In step with Holland America

Holland America Line (HAL) will introduce a new “Dancing with the Stars”experience onboard its ships next year. Six theme cruises in 2013 and early 2014 will feature “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. 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 the show’s favourite celebrity competitors. In addition to the theme cruises, every sailing on all 15 ships in the Holland America fleet will feature an exclusive “Dancing with the Stars”program, including dance lessons and an opportunity for some lucky guests to dance centre stage in a dance-off performance. These activities will feature the ships’ professional dancers and will be developed in collaboration with the show’s dancers and choreographers. The “Dancing with the Stars”theme cruises are: Feb. 16, 2013, Eurodam, seven-day Eastern Caribbean; June 22, Veendam, seven-day Canada & New England; June 30 and July 7, Oosterdam, seven-day Alaska; Jan. 5, 2014, Amsterdam seven-day Eastern Caribbean; and Jan. 12, 2014, Amsterdam, seven-day Western Caribbean. (http://www.hollandamerica.com)