Sarah Bretz, ContributorHolland America Line is adding to its entertainment lineup with the introduction of several new mainstage experiences in 2024. Four new shows will put a fresh spin on the classic cruise production format, while additional new productions will be tailored to the regions where the ships are sailing.
Beyond the main theater, the cruise line is also adding the Rolling Stone Lounge to more ships and is enhancing its Billboard Onboard music experience.
New Theater Shows
Starting back in February, the cruise line has begun debuting four shows on the main stage of its ships. These concert-style productions are fronted by three multi-talented headliners, who are supported by an ensemble of singers and dangers. The new shows are:
- Song & Dance: Set on a studio backlot, two leading men front a concert of musical numbers from Broadway, Hollywood, and more.
- Class Act: Las Vegas goes to sea in this elaborate production, celebrating iconic female performers of the concert and nightclub stage.
- All That!: Be a part of the studio audience as Holland America presents its take on the classic TV variety shows of the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s. Headliners share the spotlight combining singing, dancing, and a bit of comedy.
- Hey, Mr DJ: Iconic radio DJs introduce songs from the ’60s through today in this concert of pop hits.
These new shows debuted on Eurodam in February and will be followed by Rotterdam, Zuiderdam, and Nieuw Statendam by the end of June. More ships will follow.
Region-Specific Entertainment
Caribbean cruises on Rotterdam, Nieuw Statendam, and Eurodam will feature the unique orchestral steel drum concerts of Island Magic, playing a versatile set ranging from traditional island sounds to unique versions of classical and pop songs.
Voyages to Canada and New England on Volendam and Zuiderdam will introduce the new show Breton Thunder, an authentic Atlantic Canada music experience. Sailings on Nieuw Statendam, Rotterdam, and Zuiderdam in Europe will feature classical string music with the Chordial Chamber Trio and Pantheon, a dynamic group of European tenors.
Alaska cruises will continue to feature the elite members of Step One Dance Company, who blend choreography with artistic video projection. They’re joined on the main stage by Major Fourth, four singers delivering impactful harmonies from lots of genres and decades. Both of these groups will also perform pop-up performances in the music clubs around the ships.
Sailings in Alaska will also feature a new program called Destination: Alaska. This show is aimed at getting guests excited about the destination and will highlight shore excursions they can book to make the most of their cruise.
Music Venues
Rolling Stone Lounge, which showcases a seven-piece band playing everything from rock to pop to R&B was added to Eurodam and Nieuw Amsterdam in December 2023. It’s already been a staple on Noordam, Oosterdam, Zuiderdam, and Westerdam.
Billboard Onboard will embrace an updated piano bar concept through the lens of Billboard’s chart-topping hits, with a different music theme each evening.
B.B. King’s Blues Club continues to be the centerpiece of the music scene on Koningsdam, Nieuw Statendam, and Rotterdam.
Meanwhile, a live classical music trio will be featured on select European voyages on the main stage, and on Grand and Legendary Voyages in the Explorer’s Lounge.
Entertainment offerings vary by ship and depend on the length and destination of the cruise.
Comments
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