Ballroom dancing has long been one of the staples of cruise holidays, with guests fox-trotting and waltzing to live bands aboard beautiful cruise ships in elegant surroundings. So it is only natural that the hugely popular BBC show, Strictly Come Dancing, is set to take to the seas for its own themed cruises in June and July, and we can announce that two of the show’s best-loved judges are coming aboard.
Anton Du Beke and Arlene Phillips are set to sit on the judging panels aboard the P&O Azura’s 14-night Baltic Escape cruise and the P&O Britannia’s 14-night Canary Islands cruise in July, respectively. Additionally, four of the show’s most popular dancers are set to lend their skills to the cruises. Karen Hauer, Kevin Clifton, Kristina Rihanoff and series 12 winner, Pasha Kovalev will all be aboard to wow and teach guests.
Du Beke is one of the show’s most famous exports, having danced with a range of celebrity partners including Esther Rantzen, Jerry Hall, Nancy Dell’Olio and, perhaps most memorably, Ann Widdecombe. He has made a number of other television appearances including serving as presenter on the short-lived BBC cookery show, Step Up to the Plate. In 2011, Du Beke was honoured with the Rear of the Year award.
Ex-chorographer, Arlene Phillips is a former member of the Strictly Come Dancing judging panel – joining as part of the original line-up before departing in 2009. Phillips has since gone on to appear in a number of television shows as well as releasing a number of self-penned children’s books, her own range of jewellery and serving as a judge on the BBC show, So You Think You Can Dance?
The two Strictly Come Dancing cruises will offer guests the chance to meet and learn from four professional dancers. The dancers will hold regular classes for guests of all ages and abilities. Additional performances by the Strictly team will be held for guests to enjoy alongside meet and greet opportunities and question and answer sessions.
Guests will also be able to purchase some of the stunning dresses made by DanceSport International – the official designers and suppliers of dresses and costumes to the show. The grand finale of the two cruises is set to be a dance competition for guests to enter in front of the expert judging panel.
For cabins aboard the two cruises, click the buttons below. Alternatively, call our friendly sales team on 0808 2746 777.
Images courtesy of P&O Cruises and Danielle Fear.
