BBC Worldwide Unveils Bespoke Cruise Ship Channel

LONDON: BBC Worldwide has launched BBC HD, a new global entertainment channel produced exclusively for cruise ships and the wider maritime market.

BBC HD will go live through Global Eagle Entertainment’s (GEE) MTN TV network. P&O Cruises and Cunard will be the first to offer the channel to their guests, with additional partners to follow in the future. Content will span drama, comedy, factual entertainment, natural history and documentary. The popular soaps EastEnders, Holby City and Casualty will air on BBC HD close to the U.K. broadcast.

BBC HD complements BBC World News, which became available on MTN TV in 2010 and is offered on cruise ships around the globe.

Zina Neophytou, the VP of Out of Home for BBC Worldwide, commented: “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.”

“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,” noted Walé Adepoju, the executive VP 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.”

Paul Ludlow, P&O Cruises’ senior VP, added: “We are delighted that our guests will be able to travel the world but still keep up with their favorite 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.”