BBC Worldwide to launch channel exclusively for cruise ships

BBC Worldwide has announced the launch of a global entertainment channel designed exclusively for cruise ships and the maritime market, according to a recent article.

The new channel, BBC HD, will go live through Global Eagle Entertainment’s (GEE) MTN TV network, initially launching with P&O Cruises and Cunard.

Zina Neophytou, vice president at Out of Home BBC Worldwide said: “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 is an obvious step. BBC HD will be the one-stop shop for the best of British TV content.”

Content on the new channel will cover a broad selection of genres, including comedy, factual entertainment, natural history, drama and documentaries. Even popular soaps such as EastEnders and Holby City will air on BBC HD close to the UK broadcast time, so that passengers never have to miss a show on holiday.

The channel complements BBC World News, which launched on MTN TV back in 2010 and is also available on cruise ships worldwide.

“The BBC was our initial launch partner when MTN TV was rolled out in 2010 and once again they are leading the way in pioneering more TV programming choices for cruising passengers around the world,” said Wale Adepoju, executive vice president of Media & Content at GEE. “The addition of the BBC HD channel is part of our expansion plan for MTN TV to provide more entertainment options relevant to today’s cruising market.”

The new BBC HD channel will be available on all P&O UK and Cunard ships and will roll out to the wider cruise industry in the near future. Look out for this feature when you book a European cruise holiday.