Holland America Line presents Bar 1873, a new iconic meeting space where contemporary design, cocktails and live music bring to life more than 150 years of the cruise line's history.
The space, debuting aboard the Oosterdam as part of the ship's Holland America Evolution transformation, will feature a two-story atrium, a striking illuminated tulip sculpture, carefully curated exhibits on the cruise line's heritage, and comfortable lounge areas designed for enjoying cocktails, conversation, and intimate performances. As part of the Evolution enhancements, the Oosterdam will also debut a revamped Crow's Nest, expanding its live entertainment offerings with new musical programs and greater flexibility for hosting daytime and evening activities.
The new Bar 1873 at the Oosterdam combines Holland America Line history, live music and cocktails in a strikingly designed space.
Designed to bring Holland America Line's history to the public from a contemporary perspective, Bar 1873 will become one of the signature spaces of the Holland America Evolution program. Each ship will offer its own interpretation of the concept, inspired by a different story, tradition, or event from the company's more than 150-year history. On the Oosterdam, the space's motto is "May She Be Blessed," paying homage to the maritime tradition of ship christening ceremonies and the godmothers who have participated in the launching of successive generations of Holland America Line vessels.
“One of the goals of Holland America Evolution is to celebrate the traditions that have always made us special, while introducing new experiences for today’s passengers,” says Beth Bodensteiner, president of Holland America Line. “Bar 1873 is one of the most exciting examples of this vision. On the Oosterdam, we’ve taken an important part of our history and transformed it into a completely new space. As the concept expands, each bar will be inspired by a different part of our heritage, creating a distinctive experience on board each Evolution ship.”.
The Oosterdam's Bar 1873 draws inspiration from the 1958 christening ceremony of the Rotterdam V, presided over by Queen Juliana of the Netherlands, and reflects Holland America Line's decades-long close relationship with the Dutch royal family. Artwork, maritime references, and design details throughout the space reinterpret this history, creating a contemporary atmosphere that also maintains a connection to the people and traditions that have shaped the company. Live piano performances will be a central element of the experience during pre-dinner cocktail hour and throughout the evening, accompanied by occasional performances from vocalists and the Holland America Line Vivace musicians.
Designed in collaboration with London-based studio SMC, Bar 1873 is centered around the Oosterdam's central atrium on Deck 2. The space is dominated by a three-meter-high illuminated tulip sculpture, inspired by the national flower of the Netherlands and Holland America Line's signature orange tulip. Elevated above the space and visible from various points in the atrium, this striking piece projects intricate light patterns and serves as a visual tribute to the company's Dutch roots.
More than 200 historical and repurposed objects, artworks created specifically for the space, and a visual timeline tracing the company's history are arranged around the tulip. The ensemble offers a multi-layered experience that connects the store's contemporary design with the history of Holland America Line.
The Oosterdam's Bar 1873 unfolds its narrative through a series of details inspired by the places, people, and era that shaped its history. Vintage-style maps and custom artwork blend Dutch cultural influences, references to maritime exploration, and the spirit of travel that has defined Holland America Line for over 150 years. These elements connect passengers to the geography, history, and traditions that inspired the space.
The design also incorporates several subtle nods to Holland America Line's past. The carpets are inspired by the movement of light across the ocean and include a dramatic centerpiece based on a clock located in the main dining room of the SS Rotterdam. The grand lounge fireplace references Holland America Line's former headquarters, now the Hotel New York Rotterdam, and evokes the warmth and hospitality that have long defined the passenger experience.
A toast to tradition
Holland America Line has long used its beverage offerings to tell stories through cocktails, with creations inspired by destinations, cultures, and moments in the company's history. Bar 1873 expands on this tradition by taking those stories beyond the menu and making them part of the space's design as well.
Inspired by the maritime tradition of ship christenings and the godmothers who have played a significant role throughout Holland America Line's history, the Oosterdam's Bar 1873 menu will feature May She Be Blessed, a celebratory cocktail whose name refers to the blessing traditionally bestowed upon a ship before it enters service. Passengers can personalize their drink by choosing their own essence, for a unique toast inspired by one of maritime history's most deeply rooted traditions.
Alongside this signature cocktail, the menu will include modern interpretations of popular classics and original creations inspired by the stories that shape each of the Bar 1873 spaces.
The revamped Crow's Nest expands the entertainment offering
As part of the Evolution upgrades on the Oosterdam, Holland America Line will also unveil a revamped Crow's Nest. Long known as one of the ship's most popular gathering spaces thanks to its panoramic ocean views, it will offer greater flexibility for hosting activities and entertainment day and night.
The expanded live music program will offer more opportunities to meet, listen to music, and dance, while maintaining the relaxed atmosphere and panoramic setting that have made Crow's Nest a favorite among passengers. The venue will adapt throughout the day, with offerings ranging from cultural enrichment activities and programs to live music and evening entertainment.
In the evenings, passengers can enjoy performances featuring popular songs from the 1970s to the present day. With a participatory, passenger-centric approach and a broad repertoire, the initiative aims to offer even more opportunities to enjoy live music on board the Oosterdam.
The largest fleet investment in Holland America Line's history
Holland America Evolution represents the largest fleet renewal in the company's 153-year history. The program will modernize all six ships in the Vista and Signature classes, beginning with the Oosterdam and Zuiderdam and extending to the Arcadia, the recently commissioned Vista-class vessel.
Holland America Evolution combines new spaces and enhanced experiences with the features guests already know and love, while incorporating elements inspired by the company’s Pinnacle-class ships. Across the fleet, guests will find refreshed public spaces, updated accommodations, and a wider range of onboard services, while maintaining the attentive, personalized service, destination-focused itineraries, and ship size that define Holland America Line.
Bar 1873 is an example of this approach, combining a novel concept with traditions and hospitality that have long been part of the passenger experience.
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