Dancing Through Alaska: An Unforgettable DanceSport at Sea Adventure
- Celebrity Ballroom Dance Studios
- Jul 31
- 5 min read
June 21–29, 2026
There are vacations... and then there are experiences that stay with you forever.
Our 2026 Alaska Cruise aboard Royal Caribbean's Anthem of the Seas was much more than a cruise. It was an incredible week of ballroom dancing, breathtaking scenery, unforgettable wildlife, delicious food, and creating lifelong memories with friends who have become family.
This year's Celebrity Ballroom Dance Studios travel group included Josh and Milly Crenshaw, their sons Tucker and Nolan, Milly's mother Lorri, her cousin Shelly, Bill and Holly Welsh, Ashley Fowler, and Ashley's daughter Amelia. Together, we joined hundreds of dancers from around the world for another spectacular DanceSport at Sea adventure.
A Day in Seattle
Before setting sail, we spent the day exploring one of America's most beautiful cities—Seattle.
Our first stop was the famous Pike Place Market, where we watched fish fly through the market, browsed local vendors, and enjoyed fresh seafood overlooking Elliott Bay. From there, we visited the iconic Space Needle, taking in incredible panoramic views of Seattle before walking through the breathtaking Chihuly Garden and Glass exhibit. The colorful glass sculptures were unlike anything many of us had ever seen.
It was the perfect way to begin our Alaskan adventure.
The following morning we boarded Royal Caribbean's Anthem of the Seas, explored our home for the next seven nights, enjoyed lunch while sailing away from Seattle, and officially kicked off the cruise with our first DanceSport at Sea event—our festive
Buffalo Plaid Welcome Party.
There is something incredibly special about walking onto a cruise ship knowing that your next week will be filled with dancing, adventure, and amazing company.
Dancing Across the Pacific
Our first full day at sea began with the Smooth Dance Competition.
Students and professionals alike took to the dance floor, showcasing routines they had spent months preparing. One of the things we love most about DanceSport at Sea is that it blends competition with vacation. You can compete in the morning, relax by the pool in the afternoon, attend a workshop, and then dance the night away with friends.
Every evening throughout the cruise featured a private DanceSport at Sea dance party with a different fun theme. We enjoyed White "Dress to Impress," Neon Night, Denim & Diamonds, Pajama Party, Gold Formal Night, and our patriotic Red, White & Blue finale.
One especially memorable moment came when several members of our group danced during the ship's Earth, Wind & Fire Horns Tribute, sharing ballroom dancing with fellow cruise guests from around the world. We became known as "the dancers" on the boat after that night.
In between all of the excitement, many of us found ourselves relaxing in the adults-only Solarium, drink in hand, watching the endless Alaskan coastline drift by. The sunsets over the Pacific Ocean were simply unforgettable.
Ketchikan: Lumberjacks and Alaskan Crab
Our first stop in Alaska was the charming town of Ketchikan.
We began the day at the famous Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, where world champion lumberjacks competed in chopping, climbing, axe throwing, and log rolling. Their incredible athleticism and entertaining performances had everyone cheering.
After the show, we enjoyed what many considered one of the best meals of the week—an authentic all-you-can-eat Alaskan crab feast. Fresh crab, beautiful scenery, and wonderful company made for an unforgettable afternoon.
We spent the rest of the day exploring the colorful streets of Ketchikan before returning to the ship for another evening of dancing and fellowship.
Sitka: Wildlife and History
Sitka gave us an entirely different perspective of Alaska.
Our excursion began at the Alaska Raptor Center, where we learned about the rehabilitation of bald eagles, hawks, owls, and other birds of prey. Seeing these magnificent animals up close was an incredible experience and reminded us just how wild and untouched Alaska truly is.
From there, we learned about Sitka's fascinating Russian heritage through traditional music, storytelling, and cultural dancing. The performances helped us better understand the unique history that shaped this beautiful coastal community.
That evening back aboard the ship, we enjoyed our Denim & Diamonds dance party before attending Spectra's Cabaret, one of Royal Caribbean's spectacular signature productions.
Glaciers, Whales, and Once-in-a-Lifetime Views
If there was one day that truly captured the magic of Alaska, it was Friday.
Before most people were awake, we found ourselves standing on deck as the ship slowly entered Endicott Arm Fjord.
Towering cliffs, waterfalls, floating icebergs, crystal-blue water, and the breathtaking Dawes Glacier surrounded us. Harbor seals rested peacefully on chunks of floating ice while bald eagles soared overhead.
Pictures simply don't do it justice.
As we cruised through the fjord, our DanceSport at Sea family gathered for one of the most unique events of the week—a casual Pajama Party complete with coffee, pastries, music, and dancing while glaciers surrounded the ship. It was a memory none of us will ever forget.
That afternoon we arrived in Juneau, where we boarded one of the highlights of the entire trip: a whale watching excursion.
Throughout the afternoon we spotted numerous humpback whales surfacing around our boat, playful sea lions relaxing on rocky outcroppings, the historic Sentinel Island Lighthouse, and even an adorable sea otter floating peacefully in the water.
Watching these magnificent animals in their natural habitat reminded all of us just how incredible God's creation truly is.
Celebrating Dance
Our final day at sea featured the Rhythm Dance Competition, giving everyone one last opportunity to perform before the cruise came to an end.
Throughout the week we competed, attended workshops, learned from some of the best professionals in ballroom dancing, and spent countless hours simply enjoying each other's company on and off the dance floor.
That combination is what makes DanceSport at Sea so unique.
It's not just a dance competition.
It's a vacation, a classroom, a social gathering, and a family reunion all wrapped into one unforgettable experience.
Victoria, British Columbia
Our final port brought us to the beautiful city of Victoria, British Columbia.
Instead of rushing from one attraction to another, we decided to slow down and simply enjoy the city. We spent the evening strolling through the charming downtown streets, browsing local shops, admiring the waterfront, and soaking in the relaxed atmosphere.
We enjoyed a wonderful dinner overlooking the harbor as boats drifted in and out of the marina, taking time to reflect on everything we had experienced during the week.
Sometimes the best memories aren't made by checking attractions off a list—they're made by sharing a great meal, meaningful conversations, and a beautiful sunset with people you care about.
More Than a Vacation
Looking back, what made this trip so special wasn't just the glaciers, the whales, the dance competitions, or even the spectacular scenery.
It was the people.
It was cheering one another on during competitions, laughing over fresh Alaskan crab, sipping coffee while glaciers floated past the ship, dancing late into the evening, watching sunsets from the Solarium, and exploring new places together.
Travel has a unique way of bringing people closer together, and that's exactly what happens on every Celebrity Ballroom Dance Studios adventure.
These trips aren't just vacations—they're opportunities to build friendships, strengthen our dance family, and create memories that last a lifetime.
Thank You
A very special thank you to Pam and Tommy DiTommasso and Michael Luciano for organizing another incredible DanceSport at Sea event. Every detail—from the competitions and workshops to the themed dance parties and excursions—was thoughtfully planned, allowing all of us to simply enjoy every moment.
We are so grateful for everything they do to make these experiences possible.
Join Us on Our Next Adventure
As wonderful as Alaska was, we're already looking forward to our next journey together.
This February, we'll be sailing to the Bahamas for another unforgettable DanceSport at Sea adventure, and in 2027 we'll be embarking on our once-in-a-lifetime Mediterranean Europe Cruise.
If you've ever dreamed of combining ballroom dancing with world-class travel, amazing friendships, and unforgettable experiences, we'd love to have you join us.
Because the best trips aren't measured by the miles you travel... They're measured by the memories you make and the people you share them with.
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