For years, Holland America Line (HAL) has been a favorite for cruisers seeking a refined and enriching experience at sea without a luxury line price tag. But in recent years, many loyal guests expressed their frustration over cuts to onboard entertainment, including the removal of the much-loved Lincoln Center Stage and the musical quartets that once filled the ships with classical and contemporary music. The removal of these signature offerings was voiced by loyal HAL cruisers and it appears under the new leadership of Beth Bodensteiner, HAL has listened and is introducing an overhaul of its entertainment program, rolling out across the fleet now through 2025.
Live Music Returns!
HAL is bringing back the live music that its guests have been asking for. Ships like Nieuw Statendam, Zaandam, Zuiderdam, Volendam, Nieuw Amsterdam, and Eurodam are already seeing the addition is Vivace, a new string duo or trio that marks the return of classical music across all itineraries. Meanwhile, The Dam Band is bringing their talents to the World Stage, accompanying both production shows and guest entertainers. These ships now have non-stop entertainment every night, with expanded show schedules, refreshed music set lists, and pop-up cabaret performances in venues like the Crow’s Nest, Lido Pool, and Ocean Bar. This shows that HAL is commited to making sure that live music is once again a big part of the cruise experience.
HAL is also introducing a new regional soloist program. These performances are tailored to each itinerary—think folk guitar in Alaska, steel pan in the Caribbean, or mariachi in Mexico. For those sailing to Canada and New England on Volendam and Zuiderdam, the popular Breton Thunder returns with shows on the World Stage and pop-up performances around the ship.
Revamped Entertainment & Supporting Cast
By August 1, 2025, more than half of the fleet will feature a reimagined Cruise Director role supported by an Assistant Cruise Director and an entertainment crew. This team will lead hands-on classes, cooking demos, tastings, game shows, and themed parties. Later in 2025, Travel Guides will return to offer destination talks, Q&A sessions, and port insights, while an expanded Activities Crew will keep the fun going with trivia, art classes, and more. By the end of 2025, this team will be in place across the entire fleet.
HAL debuted a new Welcome Aboard show on Eurodam in June that gives guests a preview of what’s to come—from World Stage shows to live music, Port Talks, and the ever-popular Orange Party. Welcome Aboard is rolling out fleetwide through 2025, with all ships expected to feature it by summer 2026. Guests can also expect to see new production shows make their debut in the World Stage. Highlights include Curtain Up, a musical journey through Broadway and London’s West End with hits from Jersey Boys and Chicago; Dance!, a global celebration of choreography from Tango to Cha-Cha; and Rock Britannia, a tribute to British rock icons like the Rolling Stones and John Lennon. Other shows like Solid Gold, Crossroads, and It’s A Swing Thing transport audiences to the ‘70s, country music’s heartland, and the swinging era of timeless classics.
For HAL’s loyal cruisers who felt the sting of past entertainment cuts, this transformation is a welcome addition!