by Sarah Kuta
Last updated: 2:20 PM ET, Tue October 20, 2026
Holland America Line is introducing Bar 1873, a new cocktail lounge inspired by the cruise line’s more than 150-year history, as part of a major refurbishment of Oosterdam.
The two-story venue will feature an illuminated tulip sculpture, historical displays, live music and a cocktail menu inspired by maritime traditions. It is part of Holland America Evolution, the cruise line’s largest fleet investment in its 153-year history.
Bar 1873 will have a different theme aboard each ship receiving the Evolution upgrades, with each location drawing inspiration from a different story, tradition or milestone in Holland America Line’s history. Aboard Oosterdam, the theme, “May She Be Blessed,” celebrates ship christenings and the godmothers who have helped launch the line’s ships.
“One of the goals of Holland America Evolution is to celebrate the traditions that have always made us special while introducing fresh experiences for today’s guests,” says Beth Bodensteiner, president of Holland America Line. “Bar 1873 is one of the most exciting examples of that vision.”
Designed in partnership with London-based design firm SMC, the lounge will be located around Oosterdam’s central atrium on Deck 2. Its centerpiece is a three-meter illuminated tulip inspired by the Netherlands’ national flower and Holland America Line’s signature orange tulip. More than 200 heritage objects, repurposed items and pieces of artwork will help tell the company’s story.
Other design elements include vintage-style maps, maritime-inspired artwork, carpeting influenced by the movement of light across the ocean and a fireplace inspired by the cruise line’s original headquarters in Rotterdam, now Hotel New York.
The cocktail menu will feature May She Be Blessed, a signature drink named for the blessing traditionally bestowed on a ship before it enters service. Guests can customize the cocktail with their choice of essence. The menu will also include updated classics and original drinks inspired by the stories behind each Bar 1873 location.
Live piano performances will anchor the lounge’s entertainment lineup during pre-dinner cocktail hours and throughout the evening, with appearances by vocalists and Holland America Line’s Vivace musicians.
Oosterdam’s transformation will also include a reimagined Crow’s Nest, a gathering space known for its panoramic ocean views. The updated venue will accommodate activities and enrichment programming during the day, followed by expanded live music and entertainment in the evening. Performances will feature popular songs spanning the 1970s to today.
Holland America Evolution will revitalize all six of the line’s Vista Class and Signature Class ships, beginning with Oosterdam and Zuiderdam and extending to the newly acquired Vista Class ship Arcadia. Planned upgrades across the fleet include refreshed public spaces, updated accommodations and expanded onboard offerings, while retaining existing features and elements of the line’s service and destination-focused itineraries.
Topics From This Article to Explore
