Holland America Entertainment and Activities Onboard

If you read my last article in this series, you already know that one of the things I love most about cruising with Holland America Line is that you can make the experience whatever you want it to be. You can be busy from morning until bedtime, or you can find a quiet corner, grab a book, and watch the ocean roll by for hours. There really are no rules.

But if you are the kind of person who likes to know what is happening onboard, Holland America gives you plenty to choose from. In fact, so much can be going on in the evening that sometimes the hardest part is figuring out how to fit it all in.

That may sound like a good problem to have, and it is. But there have been plenty of nights when Mr. Whaldo and I have looked at the schedule and thought, okay, we want to see this show, hear that band, get something to eat, maybe dance for a while, and still make it to another performance. At some point you realize you may actually need a plan.

And then there are those nights when you have no plan whatsoever and somehow end up having the best time.

That is cruising.

Holland America Entertainment Starts With the World Stage

The World Stage is the main theater on Holland America ships, where you will find many of the larger productions and guest performances. The entertainment can vary quite a bit from cruise to cruise, which is one of the things I enjoy about it.

You might see a magician, comedian, solo performer, band, dancers, or another type of guest entertainer. There are also destination presentations and themed productions, and each cruise seems to have its own combination of performances. On longer cruises, guest artists will often perform more than one show before disembarking and moving on to another ship, so the entertainment lineup can change as the cruise progresses.

There are generally two performances of the same evening show, so you can choose when to go. And if you love a particular show enough to see it twice, well, nobody is going to stop you.

Some of the productions are more elaborate than others. When I was on the Koningsdam in late January, we experienced Fosse Verdon: The Duet That Changed Broadway, a documentary-style production centered around legendary Broadway writer, director, and choreographer Bob Fosse. It blends live performance with storytelling and historical context, making it feel like much more than simply sitting down to watch a stage show.

The entertainment even followed us back to our cabin, where we could watch related films on demand. That is one of the things I think Holland America does particularly well. You can enjoy the entertainment in the theater, or you can take the experience with you and have a quiet night in your cabin.

The World Stage can also get very busy, particularly when there is a popular performer or destination presentation. On cruises to places like Alaska or Antarctica, the destination talks can draw enormous crowds. When that happens, Holland America may put a screen in another venue, such as the Rolling Stone Lounge, so more people can find a seat.

The Crow’s Nest can also become part of the entertainment and educational experience on these adventure cruises, with experts onboard giving presentations about the destination, wildlife, or other subjects related to the journey.

This is another example of how the ship adjusts entertainment to the cruise you are actually taking.

Live Music and Nightlife on Holland America Cruise Ships

This is where things get really interesting, because the larger Holland America ships can have several live music venues going at the same time.

On the Pinnacle-class ships, you have BB King’s Blues Club, Rolling Stone, and the piano bar, which Holland America calls Billboard Onboard. All three can have different performers and different things happening throughout the evening, and you can absolutely find yourself running back and forth between them.

Not that they are terribly far apart, but when you are trying to catch your favorite band, get to trivia, have dinner, and maybe squeeze in some dancing, you start feeling like you are running your own little entertainment marathon.

Mr. Whaldo and I usually find our favorites and move between them. Once you know which performers you enjoy, it becomes much easier. You might start at the Ocean Bar for a pre-dinner drink while the Dam Band plays, head to a show, grab a later dinner, and then settle into BB King’s or Rolling Stone for the evening.

Or maybe you hear a band you really like playing somewhere else and suddenly your carefully constructed evening has gone completely out the window.

That happens too.

And honestly, that is part of the fun.

BB King’s Blues Club and Dancing on Holland America

If dancing is your thing, BB King’s Blues Club is where you are going to want to spend some time on the Pinnacle-class ships. It has the largest dance floor of these main entertainment venues and can get packed when the band is particularly good.

This is also where Holland America holds the Orange Party on the Pinnacle ships. As I mentioned in the previous article, the Orange Party is inspired by King’s Day in the Netherlands and turns into a big evening of music, dancing, games, and general celebration.  If you are not on a Pinnacle class ship, the Orange Party will be held elsewhere, like the Rolling Stone or the Ocean Bar.

When the performers are good, the venues can fill quickly. I have seen dancing spill out into the walkways, and while that might sound a little chaotic, it is actually a lot of fun. Everyone is there to hear the music and have a good time, and the energy becomes contagious.

You can usually tell when the World Stage show has just let out because suddenly every other entertainment venue seems to fill up at once.

That is when you realize you probably should have gotten there five minutes earlier.

Rolling Stone Lounge and Billboard Onboard

Rolling Stone and Billboard Onboard have their own personalities, and you will find many of the evening's games and activities there.

Billboard Onboard is the piano bar, and if you have never experienced a good Holland America piano bar, you may not understand why people keep going back. These are not quiet little performances where everyone sits politely and listens.

The piano bars can erupt into full-blown sing-alongs.

People request songs, everyone joins in, and before long even some of the staff are dancing and singing along. Fun is very much encouraged. Other venues also have request nights, so if you have a favorite song or performer, keep an eye on the schedule.

Rolling Stone is another place where you may find live music, games, trivia, or game-show-style entertainment depending on the ship and the evening. The schedule changes, which means you really do need to pay attention to what is happening that day if there is something specific you want to see.

And that brings me back to the same problem I mentioned earlier. On a really good entertainment night, you cannot be everywhere at once.

I have tried.

It doesn't work.

Holland America Entertainment by Ship Class

One thing I think is important for anyone researching Holland America cruises is understanding that the entertainment experience can be different depending on the ship you choose. The venues aren't identical across the fleet, and this is one of those details that can get lost when you are simply looking at a list of what Holland America offers.

On the Pinnacle-class ships, you have the larger combination of BB King’s Blues Club, Rolling Stone, and Billboard Onboard. These venues give you several choices for live music, dancing, piano bar entertainment, and games, all within relatively easy walking distance of one another.

On the Signature and Vista-class ships, there is no BB King’s Blues Club. Rolling Stone is further away from the piano bar and Billboard Onboard, although they are still on the same deck.

And then you have the R-Class ships, which are smaller and have a completely different feel. There is no BB King’s, Rolling Stone, or Billboard Onboard. Instead, you have the Mix, a piano bar near the casino, and a little further down you will find the Ocean Bar with its smaller dance floor.

This does not mean the smaller ships have less entertainment. It simply means the entertainment is arranged differently.  In fact, that smaller-ship experience can be one of the things people love most. You don't run around as much because there simply aren't as many places to run to.

Holland America Ocean Bar and Pre-Dinner Entertainment

Every Holland America ship has an Ocean Bar, and it has become one of our favorite places to meet friends for a pre-dinner drink.

Depending on the ship and the sailing, you may find the Dam Band playing there, or another small group or performer during happy hour. You might hear a soloist, pianist, or modern guitarist, and the atmosphere can be just right for sitting with a cocktail or coffee before heading off to dinner.

On the Pinnacle ships, there is also what people sometimes call the Pinnacle Bar, although technically it is the Ocean Bar. It is located near the Pinnacle Grill Steakhouse and is another popular place for happy hour or pre-dinner drinks.

Mr. Whaldo and I have often settled into a routine of meeting friends at the Ocean Bar, having a drink, heading to dinner or a show, and then finding our way back to the music afterward.

On the smaller ships, the Ocean Bar becomes even more important because there are fewer entertainment venues. We have closed out plenty of evenings there.

And sometimes that is exactly what you want.

Lincoln Stage and Classical Music on Holland America

There used to be a dedicated Lincoln Stage for classical performances, and while Holland America discontinued that specific venue for a while, the classical musicians have returned to the ships.

They now perform in different areas depending on the ship, and they remain a favorite for pre-dinner entertainment.

These performances can fill the available seating and spill into nearby relaxation areas because you can still hear the music from outside the immediate performance space. There is something especially nice about sitting with a drink and listening to live classical music before dinner.

It is a completely different atmosphere from BB King’s or the piano bar, and that is exactly the point.

You can choose the kind of evening you want.

Holland America Trivia, Games, Bingo and Onboard Activities

If you think trivia on a cruise is a casual little game you play while waiting for dinner, let me just warn you now.

Trivia can be a competitive sport.

People find their people, form teams, and sometimes stick together for the entire cruise. The crew does a wonderful job of keeping it entertaining, and it becomes one of those recurring activities where you start recognizing the same people every time you show up.

The cruise also includes game-show-style activities, jewelry and art auctions, Bingo, and other games scheduled throughout. Depending on the ship and what performers are onboard, some of these activities may move around the schedule.

Bingo can be particularly fun because you can win cash prizes and even free cruises.

Yes, I have won cash.

I have also won a free cruise, which really means a complimentary room and board.  You still pay the taxes and port fees.

The point is, you can participate in plenty of opportunities without feeling like you have to schedule your entire vacation around organized activities. You can join in when something sounds fun and walk away when it doesn't.

Holland America Casino and Onboard Gaming

The casino is another popular part of Holland America entertainment, and you will generally find it busy when the ship is at sea.

One very important thing to remember about cruising casinos: the ship has to be at sea for the casino to operate. When you are in port, the casino is closed.

There is also something you need to know before the very end of your cruise. Make sure you know when the casino closes for good and cash out before then. Sometimes it can close a night earlier than you expect.

Holland America now has machines that let you cash out yourself, so you no longer necessarily have to wait at the cashier, which helps ensure you can cash out before disembarking.

The casinos also have tournaments, drawings, and other promotions throughout the cruise. The casino bar is generally located nearby or within the casino area, although anyone can go to the bar.

One thing some passengers find off-putting is smoking. Depending on the ship and current casino rules, smoking may be permitted in designated portions of the casino. Because the casino is not necessarily sealed off from the rest of the ship, you may notice the smoke even if you are not participating in the gaming.

That is worth knowing before you wander in expecting a completely smoke-free environment.

Poolside Entertainment and Sail-Away Fun

Not all entertainment happens indoors.

On some days, particularly sea days or sail-away, Holland America brings entertainment outside around the pool. You might find a DJ playing music, a steel drummer bringing some Caribbean flavor to the afternoon, or even line dancing happening around the pool area.

When we were in the Caribbean, the steel drummer was one of those simple touches that immediately made it feel like vacation.

The adult pool area can be a great place to sit, listen to music, watch the ship leave port, and simply enjoy the scenery.

On some smaller ships, however, the designated smoking area is also located nearby, which can make it less appealing for some passengers. There also is not always as much shaded seating because of where that section is located.

But if you want to catch some rays, listen to music, watch the port disappear behind you, and take in the scenery, it can still be a fun place to spend part of your afternoon.

Hanging out at the Adult Pool - Photo by Whaldo Digital Content

Holland America Movie Nights and Sports

Some days, entertainment means putting your feet up and watching a movie.

On the larger ships, movie nights can take place outdoors on a large screen near the main pool in the middle of the ship. People settle into loungers, blankets are sometimes passed out, popcorn appears, and if there is a New York Deli onboard, you may even see finger foods, wings, or pretzels make an appearance.

It can feel a little like going to the movies, except you are sitting outside in the middle of the ocean.

On the smaller ships, movie nights are often held inside the Rolling Stone Lounge, and you can sometimes smell the popcorn throughout the deck before you even get there.

If it happens to be NFL playoff season, you may even find the big games being shown onboard.

And if you do not feel like sitting with everyone else, that is perfectly fine too. Many of these movies and programs are available in your stateroom, so you can watch from bed without having to leave your cabin.

Honestly, that's hard to beat when you’re needing a little respite.

When Staying in Your Cabin Is the Entertainment

This is something I think people overlook when they talk about cruise entertainment.

You do not have to leave your cabin to have a good time.

You can order room service, watch movies on demand, stream from your own device if your Wi-Fi package allows it, order a drink, and make an evening of it.

Want a private movie night? Have one.

Want to order dinner and play a board game? Go for it.

Want to put your feet up and watch the ocean while you do absolutely nothing? That counts too.

Sometimes we even stay in simply because we're tired. After several days of going to shows, dancing, eating, exploring ports, and doing all the things, sometimes the most entertaining thing you can do is close the door.

And Holland America makes that pretty easy.

Small respite turned into a night in as Mr. Whaldo clearly required. - Photo by Whaldo Digital Content

Games, Puzzles and Quiet Entertainment Onboard

If your idea of entertainment is a board game, a jigsaw puzzle or a good book, there are places for you too.

The Crow’s Nest has a game area with tables and shelves filled with games and puzzles. Someone might start a puzzle, leave for dinner, and come back later, and you are welcome to add a piece or two as you pass through. A sitting puzzle is a puzzle for all.

You can sit for a while, work on the puzzle, grab a coffee, and then wander over to the windows to take in the view.

Or you can simply pick up a book from the library and find somewhere comfortable to read.

I have seen people sitting in the Ocean Bar with a book open in front of them, a coffee or cocktail beside them, and the Dam Band playing nearby.

And that may be the best description of Holland America entertainment I can give you.

There are no rules.

Finding Your Own Holland America Cruise Entertainment Rhythm

Every ship has a slightly different layout, and when you are new to Holland America, it can take a little time to figure out where everything is. Once you have been on several ships, though, you start to recognize the patterns.

Mr. Whaldo and I usually get a few nights of dancing in because we genuinely enjoy it. We play trivia throughout the cruise because we enjoy that too. We meet new friends for pre-dinner drinks, catch shows when something interests us, and wander into whatever venue has music we like.

Sometimes we have a plan.

Sometimes we simply follow the music.

And that's what I want you to take away from all of this. Holland America entertainment is not one particular thing. It is the World Stage show you planned your evening around, the band you stumbled across and decided you loved, the trivia team you somehow joined, the piano bar sing-along that went later than expected, the cocktail at the Ocean Bar before dinner, or the movie you watched in your cabin with room service.

You can dance until your feet hurt, sing along with strangers, compete fiercely over trivia, listen to classical music, watch a steel drummer at sail-away, play a game, sit quietly with a book, or stare out at the ocean with absolutely nothing on your schedule.

You really can do as much or as little as you want.

And after all these cruises, I think that may be my favorite form of entertainment onboard.

Next in the Series

Next, we are going to talk about one of the subjects cruisers have very strong opinions about: food and dining on Holland America. From the Lido and Main Dining Room to specialty restaurants, room service, and those little food moments you never expect to become part of the cruise experience, there is a lot to talk about.

And yes, I have pictures. Lots of pictures.

-J.S. Whaldo