BBC launches TV channel for cruise passengers

The BBC has launched a global entertainment channel – BBC HD – exclusively for cruise ships and the rest of the maritime market. The first customers to be signed up are P&O Cruises and Cunard Line and it will be available to other cruise lines soon.

The new channel complements BBC World News, which launched in 2010 for broadcast on in-cabin TVs around the globe.

Content on HD will include drama, comedy, and documentaries, everything from Dr Who to Call The Midwife and Top Gear, along with with up-to-date episodes of Casualty and Holby City.

Zina Neophytou, Vice President, 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 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.”

Walé Adepoju, Executive Vice President, Media & Content at Global Eagle Entertainment added: “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,

“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.”

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.”

© John Honeywell 2017

CAPTION: (l-r) Travis Peterson (VP Product Global Eagle Entertainment), Zina Neophytou (VP Out of Home BBC Worldwide) and Graham Douglas (Media & Communications Manager Carnival UK) at the launch event of BBC HD