HAL-Holland America Line has begun implementing a major refresh of its onboard entertainment offerings, with changes underway on six ships and the full fleet set to follow by early 2026. The enhancements introduce expanded live music venues, updated World Stage production shows, culturally immersive programming, and a restructured entertainment team.
On board Nieuw Statendam, Zaandam, Zuiderdam, Volendam, Nieuw Amsterdam, and Eurodam, a new classical ensemble called Vivace—a string duo or trio—has been added to all itineraries, marking a return to onboard classical music. A live group known as The Dam Band now supports World Stage shows and guest entertainers, contributing to continuous evening entertainment. Shipboard venues such as the Crow’s Nest, Lido Pool, and Ocean Bar have been activated with surprise cabaret acts and additional music programming, ensuring nightly performances at no extra charge.
The introduction of a regional soloist program delivers culturally themed performances tailored to the ship’s itinerary—folk guitar in Alaska, steel-pan in the Caribbean, mariachi in Mexico. On Canada and New England sailings aboard Volendam and Zuiderdam, the Celtic group Breton Thunder appears in expanded capacity, both on the World Stage and in spontaneous performances throughout the ship.
A more visible and interactive entertainment leadership structure is also being introduced. Beginning August 1, 2025, over half the fleet will feature a redesigned Cruise Director role, supported by an Assistant Cruise Director and enriched entertainment staff. This leadership team will oversee hands-on engagement—cooking demonstrations, tastings, themed parties, game shows and more—delivering an energetic voyage atmosphere. Later in 2025, Travel Guides will return to provide Port Talks and Q&A sessions, complemented by an expanded Activities Crew leading art classes, trivia, and cultural presentations. Full rollout across the fleet is scheduled by year-end.
In June, Eurodam premiered a new Welcome Aboard show on the voyage’s first night. This high-energy showcase previews the entertainment and enrichment offerings available during the cruise—including stage productions, enrichment talks, and the signature Orange Party—and will be featured fleetwide by summer 2026.
Meanwhile, World Stage shows from the 2025 Grand Voyages—Curtain Up, Dance!, Rock Britannia, Solid Gold, Crossroads, and It’s A Swing Thing—have been reintroduced aboard Volendam, Zaandam, and Nieuw Amsterdam by popular demand.
In Alaska sailings, wildlife experts accompany guests on deck to enhance animal sightings, while National Park Service rangers provide live narration during transit through Glacier Bay National Park. On all ships, traditional venues like Billboard Onboard, Rolling Stone Lounge, and B.B. King’s Blues Club on Pinnacle Class vessels continue to present nightly live music, supported by enriched cultural programming and destination-related storytelling.