Live Music That Puts You in the Picture
Live music is the crown jewel in Holland America’s retooled entertainment. Visitors have demanded more punch, more variety, a more local flavor — and the cruise company is rising to the occasion. On some ships, you will now find:
Vivace: A beautiful string duo or trio playing classic arrangements on every cruise.
The Dam Band: A live band adding a rock-and-roll beat to nightly performances.
Surprise Performances: Unscheduled cabaret performances and impromptu shows at the Crow’s Nest and Lido Pool.
The cruise line will also bring reginally-inspired soloists on each sailing. Think of folk guitar riffs in Alaska and colorful steel pan rhythms in the Caribbean, or the upbeat tunes of mariachi in Mexico. These real-life sounds will enhance the cruise experience and help link guests to the destinations they are visiting.
Entertainment Evolution Across the Fleet
Currently being deployed on ships such as Nieuw Statendam, Zaandam and Zuiderdam, these upgrades are just a taste of what’s to come. Holland America will take new live music, varied performances to fleet by 2025 And this is only the beginning of an entirely new phenomenon for the cruise line’s entertainment evolution.
The Cruise Director Reimagined
The office of the Cruise Director is changing as well. August 2025 will see more immersive and dynamic Cruise Directors take the wheel on over half the ships. This enhanced position will see Cruide Directors at the heart of the guest journey and will take the lead with high-energy performances, interactive shows and hands-on engagement with onboard experiences.
Interactive Classes: Explore cooking shows and game shows, these interactive offerings will be loaded with the Cruise Director’s personality.
Themed Parties & Tastings Through the night, the ship comes alive with theme parties, culinary tastings and trivia, led by the always-amusing Cruise Director and his/her entertainment team.
Welcome Aboard! A New Show
“Welcome Aboard”, a brand new show, will set the stage for a truly memorable first night at sea onboard Eurodam. Guests get a taste of the entertainment options that will be available along the voyage date throughout the rest of their cruise with this high-energy show. The program showcases live music, dance performances and immersive cultural experiences that will take place throughout the journey.
Themed Events: Guests will be wowed from the first moment of embarkation to the final event with extravagant stage shows and informative port talks that provide invaluable insight into the voyage ahead.
First Night Fun: The first night is all about kicking off a memorable journey.
This new show will be progressively introduced across the fleet through 2025, so everyone has the chance to start their vacation with a splash!
Signature Shows That Deliver the Magic
Grand Voyages with Holland America Line are coming back featuring an exciting mix of top headliner entertainers. These shows were intended to entertain audiences while at the same time creating some of the nostalgia, energy and artistry of burlesque. Popular shows include:
Signature Shows That Bring The Magic
Dance A worldwide dance extravaganza with reimagined favorites from Tango to Rumba to Cha Cha.
Rock Britannia: A salute to British rock hits of the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s featuring music from bands such as the Rolling Stones and Rod Stewart.
Solid Gold: A time machine to the ‘70s with hits from Fleetwood Mac and Elton John.
Crossroads: This thrilling expedition through country, folk and roots music features such legends as Johnny Cash and Dolly Parton.
It’s A Swing Thing: A musical tribute to classic swing, featuring classic songs “Feeling Good” and “Beyond the Sea.”
These are just a tantalising taste of what visitors can expect on the day. There’s a little something for everyone, whether you’re a Broadway buff or a rock music fan.
Discover the Destination with Local Insight
Holland America Line isn’t just about onboard entertainment – it’s part of an all-round desire to help you embrace the world you travel in. Beginning this year, the cruise line is bringing back Travel Guides who’ll offer insider tips on any port visit.
Destination Talks –Discover the history, culture and key attractions of each port of call without leaving World Stage.
Question and Answer Sessions: Get personal advice and recommendations for every port of call on your cruise.
The Travel Guides will also facilitate workshops and talks offering guests a more enriching experience of the regions they visit.
Expanding the Activities Crew
Also new is a larger Activities Crew in addition to the Cruise Director and Travel Guides. This broader team will offer a range of events from trivia and cooking demos to art classes and game shows. The Activities Crew are all about making sure your time onboard is non-stop fun!
Elevating Your Alaska Experience
On Alaska sailings, the experience becomes educational and motivational. Holland America is providing one-of-a-kind onboard opportunities with wildlife experts and National Park Service rangers. Visitors will have the opportunity to spot wildlife and discover the magic of Glacier Bay National Park during this live narration and interpretation.
Tags: Alaska sailings, Live music cruise, Holland America Line
