Holland America Enhances Fleetwide Experience with New Live Music Entertainment Program

Holland America Line is undergoing a significant revamp of its entertainment offerings across its fleet, with changes being implemented on six ships and the plan to roll out enhancements to the entire fleet by early 2026. This update includes new live music venues, revamped World Stage shows, culturally immersive programs, and a restructured entertainment team.

Onboard ships such as Nieuw Statendam, Zaandam, Zuiderdam, Volendam, Nieuw Amsterdam, and Eurodam, a classical ensemble called Vivace—consisting of a string duo or trio—has been introduced. This initiative marks a revival of classical music on these vessels. The Dam Band will now provide support for World Stage shows and guest entertainers, ensuring a lineup of continuous evening entertainment. Venues like the Crow’s Nest, Lido Pool, and Ocean Bar will host surprise cabaret acts and diverse musical programs, all included in the cruise experience at no extra cost.

Additionally, a new program for regional soloists will feature performances that reflect the local culture of each cruise’s itinerary—such as folk guitar in Alaska, steel-pan music in the Caribbean, and mariachi in Mexico. On cruises to Canada and New England, the Celtic group Breton Thunder will perform throughout the ship and on the World Stage.

A revamped entertainment leadership structure will come into effect with over half the fleet receiving a new Cruise Director role supported by an Assistant Cruise Director and an enhanced entertainment team. They will engage guests through activities like cooking demonstrations, thematic parties, game shows, and more. The return of Travel Guides later in 2025 will provide Port Talks and Q&A sessions, complemented by an expanded Activities Crew leading various classes and presentations.

In June, Eurodam launched a new Welcome Aboard show on the first night of cruises, showcasing the available entertainment and enrichment events such as the Orange Party, which will be rolled out fleetwide by summer 2026.

Recent World Stage shows such as Curtain Up, Dance!, Rock Britannia, Solid Gold, Crossroads, and It’s A Swing Thing have been reinstated aboard Volendam, Zaandam, and Nieuw Amsterdam due to popular demand.

On Alaska voyages, wildlife experts will accompany guests to enhance animal sightings, while National Park Service rangers will narrate during navigations in Glacier Bay National Park. Key venues like Billboard Onboard, Rolling Stone Lounge, and B.B. King’s Blues Club will continue to feature live music, supported by enriched cultural programming and storytelling tied to various destinations.

Set sail on a voyage of discovery with CruiseShip.net – your ultimate destination for all things cruising! Explore the latest news, insightful reviews, and thrilling cruising adventures from around the globe. Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or a first-time traveler, CruiseShip.net is your go-to source for expert advice, insider tips, and inspiring stories to fuel your wanderlust. Embark on a journey like no other with CruiseShip.net – where every wave brings new excitement and endless possibilities on the high seas.