Holland America Line enhances entertainment offering

Tuesday, Jul 29, 2025 0

Holland America Line has unveiled a series of enhancements to its entertainment experience.

The updates include additional live music, revitalised World Stage productions, immersive cultural events and a new entertainment team structure. The programming is currently available on six ships in the fleet, with more to follow by the end of the year.

On Nieuw Statendam, Zaandam, Zuiderdam, Volendam, Nieuw Amsterdam and Eurodam, classical music has returned with the debut of Vivace, a new string duo or trio, across all itineraries. The line is also launching The Dam Band, a live band accompanying both production shows and guest entertainers on the World Stage.

The ships now offer non-stop entertainment every night of a cruise, with expanded show schedules on the World Stage and refreshed set lists across all live music venues. In addition, cabaret performances and more live music will take place in the Crow’s Nest, Lido Pool and Ocean Bar.

Additionally, a new regional soloist programme has been introduced fleetwide, featuring music including folk guitar in Alaska, steel drum in the Caribbean and mariachi music in Mexico. On cruises to Canada and New England on Volendam and Zuiderdam, Breton Thunder returns in an expanded capacity with shows on World Stage and pop-up performances around the ship.

All enhancements will roll out across Holland America’s 11 ships throughout 2025.

Furthermore, a new entertainment and enrichment team is being introduced across the fleet. By August 1, 2025, more than half of the ships will feature a refreshed take on the Cruise Director role. The Cruise Director will serve as the host of the voyage, supported by an Assistant Cruise Director and an entertainment team. Guests can expect a lively onboard atmosphere with hands-on classes, cooking demonstrations, tastings, game shows and themed parties.

Later this year, Travel Guides will be reintroduced, offering destination talks on the World Stage, hosting Q&A sessions and providing insights for each port. In addition, an expanded Activities Crew will lead events such as trivia and game shows, cooking demonstrations and art classes. The full team will be in place fleetwide by the end of 2025.

In June, Eurodam debuted a new show called ‘Welcome Aboard’. The show takes place on the first night of each sailing and delivers a preview of what’s to come on the voyage – from stage productions and live music to port talks, Up Close presentations and the Orange Party. ‘Welcome Aboard’ is expected to appear on all ships by summer 2026.

On Volendam, Zaandam and Nieuw Amsterdam, a series of shows that previously made their debut on the 2025 Grand Voyages will be on offer. These comprise:

* Curtain Up: Audiences will embark on a musical journey from Broadway to London’s West End, featuring numbers from hit musicals like ‘Jersey Boys’, ‘West Side Story’, ‘Hairspray’ and ‘Chicago’.
* Dance!: Guests will experience the universal language of dance in a showcase celebrating choreography from around the world. Styles such as Tango, Charleston, Rumba and Cha-Cha are highlighted in the performance.

* Rock Britannia: This show celebrates the music that shaped an era and put British rock on the global map. Audiences can enjoy a showcase of the greatest hits from the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s, featuring songs from Rod Stewart, Dame Shirley Bassey, the Kinks, the Rolling Stones and John Lennon.

* Solid Gold: A trip back to the ’70s, with hit songs from artists including the Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, Elton John and Donna Summer.

* Crossroads: This show features hits from country and folk legends like Dolly Parton, Neil Diamond, Glen Campbell and Johnny Cash.

* It’s A Swing Thing: Audiences will step back in time with classic songs including “Dancin’ Fool”, “Beyond the Sea”, “The Lady Is a Tramp” and “Feeling Good”.

Michael Smith, senior vice president of guest experience and product development for Holland America Line, said: “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. It’s all about enriching the journey and creating unforgettable experiences for our guests, no matter where they sail.”