Holland America Line has announced the “evolution” of its onboard entertainment experience, promising new shows, more music variety, and an expansion of its cultural and regional activities.
HAL is in the process of rolling out the new entertainment across its fleet, with most changes expected to be complete by the end of the year. These enhancements include the expansion of the music program, a new Welcome Aboard show, revitalized World Stage shows, and a “refreshed take” on the cruise director role.
New Music Enhancements on Holland America Line
Already, guests sailing on Nieuw Statendam, Zaandam, Zuiderdam, Volendam, Nieuw Amsterdam, and Eurodam have the opportunity to enjoy Vivace, a classical music duo or trio. The cruise line promises “non-stop entertainment every night of the cruise” on these ships, thanks to expanded schedules on the World Stage and new set lists for all music venues.
“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,” 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 guests, no matter where they sail.”
The revitalized music programming includes the addition of regional soloists on select voyages. These solo musicians are thematically linked to the sailing destination, such as folk guitar in Alaska, steel pan in the Caribbean, and mariachi music in Mexico. Breton Thunder, a Celtic music group from Nova Scotia, is set to return for cruises to Canada and New England on Volendam and Zuiderdam.
HAL ships feature multiple dedicated music venues: Billboard Onboard and Rolling Stone Lounge, as well as B.B. King’s Blues Club on Pinnacle Class ships. Guests may also catch further musical performances in other venues, such as surprise cabaret performances in the Crow’s Nest, Lido Pool, and in the Ocean Bar. All of these music updates are expected to roll out across the fleet through fall 2025.
HAL’s World Stage Updates
Holland America Line is also implementing new World Stage programming. After debuting on the Eurodam in June, the new Welcome Aboard show is in the process of being added across the fleet and is expected to appear on all ships by summer 2026.
The new Welcome Aboard show was created to set the tone for the cruise. Described as a “high-energy preview,” the show takes place on the first night of each cruise, and features samples of the available entertainment programming—from stage productions to destination talks.
HAL is also adding various World Stage shows to Volendam, Zaandam and Nieuw Amsterdam. This diverse lineup consists of shows that previously debuted on Grand Voyages: Curtains Up, Dance!, Rock Britannia, Solid Gold, Crossroads, and It’s A Swing Thing.
A Revitalized Entertainment and Enrichment Team
Holland America Line is in the process of evolving its entertainment and enrichment team. By Aug. 1, 2025, more than half of the fleet will feature a new, more visible, cruise director who will be more involved in the ship’s onboard entertainment and activities. According to HAL, guests can look forward to “lively onboard atmosphere filled with hands-on classes, cooking demonstrations, tastings, game shows and themed parties, all brought to life by the cruise director’s energy and personality.”
HAL is also expanding out its entertainment team. The cruise line is reintroducing travel guides to lead destination talks on the World Stage ahead of ports. This will include a Q&A session and personalized insights. The activities crew, responsible for leading the various onboard activities, is also being expanded.
These changes are expected to roll out across the fleet by the end of 2025.
