Holland America Line Adds Olympic Champion Shawn Johnson To 'Dancing With The Stars: At Sea' Theme Cruises

SEATTLE, March 7, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The star power just got brighter on Holland America Line's "Dancing with the Stars: At Sea" theme cruises with the addition of Olympic champion and "Dancing with the Stars" season eight winner Shawn Johnson to three sailings in 2013. Johnson will perform on ms Veendam's June 22 voyage and ms Oosterdam's June 30 and July 7 cruises.

Johnson won season eight of "Dancing with the Stars" with professional partner Mark Ballas, who will be sailing with her on the June 22 departure. She also competed in the 2012 All-Star season where she was the runner-up with dance professional Derek Hough.

"Shawn is one of America's sweethearts and she brings so much joy and energy to the dance floor," said Richard Meadows, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs. "Not only did she win 'Dancing with the Stars,' but she's an Olympic champion, and I know our guests will be excited to see her perform." 

The "Dancing with the Stars: At Sea" theme cruises in 2013 and early 2014 will feature events including dance lessons, a chance to meet the dancers, take photos, and a dazzling production starring the celebrities and famed dance pros. The experience will be made complete with glamorous costumes and routines from the TV show performed on stage. Performers are subject to change.

Dance professional Chelsie Hightower is also scheduled to sail June 22, 2013, on ms Veendam's seven-day Canada and New England voyage with Johnson and Ballas.

Dance professionals Kym Johnson and Tristan MacManus are scheduled to sail with Johnson on ms Oosterdam's June 30 and July 7 seven-day Alaska cruises along with celebrity Carson Kressley.

In 2014, the "Dancing with the Stars: At Sea" theme cruises will be on board the ms Nieuw Amsterdam. Seven-day voyages include an Eastern Caribbean cruise on January 5 and a Western Caribbean cruise on January 12. Celebrities are to be announced.

The 16th season of "Dancing with the Stars" will premiere on Monday, March 18, 2013, at 8 p.m. (ET) on ABC.

For more information about the "Dancing with the Stars: At Sea" theme cruises and Holland America Line's cruises and CruiseTours, consult a professional travel seller, call 1-877-SAIL-HAL (1-877-724-5425) or visit www.hollandamerica.com or the Plan a Cruise tab at www.Facebook.com/HALcruises.

Editor's note: Photos and captions are available at http://www.cleanpix.com/cleanpix/portal/WsPn-1PF-SwB.

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About Holland America Line [a division of Carnival Corporation and plc. (NYSE:  CCL and CUK)]

Holland America Line's fleet of 15 ships offers more than 500 cruises to 415 ports in 98 countries, territories or dependencies.  One- to 110-day itineraries visit all seven continents and highlights include Antarctica, South America, Australia/New Zealand and Asia voyages; a Grand World Voyage; and popular sailings to ports in the Caribbean, Bermuda, Alaska, Mexico, Canada/New England, Europe and Panama Canal. The line currently has a new ship on order from Fincantieri shipyard for delivery in fall 2015.

Fleetwide, the company features Signature of Excellence enhancements, a commitment totaling more than $500 million, that showcase the Culinary Arts Center presented by Food & Wine magazine — a state-of-the-art onboard show kitchen where more than 60 celebrated guest chefs and culinary experts provide cooking demonstrations and classes — Explorations Cafe powered by The New York Times, Digital Workshop powered by Windows, teens-only activity areas and all new stateroom amenities highlighted by flat-panel TVs and plush Euro-top Mariner's Dream Beds.

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Holland America Line is a proud member of World's Leading Cruise Lines. Our exclusive alliance also includes Carnival Cruise Lines, Cunard Line, Princess Cruises, Costa Cruises and Seabourn. Sharing a passion to please each guest and a commitment to quality and value, World's Leading Cruise Lines inspires people to discover their best vacation experience. Together, we offer a variety of exciting and enriching cruise vacations to the world's most desirable destinations.  Visit us at www.worldsleadingcruiselines.com.

SOURCE Holland America Line