Holland America Line is adding dedicated poolside live-music venues aboard Oosterdam and Zuiderdam as part of its fleet-wide Evolution investment programme.
New bandstands will be installed beside the Lido Pool on both ships, providing a central venue for solo performers, live bands, sailaway entertainment and special events.
The first of the new venues is expected to debut aboard Oosterdam following the ship's Evolution transformation in autumn 2027.
Live music moves to the Lido Pool
Holland America said the bandstands are intended to bring more live performances into one of the busiest social areas aboard each ship.
Programming will range from individual musicians to full live bands, with performances planned during sailaways, celebrations and other events held throughout each cruise.
The spaces will also be used for activities connected with Holland America Line's Orange Party, an onboard celebration inspired by the cruise line's Dutch heritage.
Both ships have retractable glass roofs above their Lido Pools, allowing the new entertainment spaces to be used in a wider range of weather conditions.
Part of a $500 million fleet investment
The poolside venues form part of Holland America Evolution, a programme through which the company plans to invest more than $500 million across six Vista and Signature-class ships.
The project will introduce new venues, updated public spaces and additional accommodation across the selected vessels. Oosterdam and Zuiderdam are the first two ships included in the programme.
Alongside their new Lido Pool bandstands, both ships are scheduled to receive the Grand Dutch Café and a selection of new staterooms and suites.
Holland America describes Evolution as the largest fleet update in its 153-year history. The programme is designed to introduce popular features associated with the line's newer Pinnacle-class ships to more of its existing fleet.
Entertainment shaped by passenger feedback
Holland America Line president Beth Bodensteiner said the company had been working to expand and improve entertainment across the fleet, guided by the experiences passengers said they valued most.
She described the Lido Pool bandstands as another step in that process, providing more opportunities for passengers to enjoy live performances in a popular gathering space.
The announcement gives a clearer picture of how Holland America intends to use its refurbishment programme to update the atmosphere aboard established ships as well as adding physical facilities and accommodation.
Bookings are already open for voyages aboard Oosterdam and Zuiderdam following their respective transformations. Holland America has not yet given a separate opening date for the bandstand aboard Zuiderdam.