Holland America Line is introducing an evolution to its onboard entertainment experience, which will be rolled out across the fleet between now and next year. The enhancements include more live music, revitalized productions on the main stage (World Stage), immersive cultural programming, and a new, dynamic entertainment team structure. Passengers are already noticing these changes on six ships, with more upgrades planned before the end of the year.
Holland America Line debuts a new "Welcome Aboard" show to kick off each cruise.
“Our live music is second to none, and guests have asked for more, so we’re delivering with higher-energy shows, more authentic local music, and a wider variety of entertainment on every voyage,” said Michael Smith, senior vice president of guest experience and product development for Holland America Line. “It’s all about enriching the journey and creating unforgettable experiences for our passengers, no matter where they sail.”
Passengers aboard the Nieuw Statendam, Zaandam, Zuiderdam, Volendam, Nieuw Amsterdam , and Eurodam are the first to experience the return of classical music with the debut of Vivace, a new string duo or trio featured on all itineraries. The cruise line is also launching The Dam Band, a live band that accompanies both production shows and guest artists on the World Stage. These ships now offer continuous entertainment every night, including extended showtimes on the World Stage and revamped playlists that bring new energy to every performance in all musical venues.
There will also be surprise cabaret performances and more live music at venues such as Crow's Nest, the Lido Pool, and the Ocean Bar.
In addition, a new regional soloist program debuts, featuring cultural performances tailored to each destination: folk guitar in Alaska, steel pan in the Caribbean, and mariachi in Mexico. On cruises to Canada and New England aboard the Volendam and Zuiderdam, Breton Thunder returns with an expanded presence: performances on the World Stage and pop-up presentations in various areas of the ship. All these enhancements will be rolled out across the entire fleet by fall 2025.
A revitalized entertainment and enrichment team is being implemented across the fleet to enhance the onboard experience. By August 1, 2025, more than half of the ships will feature a new version of the familiar Cruise Director role. More visible and dynamic, this Director will be the charismatic host of the voyage, supported by an Assistant Cruise Director and a top-tier entertainment team. Guests can expect a lively atmosphere with hands-on classes, cooking demonstrations, tastings, quizzes, and themed parties, all driven by the Director's energy and personality.
Later this year, Travel Guides will be reintroduced, offering destination talks on the World Stage, Q&A sessions, and personalized advice on each port. The team is complemented by an expanded Activities Crew, leading everything from trivia and games to culinary demonstrations and art classes. The entire team will be fully implemented across the fleet by the end of 2025.
In June, the Eurodam debuted a new show called “Welcome Aboard.” This show offers passengers an exciting first look at the entertainment and enrichment experiences they will enjoy during their cruise. More than just a presentation, it takes place on the first night of each voyage and provides an energetic preview of everything to come: from spectacular theatrical productions and live music to port talks, Up Close , and the unmissable Orange Party. The show will continue to be rolled out across the fleet throughout 2025 and is expected to be available on all ships by summer 2026.
The Volendam, Zaandam , and Nieuw Amsterdam present a diverse program of shows that debuted at Grand Voyages 2025. Due to their success, these shows return to offer varied entertainment, including:
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Curtain Up: A spectacular musical journey from Broadway to London's West End, featuring huge hits from musicals such as Jersey Boys, West Side Story, Hairspray and Chicago.
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Dance!: A celebration of dance as a universal language, with mesmerizing choreographies of tango, Charleston, rumba and cha-cha.
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Rock Britannia: A tribute to British music that defined an era, featuring great hits from the 60s, 70s and 80s by artists such as Rod Stewart, Shirley Bassey, The Kinks, The Rolling Stones and John Lennon.
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Solid Gold: A journey to the vibrant 70s, with unforgettable music from artists such as Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, Elton John and Donna Summer.
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Crossroads: A journey through musical crossroads where rhythm, roots and lyrics meet, featuring hits from Dolly Parton, Neil Diamond, Glen Campbell and Johnny Cash.
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It's A Swing Thing: A return to swing rhythms, timeless classics, and melodies to sing at the top of your lungs. Featuring tracks like Dancin' Fool, Beyond the Sea, The Lady Is a Tramp , and Feeling Good.
These new additions and enhancements to Holland America Line’s entertainment programming reflect the brand’s ongoing commitment to creating onboard experiences worth savoring at a leisurely pace. Guests will continue to enjoy live music nightly at Billboard Onboard, the Rolling Stone Lounge, and BB King’s Blues Club on Pinnacle-class ships. They can also connect more deeply with destinations through Up Close that share local stories and culture, as well as hands-on port talks to help them make the most of their time ashore. On Alaska cruises, the experience is further enriched by onboard wildlife experts and Glacier Bay National Park rangers, who provide real-time commentary and interpretation as the ship sails through this natural wonder.
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