Holland America Line's 'Dancing with the Stars: At Sea' Final Champions Cruise to Feature Fan Favorites from the Hit ABC Show

SEATTLE, Aug. 5, 2015 /CNW/ -- Holland America Line has added the talents of professional dancers and Mirrorball Trophy winners Tony Dovolani and Kym Johnson, along with celebrity personality Carson Kressley and America's favorite TV mom Florence Henderson to the "Dancing with the Stars: At Sea" Champions Cruise departing Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, Jan. 10, 2016, and to the Jan. 3, 2016, theme cruise the week prior. These voyages mark the final chances to experience "Dancing with the Stars: At Sea" programming before the partnership concludes.

When ms Nieuw Amsterdam sets sail for the Caribbean on two seven-day voyages, guests will be able to watch these four fan favorites take the stage to perform routines from the ABC's hit television show as well as exciting new choreographed dances. Additional events on these cruises include dance lessons with the ship's professional dancers; a special fashion show featuring glamorous show costumes from the TV show; and a chance to meet the stars, ask questions and take photos with them.

"We are thrilled to have the talents of Tony, Kym, Carson and Florence, entertaining and mingling with our guests on these last two special theme cruises," said Orlando Ashford, president of Holland America Line. "And the Champions Cruise on the Jan. 10 sailing features the exciting grand finale dance-off following a year of guest competitions, and we look forward to crowning a new Mirrorball Trophy winner with the help of these fabulous stars.

"It's been a wonderful partnership between Holland America Line and Dancing with the Stars over the last few years," added Ashford. "The program added an engaging element to our cruises that many guests embraced with passion and dedication. We are thankful to Dancing with the Stars and BBC Worldwide for an amazing run."

About the 'Dancing with the Star: At Sea' Celebrities
Professional dancer Tony Dovolani is a 19-season veteran of the show (the longest running dance pro) who took home the top prize during the all-star season, and Kym Johnson has been on the show for 17 seasons and is a two-time Mirrorball Trophy winner. Guests will recognize Carson Kressley, a "Dancing with the Stars" season 13 participant, as an Emmy-winning television star, celebrity stylist, author and fashion designer. Florence Henderson is best known as matriarch Carol Brady on the classic hit TV series "The Brady Bunch" and was a season 11 contestant.

About the 'Dancing with the Stars: At Sea' Champions Cruise
Beginning with cruises that departed on or after Sept. 21, 2014, and continuing with voyages that end by Nov. 24, 2015, every sailing on all 15 ships in the Holland America Line fleet features exclusive "Dancing with the Stars: At Sea" programming. Included are complimentary dance lessons with the ship's dance pros and a dance competition that gives guests an opportunity to compete for a chance to represent their ship on the Champions Cruise.

Winners of the guest competitions with the highest scores from each of Holland America Line's ships will receive a free ocean-view stateroom for two on the Champions Cruise to compete for the coveted Mirrorball Trophy and title of Holland America Line's "Dancing with the Stars: At Sea" Champion. There will be one winner from each ship on the Jan. 10 Champions Cruise.

Editor's note: Photos of the professional dancers and celebrities, as well as images from previous theme cruises, are available at https://www.cruiseimagelibrary.com/c/ufzs97s6.

For more information about Holland America Line, contact a travel professional or call 1-877-SAIL-HAL (1-877-724-5425) or visit hollandamerica.com.

Find Holland America Line on Twitter, Facebook and the Holland America Blog.  Access all social media outlets via the Online Communities quick link on the home page at hollandamerica.com.

About Holland America Line [a division of Carnival Corporation and plc (NYSE:  CCL and CUK)]
Holland America Line's fleet of 15 ships offers more than 500 cruises to 415 ports in 98 countries, territories or dependencies. One- to 110-day itineraries visit all seven continents and highlights include Antarctica, South America, Australia/New Zealand and Asia voyages; four annual Grand Voyages; and popular sailings to ports in the Caribbean, Alaska, Mexico, Canada/New England, Europe and the Panama Canal. The line currently has a new 2,650-guest ship, ms Koningsdam, on order for delivery in April 2016 from Fincantieri shipyard, as well as a second Pinnacle Class ship due for delivery in November 2018.

Fleetwide, the company features Signature of Excellence enhancements, a commitment totaling more than $500 million, that showcase the Culinary Arts Center presented by Food & Wine magazine — a state-of-the-art onboard show kitchen where more than 60 celebrated guest chefs and culinary experts provide cooking demonstrations and classes — Explorations Cafe powered by The New York Times, Digital Workshop powered by Windows, teens-only activity areas and all-new stateroom amenities highlighted by flat-panel TVs and plush Euro-top Mariner's Dream Beds.

About Dancing with the Stars
Dancing with the Stars is the U.S. version of the BBC's international smash hit series, Strictly Come Dancing, where celebrities are paired with professional ballroom dance instructors and compete for a coveted Mirrorball trophy. Dancing with the Stars is produced by BBC Worldwide Productions for ABC. The fan-favorite has garnered 81 Emmy® nominations and 13 wins since its inception, breaking the Emmy® record in 2009, 2012 and 2013 for the most nominations for a non-fiction program in a single award year. DWTS has also been honored with various main program awards including the GLAAD Media Award, NAACP Award, Realscreen Award, Imagen Award, and two People's Choice Awards. Veteran host, Tom Bergeron has also been honored with two Critics Choice Awards in addition to taking home the 64th Primetime Emmy® Award for Outstanding Host.

About BBC Worldwide
BBC Worldwide is the main commercial arm and a wholly owned subsidiary of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). Its vision is to build the BBC's brands, audiences, commercial returns and reputation across the world.  This is achieved through investing in, commercialising and showcasing content from the BBC around the world, in a way that is consistent with BBC standards and values.  The business also champions British creativity globally.

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SOURCE Holland America Line