In an industry first, Crystal Cruises is introducing Ambassador Hostesses on select cruises, expanding its  popular onboard dancing program. 

Female counterparts to the line’s Ambassador Hosts – professional dance partners for ladies without one – will debut on three Ballroom at Sea Experiences of Discovery voyages in 2014 and 2015.  Along with eight male dance hosts (double the usual number), the Trans-Atlantic sailings will each feature two Ambassador Hostesses to cha cha, swing, and waltz with solo gentlemen during evening dance sets, live orchestra performances and dance classes in the ships’ posh lounges.  The three voyages set to get guests’ tapping this year and next include:

•  October 5, 2014, Lisbon/Miami, Crystal Symphony (10 days)

•  June 12, 2015, New York/London, Crystal Symphony (16 days)

•  December 11, 2015, Lisbon/Miami, Crystal Serenity (11 days)

“Thanks to the suggestion of one of our popular dance instructors, we tested Ambassador Hostesses on a recent cruise and the response was fantastic,” says Bret Bullock, vice president of entertainment.  “Similar to tennis players who play better when they play with a pro, dance enthusiasts are inspired by partnering with experts who really know the steps and the more advanced nuances.”

Crystal Cruises has been featuring Ambassador Hosts on its cruises since the company’s inception, as there are traditionally more women than men seeking dance partners.  While every Crystal cruise boasts at least four Hosts, on select voyages with many more dance sessions, the line adds more when possible.  Hosts also serve as dance partners to guests traveling with spouses or companions who don’t dance, as well as socialize with all guests, join singles dining tables, and accompany group excursions ashore.

Crystal is known for its welcoming atmosphere for solo travelers, with some of the industry’s lowest single supplement fares, assigned seating in the Crystal Dining Room, a singles get-together, and a “Table for Eight” program that joins single cruisers together for dinner in specialty restaurants like Nobu Matsuhisa’s Silk Road and the Sushi Bar.  

“A Crystal cruise is so inherently comfortable and luxurious for a single traveler,” adds Bullock. “But no matter how independent one is, one cannot ballroom dance without a partner.”  

Until April 30, 2014, all-inclusive “Book Now” fares for the upcoming “Ballroom at Sea” cruises start as low as $2,595 per person.