by Sarah Kuta
Last updated: 2:05 PM ET, Thu July 24, 2025
Holland America Line is rolling out new entertainment offerings across its fleet.
From now through next year, the company is unveiling a wider variety of live music, refreshed production shows and cultural activities on its ships. The new experiences have already been launched on six ships—Nieuw Statendam, Zaandam, Zuiderdam, Volendam, Nieuw Amsterdam and Eurodam—and will be expanded to additional vessels in the coming months.
“Our live music is second to none, and guests have asked for more, so we’re delivering on this with higher energy, more authentic local music and more variety in entertainment on every sailing,” says 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 guests, no matter where they sail.”
Guests who love live music can now enjoy Vivace, a string duo or trio specializing in classical music; The Dam Band, a live band accompanying production shows and guest entertainers on the World Stage; regional soloists, like a folk guitar player in Alaska or a mariachi group in Mexico; expanded production show schedules on the World Stage; and surprise cabaret performances and more live music in the Crow’s Nest, Lido Pool and in the Ocean Bar.
Holland America Line is also introducing a refreshed entertainment and enrichment team across the fleet, including more visible and dynamic cruise directors and assistant cruise directors. Later this year, the brand will reintroduce Travel Guides, a series of destination talks and Q&As providing personalized insights for each port. The line is also expanding its activities crew, who will be in charge of everything from trivia and game shows to cooking demonstrations and art classes.
Guests can also enjoy a new show called “Welcome Aboard,” which takes place on the first night of each sailing and offers a preview of the ship’s entertainment and enrichment experiences. Several popular productions are also returning, including Curtain Up, Dance!, Rock Britannia, Solid Gold, Crossroads and It’s A Swing Thing.
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