AS STRICTLY Come Dancing has made ballroom dancing one of Britain’s most popular pastimes, Southampton based P&O Cruises has launched a search for Britain’s most twinkletoed passengers.

Winners of the competition will then dance on the evening of the prestigious naming ceremony for the company’s newest ship, Azura.

Dancing at sea will be held on 12 cruises throughout the winter season and the winning couple from each cruise will be invited to the semifinal in Southampton on April 9, 2010.

The six couples will have an exclusive tour of the ship and stay onboard for the final the following day.

The ultimate winning couple will stay on for the VIP naming ceremony.

P&O Cruises managing director, Carol Marlow said: “Ballroom dancing has entered the national consciousness through ‘Strictly’ and has become a popular hobby for everyone.

“Youngsters are learning to jive and tango while those who prefer a more leisurely pace can waltz and do the American Smooth.

Our competition will be open to all ages and we look forward to some stiff and lively competition.

“Our inspiration for Azura is ‘back to the future’, evoking the romance, elegance and glamour of British cruising at its best.

“Dancing has a key role to play in this and Azura will be the first of our ships to have a large dance floor at the heart of the ship in the atrium.”

The initial heats of the dance competition will be held on P&O Cruises’ Ventura, Oceana, Arcadia, Aurora, Oriana, and Artemis.

■ Southampton has been named “Best UK Departure Port’’ in 2009 by the Internet website, Cruise Critic.

The awards, introduced for the first time this year, celebrate the best of the best in cruising with winners selected by the site’s editorial team.