'Darren and Lilia's Get up and Dance' on Thomson Cruises

After the success of last year’s ‘Destiny Dance Fever’ on the Thomson Destiny, Thomson Cruises has once again joined forces with Strictly Come Dancing champions, Darren Bennett and Lilia Kopylova, for ‘Darren and Lilia’s Get Up & Dance’ onboard the Thomson Celebration.

From the Caribbean to the Crimea, Thomson Cruises, the second largest cruise company in the UK, will sail to more than 100 ports of call with over 30 itineraries in 2009. In January and February of next year, the Thomson Celebration seven night Colourful Coasts itinerary will take on a distinctly Latin theme, and be the stage for a series of dance classes covering salsa, jive, rumba and the cha-cha-cha. With prices starting at £599* per person, Thomson is encouraging everyone to have a go, from complete novices to those with a bit more experience.

There is a chance to get competitive at the end of each cruise as the week will end with a ‘dance-off’, with ‘heat’ winners qualifying for a Grand Final set to be held in April. Prices start at just £779** per person for the final, but heat winners will enjoy a complimentary trip courtesy of Thomson Cruises. The Grand Final will be hosted by Darren and Lilia, the former British champions of Latin dance, who will be on the ship for the whole week of the cruise. During their week on board, Darren and Lilia will perform during a masterclass; they’ll also hold open classes as well as taking part in a Q&A session. Tips and personal coaching sessions will be available to the finalists; which everyone on board is welcome to come and watch.

"Dancing has always been a great source of entertainment for our guests, even before dance shows became hugely popular on TV,” commented David Selby, Director of Thomson Cruises, Europe’s No 1 Cruise and Stay company. “We’re sure that ‘Darren and Lilia’s Get Up & Dance’ will entice many potential performers to get up – and dance! - on Thomson Cruises in 2009.”

For further information on ‘Darren and Lilia’s Get Up & Dance’, visit: http://www.thomson.co.uk/cruise/getupanddance or call 0871 231 3240.

* based on two sharing on a full board basis, with flights departing on 2 January 2009 from London Luton. Price includes return flights, all taxes, service charges and fuel supplements.
** based on two sharing on a full board basis, with flights departing on 3 April 2009 from London Luton. Price includes return flights, all taxes, service charges and fuel supplements.