Holland America Overhauls Entertainment: More Live Music, New Shows and Revamped Teams
Holland America Line is shaking up its onboard entertainment. The cruise line announced a major entertainment overhaul rolling out across the fleet through next year. Expect more live music, refreshed stage shows, culturally inspired performers, and a more dynamic onboard team.
More Live Music Across the Fleet
Guests sailing on ships like Nieuw Statendam, Zaandam, Zuiderdam, Volendam, Nieuw Amsterdam, and Eurodam are already seeing changes. Classical music is back with Vivace, a new string duo or trio performing fleetwide.
The new “Dam Band” is debuting as well—backing both production shows and guest entertainers in the World Stage theater. Shows have expanded, setlists are refreshed, and venues like the Crow’s Nest, Lido Pool, and Ocean Bar now feature pop-up music acts nightly.
Culturally Inspired Entertainment at Sea
A new soloist program is bringing regionally inspired performances onboard. Think folk guitar in Alaska, steel pan in the Caribbean, and mariachi in Mexico.
For sailings to Canada and New England, Volendam and Zuiderdam feature an expanded presence of Breton Thunder, offering full World Stage performances along with surprise pop-ups around the ship.
New Energy from the Entertainment Team
Holland America is also rethinking its entertainment leadership. The Cruise Director role is getting a refresh—becoming a more visible, high-energy host for the entire voyage. Backed by an Assistant Cruise Director and a new team, they’ll lead interactive experiences including tastings, game shows, cooking demos, art classes, and themed parties.
By the end of 2025, every ship will also feature dedicated Travel Guides. These hosts will offer World Stage destination talks, lead Q&A sessions, and help guests get more from each port. Meanwhile, the expanded Activities Crew will run everything from trivia to hands-on workshops.
New ‘Welcome Aboard’ Show Sets the Tone
Eurodam debuted a new kickoff show in June titled Welcome Aboard. Held on the first night of each cruise, it previews the week ahead—highlighting entertainment, enrichment experiences, and parties like the Orange Party. The high-energy format is being rolled out fleetwide, with all ships expected to feature it by summer 2026.
Popular Shows from the Grand Voyages Return
Some crowd favorites from the 2025 Grand Voyages are coming back by popular demand. These include:
- Curtain Up – Musical hits from Jersey Boys, Hairspray, Chicago, and more.
- Dance! – A celebration of global dance styles, including Tango and Charleston.
- Rock Britannia – British rock classics from the ’60s to the ’80s.
- Solid Gold – A throwback to the best of the ‘70s, featuring Donna Summer and Elton John.
- Crossroads – A soulful blend of country and folk with hits from Dolly Parton and Johnny Cash.
- It’s A Swing Thing – Big band swing meets timeless crooner vibes.
Ongoing Favorites Still in the Mix
Guests can still enjoy nightly music at Billboard Onboard, Rolling Stone Lounge, and B.B. King’s Blues Club on Pinnacle-class ships. Onboard enrichment continues too, with Up Close presentations and live port briefings that help guests connect with each destination.
In Alaska, the experience goes even deeper. Wildlife experts assist with animal spotting, and National Park Service rangers join select sailings to guide guests through Glacier Bay with real-time commentary.
Photos courtesy of Holland America Line
