Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is putting on its dancing shoes: the Suffolk-based line has announced its first-ever dance-themed sailing, headlined by two of the best-known names from Strictly Come Dancing — Dame Arlene Phillips and Ian Waite — with fares from £499 per person.
The five-night ‘A Celebration of Dance at Sea’ cruise departs Southampton on 13 December 2026 aboard Borealis, calling at Amsterdam and Honfleur before returning — a no-fly festive escape timed, not coincidentally, for peak Strictly season.
The bill
Dame Arlene — former Strictly judge, choreographer of Grease, Starlight Express and We Will Rock You, and winner of the 2024 Olivier Award for Best Choreography for Guys and Dolls — will host ‘An Audience With’ sessions and meet-and-greets alongside Waite, the original Strictly professional turned It Takes Two regular, who will also lead a dance masterclass on board.
Around the headliners, Fred. Olsen and its entertainment partner RWS Global are building a programme spanning ballroom, Latin, sequence, tap and line-dancing: live production shows, visiting dancers, workshops, social dance events and classic dance film screenings, all building to a festive Gatsby-inspired party on the final night.
Guest experience director Doug Glenwright promises “a themed cruise done in our own unique way”, with something for everyone from seasoned dancers to committed spectators.
Ashore, and the offers
The two calls are well chosen for December: Amsterdam during its annual Light Festival, with ice skating and stalls on Museumplein, and the cobbled, timber-framed charm of Honfleur on the Normandy coast.
Booking-wise, guests who book by 30 July can add a half-price premium drinks package at £22 per person per night, covering speciality wines, spirits, beers, cocktails and soft drinks all day.
Why it matters for UK cruisers
At five nights from Southampton and £499, this is also a very low-commitment way to try cruising for the first time — short, no flights, and with built-in entertainment doing the heavy lifting (our guide to choosing your first cruise covers what to weigh up).
It’s also another data point in a trend we keep seeing: British ships finding reasons to sail Europe deep into winter, with themed programming doing the work the weather can’t.
Image: Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
