THERE ain’t nothing like a dame when you want to waltz off on holiday, especially if it’s Strictly Come Dancing legend Dame Darcey Bussell.

The renowned former ballerina and Strictly judge has signed up with all-inclusive cruise line Scenic for a treat that’ll delight dance fans.

Because Dancing down the Danube with Dame Darcey Bussell will do exactly what it says on the tin.

The special dance-themed river cruise will travel from Budapest to Nuremberg along the iconic Danube river this autumn, Covid permitting.

It’s a limited edition, eight-day itinerary set to depart on October 20, with prices from £2,320 per person, including a £200 per person discount.

Dame Darcey will join guests onboard in Budapest as the itinerary sets sail to the City of Music, Vienna.

Guests will enjoy an enchanting private concert at the opulent Palais Liechtenstein, featuring classical ballet and Blue Danube Waltz performances compered by Darcey herself.

Whilst onboard, Darcey will reflect on her life and career, answer guest questions in a live Q+A session and host a drinks reception.

She started her professional career at Sadlers Wells Royal Ballet, but after only one year moved to the Royal Ballet, where she became a principal dancer at the age of 20 in 1989.

Darcey remained with The Royal Ballet for more than two decades but also performed as a guest artist with leading companies including NYCB, La Scala Theatre Ballet, Kirov Ballet, Hamburg Ballet and Australian Ballet before retiring in 2007.

She replaced Alesha Dixon as a judge on Strictly in 2012, having earlier appeared as a guest judge at the end of the 2009 season, eventually stepping down from the glitterball show in April 2019.

Dame Darcey, of course, is no stranger to the cruise industry – and is famously Godmother to P&O’s Azura.

Following on from Vienna, the cruise will take guests to Dürnstein, Melk and Regensburg, with the chance to visit the medieval Czech city of Cesky Krumlov or continue the musical theme with a visit to Salzburg – the birthplace of Mozart.

Other highlights include a guided bike ride along the river from Dürnstein to Melk and the chance to meet the current owners of Artstetten Castle.

Guests will taste regional delicacies in the Wachau Valley or sample beer from one of the oldest monastic breweries in the world in Regensburg.

The all-inclusive package includes return UK flights, transfers, all meals across a choice of onboard venues, premium branded beverages, daily excursions with expert guides, a personal onboard butler, in-suite mini bar and more.

All bookings are covered within Scenic’s flexible Booking Policy, meaning guests can change their booking up to 60 days prior to departure without any fees. 

Concerned about Covid? Scenic’s Health & Safety Steering Committee oversees all health and safety policies, going above and beyond to ensure all guests’ wellbeing and safety is taken care of to the highest standard.

To learn more, see www.scenic.co.uk/assurance.

For more information about the cruise visit www.scenic.co.uk, call 0808 273 8836, or visit your local travel agent.