Holland America Line’s Dancing with the Stars: At Sea theme cruises have proven to be a hit with guests. The first of these cruises with stars onboard took place in February on the ms Eurodam and received rave reviews. Subsequent theme cruises in Canada/New England and Alaska have also achieved success, often selling out with onboard Dancing with the Stars: At Sea events playing to standing room only crowds.

Holland America’s Dancing with the Stars: At Sea production shows are similar to what audiences see on the ABC television show, “Dancing with the Stars.” Fans will be familiar with the music, the lavish costumes, and the judges featured in taped clips in between the productions’ dancing segments. Holland America has added quite a bit to these theme cruises, however, making them even more special for guests.

Here are a few reasons why these Dancing with the Stars: At Sea theme cruises are so popular:

Interaction with the Stars. Aboard Holland America’s intimate ships, fans have the opportunity to get up close and personal with the stars they’ve grown to love on “Dancing with the Stars.” Holland America’s Dancing with the Stars: At Sea theme cruises have featured a variety of dancing professionals such as two-time U.S. mirror ball trophy winners Mark Ballas and Kym Johnson, Chelsie Hightower and Tristan MacManus. Celebrity “Dancing with the Stars” performers aboard the cruises have included Olympic gold medalist and mirror ball trophy winner Shawn Johnson, Joey Fatone of ‘N Sync fame, Carson Kressley and Sabrina Bryan. Guests can often spot their favorite stars at breakfast in the morning, having a drink at the Ocean Bar later in the day, and up in the Crow’s Nest at night. Holland America provides opportunities for guests to have their pictures taken with the stars and even have their photos autographed in one-on-one sessions if they wish.

Fun Events for Everyone. Anyone who enjoys dancing and wants to have a good time can participate in Holland America's Dancing with the Stars: At Sea events. Guests don’t have to be pros, or even remotely talented dancers, to get out on the floor and have fun. In fact, they might even be chosen to compete. Judges and audiences are sometimes drawn to dancers who are “strong & wrong” – enthusiastic performers and entertainers whose footwork is less than perfect. In addition to the dancing events, Dancing with the Stars: At Sea theme cruises have included a fun “Dancing with the Stars” fashion show. This event gives Holland America guests the chance to get an up close view of the incredible costumes worn on the ABC show, all modeled by members of the Dancing with the Stars Dance Troupe. Other activities include Q&A sessions, meet and greet opportunities, and more. Emmy-nominated Mark Ballas, a talented guitar player and song writer in addition to a world-class dancer, has entertained guests with evening musical performances as well.

Chances to Compete and Win. Guests on Dancing with the Stars: At Sea cruises can learn the jive, samba, cha cha and tango at events throughout the voyage. After being taught the routine, participants have the opportunity to show off their moves and possibly be selected for that step’s dance competition. Guests don’t need to come with a partner to learn the moves or be chosen, although they do need to be 21 years of age to be a Dancing with the Stars: At Sea finalist. The top six winners from the week’s events participate in the voyage’s finale show where the cruise’s Dancing with the Stars: At Sea Cruise Champion is chosen.

Insights for Fans. Show fans love to get the inside scoop on what goes on behind the scenes when the cameras aren’t rolling. At Holland America’s Dancing with the Stars: At Sea Q&A session, guests can find out what it’s like to be part of the popular “Dancing with the Stars” show as the ship’s Cruise Director interviews the dancing pros and celebrities onboard. In addition, guests can ask their own questions and find out things they’ve always wanted to know, like how dancing pros and celebrities are matched, what factors into the design of celebrities’ costumes, and why the “Dancing with the Stars” judges sometimes say those outrageous things.

Holland America’s Cruise Experience. Classy Holland America Line and the elegant “Dancing with the Stars” are a perfect partnership. Many Holland America guests enjoy the ballroom dancing experience and give the Dancing with the Stars: At Sea stars a warm reception. While guests flock to the Dancing with the Stars: At Sea events, they also appreciate all of the standard aspects of cruising that are hallmarks of Holland America Line. Guests rave about Holland America’s food and attentive service as well as other activities onboard their ships including cooking shows in the Culinary Art Center, Digital Workshops, Greenhouse Spa treatments, and Holland America’s Club HAL programs for kids and teens.

Holland America's Dancing with the Stars: At Sea theme cruises are part of a larger program taking place on all Holland America ships this year. On every Holland America cruise, not just official theme cruises, guests can participate in free dance classes with routines from ABC's "Dancing with the Stars." Each voyage includes a Dancing with the Stars: At Sea competition, with finalists being selected to appear in the sailing's finale show. The performer with the highest combined judges points/audience participation score is selected as the voyage's Cruise Champion. Champions on eligible cruises with the highest total score from each Holland America ship will be invited to sail with a guest free of charge and compete as one of 15 finalists on Holland America's Dancing with the Stars: At Sea Champions Cruise. See Holland America's website for more program information and complete contest details, including eligible cruise dates for each ship and participation guidelines.

To learn more about Holland America's Dancing with the Stars: At Sea program and theme cruises, visit the Holland America Line website at http://www.hollandamerica.com.