Nearly 24 million viewers tuned in for the 2010 season premiere of “Dancing With the Stars,” the TV show that pairs celebrities with professional dancers. This year, a cruise line is hoping to tap into the nation’s dance fever, offering a dance-themed cruise on a transatlantic crossing.
This is a perfect example of a sailing that CRM-savvy retailers can target-market to appropriate clients: Do you have customers who want to kick up their heels on vacation?
It’s Crystal Cruises that’s putting its own spin on the dance craze with the Dancing With the Crystal Stars program, offered on the Crystal Serenity’s Dec. 1 cruise from Lisbon, Portugal. The nine-night cruise visits Ponta Delgada, Grand Turk, before ending in Miami.
“The emergence of hit shows like ‘Dancing With the Stars’ has created a renewed interest and excitement for dancing,” said Bret Bullock, the line’s vice president of entertainment. “Crystal's dance classes have been increasingly popular for guests of all ages with and without partners. The days at sea on this southern Atlantic route presented an ideal opportunity for us to expand the music and dance theme.”
Headlined by the Glenn Miller Orchestra, the ocean crossing will feature more dance classes, more Ambassador Hosts for ladies without dance partners, nightly dancing and performances by championship dancers.
An onboard show called “That’s Ballroom” will showcase crew members who will perform with professional dance instructors after completing a “ballroom boot camp” to master the steps, grace and nuances of various dance styles.
Two-for-one cruise fares start at $4,000, double occupancy. Free airfare from more than 20 North American gateways is included, and the cruise features $500 in shipboard credits per passenger.