Premiere Dance Cruise: Set Sail with MS Borealis & TV Stars

By Estevoaei - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link
British shipping company Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is celebrating a very special premiere in the winter of 2026. From December 13 to 18, the MS Borealis will set sail for the company's first-ever dedicated dance cruise. Under the title "A Celebration of Dance at Sea," the five-day round trip from Southampton offers a highly varied program. The route first takes guests to a pre-Christmas Amsterdam, where the ship will dock until late at night. Following another relaxing day at sea, the Borealis will head to the historic port town of Honfleur in Normandy. Thanks to the ship's manageable size, passengers can step right into the picturesque center, eliminating the need for long bus transfers.

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As an absolute highlight of the trip, two real icons of the British dance scene have been brought on board. Renowned choreographer Dame Arlene Phillips and popular professional dancer Ian Waite, both widely known from the TV hit "Strictly Come Dancing," will accompany the guests. While Phillips will shine with exclusive insights into her impressive career, Waite invites passengers to an interactive masterclass. Both stars will also be available for personal meet-and-greets. This transforms the ship into a unique stage for all dance enthusiasts.

The diverse onboard program is deliberately aimed at every level of experience. Whether you are a complete beginner, a passionate amateur dancer, or just a spectator – every guest is welcome. The classes range from classic ballroom and Latin dances to sequence and tap dancing, as well as sociable line dance. By distributing the activities across the numerous lounges and bars of the MS Borealis, there are no spatial bottlenecks. Those looking for relaxation on the starboard or port side after intensive workshops will find the perfect balance in the Atlantis Spa or one of the many restaurants.

For evening entertainment, a top-tier collaboration with RWS Global has been arranged. In addition to spectacular theater shows and live bands, there are entertaining formats like musical bingo and dance trivia. The grand finale of the journey is a glamorous 1920s-style theme party. This Gatsby finale will feature a festive, pre-Christmas twist, making the trip an unforgettable experience.

From a strategic point of view, Fred. Olsen cleverly uses this themed cruise to fill a short gap in the schedule before the subsequent Caribbean season. Tickets start at 629 British pounds for an inside cabin. To give early bookers peace of mind, the cruise line offers a price promise: if prices drop later, guests receive an upgrade or onboard credit. This turns a classic bridging voyage in December into a highly attractive, emotional vacation experience at sea.