Event Staff Looks Sharp in New Uniforms

The Event Staff just received a makeover of sorts with new uniforms. The Event Staff is part of the Entertainment Department. They are responsible for guest programs for all ages from 3 years old and up. They cover the youth programs, handle library duties in the Explorations Cafe, host the “Dam Dollar” events, pool games and all other social events for Eurodam’s guests.

The Event Staff, from left, Shannon Benge, Susanne Bonnici and Kate Wall.

‘Dream Park’ Rehearsals are Under Way

The Eurodam production cast did a 12-minute show during the Finacantieri yard party, and here are photos from “Dream Park.” Entertainment Director Bill Prince told us a little about the show in an earlier post.

Pam captured these images of what looks like a very cool high-energy production.

Show Lounge is Taking Shape

Here’s the latest photo of the show lounge. And below is a rendering of what it will look like when complete.

It’s Showtime … Nearly!

Chief Officer Andre van Schoonhoven just sent us this updated image of the show lounge. The photo was taken from the raised seating area on Deck 3 looking down into the lounge. Construction is 60 percent complete. Though not really visible in the photo, most of the wall and ceiling are in, and installation of most of the stage equipment, such as lifts and turntables, is nearly complete.

‘Dream Park’ to Be a Night on a Magical Midway

Stage mock-ups for ‘Dream Park’ illustrate the whimsical midway with rollercoaster backdrop (above), circus wagon (below left) and carousel that descends from the ceiling.

The new show under development for Eurodam has the working title of “Dream Park.” According to Blog Board member Bill Prince, director of entertainment for Holland America Line, the show depicts a “night on an abstract, whimsical midway.”

ENB caught up with Prince recently for an update about what guests on Eurodam can expect from the after-dinner entertainment. He said the show, the third of five to be performed on the newbuild, features hit songs from the 1950s, ’60s and ’70s.

“In the opening, everybody arrives on a Ferris wheel,” Prince told us. “It’s going to have everything you’d expect on a classic fair midway. There’s a Tunnel of Love, a shooting gallery, a haunted house, a really cool number in a hall of mirrors, and for the finale, a carousel drops down from the ceiling with showgirls as horses.”

The show currently is being blocked and rehearsed in Los Angeles. It is slated to debut on Zuiderdam six weeks before Eurodam’s July 2008 introduction.

Eurodam to Have High-Tech Poker Table

Poker anyone? Eurodam is to feature the PokerPro Texas Hold’Em table

This Texas Hold‘Em dealer never gets tired, never misdeals and always keeps track of split pots. It’s called PokerPro, and it is a poker table with an inset touchscreen for each player.

PokerPro shuffles, deals, splits pots and generates side pots instantly. It’s manufacturer, PokerTek of North Carolina, claims it is the fastest and most accurate dealer in the world. Players can sign up for games on their own and will never again complain of a misdeal, accidentally mucked cards or incorrectly split pots.

You’ve got to know when to hold ‘em, know when to fold ‘em.

The Electronic Shuffler has been certified by Gaming Laboratories International as a mathematically random process with equal probability for each card. In addition to the Shuffler, PokerPro burns a card before each round of betting.

For players who are accustomed to online poker games, PokerPro provides an easy transtion from the computer to a live game. For beginners, the table removes the intimidation factor some might feel with a live dealer.

On With the Show

Bill Prince

New Shows Feature Nightclubs, Pop

Because evening entertainment is an important part of the cruise experience, we’re excited to reveal that Eurodam will have five new production shows. While we’re not ready to talk about all five shows, I am happy to share with you details about two of the new productions.

The first is called “Nightlife.” Imagine that all of the world’s famous nightclubs … The Tropicana, Moulin Rouge, The Rainbow Room, Studio 54 … still existed. We’ll take you to each one — on one stage, in one night — in a new musical spectacular.

“In Concert” is another new show on Eurodam. The music you grew up with comes alive in amazing performances as we present a concert of pop hits ranging from the Beatles to Celine Dion.

Stay tuned for more entertainment news.

Let Me Entertain You

Bill Prince, Director of Entertainment

Meet Bill Prince, Director of Entertainment and newest Blog Board member

Bill Prince, Holland America Line’s director of entertainment, is responsible for keeping all guests aboard the 14 HAL ships entertained and informed around the clock. Working with such stars as Barry Manilow, Reba McEntire and David Copperfield gave Prince the insight to move on to become the creative force behind Holland America’s award-winning production shows and oversee a staff of nearly a thousand entertainers and technicians. Prior to joining Holland America Line, he was vice president of entertainment for the Caesars Palace hotels.