BBC HD Launches on P&O Cruises and Cunard

BBC Worldwide have announced the launch of a new entertainment channel, BBC HD, produced exclusively for cruise ships and the maritime market. For the first time, cruise goers won’t have to forfeit keeping up with their favourite shows as they sail around the world.

Programmes shown on the channel will include drama, comedy and factual entertainment, as well as much-loved soap operas. The new channel is currently exclusive to P&O Cruises and Cunard Line, but aims to extend to the wider industry in time. Regular programmes such as Eastenders, Holby City, and Casualty will air within days of their UK broadcast date, meaning that viewers can stay up to date throughout their cruise holiday.

Zina Neophytou, Vice President, Out of Home, BBC Worldwide says there has always been a great deal of demand for a televised taste of home on cruise ships: “There has always been a strong demand for BBC content within the travel and hospitality sectors including cruise ships so launching a bespoke global entertainment channel on MTN TV alongside BBC World News is an obvious step. BBC HD will be the one-stop shop for the best of British TV content.”

Cruise passengers and crews alike can be reassured that all their favourite shows will be included, with everything from Top Gear to Call the Midwife being included on the new channel.

P&O Cruises Senior Vice President Paul Ludlow, said: “We are delighted that our guests will be able to travel the world but still keep up with their favourite television shows for that touch of home. BBC HD will be a superb addition to our in-cabin entertainment and I am sure will be welcomed by our guests on both P&O Cruises and Cunard Line.”

To avoid any issues with the watershed, all shows on BBC HD will be broadcast with a warning of any unsuitable content. The new service will complement the existing BBC World News, which has been ensuring cruise ship passengers can keep abreast of current events since it launched in 2010.

If the possibility of keeping up with all your favourite programmes has tempted you to go on a cruise holiday for the first time, or even if you’re a seasoned cruise goer, why not take advantage of one of Cruise1st UK’s fantastic deals? Browse our full range of global cruises online, or call our helpful sales team on 0808 2746 777.

Images sourced via P&O Cruises Press Pictures,