Strictly Come Dancing fans can trade the sofa for a sun lounger this winter: professional dancers Michelle Tsiakkas and Vincent Simone will launch a brand-new show, Eras, aboard Saga Cruises' Spirit of Discovery.
Described as a dazzling dance spectacular, the show traces the history of Latin and ballroom dance through the ages. Tsiakkas and Simone will be joined by Victoria Martin and Simone Arena, partners from Dancing With The Stars. Between performances, the Strictly pair will share stories from their TV careers — and they're not just there to watch from the wings. Tsiakkas will run salsa classes promising a few cheeky tricks, while Simone leads a festive foxtrot workshop open to guests of all abilities.
The stage for all this is Saga's 14-night Best of the Canaries sailing, departing 6 December aboard Spirit of Discovery. The itinerary hops through the archipelago from Gran Canaria to Tenerife, with calls in Madeira and Lisbon. Beyond the dance floor, there's a varied speaker line-up: garden expert and TV presenter David Domoney on how nature boosts everyday wellbeing, astronomer Tom Boles, and chocolate tastings with chocolatier Mark Tilling. Fares start from £2,999 per person.
It's part of a wider dance push from Saga. Torvill and Dean have been confirmed for the line's Canary Island Wonders cruise aboard Spirit of Adventure in December 2026, where the ice skating greats will reminisce about their championship careers and their time coaching and judging Dancing on Ice. They previously appeared on a Northern Lights sailing in late 2025.
The trend stretches across the cruise industry, too. Strictly head judge Shirley Ballas hosted a dance-themed sailing on MSC Virtuosa in May, while Fred Olsen's Celebration of Dance at Sea aboard Borealis — headlined by Dame Arlene Phillips and Ian Waite — departs Southampton on 13 December 2026 for five nights, with Q&As, meet-and-greets and masterclasses from £1,099 per person.
For anyone who's ever fancied learning a paso doble before dinner, these sailings bundle star-led workshops, shows and sun-soaked itineraries into one trip. The Saga sailing suits over-50s after a longer, more indulgent escape, while Fred Olsen's shorter festive option is a wallet-friendly taster. Cabins on the 6 December departure will likely be in demand given the Strictly pull, so early booking makes sense.
