Pinnacle Gala Dining Experience

[The-Inside-Cabin]

Here is an update with more detail and a video about our Pinnacle Gala Experience on a Vista Class Ship.   I understand that the experience on Pinnacle Class ships may be slightly different.    Please share your experience so others can judge for themselves before they plunk down $142 pp.  It was worth it to us, but as always, YMMV.   Pinnacle Gala (Post #21) By The Inside Cabin on May 26, 2022 11:00 pm Click "Show More Posts" to show all the links to the other posts for the 2022 South Pacific Cruise   We had a wonderful time at the Pinnacle Gala – a special dining event that is offered on cruises longer than 10 days.   Cruise Map Itinerary, Menus, When & Where and Featured Entertainer Cruise Reference   The Pinnacle Gala features a 6-course menu, with wine pairings, designed by Chef Kristen Kish (winner of Season 10 Top Chef).   We booked this dinner before we left San Diego and it was held the March 25th, the same day we were in Hapatoni, Tahuata.    We had a wonderful time and you can read about the details below.  Here is a video with more details:     You can download the menu HERE. Here is a list of the courses: FRIED STEAM BUN WITH CAVIAR (salmon tartar, apple, fennel) TEMPURA SQUASH SALAD (hazelnut, pomegranate vinaigrette, petite greens) HALIBUT WITH LOBSTER (pancetta, ham hock broth, radish, peas) CUCUMBER GRANITÉ (poached tomato, basil) BEEF TENDERLOIN (creamy barley, black truffle, root vegetable) ORANGE CREAMSICLE FLOAT (w/chocolate shortbread) Wine: NINO FRANCO VALDOBBIADENE PROSECCO SUPERIORE BRUT (Veneto, Italy) LABOURE-ROI CHABLIS 1ER CRU (Burgundy, France) BERINGER CABERNET SAUVIGNON KNIGHTS VALLEY (Sonoma County, California)   While the word “Gala” appears in the title, this will not normally be held on a Gala night.  However, the invitation you receive makes it clear that Gala attire is expected.  There were 21 couples for our dinner.  Five of the men wore tuxedos with the rest in suits or sports jackets with ties.     The Pinnacle Gala was advertised before the cruise started and you could reserve a table in advance.  As with everything you buy pre-cruise, you pay immediately.  You could wait and book this dinner once the cruise starts to avoid an advance payment, but then you would risk finding it sold out.  As is the case with all special event dinners, e.g. The Cellar Master, etc., there isn’t any Mariner discount.  The price is $120 per person with an automatic 18% gratuity included making the total $142.  The prepurchase price is listed as $142 and it’s not clear that this includes the gratuity, but it does.   This is the listing for the Pinnacle Gala on the HAL website    The HAL website states that the event starts at 5:30, but the invitation asked us to meet at the Ocean Bar (Vista-class ships) at 6 PM.  On Pinnacle-class ships, we heard that you meet in the BB King Lounge for pre-dinner cocktails and dancing. Outside the Ocean bar was a large poster advertising the event which led to a red carpet going into the port side of the Ocean Bar (the side with the dance floor).  We were welcomed by the ship’s staff, who had the attendance list on a clipboard along with our security photos so they could easily address us without having to ask our names. Inside the Ocean Bar, we joined another couple and enjoyed a Ritz Cocktail along with some appetizers while enjoying live piano music and some pleasant conversation.   42 Guests assembled in the Ocean Bar for pre-dinner cocktails and appetizers.   We enjoyed Ritz Cocktails in the Ocean Bar – (Cointreau, Fresh lemon juice, Maraschino Liquer, Cognac, and Champagne)   A variety of appetizers were available.     After 30 minutes they announced it was time to head to the Pinnacle Grill.  Each couple was escorted down the stairs or elevator to their preassigned table.  A few couples asked if they could be seated at the same table as the people they just met in the Ocean Bar.  This was not possible as every table was already assigned.  Couples dining alone were not seated with other passengers.  If you want to be seated with a group, be sure to arrange this in advance as it probably won’t be possible once the dinner starts.   There weren’t any officers or anyone other than paying guests in attendance.   The evening started with Danan, The Pinnacle Grill Manager, welcoming us to the Pinnacle Gala and wishing us a pleasant evening. Our 1st course, Fried Steam Buns with Caviar, was served with an Italian Sparkling wine, Nino Franco Prosecco di Valdobbiadene Superiore Brut.  The Fried Steam Buns were crispy, served in a large bowl, and topped with caviar.  They were very good.   Fried Steam Buns with Caviar    Tempura squash salad was our 2ndcourse.  We enjoy tempura-coated vegetables and these were light and crispy with a nice presentation. Tempura Squash Salad  Our first main, and 3rd, course – Halibut with lobster was moist and flaky.  Outstanding.  This course was paired with a nice Burgundy Chablis. Halibut With Lobster  Cucumber Granité was our palate-cleansing 4th course.  It was served with a spicy poached tomato. Cucumber Granité    The second main, and 5th course, was Beef Tenderloin served with root vegetables, truffles, and barley.  The beef was prepared medium, light pink interior, which we prefer, but we weren’t asked in advance if that was our preference.  This course was paired with a Cabernet Sauvignon from California.   Beef Tenderloin and Root Vegetables    Our 6th and final course was dessert – an orange creamsicle float served with a homemade marshmallow and a chocolate shortbread swirl.  The creamsicle float was orange sorbet served with club soda. Orange Creamsicle Float    After dessert, we enjoyed a Cappuccino and hot tea. Danan closed the evening by thanking us for coming and announced that the ship’s photographers were standing by to take a complimentary photograph as we departed.  From arriving in the Ocean Bar to when we left the Pinnacle Grill, the entire evening took about 3 hours.  There wasn’t any presentation or announcement during the dinner.  There were only the brief opening and closing remarks.   This is the complementary photo taken after dinner    We enjoyed our evening and thought that the price, while expensive, delivered an excellent meal and wonderful service.  On our next cruise, we plan to attend the Pinnacle Gala if offered.     The post Pinnacle Gala (Post #21)appeared first on The Inside Cabin - Exploring the world from the inside cabin.

Edited May 27, 2022 by The-Inside-Cabin

[TonyC1952]

Thanks for your report. I'm sure a lot of folks were wondering about what a Pinnacle Gala night was all about. I'm glad you had a good time! The food sounded delicious!

Edited May 27, 2022 by TonyC1952

[Vict0riann]

We went to the Pinnacle Gala dinner on Eurodam last October - it must have been one of the earlier experiences, and we were not terribly impressed.  US$284 for 2 people for dinner is pretty steep.  Your experience had certainly progressed.  It seems to be still the same menu now (May) and I think we will not do it again, until they change the menu.   (And we didn't get a photo...)

 

I did a few posts about it on my "live from" here - 

 

[Gail & Marty sailing away]

Thanks for sharing ..

[rkacruiser]

Much appreciation for your report!  The special dinners can truly be special!  

[The-Inside-Cabin]

2 hours ago, Vict0riann said:

We went to the Pinnacle Gala dinner on Eurodam last October - it must have been one of the earlier experiences, and we were not terribly impressed.  US$284 for 2 people for dinner is pretty steep.  Your experience had certainly progressed.  It seems to be still the same menu now (May) and I think we will not do it again, until they change the menu.   (And we didn't get a photo...)

 

I did a few posts about it on my "live from" here - 

 

Thanks for the link - interesting to see the different outcomes for the same menu items.....Your "creamsicle" didn't seem very orange - unless they added it in later 

[julia]

Thanks so much for this informative post.  I wasn't aware of this dining experience, and just saw it today on the app. I thought it seemed rather spendy, but your description puts it into perspective.

[The-Inside-Cabin]

59 minutes ago, julia said:

Thanks so much for this informative post.  I wasn't aware of this dining experience, and just saw it today on the app. I thought it seemed rather spendy, but your description puts it into perspective.

It is expensive, especially when one of the people doesn't drink alcohol.   But when I put it in context of the entire cruise cost and the amount of wonderful memories it generated - It was worth it to me.   We plan to do it again on our next cruise.

[Storylady]

@The-Inside-Cabin : Thanks Pete for your incredible commentary. We did the Gala dinner on the  Zuiderdam in January and again in April. Our experience is similar to yours. We aren’t getting any younger so we thought hang the expense, let’s do it. And we were glad we did. Alan and I had a grand time even though we sat by ourselves as we are still cautious about the CV. We were some of the last to leave the dining room.

Edited May 28, 2022 by Storylady

[The-Inside-Cabin]

22 minutes ago, Storylady said:

@The-Inside-Cabin : Thanks Pete for your incredible commentary. We did the Gala dinner on the  Zuiderdam in January and again in April. Our experience is similar to yours. We aren’t getting any younger so we thought hang the expense, let’s do it. And we were glad we did. Alan and I had a grand time even though we sat by ourselves as we are still cautious about the CV. We were some of the last to leave the dining room.

 

23 minutes ago, Storylady said:

@The-Inside-Cabin : Thanks Pete for your incredible commentary. We did the Gala dinner on the  Zuiderdam in January and again in April. Our experience is similar to yours. We aren’t getting any younger so we thought hang the expense, let’s do it. And we were glad we did. Alan and I had a grand time even though we sat by ourselves as we are still cautious about the CV. We were some of the last to leave the dining room.

Great pics!   What ship was the one with the officers?    Did they join in on the dinner or just the pics?

[Storylady]

26 minutes ago, The-Inside-Cabin said:

 

Great pics!   What ship was the one with the officers?    Did they join in on the dinner or just the pics?

Thanks Pete, these were taken on the Zuiderdam in April after we left Santa Barbara. No, the officers didn’t join us for the dinner, but the Restaurant Operations Manager Selcin and Food & Beverage Manager Jonathan were definitely keeping an eye on the staff and the meal. We took photos of the Chef and the Pinnacle Grill Staff clowning around after the meal. We then had one of the staff take the photo of us with Jonathan and Selcin. Then we had the professional photo taken. Lots of the staff came to our table: the Cellar Master Liliana, Sommelier Melissa, Assistant Maitre’d Dadan and naturally the waiters. 

[ski ww]

Thanks for posting looks & sounds like an excellent meal.

[Dunmore2]

We appreciate you sharing your dining  experience with us. Thank you.

[PACD_JG]

I just watched your nice video on YouTube with the family.  All of us said the same thing at the same time:  Everybody's So Old!  😇

 

 

[albingirl]

Well, thank you for posting this information and pictures.  It looks pretty rich, and I'm not just talking about the food.  Very expensive, but you enjoyed it so that's all that matters.  What's up with the poster before me saying everyone is so old?  Did I miss something?  

 

[The-Inside-Cabin]

Here is our post for our Pinnacle Gala a few days ago on the Nieuw Statendam 

 

PINNACLE GALA

The big event for us tonight was the Pinnacle Gala.  This is a special Pinnacle Gala event that is held once per cruise.  The price is $142 with the wine pairing or $94 if you prefer to skip the wine.  These prices include 18% gratuity.

Here is the menu:

A few days prior you can expect a phone call from the Pinnacle Grill staff confirming your reservation, asking about any food allergies, and if you prefer a table for 2 or for sharing.  We requested sharing, but we ended up at a four-top with just the 2 of us – we learned the other couple had to cancel at the last moment.  They also asked if we were celebrating any special events.  My birthday is in a few weeks so I mentioned that – and it was close enough – so we would get a special cake after the Creamcicle desert.

I took this picture around 3pm as they were setting up for the Gala in a few hours

While the Pinnacle Gala never takes place on a Gala or “Dressy” night – the invitation requests you “Dress in your most elegant Gala attire”.  There were 47 guests attending and all the men wore tuxedos or suits except for one in an Aloha shirt.

On our way to the Gala!

The evening starts at 6 pm in the Atrium on Deck 1.  We arrived exactly at 6 pm and were among the last to arrive.  Like most every other dining times on Holland America – if you’re on time you’re late!  I’m not sure when the first people arrived – they were probably lining up at 5:30.

This is the entrance to the Gala – I took this picture on the way up to the Pinnacle. By this time the room was empty as we were the last ones to go up.

Waiters were offering hors d’oeuvres along with Ritz Cocktails.  Other drinks were available on request.  One of the dueling piano entertainers was playing background music on an electric keyboard in the center of the room.

About 10 minutes after 6 pm they started escorting people to the Pinnacle on Deck 2 via the elevator.  Tina, the Pinnacle Grill manager, greeted everyone as they entered and were shown to their tables.

This was our second Pinnacle Gala experience and it followed the script of our first on the Zuiderdam.  Once everyone was seated, Tina welcomed us to the Gala and gave us a brief description of the evening and the Chef that created the menu.

Here is the sequence of events with time hacks.

6:35 pm Fried Steam Buns with Caviar 6:53 pm Tempura Squash Salad 7:22 pm Halibut with Lobster 7:46 pm Cucumber Granité

7:51 pm Tina introduces the Cellar Master

8:19 pm Beef Tenderloin served

8:43 pm Small candy tray served

8:48 pm Orange Creamcicle served

8:56 pm Tina introduces the kitchen crew

9:02 pm finished & leave

The food was outstanding, with nice presentations, at the correct temperature, and tasty.  There was more time between courses than we would have preferred, but otherwise, the service was great.

After dinner, a photo station was set up just outside the Pinnacle doors.  We would get a complimentary 5×7 print in a few days.

Our complimentary photo with our special Birthday Cake

Andrew

[boze9999]

We've done three Pinnacle Galas and ALWAYS sign up before sailing (they sometimes sell out early!). We love the red carpet evening @The-Inside-Cabin!

[The-Inside-Cabin]

Just now, boze9999 said:

We've done three Pinnacle Galas and ALWAYS sign up before sailing (they sometimes sell out early!). We love the red carpet evening @The-Inside-Cabin!

Where were your receptions ?   On the Zuiderdam it was the Ocean Bar.   On the NS it was the deck 1 atrium.   

[boze9999]

5 hours ago, The-Inside-Cabin said:

Where were your receptions ?   On the Zuiderdam it was the Ocean Bar.   On the NS it was the deck 1 atrium.   

On the Rotterdam it was in the BB Kings (amazing) and on the Nieuw Amsterdam it was the Ocean Bar. Having the red carpet entrance to the Pinnacle had everyone watching us enter and wondering "who are those VIPSs"!!

 

 

[scubacruiserx2]

We had these before the Gala dinner on the Nieuw Amsterdam 

 

 

And the orange Creamsicle

 

 

Edited August 21, 2022 by scubacruiserx2

[rkacruiser]

8 hours ago, The-Inside-Cabin said:

Like most every other dining times on Holland America – if you’re on time you’re late!  I’m not sure when the first people arrived – they were probably lining up at 5:30.

 

Isn't that the truth!

 

8 hours ago, The-Inside-Cabin said:

Tina welcomed us to the Gala and gave us a brief description of the evening and the Chef that created the menu.

Here is the sequence of events with time hacks

 

The portion sizes seem reasonable.  In my experience, the portion sizes at these special dinner were appropriate when I was younger.  Not now, however..  I eat a few bites and that's it.  Then, I feel "guilty" about the waste of perfectly good food.  

[0106]

@The-Inside-Cabin I really enjoy all of your posts!

 

I am a pescatarian.  I love good food and this sounds like a great experience. If I tell them beforehand do you think I would still  enjoy the meal.

[boze9999]

They always seem to try to work with special dietary needs. It won't hurt to ask @0106

 

[Storylady]

@The-Inside-Cabin Pete your post of your experience at the Gala Dinner was fantastic. Great photos of the entire meal and wonderful photos of You and Judy. 
 

We loved the portion size and the pace of delivery of each of the dishes. It gave us plenty of time to enjoy each entree. We have done it twice and definitely would do it again. Thanks for sharing!

Edited August 24, 2022 by Storylady