Windstar Cruises, a leader in yacht-style cruising, announces the debut of its new all-suite yacht, Star Pride, and the 2014 Pride Voyage Collection. The new voyages open for sale today, and feature four new itineraries exclusive to the all-suite yacht, including Windstar’s new itinerary through the Black Sea. Star Pride’s nine distinctive voyages highlight small-ship ports throughout the Mediterranean seas and French Riviera, tucking into tiny harbors and hidden coves that others can’t reach. The collection features voyages from May 5 to October 21, 2014.

“We are thrilled to welcome Star Pride to our fleet in Spring 2014, enabling Windstar to cruise a global set of itineraries to new destinations including our new Black Sea Tapestry voyage,” said Hans Birkholz, Windstar Cruises’ chief executive officer. “With a maximum of 212 guests on board, Star Pride delivers our promise of the private yacht experience in a casually elegant setting, all while exploring some of the world’s most legendary destinations and hidden harbors.”

The four exclusive Star Pride 2014 European voyages include:

Black Sea Tapestry

For the first time, Windstar offers the enigmatic, once hidden, wonders of Europe’s Black Sea in signature Windstar yachting style. This seven-day, roundtrip voyage from Istanbul, Turkey departs June 13, 20; and September 8, 2014, and visits five new ports including Yalta, Sevastopol, and Odessa, Ukraine; Constanta (Bucharest), Romania; and Nessebar, Bulgaria. Highlights include: Istanbul’s elegant Blue Mosque; Swallow’s Nest Castle in Yalta; the intriguing Potemkin Steps in Odessa; Sevastopol’s beautiful beaches; and medieval Nessebar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with its impressive collection of historic churches.

Pride of the Aegean

Explore the breadth of the Aegean Sea, from the southernmost azure tip of Crete to the soaring spires of Istanbul, in one comprehensive nine-day sailing departing from Athens, Greece or Istanbul, Turkey on June 4, and 27; August 30; September 15 and 24; and October 3, 12, and 21, 2014. Star Pride visits Monemvasia, Chania, Santorini, and Rhodes, Greece; and Bodrum, Kusadasi, and Cesme, Turkey. Highlights include: Chania’s beautiful Venetian mansions and churches; the whitewashed buildings and blue domes of Santorini; the ancient Acropolis of Lindos in Rhodes; Cesme’s 14th century Genoese castle, as well as the marble, myths, and magic of Athens and Istanbul’s world-famous Grand Bazaar.

Riviera Enchantment

Discover the glamour, the enchantment, the excitement, and the exquisite élan of the world’s most famous yachting playgrounds on this seven-day voyage roundtrip from Rome, Italy departing May 21; and August 6, 2014. Rome sets the stage for this exciting cruise which visits some of the world’s most glamorous ports along the French Riviera including Cannes, France; Monte Carlo, Monaco; and Portoferraio, Portofino, and Portovenere, Italy. For an added thrill, guests sailing on the May 21 departure can add Windstar’s Grand Prix Cruise Package and experience the perfect combination of luxury cruising and Formula One racing.

Venetian Passageways

Uncover the wonders of Venice, the Queen of the Adriatic, as Windstar overnights in this magical city on this nine-day voyage along the ancient trade routes through the narrow Corinth Canal, to the ancient oracle of Delphi, and into the majestic fjords of Montenegro. Star Pride departs July 6; and August 21, 2014 from Athens, Greece or Venice, Italy visiting Hydra, Corinth Canal, Delphi/Itea, and Zakynthos, Greece; Butrint, Albania; Kotor, Montenegro; and Dubrovnik and Hvar, Croatia.

Also new for 2014, is Windstar’s Sicilian Splendors voyage. Sail around the Isle of Sicily and discover wonders from the ruins of Pompeii and Capri’s Blue Grotto to Baroque marvels and the breathtaking beauty of the Amalfi Coast with this 10-day sailing roundtrip from Rome, Italy departing May 11, 2014. This new 2014 voyage visits five new ports including Catania, Porto Empedocle, and Trapani, Italy; and Valletta and Gozo, Malta; as well as Lipari (Sicily), Sorrento, and Capri, Italy, and also spends one romantic night at sea. Highlights include: the ancient city of Syracuse in Catania; historic tapestries and armor in Valletta’s Palazzo Parisio; and some of the world’s best-preserved Greek ruins at the Valley of the Temples in Porto Empedocle.

In addition, Star Pride will offer many Windstar favorites including:

• Classic Italy & Dalmatian Coast: Discover the magic of Venice, the grandeur of Rome and the captivating island of Capri before cruising the privileged waters of the Ionian Sea with visits to the breathtaking fjords of Montenegro and the sundrenched shores of Croatia on this eight-day cruise departing from Rome or Venice on July 15 and August 13, 2014.

• Glitter & Glam of the Rivieras: From the sparkling cities of Marseille and Portofino to the chic style of Monaco and Cannes, Star Pride explores the legendary ports of the world’s most privileged yachts on this seven-day voyage departing from Rome or Barcelona on July 23 and 30, 2014.

• Enchanting Greece & the Amalfi Coast: This seven-day cruise departing May 28, 2014, explores the idyllic islands, charming cobbled villages, spectacular scenery, and intriguing history of the heart of the Mediterranean.

Star Pride, with a guest capacity of 212 in 106 suites, will undergo several upgrades and changes in styling and décor to align with Windstar’s brand. Star Pride will showcase many signature Windstar experiences, including the line’s famous Sail Away party, Yacht Deck Barbecue gala and Open Bridge policy.

For more information about these new itineraries, hotel and land packages, and to book, contact a travel professional, call Windstar at 800-258-7245 or visit www.WindstarCruises.com.

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Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest ship, Norwegian Breakaway, was christened by the legendary Rockettes® during a ceremony officiated by Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Cardinal Timothy Dolan. Buddy Valastro, star of the TLC series “Cake Boss,” hosted the highly anticipated ceremony. “The arrival of the Norwegian Breakaway—the largest cruise ship to homeport in Manhattan—is another proof point of the growth and success of New York City’s $200 million cruise sector, a cornerstone of the City’s $55 billion tourism industry,” said Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg.

Throughout the christening ceremony simulcast in ten venues around the ship, Norwegian Breakaway’s spectacular onboard amenities and entertainment were showcased in front of more than 4,000 guests. From live performances by Slam Allen, Howl at the Moon, Cirque Dreams & Dinner Jungle Fantasy, along with Burn the Floor and a show stomping finale featuring Rock of Ages, Norwegian Breakaway, the largest ship ever to homeport in Manhattan, kicked off its arrival to New York City in style. “New York’s ship is home where she belongs,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line’s chief executive officer. “We’ve been anticipating this moment for more than two years and are so thrilled to finally have Norwegian Breakaway amongst New York City’s greatest icons. We thank the City of New York for the warm welcome and are looking forward to a very successful inaugural season.”

Boasting hull artwork designed by pop icon and America’s most popular living artist, Peter Max, Norwegian Breakaway was designed as New York’s ship inside and out. On board, guests will enjoy the high-caliber dining and entertainment options that New York City is known for worldwide, including three new restaurants by Food Network star and acclaimed New York chef Geoffrey Zakarian. The ship’s groundbreaking design also includes an open-air boardwalk called The Waterfront, the largest aqua park at sea, with five waterslides, and a wide array of accommodations including 60 suites in The Haven, innovative studios for solo travelers, ocean view staterooms, balcony and mini-suite staterooms for families.

“The cruise industry in New York City continues to thrive, with a total economic impact of nearly $200 million last year alone, which is why we have made significant investments to accommodate a new generation of ships like the Norwegian Breakaway” said NYCEDC Executive Director Kyle Kimball. “The Norwegian Breakaway, a state-of-the-art ship, will ensure the continued growth in this critical industry, generating millions of dollars in spending, creating jobs and helping to maintain our reputation as a cruise capital of the world.”

“Last year, New York City welcomed a record 52 million visitors, an all-time high—with the addition of Norwegian Breakaway, there will be even more opportunities for visitors to experience and enjoy the best that New York City has to offer, both on land and at sea,” said NYC & Company CEO George Fertitta. Norwegian Breakaway will begin her weekly seven-day cruises to Bermuda, throughout the summer, on Sunday, May 12 with a special guest onboard, Kevin Sheehan, the line’s Chief Executive Officer. From October through April, Norwegian Breakaway will offer seven-day voyages from the heart of Manhattan to the Bahamas and Florida, as well as two 12-day sailings to the Southern Caribbean.

Designed as New York’s ship, Norwegian Breakaway brings the best of NYC to sea from her year-round homeport in Manhattan, offering the high-caliber dining and entertainment options that New York is known for worldwide. The ship’s groundbreaking design includes an open-air boardwalk, The Waterfront, and 678 Ocean Place; a wide range of indoor and outdoor venues on three dynamic decks that will create a whole new complex at sea that enhances guests’ connection with the ocean. Norwegian Breakaway’s entertainment includes three Broadway shows: five-time Tony nominated ROCK OF AGES; the dance sensation BURN THE FLOOR; and CIRQUE DREAMS & DINNER JUNGLE FANTASY. The famed comedy troupe The Second City, Howl at the Moon dueling pianos, and New York’s own Slam Allen also perform on the vessel. Norwegian Breakaway features an exciting fireworks show on every cruise that will dazzle guests on the second to last night at sea each week, and is the grand finale of a decadent 1980s-themed deck party.

Celebrity Chef and Food Network star Geoffrey Zakarian has also debuted his first restaurant at sea on Norwegian Breakaway: Ocean Blue by Geoffrey Zakarian, along with two additional venues, The Raw Bar and Ocean Blue on the Waterfront. Buddy Valastro, star of the TLC series “Cake Boss,” opened an extension of his popular bakery, Carlo’s Bake Shop, onbard. The ship features a total of 27 dining options on board and an Ice Bar, which is kept at 17 degrees Fahrenheit and features New York City-inspired specialty cocktails, as well as ice sculptures of the Brooklyn Bridge and Statue of Liberty to pay homage to New York City.

The top decks of Norwegian Breakaway feature the first Aqua Park at sea with five full-size water slides, including twin Free Fall slides, the first ever at sea, and a three-story sports complex that includes the largest ropes course at sea, a nine-hole miniature golf course, basketball court, rock climbing wall and more. The ship also offers a rich mix of stateroom options including The Haven™ by Norwegian, comprised of 42 Suites at the top of the ship and 22 additional Suites located throughout the ship; the innovative Studios, designed and priced for solo travelers; Oceanview staterooms, Balcony and Mini-Suites; along with Spa Balcony, Mini-Suites and Suites in close proximity to the spa.

For more information on the incredible features and accommodations on Norwegian Breakaway, visit www.breakaway.ncl.com.

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In celebration of Earth Day, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) today highlighted the ongoing efforts of its member lines to protect the ocean environment. CLIA and its members lines have a vested interest in protecting the environment, not only because it is the responsible thing to do — but also because clean oceans and beaches are essential to the cruise experience. The international environmental standards that apply to the cruise line industry are stringent and comprehensive and are established by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), a United Nations agency, as well as national laws of port States where cruise ships visit. The cruise industry, however, employs practices and procedures that are substantially more protective of the environment than are required by regulation and CLIA member lines must meet and often exceed all applicable environmental regulations on a ship’s voyage.

CLIA members have been at the forefront of wastewater treatment, emissions reduction and the development of innovative technologies to further reduce the environmental impact of cruising.

“I am extremely proud of the extensive investments and ongoing commitment of our member lines to safeguard the environment for future generations through responsible practices and continuous innovation,” said Christine Duffy, president and CEO of CLIA. “The cruise industry has invested extensively to develop and implement wide range of new technologies that protect air and water quality and increase energy efficiency.”

Energy efficiency is a major focus of the cruise industry, which has adopted practices such as using recycled hot water to heat passenger cabins, using special window tinting to keep passageways cooler while using less air conditioning, and switching to low energy LED lights which last 25 times longer, use 80% less energy, and generate 50% less heat. All of these efforts also reduce air emissions. CLIA members have invested significantly over the last decade to develop and implement new technologies that help to reduce air emissions, including utilizing exhaust gas scrubbers, developing engines that run more efficiently and increasing the use of shore power, which involves a ship connecting to shore-side power and shutting down its own engines while in port.
Working with the IMO, the United States and other flag and port States, CLIA has participated in the development of consistent and uniform international standards governing waste management that apply to all member ships that travel internationally. CLIA members have also adopted the Cruise Industry Waste Management Practices and Procedures, which are even more protective than the existing regulatory requirements.

Many CLIA member lines offer programs to raise passenger awareness and to encourage them to conserve energy and contribute to the industry’s environmental stewardship efforts by recycling paper, plastic, aluminum cans and glass through the use of dedicated bins throughout the ship. Passengers are also encouraged to preserve energy like they would do at home, such as turning off lights when not in their cabins.

Additional initiatives and practices in place at CLIA member lines include the following:

— Several lines are in various stages of utilizing advanced wastewater
treatment systems which can produce water cleaner than most wastewater
treatment facilities in U.S. cities.

— One member line has installed solar panels on five ships — and on one
ship over 200 solar panels have been installed, which generate enough
power to operate approximately 7,000 LED lights.

— A number of member lines use fabric bags — including laundry, dry
cleaning, and shoe shine bags — in lieu of plastic bags, thereby
reducing plastic from the waste stream.

— Many lines are using ecological, non-toxic, slick hull coatings that save
as much as 5% of fuel usage for propulsion.

— Condensation from shipboard air conditioning units is reclaimed and then
re-used to wash the decks on a CLIA member line’s ships, saving up to
22.3 million gallons of fresh water in 2012 alone.

— One CLIA member line saves paper by using an E-Tickets program which
delivers cruise documents to guests electronically instead of on paper.
The passengers cruise documents are delivered as a PDF file through
email.

— Various ships are installing high-efficiency appliances onboard their
ships in order to minimize their impact on the environment. Every type of
appliance onboard the ships is evaluated for efficiency, including TV’s,
coffee makers, ovens and dishwashers.

— One CLIA member line is self-generating 87% of the water used on board
its ships, compared with 65% in 2008.

— One CLIA member line introduced a revolutionary system for fresh water
production that consumes 40% less power than traditional systems.

— Current shipboard recycling programs onboard one line’s ships eliminates
more than 900 tons of metal, glass, plastic and paper — approximately
45% of all solid waste generated — from traditional waste streams each
year.

— Through its robust waste management programs, one line has increased its
waste recycled and reused by over 75% while reducing the amount of waste
going to landfill by over 50% in the past five years.

The cruise industry is highlighting how its member lines are safeguarding the oceans and the environment through the recently launched ‘Cruise Forward’ industry-wide communications initiative. Specific examples of how cruise lines across the globe are actively working to reduce the overall environmental impact of cruising and preserve and protect pristine oceans, beaches and ports can be found online at www.cruiseforward.org.

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Royal Caribbean International today unveiled first details of the next generation of cruise vacations – Quantum cruising. The Quantum class of ships will take a dramatic leap forward, introducing more game-changing “firsts at sea” such as a skydiving experience, a thrilling adventure that transports guests more than 300 feet in the air on a breathtaking journey; cutting-edge transformative venues including the largest indoor sports and entertainment complex at sea with bumper cars, roller skating and more; and the cruise line’s largest and most advanced staterooms ever. These new, larger staterooms enable innovation in design, storage and comfort including the industry’s first virtual balconies. Every stateroom on Quantum of the Seas will have a view. The much anticipated details were unveiled by stage, television and film star, Kristin Chenoweth – Godmother of Quantum of the Seas – at an exclusive event for media and special guests in New York City this morning.

“This new generation of ships gave us an opportunity to make another leap in vessel design. Innovation has always been part of our DNA and we have taken advantage of all that creativity to design Quantum cruising,” stated Richard D. Fain, chairman & CEO, Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd. “The unique features on Quantum will boggle our guests’ minds, but the real strength of the design is how our people have integrated all these diverse components to create a comfortable and exciting experience.”

Unprecedented “Firsts At Sea”

Having led the industry by introducing incredible signature offerings such as the Rock Climbing Wall, ice-skating rink, FlowRider surf simulator, Central Park and AquaTheater, Royal Caribbean will advance the onboard experience even further by delivering a groundbreaking lineup of “firsts at sea” on Quantum-class ships. New features exclusive to Royal Caribbean include:

RipCord by iFly, the first skydiving experience at sea which allows everyone from first-time flyers to seasoned skydivers to enjoy the sheer thrill and exhilaration of skydiving in a safe, controlled, and simulated environment. North Star, an engineering marvel, takes guests to new heights – literally – with a jewel-shaped, glass capsule, transporting them on a spectacular journey more than 300 feet above the ocean and over the sides of the ship to deliver awe-inspiring 360-degree views. “We are excited to be introducing major advancements in ship design and offerings on Quantum of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas,” said Adam Goldstein, president & CEO, Royal Caribbean International. “The innovative spirit of our brand is alive and well, and with Quantum class, we will deliver more unexpected activities in the most extraordinary spaces. Our guests should prepare to be wowed.”

New Transformational Signature Venues

With Quantum class, Royal Caribbean marries new innovations with significant architectural design elements to introduce spectacular spaces. On Quantum of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas guests will find endless possibilities with three new signature venues.

A revolutionary concept, Two70° is a multi-level great room that is sure to become one of the most iconic venues onboard Quantum class. The space is aptly named for its magnificent 270-degree panoramic sea views through vast, floor-to-ceiling glass walls spanning almost three decks at the stern of the ship. Two70° seamlessly fuses entertainment and technology to create a transformative journey from day to night. The perfect setting to connect with the sea during the day, Two70° provides a modern and comfortable living room space for guests to sit back and relax. As the sun sets and the lights go down, the dazzling space gradually reveals its evening persona, delighting guests with spectacular, mysterious and unexpected entertainment at night. Unparalleled technology means every show at Two70° is multidimensional and immerses the audience through a combination of live performers, including aerialists, as well as breathtaking video and digital scenery.

The largest indoor active space at sea, SeaPlex is a distinctive and flexible sporting and entertainment venue with thrilling new features that will inspire guests of all ages to let loose and connect with their playful sides. Delivering more first at sea experiences, guests can experience a circus school with flying trapeze, or play basketball on a full-size regulation basketball court. By night, the first-ever bumper car and roller skating offerings deliver fun and excitement. Or, guests can dance to music orchestrated from a floating DJ booth which hovers above the activity below. A performance hall and the hottest live music venue on Quantum class, Music Hall is the place for guests to enjoy intimate and exclusive access to live performances, DJs, theme night parties, billiards and more. Rebellious and edgy, Music Hall’s two-story design is inspired by the spirit of rock and roll.

The Next Generation of Stateroom Accommodations

With guest comfort and convenience in mind, Royal Caribbean debuts the most spacious and luxurious accommodations ever, introducing rooms that on average are nine percent larger than those of Oasis class ships. Sophisticated, upscale design, layouts and finishes create a home away from home. Boasting Royal Caribbean’s new smart design concept, each stateroom features contemporary designs with easy-to-use customizable layouts and intuitive larger storage solutions.

Now every room on Quantum of the Seas has a view, with the exciting introduction of Virtual Balcony staterooms. This design concept brings virtual balconies to interior staterooms offering expansive real-time views of the ocean and exciting destinations. For multi-generational families, Family-Connected staterooms deliver more flexibility, using three different stateroom categories which connect to form a special layout that provides separate bedrooms and bathrooms for all. These accommodations allow families and groups of friends traveling together to enjoy the best of both worlds when it comes to together and alone time. With Quantum of the Seas, Royal Caribbean introduces the largest variety of stateroom categories,including new Studio staterooms, some with balconies for single travelers, three Junior Suite categories and larger Loft Suites.

Signature Features Return and More New Surprises To Come

The adults-only Solarium, along with an outdoor pool, a new indoor pool with operable roof and a H2O Zone kids’ aqua park, will be featured on the top deck. Signature Royal Caribbean venues and experiences popular with families such as the Rock Climbing Wall; FlowRider surf simulator; the award-winning Adventure Ocean children’s program; the Royal Babies and Tots Nursery; and the DreamWorks entertainment and events featuring the characters from animated movies: Shrek, Kung Fu Panda and Madagascar; will all be back on Quantum class. Quantum of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas also will make a quantum leap forward in its culinary offerings providing the most flexible dining options and more specialty restaurants than ever before. Additional details about dining, entertainment and other unexpected features and amenities on Quantum of the Seas will be unveiled in the coming months.

Quantum class will debut in fall 2014 with Quantum of the Seas, followed by her sister-ship Anthem of the Seas in spring 2015. Quantum ships span 18 decks, encompass 167,800 gross registered tons, carry 4,180 guests at double occupancy and feature 2,090 staterooms. Quantum of the Seas will sail out of the New York Harbor from her homeport of Cape Liberty on 7- to 12-night itineraries during the winter 2014/15 season. Bookings will be available to Crown & Anchor Society loyalty program members starting May 27, 2013 before opening to the general public on June 4. More information on Quantum of the Seas is available at www.RoyalCaribbean.com/Quantum.

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Cunard Line’s flagship Queen Mary 2 will mark a major milestone on her 6 July 2013 voyage from New York to Southampton, achieving her 200th Transatlantic Crossing in her ninth season since entering service in 2004. The milestone will be commemorated with various activities and special speakers and performers on board to add to the celebratory mood.

“Sailing a Transatlantic Crossing aboard our flagship Queen Mary 2 is a luxury travel experience like no other,” said Peter Shanks, president of Cunard Line. “And now with 200 Crossings under her belt, the grandest ocean liner in the world has proven to be the icon of the new golden age of ocean travel across the Atlantic.”

As part of the Cunard Insights on board enrichment program, Stephen Payne OBE, who was largely responsible for the overall design of Queen Mary 2, will present a fascinating perspective on her construction. Stephen also will be the guest of honor at an evening gala on board, which will include a commemorative dinner with a special menu. In addition, BBC newsreader and Classic FM presenter Nick Owen will lecture on board.

Also adding to the festivities will be 16 musicians, plus a band leader and vocalist, from the world-renowned Juilliard School of Dance, Drama and Music. The group will perform as a jazz orchestra providing a selection of Big Band, Swing and Glenn Miller style music and smaller ensemble pieces. Other Juilliard performances will include an evening event in the Royal Court Theatre with full orchestra and vocalist, an afternoon tea dance, lunch time jam sessions featuring an ensemble in the Chart Room, and a late evening ensemble in Illuminations. The band leader and members of the orchestra will also give two jazz master class lectures and a live Q&A.

Queen Mary 2 is still the largest, longest, tallest, widest and most expensive ocean liner ever built. She is also the fastest passenger ship in the world.

In the course of the flagship’s 200 Transatlantic Crossings, Cunard estimates that passengers have consumed:
• 8.4 million cups of tea
• 980,000 scones
• 481,000 bottles of champagne
• 644,000 eggs
• 960,000 litres of milk

In total, Queen Mary 2 has served 22.4 million meals and sailed over 600,000 nautical miles during her first 200 Crossings. These figures do not take into account her annual World Cruise or her sailings to the Canaries, Fjords, Iceland, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, around Britain, up to Montreal and Quebec in Canada, or among the Caribbean islands.

Looking at Cunard’s earlier vessels, Queen Mary (1936 – 1967) crossed the Atlantic 1,001 times; Queen Elizabeth (1940 – 1968) crossed 896 times; and Queen Elizabeth 2 (1969 – 2008) crossed 812 times.

Transatlantic Crossings aboard Queen Mary 2 offer time to leisurely explore the ship’s extensive on board amenities and activities, including lectures through the award-winning Cunard Insights programme; stargazing in the only planetarium at sea; white-gloved afternoon tea served in the Queens Room or a spin around the dance floor during a Royal Nights themed ball; taking in a performance or workshop by members of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art; or perusing 8,000 volumes in the largest library at sea.

Special promotional fares for the 200th Transatlantic Crossing aboard Queen Mary 2 on the 6 July 2013 voyage start from $1,399 per person.

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It’s a moonlit night in San Juan and there’s lots of shimmying, shouting, and whooping it up on the Lido Deck of Holland America Line’s Eurodam. This isn’t your average port-of-call local folk dancing display, but glitz and glamour on the high seas as Holland America kicks off the first ever “Dancing with the Stars: At Sea” theme cruise. Professional dancers from the hit show Mark Ballas and Lacey Schwimmer along with past celebrity contestants Sabrina Bryan and Joey Fatone are onboard to entertain, share dance tips, and tell fans what it’s really like to be on the show.

Theme partners

Each year, most of the major cruise lines unveil specially themed cruises that appeal to different groups of people. Trends indicate that theme cruises are one of the fastest growing sectors within the cruise industry and it’s becoming easier and more affordable to find a theme cruise that revolves around something you love to do.

It goes without saying there are all kinds of television show fanatics, but no group is more spirited than those that watch “Dancing with the Stars”. Produced by BBC Worldwide Productions the “Dancing with the Stars” format launched as “Strictly Come Dancing” in the UK in 2004. Since then the show has become the world’s most popular reality television program that is replicated in 40 countries across six continents, it has even spawned a seasonal show in Las Vegas. So, naturally it would make sense to take the franchise to the high seas.

“‘Dancing with the Stars’ is an international phenomenon and we know this exciting new addition to our entertainment line-up will be very popular with our global guests,” said Richard Meadows, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs for Holland America Line. It also doesn’t hurt that the average Holland America Line customer is the ideal demographic for the show – middle-aged women. Out of the 2148 passengers onboard the Eurodam sailing, over 50 percent were in that demographic.

There are six theme cruises scheduled in 2013 and early 2014 on Holland America Line that will feature exclusive “Dancing with the Stars” events including dance lessons; a chance to meet the dancers, ask questions and take photos; and a dazzling production starring celebrities and the famed dance pros, complete with glamorous costumes and routines from the TV show. For dance lovers the cruises offer a unique opportunity to have access and interact with dance pros and stars from the show and perhaps learn some new dances and moves.

But this is not all that Holland America has planned, they also will be featuring an exclusive “Dancing with the Stars” program on every sailing of their 15 ships where passengers can learn to dance the Tango, Quickstep or Paso Doble. In addition, winners of each sailing’s dance-off will get to dance ‘center stage’ in one of the exciting dance performances and will be entered in a drawing for a free cruise at the end of the year.

‘dam Dancing

Witnessing the inaugural cruise it was clearly a tremendous success with the passengers. Guests truly enjoyed the numerous dance lessons offered during the sailing and it proved to be extremely popular so much so that more rooms needed to be added. “Over 400 people showed up for the first lesson,” cruise director Jason Venner told me. He noted that the Queen’s Lounge was too small so they had to open up the Northern Lights disco and add more instructors. Every dance lesson thereafter required both rooms due to the large turnout.

Most passengers were star-struck by all the precise booty shaking in front of them, but many on the sailing are recreational dancers who booked the cruise to learn how to spice up their own dance moves. I spoke with one such passenger Linda Velone of Boston, who along with her husband booked the cruise to learn from the pros. The Velones are among the growing number of couples taking up ballroom dancing for fun and health benefits. Back in Boston they take weekly classes and are always looking for new ways to hone their dance skills. Linda was upset to learn that pros Ballas and Schwimmer would not be teaching the classes, but the ships’ professional dancers would be doing them. The Eurodam crew acknowledged there were some mistaken assumptions amongst some passengers regarding the teaching of the classes. Still, while the ship’s professional dancers taught the classes the “Dancing with the Stars” cast would show up for appearances during classes and at times would judge some of the dancing contests.

Indeed for Ballas, Schwimmer, Bryan, and Fatone the cruise proved to be a terrific experience albeit a nerve-racking one preparing for the stage show. It’s one thing dancing on land; however, it’s a completely different reality dancing on a moving cruise ship. Fatone told me it was stressful with the rehearsals leading up to the show, but afterwards they were able to truly able relax. Indeed the celebrities were completely in their element amongst the passengers and fans of the show always happy to sign autographs and pose for pictures. Even on Holland America’s private Bahamian island, Half Moon Cay, the cast was posing in their bathing suits with guests.

As for the Velones they had such a good time they’ve already booked another dancing cruise with another couple they met onboard. “It was the best cruise we’ve had in years,” she tells me. It’s clear theme cruises are a great entertainment and they offer and enriched atmosphere for guests with similar interests. Best of all, the shared exuberance makes for a great vacation and perhaps some lifelong friendships. Add to that the pleasures of cruise travel and visiting interesting destinations and it’s a hit.

If you go:  There are six theme cruises in 2013 and early 2014 will feature “Dancing with the Stars” events. Currently scheduled to appear on select sailings are two-time champion pro dancers Mark Ballas and Kym Johnson ; pros Tristan MacManus and Lacey Schwimmer; and some of your favorite celebrity competitors.* More dance pros and celebrities to be announced. Visit Holland America Line’s website for the latest itinerary information and pricing.

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