Fred. Olsen to Launch First Dance-Themed Cruise in 2026
The itinerary calls at Amsterdam during its Light Festival before Honfleur, with time ashore around cobbled streets, timber-framed houses and the harbor.
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has announced its first dance-themed cruise, a five-night Southampton round trip aboard the 1,353-guest Borealis departing Dec. 13, 2026. Dame Arlene Phillips and Ian Waite will headline the S2631a “A Celebration of Dance at Sea” sailing, which calls at Amsterdam and Honfleur and is priced from £499 per person.
The three-ship operator’s onboard program will cover ballroom, Latin, sequence, tap and line dancing.
“This is set to be a very special cruise as it’s a first for us at Fred. Olsen — our inaugural dance-themed cruise,” said Doug Glenwright, guest experience director at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines. Glenwright said the sailing is intended for everyone from guests “taking your first steps on the dance floor” to those who prefer to watch the performances.
Phillips, an Olivier Award-winning choreographer, and Waite, a professional dancer and television personality, will host “An Audience With” sessions and meet guests during the voyage. Waite is also scheduled to lead a dance masterclass.
The itinerary runs Southampton-Amsterdam-Honfleur-Southampton. In Amsterdam, the call coincides with seasonal activities including the annual Light Festival, ice skating, stalls, stroopwafels and mulled wine, while the Honfleur visit gives guests time ashore around the French port’s cobbled streets, timber-framed houses and harbor.
Fred. Olsen is offering two booking incentives on the Borealis departure. The Freedom Fare Price Promise applies to bookings made through June 30, while a half-price premium drinks package offer is available through July 30 at £22 per person per night.
In a separate announcement, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises has put four world-music special-format sailings aboard Europa on sale for 2026 and 2027. They include a 12-day Palma de Mallorca-to-Venice itinerary from Sept. 22 to Oct. 4, 2026, from €4,790 per person, double occupancy, and a 29-day Valparaiso-to-San Francisco cruise from Feb. 17 to March 18, 2027, from €12,890.
