Guests aboard Holland America Line ships can expect a revamped entertainment experience with more live music, new shows, and enhanced cultural activities. This initiative is part of an evolution rolling out across the fleet through next year.
“Our live music is second to none, and guests have asked for more, so we’re delivering on this with higher energy, more authentic local music and more variety in entertainment on every sailing,” said Michael Smith, senior vice president of guest experience and product development for Holland America Line.
Passengers on Nieuw Statendam, Zaandam, Zuiderdam, Volendam, Nieuw Amsterdam, and Eurodam are already enjoying classical music with Vivace, a new string duo or trio. The Dam Band has also been introduced to accompany shows and entertainers. These ships now offer continuous nightly entertainment including expanded World Stage show schedules.
A regional soloist program introduces culturally inspired performances specific to each itinerary. Folk guitar is featured in Alaska, steel pan in the Caribbean, and mariachi music in Mexico. Breton Thunder returns to cruises in Canada and New England on Volendam and Zuiderdam.
A new entertainment team structure enhances the onboard experience with a revitalized Cruise Director role by August 1. The Cruise Director will be supported by an Assistant Cruise Director and an entertainment team providing classes, cooking demonstrations, tastings, game shows, and themed parties.
Travel Guides will be reintroduced later in the year offering destination talks and personalized insights. An expanded Activities Crew will lead trivia gameshows among other activities. The full team will be operational fleetwide by the end of 2025.
Eurodam debuted a “Welcome Aboard” show in June offering guests a preview of entertainment experiences available throughout their cruise. This high-energy show will roll out across all ships by summer 2026.
Volendam, Zaandam and Nieuw Amsterdam bring back popular Grand Voyages shows including “Curtain Up,” “Dance!,” “Rock Britannia,” “Solid Gold,” “Crossroads,” and “It’s A Swing Thing.”
These enhancements reflect Holland America Line’s commitment to enriching guest experiences at sea with continuous live music offerings at Billboard Onboard, Rolling Stone Lounge, B.B. King’s Blues Club as well as engaging presentations that highlight local culture during port visits.
