Exclusive for Mail on Sunday readers: Dance with Strictly star Shirley Ballas on a Seine cruise 

Exclusive for Mail on Sunday readers: Dance with Strictly star Shirley Ballas on a Seine cruise


If you’re a fan of Strictly and don’t want to wait until autumn for your next fix of glitterball magic, here’s an offer you can’t refuse: a dance-themed river cruise during which you’ll learn with the show’s very own head judge, Shirley Ballas.

Our memorable seven-night holiday begins on the beautiful Seine in Paris and will visit fascinating and picturesque cities and towns in Normandy, including historic Rouen, famous as the place where French national hero Joan of Arc was burned at the stake in May 1431.

The cruise will also take you to pretty Les Andelys and Caudebec- en-Caux, passing blooming meadows and dense forests, and peaceful Vernon, where you can wander through Claude Monet’s famous garden or in the lovely park of the Chateau de Bizy.

High point: Visit the Eiffel Tower during a two-night stay in the ‘City of Light’ at the end of your cruise on the Seine

OUR SPECIAL GUEST 

You will be joined by Shirley Ballas

You will be joined by Shirley Ballas

Professional ballroom dancer Shirley Ballas has been Strictly’s head judge since 2017. She has been competing in dance contests since she was 15 and has won several championships in the International Latin division, earning her the nickname ‘The Queen of Latin’. She also works as a dance coach and has published an autobiography, Behind The Sequins: My Life.

The highlight of your trip will be a dance masterclass and demonstration on board your ship with Shirley Ballas, a world-renowned Latin dance champion. Shirley will show you how to perfect your moves and give an exclusive talk about her career – with plenty of behind-the-scenes secrets from Strictly.

The grand finale of your holiday will be two nights in Paris, known as the ‘City of Light’. You’ll have time to explore its iconic sights, elegant boulevards and classy cafes.

REASONS TO BOOK

Events with Shirley Ballas: You’ll get the low-down on Strictly from its head judge, Shirley, who will also teach you some moves during an on-board dance class. She will host a talk and Q&A in which you’ll be able to ask your questions about her life and career and everyone’s favourite television dance show.

Explore Paris: There will be two nights to discover all the romantic sights, cultural highlights and chic shopping streets of the French capital. Browse the famous Parisian boutiques, visit the Eiffel Tower, stroll down the Champs-Elysees… or simply take a break in a buzzing cafe to rest your feet and watch the world go by.

Fabulous food: Normandy is celebrated for its rich cuisine, from creamy cheeses and silky chocolate to the cider and calvados produced by its orchards. Rouen, the 2,000-year-old capital of Normandy, was recently named Unesco City of Gastronomy, and you’ll be able to try all of these mouthwatering specialities while you’re there.

Historic Rouen: This magnificent Norman city is packed with stunning sights including church towers and half-timbered buildings.

Sail in comfort: A-ROSA VIVA is a sleek, stylish river cruise ship featuring a spacious sun deck with comfortable recliners, an outdoor whirlpool, a putting green, a giant chess board and an outdoor bar and dining area. You’ll enjoy daily buffet meals of regional and seasonal specialities on board, with live cooking from the experienced chefs, as well as all drinks, including fabulous wines in the bar.

WHAT’S INCLUDED? 

  • Return flights between London and Paris.
  • Seven-night cruise aboard A-ROSA VIVA.
  • £50pp early booking offer, valid until February 28, 2022.
  • Hour-long dance class and demo, plus talk with Shirley Ballas.
  • Premium all-inclusive dining and drinks served à la carte or buffet-style, plus live alfresco cookery on the sun deck.
  • More than 100 international and local wines, beers, spirits, cocktails, mocktails, speciality teas and coffees and soft drinks served free all day and evening, every day.
  • On-board entertainment.
  • Free use of on-board facilities such as sauna and fitness room.
  • 15 per cent discount on treatments in SPA-ROSA.
  • Services of an English-speaking cruise manager. 
  • Shared overseas transfers and port charges 

YOUR ITINERARY: DAY 1 Arrive in Paris DAYS 2 & 3 Rouen DAY 4 Caudebec-en-Caux DAY 5 Les Andelys – Vernon DAY 6 Paris DAY 7 Paris, dance class, talk and Q&A with Shirley Ballas DAY 8 Return to UK

HOW TO BOOK

The dates: June 2 to 9, 2022. The price: From £1,889pp*.

Call 01858 589 612, quoting MOS SHIRLEY SEINE. To find out more, visit mailtravel.co.uk/shirleyseine.

Terms and conditions: *Price is per person, based on two sharing a Deck 1 Outer Cabin. Single supplement from £639pp. Prices shown are subject to availability and change. Upgraded cabins are available at a supplement. For full terms and conditions, go to mailtravel.co.uk/shirleyseine.

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