Dutch Swing College Band live in Rotterdam

Experience Dutch Swing College Band live on September 20th

The Dutch Swing College Band is scheduled to perform aboard the S.S. Rotterdam in Rotterdam, Netherlands on September 20, 2026. The band is renowned for its traditional New Orleans jazz style, often referred to as “Dixieland,” characterized by collective improvisation, lively tempos, and instrumentation typically including trumpet, trombone, clarinet, banjo, tuba or double bass, and drums. Formed in 1945, the band has maintained a continuous presence in the Dutch jazz scene and internationally, becoming known for their energetic performances and adherence to classic jazz forms.

The S.S. Rotterdam is a former ocean liner launched in 1959 and operated by the Holland America Line until its retirement in 1997. Originally designed as a flagship for transatlantic voyages between Rotterdam and New York City, the ship became known as "The Grande Dame" due to its luxurious amenities and prominent role in post-war travel. After years of fluctuating ownership and potential redevelopment plans, the ship was permanently moored in Rotterdam in 2010 and extensively renovated into a hotel, event space, and museum.