I always wanted to cruise down the Danube visit Vienna and Dance to Strauss music. I saw the advert for The Strictly Dance Cruise with a masterclass from Jame and Ola Jordan. I do not watch the programme but thought if they are teaching there will be a dance floor so my husband and I will be able to dance in the evening.

Everything from booking to arrival on the ship was excellent. When we arrived we were shown to the lounge for a light lunch and refreshment while our cabin was prepared. We asked where the dance floor was and the waiter pointed to the area next to the bar. In disbelief we asked again. It was the tiled area next to the bar about 3 floor tiles wide by 10 long. Where are you going to hold the masterclass I asked. The dance floor was the reply. We were shown to our cabin no 230 and given a quick instruction on how everything worked then left to relax and rest before dinner. Dinner in the Crystal restaurant was silver service but you could sit where you chose. The service was a bit slow I think they waited till everyone was seated before serving. The waiters were lovely. They always knew just when to top up your glass or recommend a special dish. After dinner we were entertained by some local folk dance groups. and then by a musician Todar . He was good and played a lot of dance styles. Again the only thing that spoiled it was the tiny dance floor.

We stopped at several places en route to Nuremberg and at each point there were coaches and guide waiting to show us all the splendor and history of the place. The masterclass was a disappointment. The floor was so full it was impossible to move we were taught a cha cha and worse complete beginners were taught to dance backward before learning floor craft and dance floor etiquette. It was impossible to dance being herded into the bar by a stampede of would be dancers moving backwards. The person organizing it should have had the class split into complete beginners and those that could dance. This would have allowed more room and more people the chance to attempt the steps. Perhaps someone will take note of the advice before the next dance cruises are organised. Read more