Dancing at Sea: United States vs Britain

Strictly Come Dancing – the Colosseum in which the true champions of TV reality shows are decided. Of course, Dancing on Ice proffers more of a bladed threat to one’s fingers, but does it bear comparison to Rumba-induced exhaustion or the infinite perils of the elaborate Tango routine? This particular blogger thinks not. Plus there’s less Philip Schofield and more Brucey.

It’s fantastic then, that there’s not one but two forms of Strictly gliding their way across the waves in be sequined splendour. Courtesy of our American cousins, the US version of the show Dancing with the Stars has found its way to the Holland America Line to provide a blockbuster filled with the pros.

Of course, one question still remains – who reigns supreme in the eternal battle of aquatic based dancing competitions? And with that, the quest to determine our true champion begins.

Strictly Come Dancing – P&O Cruises

The BBC phenomenon is now part of special themed cruises as part of the P&O line-up, and the passenger response has been extraordinary. This is probably due to how faithful the show is to the Strictly experience, even when the dancers are finding themselves sailing their way across the Mediterranean.

Then of course, there’s arch-judge of the television show, Craig Revel Horwood, who’s all part of the fun, being hand to fling up a numbered paddle for pros and amateurs alike. This is probably the biggest boon of the whole show – that the budding dancers enjoying their P&O Cruise can strut their stuff, and be judged by the icy and waspish overlord which is Craig himself.

Of course, they might pale a little bit in comparison to the professionals, but it’s the enthusiasm that counts – that and managing not to break your legs while performing the salsa.

But Brits should be steeling themselves for the arrival of a flamboyant bald eagle and firework studded spectacular….

Dancing with the Stars – Holland and America Cruises

Not only can you enjoy the ballroom blockbuster action of the live show on Holland America, but you can even participate in complimentary dance classes, based on routines from the smash hit show. Then of course, it’s on to the trial by battle which is the Dancing with the Stars: At Sea amateur competition. Of a legion of aspiring sequin lovers, only a few will make it to the main stage to dance with the pros. The prize? The opportunity to perform as a finalist on the Champions Cruise in December 2014. After this clash of the titans has subsided, one cruise champion shall emerge as the victor, to be placed into a tournament of true winners.

In grand style, every finalist will be invited on a completely complimentary week-long cruise to the Caribbean, to compete for the coveted mirror ball trophy, and presumably, the pride of their ancestors smiling down upon them.

In true OTT American style, our cousins across the Atlantic may have won this one.

But, in my opinion, there’s only one way to settle this – Brucey takes to the waves to engage whichever champions the United States chooses in a tap-dance battle which is literally toe to toe. And I have faith in the great man’s skills.