music fans on Netherlands US routeTheir ships will want to brace themselves for this news. It is revamping some of its music services, moving them to different locations and removing some on select ships entirely.
First, the line’s partnership with the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts will transform into something new. It will change from a quartet on ships with a dedicated performance venue (Lincoln Center Stage) to a traveling group. The group will move between all ships in the fleet and perform on the World Stage, the main theater found on all ships.
For cruise news, reviews and tips, subscribe to TPG’s itinerary bulletin.
“While the vision for the new show is still being developed, starting this summer it will be featured on the World Stage, similar to Holland America Line’s touring troupes including Step One. Dance Company, Cantare and Island Magic,” Michael Smith, Holland America’s SVP of customer experience and product development, told The Points Guy in an email.
Following the conversion, Holland America plans to reuse the dedicated Lincoln Center Stage venue. A representative for the line said it was still too early to reveal details about what the spaces would become.
In addition, on Vista class ship — Noordam, Westerdam, Oosterdam and Zuiderdam — this genre will replace BB King’s Blues Club with the Rolling Stone Lounge, a new club powered by the popular magazine’s “best” list.
Sign up for our daily newsletter
“Our Vista-class ships typically make the longest voyages, and the Rolling Stone Lounge’s expanded catalog allows for a wider range of music genres, including R&B, rock and pop,” Smith said. “The band at the Rolling Stone Lounge will perform live six nights a week, and performances will vary from night to night.”
Smith also noted that BB King’s will remain on board five of its Signature and Pinnacle class ships: Eurodam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Koningsdam, Nieuw Statendam and Rotterdam.
The addition of Lincoln Center Stage, BB King’s Blues Club, Rolling Stone Rock Room (different from the new Rolling Stone Lounge) and Billboard Onboard changed the game for Dutch America as the venues — together form the Music Walk on the ships Pinnacle rank — launched on Koningsdam in 2016.
The Music Walk offerings provided a much-needed update to HAL’s entertainment lineup and created a nightlife experience, a welcome change from early bedtimes and activities. Smoother movements on board.
Planning an itinerary? Start with these stories:
