With cruise lines throughout the industry introducing theme-base cruises, like Blue Star's Titanic II and Cunard Line's Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice" tour, Seattle-based Holland American, thanks to transforming the Queen's Lounge on the 2,104-passenger Eurodam will offer their passengers the B.B. King cruise experience.
One this cruise, five nights a week through June 20, members of the B.B. King Club Band will be playing the venue, which has been redecorated with portraits of King, the Memphis Blues legend, illuminating the prominence of Memphis Blues and its influence on everyone from King himself, to, Sam & Dave and Otis Redding to The Rolling Stones and Neil Diamond. according to hollandamericablog.com.
In an interview with USA Today Holland America said a stage similar to ones found at Memphis blues clubs was added to the lounge, and the wait staff has begun serving the specialty cocktails that are offered at B.B. King Blues Clubs on land.
On top of playing at the lounge, the B.B. King Blues Club Band will be playing the Eurodam's main theater one night a week in a live stage show directed by Marion Caffey, producer of Amateur Night at the Apollo. Dubbed Memphis Sound, the 45-minute performance incorporates video projection to tell the story of the blues, reported wkrn.com.
"We are excited for this new venture," said B.B. King's Blues Club's CEO Tommy Peters. "B.B. King's Blues Club has always been committed to providing the best live entertainment and Holland America Line is a leader in their industry. It's a great fit and we look forward to a successful long-term partnership," according to wkrn.com.
Holland America said the show will debut on other Holland America ships over the coming year.
B.B. King Blues Clubs on land are located in Memphis and Nashville, Tenn.; Orlando and West Palm Beach, Fla.; and Las Vegas.
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