Holland America Line Unveils Koningstafel: A Chef’s Table Fit for Royalty
A six-course culinary theater experience blending tradition, innovation, and the magic of dining at sea.
For those of us who live for the quiet thrill of slipping behind the “crew only” door and into the humming heart of a ship’s galley, Holland America Line’s new Koningstafel experience feels like a love letter to the cruise line’s culinary soul.
Dutch for “King’s Table,” Koningstafel is not just another chef’s table — it’s a regal reinvention. This new, immersive six-course dining event debuted aboard Oosterdam in July and is set to expand to Westerdam, Zaandam, and Volendam this fall, with the remaining fleet following by spring 2026. Available exclusively on sailings of 14 days or longer, the $149-per-person (plus gratuities) evening combines exclusive galley access, chef-led storytelling, and a menu designed to impress even the most seasoned gourmands at sea.
A Night That Starts with a Crown
The evening begins in Ocean Bar, where guests are welcomed with cocktails as polished as the service — including the whimsically titled “You Should See Me In A Crown”, crafted with Holland America’s own De Lijn Gin. As a longtime fan of the line’s destination inspired bar program, I can say this is where the tone of the night quietly shifts: the drinks are an overture, and the curtain is about to rise.
Behind the Scenes with the Executive Chef
Next comes the moment every chef’s table devotee craves — stepping into the galley during the dinner rush. Here, the ship’s executive chef leads guests past gleaming prep stations, fragrant sauce pans, and the quiet choreography of a team in full service mode. It’s a rare chance to see Holland America’s Made Fresh Daily philosophy in motion — dishes crafted from scratch with local ingredients and sustainably sourced seafood from over 60 ports worldwide.
Six Courses of Dutch Elegance and Culinary Theater
Dinner unfolds at a beautifully dressed table in the main Dining Room, where the décor has been elevated with floral accents and a touch of royal formality. Each course arrives with the chef’s own introduction and is paired with curated wines. Highlights include:
- Asian Wagyu Steak Tartare with soy-mirin egg yolk, nashi pear, and a tempura shiso leaf — a delicate balance of richness and crunch.
- Butter Poached Lobster Tail with lemongrass coconut, served alongside a smoked Champagne cocktail that’s as much a visual flourish as a flavor pairing.
- Herb Roasted Lamb Loin with a pistachio crust and lamb jus poured tableside, a dish that captures the line’s flair for tableside drama.
- A Honey Crémieux Finale layered with lemon curd, bergamot gel, honeycomb, and lavender honey — a dessert that feels like springtime on a spoon.
A vegetarian menu is also available, and it’s worth noting that the wine pairings are chosen with care — not simply an afterthought, but part of the experience’s storytelling.
A Broader Culinary Horizon
Koningstafel is just the beginning. Holland America is rolling out additional themed dining events on longer voyages, including a Rijsttafel Dinner in Tamarind, a Tiki Dinner in Pinnacle Grill complete with souvenir mugs, and an Indian Pop-Up Menu debuting on Legendary Voyages. For a line already known for some of the best cuisine at sea, these moves suggest a renewed focus on variety, authenticity, and culinary playfulness.
If you’ve ever savored a chef’s table experience and wished it lingered just a little longer, Koningstafel might just be your crown jewel at sea.
