Holland America’s Next Big Bar Is Built Around a Giant Tulip

Holland America Line is adding a new atrium bar and lounge called Bar 1873 to its renovated Vista-class and Signature-class ships. Located at the center of the vessels on Deck 2, the two-story venue will feature live piano performances before dinner and in the evening, plus appearances by vocalists and string musicians. Its theme and design will vary by ship, each celebrating a different piece of the cruise line’s history.

The Oosterdam, the only ship the line has named so far, shows the approach. Its version honors Holland America’s history of ship christenings and godmothers through artwork and other design details. The signature cocktail is called “May She Be Blessed,” and guests can personalize it by choosing an essence. The centerpiece is a three-meter illuminated tulip sculpture elevated above the space.

The bar is part of a renovation program called Holland America Evolution, which begins next fall with the Oosterdam. Other announced changes include a reimagined Crow’s Nest gathering space with more entertainment, including live music, 76 new staterooms, and the addition of a Grand Dutch Cafe. The company has not yet detailed which other ships will receive which pieces of the update.

For loyal Holland America cruisers, the change signals how the line plans to modernize its older ships without discarding their heritage. The two-deck layout puts live music in a central, high-traffic space rather than tucking it away. Details such as exact ship schedules and dry-dock dates are still to come, so travelers eyeing a post-renovation sailing should watch for itinerary updates.

Sources: Travel Weekly