It has been said that those with the resources to travel in any way imaginable chose to travel Cunard.
As I prepare for yet another voyage, memories of a previous journey on the Queen Victoria, continue to enchant.
'Gaze into my eyes and dance rumba – the dance of love,' commands my handsome, dark haired partner.
As if in a dream, amidst the opulent gold furnishings, art deco frescos and glittering chandeliers of Cunard's Queen Victoria Ballroom, I dance rumba with world champion professional Darren Bennett, a star of BBC television's 'Strictly Come Dancing' (the British version of 'Dancing with the Stars').
Sheffield born Darren, and his gorgeous dance partner and wife, Russian world champion Lilia Kopylova – became television favourites and won the prized glitter ball seven times – a record on the show.Since leaving the BBC, they travel the world performing and producing dance shows and teaching classes in their hometown of Kingston-on-Thames, Surrey
Now they are cruising from Southampton to Norway with 100 enthusiastic dancers encouraging us to develop performing skills, challenge ourselves, and step out on the dance floor with confidence.
We are on a fascinating journey –- and sharing the magic is my 21 year old god-daughter, Michelle Ruger.
As her graduation present, we are spending quality time together dressing up, dancing to a live orchestra, being entertained in the Royal Court Theatre, sampling spa treatments, dining in the elegant restaurant and enjoying afternoon tea while being entertained by aclassical string ensemble.
The Captain's cocktail party, a Victoriana Ball and glamorous Masquerade Parade allow me to fulfil my fairy god-mother promise, "You shall go to the Ball."
However, sporty Michelle has never danced so we compromise, I have to endure – sorry enjoy - some outdoor activities.
Our fjord and waterfalls cruise visits Stavanger, Petroleum Capital of Norway, Flaam with its mountain railway, picturesque Geiranger and Olden, which produces world class fashion range, Moods of Norway and Olden Water –from the 5,000 year oldBriksdal Glacier – site of our water adventure.
Glacier rafting proved tame and we encountered no rapids - more like rowing on an ice capped boating pond than an adrenalin rush – but we did have the services of two young Norwegian rafters.
Back onboard, Michelle emerged from her chrysalis like a beautiful butterfly.A week of professional tuition in ballroom, waltz, foxtrot and quickstep, enable Michelle to pick up the rhythm partnered by Cunard dance hosts and cruise dance assistants.
For inter-generational holidays, cruising ticks all the boxes.
Gyms, fitness trainers, indoor and outdoor pools, deck games, library and internet centre, nightclub and lounges and 24 hour restaurant and room service.
The star of our dance group, a lively 10 year old girl, remembers complicated choreography and explains, 'Basically, imagine going to New York with a spotted dog under your arm' translated into dance language - Basics, New Yorkers, spot turn , exit underarm.
Last night on board, Darren and Lilia dazzle us with a breathtaking floorshow. In fabulous costumes, they perform a sizzling rumba, high energy jive and slick American smooth.
A huge round of applause to them and fellow dancers who shared the dream of 'Dancing with the Stars of Strictly."
Ballroom dancing cruises with professional stars of 'Strictly Come Dancing' are available in 2017 with P. & O.
Cruises.Cunard hold glamorous dance events in their classic themed balls and provide male dance hosts on Queen Victoria, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Mary 2.