At the press conference at CSM, Holland America Line (HAL) announced a series of new entertainment features for its newbuilding ms Koningsdam and across the entire fleet. Alan Lam reports from Miami.

Breaking from the line’s traditional style theatre, HAL’s new ship will showcase The World Stage concept with 270-degree panoramic LED screens. The stage will be a flexible space that can have multiple configurations. The theatre will initially host five new productions performed in repertory by a cast sourced from around the world.

“The World Stage on Koningsdam will enable us to debut new entertainment concepts to delight our guests with shows they’ve never seen before,” said Orlando Ashford, the new president of HAL.

Famous for its musical programmes, HAL has entered an exclusive partnership with Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, a well-known entertainment brand, to present live music in its new onboard venues. Under this partnership, each Lincoln Center Stage musicians will perform multiple programmes nightly. The programme will debut on ms Eurodam in January 2016, on ms Koningsdam as part of the Music Walk complex, and on ms Oosterdam in April 2016. HAL has plans to introduce it to other ships.

In an effort to continue expanding its musical repertoire, HAL has also partnered with Billboard for live music venue on this first Pinnacle-class ship. Billboard Onboard will be a new interactive music experience, showcasing two pianists, one guitarist and a DJ.

“Our guests love music that spans all genres,” said Orlando Ashford, “and Billboard Onboard is the perfect way to showcase a wide range of popular hits under one roof.”

HAL’s hit B.B. King’s Blue Club music programme is also expanding to the new ship. It will perform on Queen’s Lounge Stage. Koningsdam will be the eighth ship in the fleet to feature the Memphis music experience.

Following an inaugural European season in 2016, Koningsdam will homeport at Port Everglades for 7-night as well as 10- and 11-night Caribbean voyages.