Dance like wine is all about the perfect pairing, and Holland America Line partnered with Dancing with the Stars couldn’t possibly be a better match. It’s an undeniable cruising hit!
Dancing with the Stars: At Sea Competition Heats Up on Holland America Line’s Nieuw Amsterdam is continued below… More Cruise Reviews from Popular Cruising’s Nieuw Amsterdam, Dancing with the Stars: At Sea Caribbean 2014 sailing: Dancing with the Stars: At Sea Production and Fashion Shows Energize Holland America Line’s Nieuw Amsterdam Dancing with the Stars: At Sea Guest Experience Is Tops Onboard Holland America Line’s Nieuw Amsterdam From Key West to Shipwrecks: Western Caribbean Shore Excursion Highlights off Holland America Line’s Nieuw Amsterdam
The first ever Dancing with the Stars: At Sea champions cruise – where pro dancers from the TV show judge winning guests from the past year of Holland America ships – is taking place right now onboard the line’s latest ship, the Nieuw Amsterdam.
The Venue – Nieuw Amsterdam
The Vista-class ships from Holland America Line were already top notch, and the Pinnacle-class just adds the cherry on top of the sundae. For one, the decor is pleasantly more subdued than in the past. The appearance is still recognizably Holland America, but gone are many of the darker tones and an abundance of red hues.
Atrium with NYC Skyline Centerpiece (Copyright © Jason Leppert)
In fact, this ship is inspired by New York, originally named New Amsterdam. The rotating center piece suspended in the atrium is a crystal representation of the NYC skyline and its reflection, and some of the wall art speaks to a more urban mindset. Otherwise, the extent of the theming is less apparent. It is clear that the Nieuw Amsterdam is a step in a more modern direction for the line.
The Cabana Club (Copyright © Jason Leppert)
An extra added deck comes with the introduction of new venues like the Cabana Club behind the now raised Crow’s Nest observation lounge. Here, private outdoor retreats can be reserved at extra cost. Also new beyond the Vista-class are the Silk Den lounge, itself a secondary observation lounge, and the Tamarind Asian restaurant, both perched above midship.
Silk Den (Copyright © Jason Leppert)
The Show – Dancing with the Stars: At Sea
There is only one place in the world where Dancing with the Stars fans can not only come together to meet and interact with their favorite dancers and celebrities but also compete themselves: Dancing with the Stars: At Sea on Holland America Line. Every single HAL cruise features DWTS-branded dance classes and passenger competitions, and a few select sailings even feature members of the cast onboard.
Dancing with the Stars: At Sea Host, Jason Venner, and Guest Competitors Admire the Mirror Ball Trophy (Copyright © Jason Leppert)
This particular theme cruise is the champions cruise. On this sailing, one finalist from each of Holland America Line’s 15 ships has come together to compete as they would on the hit television show. Three elimination rounds, jam packed dancing performances with pros from the show as judges, lead up to the grand finale, where one talented guest goes home with a Dancing with the Stars: At Sea mirror ball trophy.
Dancing with the Stars Troupe Performers Kick Off the Competition (Copyright © Jason Leppert)
So far, guest judges have included the likes of Tristan MacManus, Kym Johnson, Emma Slater, Sharna Burgess and Derek Hough, and the guest competitors have brought their A-game with gusto. If there is one word to describe these Holland America sailings it is fun – absolute fun. The energy is unlike any other, and the guests, pro dancers and celebrities all enjoy the ride.
Pros Emma Slater, Derek Hough, Sharna Burgess and Cruise Director Eric (from left to right) Judge Round One (Copyright © Jason Leppert)
The theme cruises that bring the actual cast onboard feature other great appearances and performances from the pros and celebs along the way, especially in the fashion show and main Dancing with the Stars: At Sea production show still to come. So stay tuned for more, but until then, here are some teaser images of the cast from today’s press Q&A below…
Carson Kressley and Kym Johnson (Copyright © Jason Leppert)
Emma Slater, Tristan MacManus and Sabrina Bryan (from left to right) (Copyright © Jason Leppert)
Kym Johnson, Joey Fatone and Sharna Burgess (from left to right) (Copyright © Jason Leppert)
For more information about the Dancing with the Stars: At Sea fleet-wide dance competition and theme cruises, visit Holland America Line’s website here.
Do these unique Holland America Line sailings appeal to you as well? Please feel free to share your opinion or ask us a question about them in the “Leave a Reply” section below…
HEADER IMAGE SOURCE: JASON LEPPERT