Fine dining -- complete with Rosenthal china, starched linens, silver and fresh flowers -- has always been the rule on the ships of Holland America Line.

Holland America's chefs, trained in world-famous restaurants, all are members of the prestigious Confrerie de la Chaine des Rotisseurs gourmet society. Meals on board Holland America ships feature a blend of modern Continental cuisine, regional specialties appropriate to each cruising area, and traditional favorites.

Holland America has introduced new dining selections to its on-board menus, including more than 50 Signature Cuisine dishes, developed by the company's Corporate Executive Chef Reiner Greubel, a master chef. Not only are guests offered complete breakfasts, lunches and six-course dinners, but they also can enjoy mid-morning iced tea (Caribbean) or hot chocolate (Alaska) on deck; afternoon tea (one of which will be a Dutch high tea); a free ice cream bar featuring all the trimmings to make your own sundaes; complimentary hot hors d'oeuvres during the cocktail hour; after-dinner espresso or cappuccino in the Explorers Lounge; and the traditional late-night buffet (one of which will be a Dessert Extravaganza). In addition, room service is available 24 hours a day, free of charge. Other special features are a Dutch dinner and an Indonesian lunch.

The hours for first sitting for dinner are 5:45 p.m. on Alaska cruises; 6 p.m. on Caribbean cruises. Second sitting hours are 8 p.m. on Alaska cruises; 8:15 p.m. on Caribbean cruises. All Holland America Line ships also offer an alternative, open-seating Lido dinner, featuring a set menu, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. several nights during each cruise, not including formal nights and the last night of the cruise.

Holland America has offered health-conscious alternatives on its menus since the mid-1970s. Guests will find a "Light & Healthy" selection on lunch and dinner menus (including desserts) in the dining room, as well as on the posted Lido buffet menu. Each of these "Light & Healthy" menu items is low in cholesterol and sodium, and prepared with fresh herbs.

The "Light & Healthy" dining options at dinner are part of Holland America's popular, free Passport to Fitness program, which rewards fitness and fun with prizes.

Holland America Line was the first in the cruise industry to introduce a full Lido buffet restaurant on all ships. While many other cruise lines have copied the Lido concept as a casual dining alternative, no other company matches it. And, while some companies cut back on Lido offerings, Holland America offers the same wide menu selection in the Lido as in the dining room. Breakfast features a wide assortment of natural cereals and yogurts; a variety of muffins including oat bran and a new selection of fat-free muffins; cholesterol-free egg substitutes; as well as fresh fruits and berries. And, Holland America maintains its reputation for having the freshest and widest assortment of produce in the cruise industry.

At lunch, the Lido buffet includes an extensive salad bar featuring 20 to 30 fresh items, along with a wide selection of low-calorie or light dressings. Cholesterol-free mayonnaise and condiments are offered. Freshly carved meats, seafood, lean beef and poultry are available.

The Lido features both an indoor, air-conditioned, restaurant and portable buffet bars outside on the deck, offering some healthy choices among its make-it-yourself deli sandwiches, pasta dishes, Italian salads and entrees, or Mexican foods including tacos, nachos and fajitas. Oriental stirfrys featuring Chinese and Thai cuisine also are offered, as well as hamburgers, sandwiches and gourmet sausages.

Holland America continues to be responsive to special dietary needs. A Kosher menu is available. Foods for those on other special diets - including low sodium, low cholesterol, low fat, and vegetarian - also are available, as are sugar-free desserts. The line will provide a full line of Gerber baby food products. Guests are advised to make special dietary requests in advance through their travel agents at the time of booking.

Holland America continually updates its Lido and dining room menu selections to reflect the changing diet preferences.

The cruise line offers more fish selections than it did a decade ago. In 1985, only 10 percent of the guests chose fish courses for their entrees. Now, almost 40 percent of Holland America guests in the Caribbean are opting for fish, while on Alaska cruises it averages 50 percent. Another 10 percent in both the Caribbean and Alaska choose the poultry selections. Consumption figures for an average seven-day cruise: