Holland America is making some changes to its very popular entertainment lineup starting this year. The cruise line, very much known for its music, will be altering its partnerships with some land-based entities and such changes will have a fleet-wide effect.
It looks like “Lincoln Center Stage” a venue on many Holland America ships which would host a musical quartet will now a traveling ensemble that will move from ship to ship. When the group is on board a particular ship, they will be featured in the main show lounge. The “Lincoln Center Stage” will be re-purposed, but at the time of this article, no details have been announced.
Another popular venue, “B.B. King’s Blues Club” will be re-branded as the “Rolling Stone Lounge” on several ships, representing their partnership with the popular magazine and its “best of” list. This move will only affect the lines Vista Class of ships which include Oosterdam, Westerdam, Zuiderdam and Noordam. “B.B. Kings Lounge” will remain in place on Signature and Pinnacle class ships.
Holland America’s initial vision for these venues created a popular district onboard that was branded “Music Walk.” The initiative was responsible for shaking things up at Holland America, providing a more vibrant and contemporary feel to many of its ships. Conversely, many HAL traditionalists found it to be a loud and unwanted addition that would draw a crowd that would negatively effect their peaceful vacation.
The final plans for the venues and the full entertainment schedule are still in the works. It will be interesting to see what the final product will be.