Holland America Unveils Heritage-Inspired Bar and Expanded Entertainment for Oosterdam
The two-story Bar 1873 and a refreshed Crow’s Nest will bring new cocktails and more live music to Oosterdam as part of Holland America’s fleet upgrade program.
Photos: Courtesy of Holland America
Holland America Line will introduce a new two-story atrium bar and expand live entertainment aboard Oosterdam as part of Holland America Evolution, the cruise line’s largest fleet update in its 153-year history.
The new venue, Bar 1873, will combine cocktails, live music, and displays that explore the company’s maritime heritage. The concept will appear on other ships participating in the Evolution program, with each version drawing on a different story, tradition or milestone from Holland America’s past.
Oosterdam’s interpretation, themed “May She Be Blessed,” takes its inspiration from Queen Juliana of the Netherlands’ 1958 christening of Rotterdam V. The space will explore the tradition of ship christenings and the godmothers who have helped launch generations of the line’s vessels.
“One of the goals of Holland America Evolution is to celebrate the traditions that have always made us special while introducing fresh experiences for today’s guests,” said Beth Bodensteiner, president of Holland America Line. “As the concept expands, each bar will draw inspiration from a different part of our heritage, creating a distinct experience aboard every Evolution ship.”
Designed with London-based firm SMC, Bar 1873 will occupy Oosterdam’s central atrium on Deck 2. A 10-foot illuminated tulip sculpture will anchor the space, surrounded by more than 200 heritage and repurposed objects, custom artwork, and a timeline tracing the company’s history. Other details include a fireplace inspired by Holland America’s former headquarters (now Hotel New York in Rotterdam) and a centerpiece rug referencing a clock in SS Rotterdam’s main dining room.
The cocktail menu will feature a signature drink also called May She Be Blessed, which guests can personalize with their choice of essence, alongside contemporary interpretations of classics and original creations. Live piano will accompany pre-dinner cocktails and evening gatherings, along with select performances from vocalists and the line’s Vivace musicians.
Oosterdam’s Crow’s Nest will also receive an update, retaining its panoramic ocean views while accommodating daytime activities and enrichment programming, followed by more live music and dancing in the evening. Performances will feature songs from the 1970s through today.
The broader Evolution program will refresh public spaces, accommodations, and onboard offerings across the line’s six Vista Class and Signature Class ships, and will also extend to the newly acquired Arcadia. Oosterdam and Zuiderdam will be the first ships transformed, and bookings for their post-transformation cruises are open.
The announcement did not specify a debut date for Bar 1873.
