While it was our third time cruising on Holland America’s ms Nieuw Amsterdam, we loved a new entertainment experience that has been added since our previous cruises.
The B.B. King Blue’s Club is our kind of entertainment. Live music, by talented and enthusiastic musicians, that makes you want to sing along or get up and dance.
On six of Holland America Line’s cruise ships, the Queen’s Lounge turns into B.B. King’s Blue Club Live most nights of a cruise.
A special stage that resembles the Memphis club is installed in the Queen’s Lounge. The eight-piece band features a drummer, bassist, guitarist, sax player, trumpet player and Hammond B-3 organ player, along with two world-class vocalists.
The musicians — even on their third show of the night — create dynamic energy that inspires the crowd to get up and dance along.
Along with this music, the Holland America Line bar staff serves special B.B. King’s Blues Club cocktails. Priced at $6.95 each, they are included if you buy a Signature Beverage Package, or if you have a complimentary one through the Explore 4 Promotion.
Or, you can order your favorite Holland America cocktails, such as the Tropical Cable Car or the Tanqueray 0010 Martini.
Six nights of our 7-Day Western Caribbean cruise, the Queen’s Lounge was transformed into a B.B. King’s Blues Club at sea. On the first and the last nights of the cruise, there were two shows.
During four other nights of our cruise, the group performed three shows of about 45 minutes each — at 8:45 pm, 9:45 pm and again at 10:45 pm — so there were plenty of opportunities to catch a performance, even if you also attended the entertainment in the Showroom at Sea.
The performance of Aretha Franklin’s “Respect” was one of our favorites, and showcased the saxophonist’s considerable talents.
In addition to the Nieuw Amsterdam, the B.B. King’s Blues Club is now performing on these five other Holland America Line cruise ships:
- ms Eurodam
- ms Noordam
- ms Westerdam
- ms Zuiderdam
- ms Oosterdam
While it was not featured during our cruise, there is also a 45-minute “Live From B.B. King’s“ show that headlines on the ship’s main stage, featuring the true sounds of the Memphis Blues performed by B.B. King’s Blues Club performers, accompanied by a video projection that tells the story of the blues.
We loved the B.B. King Blues Club on Holland America’s Nieuw Amsterdam cruise ship.
Have you attended a B.B. King Blues Club performance on Holland America Line? What did you think? Please share your thoughts in comments below.
More posts from our recent cruise on Holland America’s Nieuw Amsterdam:
- The Cabana Club on Holland America’s Nieuw Amsterdam
- A Look at the Dim Sum Lunch in Holland America’s Tamarind Restaurant
- A Look Inside a Verandah Stateroom on Holland America’s Nieuw Amsterdam Cruise Ship
- Views from Half Moon Cay, Bahamas
- An Updated Look at Holland America’s Canaletto Restaurant Menu
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