Holland America Line ships I’ve been on, I’ve never, ever had a bad dinner in the Pinnacle Grill and can’t remember of any complaints either! Of course, you can read the reviews of all my HAL cruises on my cruise review page – yeah, shameless plug!
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that one night of your cruise, the Pinnacle Grill is transformed into the legendary Le Cirque restaurant from New York City. Everything – including the china – is swapped out for an evening of food and wine straight off the menu of the NYC hot spot that has attracted celebrities from all over the world and won numerous awards.
Next time I’ll take you through an “Evening at Le Cirque” and show you some of the incredible food from another Holland America “must do.”
Have you eaten at the Pinnacle Grill onboard? If so, share your thoughts and comments below. I’d love to hear what you think.