Dame Arlene Phillips and Ian Waite to headline Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ first Celebration of Dance at Sea sailing

Dance legends Arlene Phillips and Ian Waite will headline a specially curated dance-themed sailing in a first for Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines this year.

Setting sail from Southampton aboard smaller ship Borealis in December, this five-night cruise will bring together a mix of dance, from ballroom, Latin and sequence, to tap, line-dancing and more.

Olivier award-winning Dame Arlene Phillips, one of the UK’s most celebrated choreographers, and Ian Waite, professional dancer and much-loved television personality, will be the headline acts, hosting ‘An Audience With’ sessions and meet‑and‑greet events with guests. Ian will also host a dance masterclass during the cruise.

These events will be underpinned by a specially curated on-board programme, delivered in collaboration with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ entertainment partner RWS Global, encompassing live production shows and visiting entertainers from the world of dance, interactive workshops and activities, social dance events, iconic dance film screenings and themed entertainment.

The cruise will culminate in a festive twist on a Gatsby-inspired party.

Doug Glenwright, Guest Experience Director at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said:

– This is set to be a very special cruise as it’s a first for us at Fred. Olsen – our inaugural dance-themed cruise.

– Dance has always been an important part of our on-board experience, and this cruise will really shine a spotlight on this – at a time of year when we know the nation will be putting on their dancing shoes. It will be a vibrant, feel-good celebration of dance in all its forms, with a touch of festive sparkle throughout.

– Whether you’re a seasoned professional, taking your first steps on the dancefloor, or prefer to sit back and enjoy the performances, there will be something for every level of confidence as we dance our way into the festive season.

– I can promise is that it will be a themed cruise done in our own unique way, with guests at the heart of it all.”

Ashore, guests can enjoy the seasonal charm of Amsterdam and the harbourside beauty of Honfleur, both of which will feel particularly festive at this time of year.

In Amsterdam, guests will find illuminated canals as part of the annual Light Festival, and Museumplein will be transformed into a winter gathering place, with ice skating, traditional stalls and the chance to sample stroopwafels and mulled wine.

Honfleur will bring a gentler rhythm, with its cobbled streets, colourful timber-framed houses and picturesque harbour to explore.

Full details of the cruise are as follows:

• Borealis’ five-night S2631a ‘A Celebration of Dance at Sea’ cruise, departing from Southampton on 13^th December 2026. Prices start from £499 per person.

• Itinerary:Southampton, UK – Amsterdam, Netherlands – Honfleur, France – Southampton, UK

For more details, click HERE (external link)

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