Holland America Line Brings The Legendary Sounds Of B.B. King's Blues Club Aboard ms Eurodam

Companies announce strategic alliance; lounge transformed into a Blues club

SEATTLE, March 4, 2013 /CNW/ - All the way from the world-famous Beale Street in Memphis, Tenn., Holland America Line has launched the B.B. King's Blues Club aboard ms Eurodam, with the ship's Queen's Lounge transformed into a vibrant blues musical experience. Five nights each week on cruises through June 20, 2013, world-class musicians from the B.B. King Blues Club Band create a dynamic energy to move the crowd to sing and dance along. The eight-piece band features two vocalists backed by a drummer, bassist, guitarist, sax player, trumpet player and Hammond B-3 organ player.

To create its own B.B. King's Blues Club at sea, Eurodam trimmed its Queen's Lounge with portraits of the Memphis Blues legend, illuminating the prominence of Memphis Blues and its influence on everyone from B.B. King, Sam & Dave and Otis Redding to The Rolling Stones and Neil Diamond. A special stage was crafted to resemble a Memphis club with guitars hanging in the backdrop. Exclusive specialty cocktails from the land-based clubs also will be served, featuring the tasty, rum-based Lucille and Rock Me Baby concoctions mixed with different fruit liqueurs and juices.

In addition, "Memphis Sounds," a live stage show directed by Marion Caffey (producer of Amateur Night at the Apollo) and produced by B.B. King's Blues Club's CEO Tommy Peters, will headline one night on the ship's Mainstage. "Memphis Sounds" showcases the true sounds of the American music genre of Memphis Blues performed by the B.B. King Blues Club Band. The 45-minute performance incorporates video projection to tell the story of the blues.

"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."

"This collaborative effort is a perfect partnership," said Richard Meadows, executive vice president of marketing, sales and guest programs for Holland America Line. "Bringing the vibe of Memphis aboard Eurodam will create a new atmosphere on the ship that is going to be exciting for our guests. We also look forward to taking this show to other Holland America Line ships throughout 2013 and beyond through this new venture."

About B.B. King's Blues Club
Created and named after the reigning king of the blues and recording artist for more than four decades, B.B. King's Blues Club is a supper-club style restaurant. B.B. King's offers a perfect blend of some of the finest live music and a variety of the South's most delicious comfort foods influenced by flavors from New Orleans all the way to the Mississippi Delta. For more information or to make a reservation, please visit www.bbkingclubs.com.

For more information about the B.B. King's Blues Club at Sea, Holland America Line's cruises and CruiseTours, consult a professional travel seller, call 1-877-SAIL-HAL (1-877-724-5425) or visit www.hollandamerica.com.

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About Holland America Line [a division of Carnival Corporation and plc (NYSE: CCL and CUK)]
Holland America Line's fleet of 15 ships offers more than 500 cruises to 415 ports in 98 countries, territories or dependencies. One- to 110-day itineraries visit all seven continents and highlights include Antarctica, South America, Australia/New Zealand and Asia voyages; a Grand World Voyage; and popular sailings to ports in the Caribbean, Bermuda, Alaska, Mexico, Canada/New England, Europe and Panama Canal. The line currently has a new ship on order from Fincantieri shipyard for delivery in fall 2015.

Fleetwide, the company features Signature of Excellence enhancements, a commitment totaling more than $500 million, that showcase the Culinary Arts Center presented by Food & Wine magazine — a state-of-the-art onboard show kitchen where more than 60 celebrated guest chefs and culinary experts provide cooking demonstrations and classes — Explorations Cafe powered by The New York Times, Digital Workshop powered by Windows, teens-only activity areas and all new stateroom amenities highlighted by flat-panel TVs and plush Euro-top Mariner's Dream Beds.

World's Leading Cruise Lines
Holland America Line is a proud member of World's Leading Cruise Lines. Our exclusive alliance also includes Carnival Cruise Lines, Cunard, Princess Cruises, Costa Cruises and Seabourn. Sharing a passion to please each guest and a commitment to quality and value, World's Leading Cruise Lines inspires people to discover their best vacation experience. Together, we offer a variety of exciting and enriching cruise vacations to the world's most desirable destinations. Visit us at www.worldsleadingcruiselines.com.

SOURCE: Holland America Line

http://www.hollandamerica.com