Even the most uncoordinated, non-flexible person can break out of their everyday routine to bust a move. With all the fun you’ll have on a cruise, you’re bound to let those inhibitions down – just imagine the sounds of that awesome band and one or two piña coladas. That’s right, we’re here to tell you that eventually the rhythm is gonna get you. Not only because of the fun you’re having, but because music and dance is almost everywhere you turn. Check out the different venues and events that offer you a chance to get your groove on, onboard and off.
Onboard Classes/Services
Whether you are looking to brush up on your skills or need a partner, most cruise lines have some version of dance classes during the day and certain cruise lines offer dance hosts for those tangos that take two.
- Dancing with the Stars: At Sea – This Holland America program is all encompassing allowing passengers to take classes, participate in competitions and watch your favorite dancers and stars from the ABC hit show perform. You can learn more about this exciting program in our blog: Dancing with the Stars: At Sea
- Dance Hosts – Sometimes dancing requires two people and sometimes your dancing partner isn’t onboard or isn’t much of a partner. For this reason, the following cruise lines have a staff of dance hosts onboard who will gladly fill your dance card: Cunard, Silversea, Crystal and Holland America.
- Zumba – Most ships have Zumba lessons (on Princess they are complimentary). Zumba is an exercise routine that utilizes movements from different dances. This trend has really grown with Zumba classes and meet-ups happening all over the country. It’s a great way to learn new skills and break a sweat.
- Learn an unconventional dance – While you’ll see dance classes onboard most cruise lines, Carnival’s are a bit different. They have classes that teach those fun disco moves of the ‘70s or the mod style of the ‘60s. There is even one class devoted exclusively to learning the moves to Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” music video.
Onboard Performances
Dance can be found on almost every show on every cruise ship. From the cabarets and revues of the luxury lines to the big Broadway-style productions of the contemporary lines, you’ll find professional performers singing and dancing for your enjoyment. These shows might even give you some inspiration for the next time you step onto the dance floor.
Burn the Floor – This is a 45-minute high paced show that takes the traditional ballroom dances and reinvents them into a whirlwind of coordinated movement. The show got rave reviews when it was on Broadway. Currently this show is only available to passengers on the Norwegian Breakaway, and will soon be expanded to the Norwegian Getaway.- Cirque Dreams – If you want to incorporate some feats of derring-do into your next dance routine, check out the performers in this dinner show. They utilize amazing balance, tumbling and strength skills in performing their routines. Your jaw will drop when you see their moves. The show is currently on the Norwegian Epic and the Norwegian Breakaway.
- Ice Skating Shows – The addition of ice makes dancing a little smoother, and it’s easy to see how the graceful movements of the professional ice skaters on ten of Royal Caribbean’s ships would translate to the dance floor. It’s been 10 years since Royal Caribbean debuted its first ice rink at sea and they’re now one of their most popular features.
Excursions
Tango in Argentina – Buenos Aires is the birthplace of tango, a Latin dance of passion. While visiting the city you can go to the San Telmo district where there are several tango salons called milongas. On some excursions you can even take a lesson.- Flamenco in Spain – Throughout the Andalusia region of Spain you will find flamenco performances. This intense dance where women wear long ruffled dresses and dance while stomping their feet on stage has its origins in the area’s gypsy community.
- Hula in Hawaii – Not only do you get to experience the hula, a dance that is actually a Polynesian version of storytelling, but you’ll partake in a luau. You’ll try local dishes and also see firewalkers at this Hawaiian celebratory dinner.
- Traditional Japanese Dance – Experience ancient Japanese culture as you take in a show where you’ll hear stories, songs and see traditional Japanese dances performed at Ainu Village near Sapporo. This village has existed since 1200 A.D.
- Ballet – Though ballet has roots in Italy and France, this classical dance has really taken hold in Russia. It is the Russians who have created ballet’s most enduring works like The Nutcracker and Swan Lake, both by Tchaikovsky, and dancers such as Anna Pavlova, Rudolf Nureyev and Mikhail Baryshnikov. You can enjoy a night at the Bolshoi Ballet in Moscow or at the Mariinsky Theater in St. Petersburg.
Events
- Norwegian Cruise Line’s White Hot Party – If you want to just let loose on the dance floor, leaving behind any and all inhibitions, then this is the place for you. On nearly every sailing Norwegian hosts this event where guests are encouraged to dress in white and dance all over the pool deck.
- Cunard’s Royal Night Theme Balls – Step back in time and into the great halls of British monarchy as you waltz across the largest dance floor at sea (1,225 square feet) while the orchestra plays a classic composition.
- Live@Sky on Celebrity Cruises – During most Celebrity sailings you can head to the Sky Observation Lounge and enjoy a drink and a view, but one night the area becomes a swanky swing club from the 1940s when it transforms into Live@Sky.
- Evening Under the Stars on Seabourn – When you are sailing in a warm weather destination, Seabourn invites its guests up to the pool deck at night where they have cleared room for you and your companions to dance to the live music.
Themed Cruises
- Crystal Ballroom @ Sea – Spend an entire sailing dedicated to tripping the light fantastic on this themed itinerary where the Harry James Orchestra will provide the beats. The Harry James Orchestra was one of the most popular big bands in the 1940s with Frank Sinatra as its lead vocalist. During the sailing you’ll have an opportunity to take lessons and then show your new skills on the dance floor.
- Dance Cruises on MSC Cruises – On several transatlantic sailings, MSC Cruises takes advantage of the Latin rhythms of Brazil, Argentina and the Caribbean by offering classes in Tango, Mambo and Merengue, among other styles. While you can learn the dances during the day, at night you can compete with your fellow cruisers. After all is said and done you’ll head home with a certificate of completion.
Kids at Sea
Dance Parties – While you’re doing your best twist or cha-cha-cha in a dance class onboard, your little ones may be shaking their bon bons too. One of the more popular activities in the youth centers are dance parties and discos where all that youthful energy gets channeled into the dance.- Dance Classes – There are dance classes on cruise lines that are aimed to attract teens and tweens to the sport and art of dancing. For instance, on Princess and Holland America your teen can take a hip hop dance class. On Norwegian Cruise Line’s ships your kids can tumble and clown around at the Cirque Du Jour program, where kids learn the tricks of the Cirque Dreams performers.
No matter which cruise you take, you’ll always find a space to let loose. Whether it’s at the clubs of the bigger ships (like Blaze on Oasis of the Seas or Liquid Nightclub on the Carnival Breeze), outside at a deck dance party or even slinking around in the piano bar, you’ll have an outlet to get your body moving.
The Cruise Web, Inc.
reply@cruiseweb.com
1-800-377-9383