Key Aspects:
- Holland America Line is adding new bandstands beside the Lido Pools aboard Oosterdam and Zuiderdam.
- These new venues will host live performers, sailaway entertainment, special events, and activities.
- The additions are part of Holland America’s over $500 million Evolution program, which will overhaul six ships beginning with Oosterdam in 2027.
Holland America Line is expanding live entertainment aboard two ships. The 82,305 gross-ton vessels Oosterdam and Zuiderdam will receive permanent bandstands at their Lido Pools.
The new poolside venues will serve as dedicated performance spaces on the pool decks. Programming at the bandstands will range from solo performers to full live bands.
They will also serve as the central hub for various special events and celebrations, such as sailaway parties and the cruise line’s Orange Party. This party is a Dutch-themed celebration, usually held once per sailing, where guests dress in orange attire for a lively party with Dutch-inspired snacks and drinks.
“Over the past several years, we’ve been on a journey to expand and elevate our entertainment offerings across the fleet,” said Beth Bodensteiner, president of Holland America Line. “The new Lido Pool bandstands are another step in that effort.”
The Lido Pools on Oosterdam and Zuiderdam also feature retractable glass roofs. This feature will allow the venues to be utilized even in poor weather. Oosterdam will be the first ship to debut the new bandstand in fall 2027, following her Evolution transformation.
Post-transformation bookings are currently available for Oosterdam cruises beginning on December 2, 2027. Zuiderdam will debut later, with currently available post-renovation sailings starting April 2, 2028.
Holland America’s $500 Million Overhaul
The bandstands are part of the cruise line’s ambitious Holland America Evolution plan, the largest fleet update in the company’s history. Cruise Hive previously covered the refurbishment project when it was announced in April 2026.
This major overhaul will bring new spaces and experiences to six Vista and Signature-class vessels in the cruise line’s fleet. Oosterdam, Zuiderdam, Westerdam, Noordam, Nieuw Amsterdam, and Eurodam will all see updates over the course of this multi-year project. The renovations are expected to cost over $500 million.
The bandstands are among several new venues and experiences planned for the ships. They will also feature additional new staterooms, expanded dining options, and some experiences being brought over from the newer Pinnacle-class ships.
Oosterdam and Zuiderdam Are Getting Other Major Changes
Holland America has not yet revealed all of the changes planned under the Evolution program. However, some additional details have been released regarding Oosterdam and Zuiderdam, the first two ships undergoing these transformations.
Cruise Hive previously covered updates to the planned renovation of Zuiderdam. The cruise line has now confirmed many of these upgrades will be coming to her Vista-class sister, Oosterdam, as well.
Both ships will receive the Grand Dutch Café, a counter-service venue offering Dutch snacks, breakfast items, and coffee. The dining venue was previously available only on Pinnacle-class ships, debuting on the 99,863 gross-ton Koningsdam.
A variety of new staterooms and suites will be added and expanded. Zuiderdam has been confirmed to receive one reimagined Pinnacle Suite, two new Bridgeview Suites, 14 enhanced Vista Suites, and 32 Solo Verandah rooms.
Many existing onboard spaces and venues will also be refreshed, though the cruise line has not provided additional details. The new bandstands represent a relatively small part of the $500 million project. However, they offer another look at how Holland America plans to update its older ships.
