BBC Worldwide launches new TV channel for cruise ships

BBC Worldwide is to launch BBC HD, its first channel produced exclusively for cruise ships and the wider maritime market.

BBC HD complements BBC World News, which launched on Global Eagle Entertainment’s (GEE) MTN TV in 2010 and is available on cruise ships throughout the world. The new channel will offer drama, comedy, factual entertainment, natural history and documentaries. Soaps such as ‘Eastenders’, ‘Holby City’ and ‘Casualty’ will air on BBC HD close to the UK broadcast so guests can stay up to date while on their cruise.

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

BBC HD will go live through GEE’s MTN TV network.

“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 Walé Adepoju, executive vice president of Media and 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 channel will initially be available onboard P&O Cruises and Cunard Line’s cruise ships, and will be extended to the wider cruise industry in the near future.

“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,” said Paul Ludlow, P&O Cruises’ senior vice president. “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.”