Thursday, August 5, 2010

Holland America Line Introduces Intimate Approach to Shipboard Entertainment

With the recent launch of the 2,106-guest ms Nieuw Amsterdam, Holland America Line is showcasing its new approach to shipboard entertainment, opting to bring more intimacy to evening shows. Exemplifying this new direction is the singing group Cantare (pictured here), a quartet of male performers with a pop music repertoire covering several eras.

"With this new approach we've focused on getting top-notch performers, and you'll see more faces from Broadway, 'American Idol' and other well-known performance outlets gracing our stage," said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs. "We're looking to share meaningful entertainment experiences with our guests through the quality of the music and performances, as well as deliver increasingly innovative and enriching options."

Several production shows will debut aboard Nieuw Amsterdam, including "N.Y.C.," a musical tour of the Big Apple; "Ladies Night," a fun and fabulous all-female revue; "Live from the Avalon Ballroom," an extravaganza of ballroom dance and music; "Garage Band," a '60s and '70s musical set in an automobile service center, and "It Takes Two," a revue of famous duets and duos. Following the shows' run aboard Nieuw Amsterdam they will expand across the fleet by the end of 2010. Throughout the cruising year, Holland America Line's more than 200 entertainers perform more than 90 shows on the 15 ships in the fleet. In addition to the resident performers, guests also can enjoy a variety of entertainment including comedians, musicians and magicians.

On several ships, performances take place in the new Showroom at Sea, a modern-day take on the classic nightclub that features state-of-the-art technology and a different show and themed atmosphere nightly. The Showroom at Sea is aboard Nieuw Amsterdam, as well as ms Veendam, ms Rotterdam, ms Statendam, and ms Ryndam as part of the $525 million Signature of Excellence enhancement program. The Showroom at Sea features a completely redesigned main stage that introduces a new seating layout and an enlarged dance floor. A new sound system, enhanced lighting and high-tech video projections transport guests into diverse environments as scenery and decor leap off the stage and into the audience.

Holland America Line's creative team has earned more Tony, Emmy, Grammy, and Oscar nominations than any other in the cruise industry. Hugh Durrant--a costume, set and theatrical designer--has won Emmy awards for his work with Cher and others. Fashion icon Bob Mackie, who created many of Holland America Line's costumes, has a long history of award-winning designs for celebrities.Take a look Behind the Stage on Westerdam with Cruise Diva.

6 comments:

piper said...

Our group is composed of Swing Dance and karaoke addicts. On several of the HAL ships we found great swing music ( by request) into the night(but not on others) and on the larger ships we found the most outrageous karaoke system on the planet with toouchscreens instead of messy paper books! HAL really has some thoughtful entertainment which gave all of us something fun!

Anonymous said...

Just got back from the 28 Nov 2010 cruise, and have to say that by far this is the BEST entertainment we have ever experiecnced on ANY Cruise Line.... Cantare was outstanding, and we couldn't get enough of their talent. It made the cruise for us, and we are going to cruise again on this ship just to see Cantare again! Thank you for bringing these talented individuals together.

Anonymous said...

Just got back from the 28 Nov 2010 cruise, and have to say that by far this is the BEST entertainment we have ever experiecnced on ANY Cruise Line.... Cantare was outstanding, and we couldn't get enough of their talent. It made the cruise for us, and we are going to cruise again on this ship just to see Cantare again! Thank you for bringing these talented individuals together.

Anonymous said...

Just got back from the 28 Nov 2010 cruise, and have to say that by far this is the BEST entertainment we have ever experiecnced on ANY Cruise Line.... Cantare was outstanding, and we couldn't get enough of their talent. It made the cruise for us, and we are going to cruise again on this ship just to see Cantare again! Thank you for bringing these talented individuals together.

Anonymous said...

Has Contare put out a CD yet? I would love to have one. They were just outstanding!

Linda Coffman, AKA Cruise Diva said...

I don't know. Maybe they have a web site and one would be available there?

Best, Linda