Holland America Enhances Onboard Experience with New Fleetwide Live Music Entertainment Program

Holland America Line is set to enhance its onboard entertainment offerings across its fleet, with updates launched on six ships and more planned by early 2026. The initiative marks a significant overhaul of their programs, featuring expanded live music venues, updated World Stage productions, and culturally immersive activities.

A new musical ensemble, Vivace, which consists of a string duo or trio, will be featured on all itineraries of the line’s ships including Nieuw Statendam, Zaandam, Zuiderdam, Volendam, Nieuw Amsterdam, and Eurodam. The addition signifies the revival of classical music onboard and will continuously support World Stage shows alongside guest entertainers, providing nightly performances at no extra cost.

The revamped programming also includes a regional soloist initiative tailored to each ship’s itinerary, integrating local music styles such as folk guitar in Alaska and mariachi in Mexico. For sailings in Canada and New England, the Celtic group Breton Thunder will have an enhanced presence on both the World Stage and throughout the ship.

A remodel of the entertainment leadership structure is on the way, with a redesigned Cruise Director role and an Auxiliary Cruise Director being implemented across more than half of the fleet starting August 1, 2025. This new leadership team aims to engage guests in hands-on activities, including cooking demonstrations, tastings, and themed parties, to foster a vibrant onboard atmosphere.

Additionally, Eurodam has introduced a new Welcome Aboard show to serve as an energetic preview of the entertainment available during the cruise, scheduled for a fleetwide rollout by summer 2026. World Stage shows from the 2025 Grand Voyages will also make a return by popular demand.

On Alaska sailings, wildlife experts will accompany guests for enhanced animal sightings, with National Park Service rangers providing live narratives while passing through Glacier Bay National Park. Traditional venues onboard like Billboard Onboard and B.B. King’s Blues Club will continue hosting nightly live performances in conjunction with enriched cultural programs.

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