Join former MP and Strictly contestant, Edwina Currie, on a cruise to Spain and Portugal with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

With ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ fever at its peak – now that the contestants are down to the last five and the final is on the horizon – what better time to book a cruise to sunny Iberia and get all the background gossip from one of last year’s contestants? The popular writer, broadcaster, and former MP, Edwina Currie, will be joining a Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ ‘Strictly Spain and Portugal’ cruise aboard Black Watch in 2013, with the very topical theme of ‘Ballroom Dancing’, through Fred. Olsen’s award-winning onboard enrichment programme, Vistas.

This Iberian cruise, W1321, is for eight nights and departs from Dover on 16th November 2013. The itinerary includes some of the most attractive Portuguese and Spanish ports: Lisbon, the cosmopolitan and elegant capital of Portugal; Leixoes, for tours to Oporto, home of the world famous port industry; then the great Spanish ports of Vigo and La Coruna, in the lovely Galicia region of northern Spain. Three days at sea during this cruise allow plenty of time for guests to enjoy the ballroom dancing theme, hosted by the irrepressible Edwina Currie.

Edwina was born and brought up in Liverpool, and attended the same school (Liverpool Institute) as Paul McCartney and George Harrison. After studying at Oxford University and the London School of Economics, she taught for nine years, before entering politics, where she rose swiftly through the ranks. She is best known nationally for her years as Minister in the Department of Health under Margaret Thatcher. In addition to her very high-profile political career, she has also written 11 books, including best-selling novels ‘A Parliamentary Affair’ and ‘A Woman’s Place’. Her ‘Diaries 1987-1992’ caused a stir on publication in 2002, when curious goings-on at Westminster were revealed.

Edwina’s third career has been in the media, where she is a well-known commentator, appearing on numerous national radio and TV programmes, including ‘Hell’s Kitchen’, ‘Come Dine with Me’ (twice), ‘Wife Swap’ (with husband John Jones), ‘The Chase’ and ‘Pointless’. She won ‘Celebrity Mastermind’ in 2004, and, of course, took part in ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ in 2011, which she described as “a thoroughly enjoyable experience”.

Fellow MP Julian Critchley once said: “Edwina has a brass neck, a silver tongue and a golden pen,” while former colleague, Matthew Parris, wrote, “Edwina is the best communicator the Tories have”. She will, no doubt, make a fascinating and highly entertaining Vistas host.

Prices for this cruise start from £889 per person, based on two adults sharing an outside, twin cabin, Grade ‘E’. This price includes all meals and entertainment on board, and port taxes. There is no extra charge for taking part in the Vistas activity.