Holland America Unveils Oosterdam Ocean Bar Redesign for 2027
Oosterdam and Zuiderdam will also add permanent Lido Pool bandstands for sailaway performances and Orange Party events beneath retractable glass roofs.
Holland America Line has detailed a redesigned Ocean Bar that will debut aboard Oosterdam as part of its more than $500 million Holland America Evolution program, a renovation campaign covering six Vista and Signature Class ships. The lounge will gain a performance stage, relocated bar and revised seating for Vivace Strings, soloists, pianists and late-night cabaret.
Holland America describes Evolution as the largest fleet update in its 153-year history. Oosterdam and Zuiderdam are the first ships in the multiyear program, which includes new and refreshed public spaces as well as additional staterooms and suites.
“Inspired by our maritime heritage, including design details drawn from Rotterdam V, this reimagined venue creates a setting where guests can gather for a cocktail, enjoy live music,” said Michael Stendebach, Holland America Line’s senior vice president of food, beverage and rooms division.
The Ocean Bar’s Art Deco and nautical design includes custom furniture with details drawn from vintage luggage and leather accents. Existing lounge pieces that remain usable will be reupholstered with fabrics containing recycled material. Rotterdam V entered service as a Dutch ocean liner in 1959 and is now a hotel and museum ship in Rotterdam.
Live music extends to the Lido Pool
Oosterdam and Zuiderdam will also receive permanent bandstands at their Lido Pools. Programming will range from solo acts to live bands, including performances during sailaways and events associated with Holland America’s Orange Party.
The pool areas have retractable glass roofs. The bandstands can operate in changing weather. Oosterdam’s venue is scheduled to enter service following the ship’s Evolution transformation in fall 2027.
“The new Lido Pool bandstands are another step in that effort, creating more opportunities to enjoy live music and memorable performances,” said Beth Bodensteiner, president of Holland America Line.
Post-refurbishment sailings begin with an Oosterdam departure on Dec. 2, 2027, followed by Zuiderdam sailings from April 2, 2028. Both ships will also add the Grand Dutch Cafe, previously offered on Holland America’s newer Pinnacle Class vessels.
Evolution covers four more ships
The 82,305-gross-ton Oosterdam was built in 2003 and carries about 1,964 passengers at double occupancy. Beyond Oosterdam and Zuiderdam, Evolution includes Westerdam and Noordam, along with the Signature Class ships Eurodam and Nieuw Amsterdam.
Zuiderdam’s announced accommodation changes include a reworked Pinnacle Suite, two Bridgeview Suites, 14 upgraded Vista Suites and 32 Solo Verandah rooms. Holland America has not disclosed all the venue and accommodation changes planned for the remaining ships.
Oosterdam heads to Alaska after refurbishment
Oosterdam will enter Holland America’s Alaska program in 2028, when the line plans seven- to 18-day voyages aboard six ships. Its schedule includes a 16-day Great Bear Rainforest and Alaska Explorer cruise departing Vancouver on April 28, as well as seven-day itineraries between Vancouver and Whittier and roundtrip from Vancouver.
The refurbished ship will serve as the primary vessel for Holland America’s Alaska Cruisetours, pairing cruises with overland travel to Denali and the Yukon. Details and availability for the 2028 Cruisetour program will be announced later.
See current Oosterdam fares and itineraries on Cruise Lookup.
