CruiseNews

Miami-based Carnival Cruise Lines, a corporate partner of the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Southern Florida since 1995, was honored with the "Corporation of the Year" award at the nonprofit organization's donor appreciation event. Carnival helped the foundation (www.sflawish.org) grant 537 wishes to children who have life-threatening medical conditions over the past year. Shown here at the awards reception are Brenda Yester (left), Carnival's senior vice president of revenue management who also serves on Make-A-Wish Foundation's board of directors, and Wanda Trouba, Make-A-Wish Foundation's vice president of mission resources. Carnival (www.carnival.com) directly impacted the quantity and quality of wishes granted locally by providing complimentary cruises and shore excursions for wish kids and their family members. They also enhanced the wish experience by offering behind-the-scenes tours, in-cabin gifts, and photos. On land, the cruise line donated auction items and purchased tables at Make-A-Wish events. During the course of its 16-year connection to Make-A-Wish, Carnival's contributions have enabled the foundation to grant nearly 70 wishes in the community. "The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southern Florida holds a unique place in Carnival's heart and we are honored not only to receive this award but also for the opportunity to fulfill the dreams of these special children and their families," said Yester. "I've witnessed first-hand the incredible power of a wish and we look forward to continuing to support this valued partner in the years to come." "We're indebted to Carnival for everything they have done to bring happiness into the lives of children and families coping with difficult circumstances," said Make-A-Wish Foundation President and Chief Executive Officer Norman Wedderburn. "Their unselfish devotion to our cause helped us grant more wishes last year than ever before." Since 1983, the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southern Florida has enriched the human experience with hope, strength, and joy for more than 8,000 families in Broward, Collier, Glades, Hendry, Highlands, Indian River, Lee, Martin, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Okeechobee, Palm Beach, and St. Lucie counties, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. It receives no federal or state funding and raises money to grant wishes through corporate sponsorships, special events, foundation grants, and individual contributions. The Southern Florida chapter grants a wish every 16 hours, at an average cost of $5,000 per. Carnival is "The World's Most Popular Cruise Line®," with 23 "Fun Ships" operating three- to 16-day voyages to The Bahamas, Caribbean, Mexican Riviera, Alaska, Hawaii, Panama Canal, Canada, New England, Bermuda, Europe, the Pacific Islands and New Zealand. In June 2012, the company will launch its 24th ship, the 130,000-ton Carnival Breeze. Click here to view the article

During Cruise Lines International Association’s National Cruise Vacation Week, being held from Oct. 17 through 21, 2011, Royal Caribbean International is offering onboard credit for select 2012 Alaska cruisetours and Royal Incentive Rewards to help travel professional drive business even after the week has concluded. For new individual bookings aboard Caribbean and Bahamas cruises departing Nov. 15, 2011 through Jan. 31, 2012, vacationers can enjoy $25 onboard credit per stateroom on three- to five-night itineraries and $50 onboard credit per stateroom on six- to nine-night itineraries. For Europe, Dubai, and Australia cruises departing after Nov. 15, 2011, vacationers can enjoy $50 onboard credit per stateroom for three- to five-night itineraries; $100 for six- to nine-night itineraries; and $200 for itineraries 10 nights or longer. These offers are only applicable for all new individual bookings made in the U.S. and Canada from Oct. 17 through 21, 2011, and are not combinable with any other promotions. Royal Caribbean also has created a microsite to help travel agents prepare for National Cruise Vacation Month. Tips and instructional documents, and downloadable and customizable advertisement templates and flyers (available here) can help travel agents prepare. Travel agent partners also can request a Royal Caribbean Cruise Week Kit that includes decorations, collateral and a logo item for raffling. In addition to the National Cruise Vacation Week offers, vacationers also can enjoy $200 onboard credit per stateroom aboard select 2012 Alaska cruisetours. A Royal Caribbean Alaska cruisetour combines a seven-night, north- or southbound sailing aboard newly renovated Radiance of the Seas with a three- to six-night escorted land tour into Alaska. The $200 onboard credit offer is valid for new individual bookings made from Sept. 29 through Oct. 31, 2011 aboard Radiance of the Seas’ Alaska cruisetours, departing May 11 through June 8, 2012, and are not combinable with other promotions. Royal Caribbean also is offering travel agents the opportunity to carry on in the spirit of National Cruise Vacation Week beyond October with Royal Incentive Rewards. From Oct. 15 through Nov. 15, 2011, travel professionals can purchase Royal Incentive Rewards certificates, future cruise certificates that are paid in full up-front; have no minimum or maximum number of certificates required to be purchased; no expiration dates; and can be sold to clients to claim for a future Royal Caribbean cruise. Once the vacationer is ready to book a cruise, they call the Royal Incentive Rewards Desk, and the cruise line will handle the rest. All Royal Incentive Rewards cruise certificates are based on double-occupancy and non-refundable, and (except for Bronze Level Certificates) include the cruise fare, applicable government taxes and fees, and standard recommended gratuities. Click here to view the article

Carnival Cruise Lines is teaming up with renowned comedian and TV personality George Lopez who will become the cruise line’s creative director for comedy as Carnival introduces the Punchliner Comedy Clubs Presented by George Lopez. Lopez, one of America’s favorite comedians and a popular TV personality, will become the cruise line’s “curator of comedy,” acting as a consultant on the vetting and hiring of comedic talent for the line’s existing fleetwide comedy clubs. Lopez will play an active role in the securing of top up-and-coming comedic talent, utilizing his vast resources within the North American comedy scene. Through the partnership, Carnival ships will feature a Lopez comedy routine shown on in-cabin televisions fleetwide and pre-recorded introductions by Lopez at comedy club shows, as well as a new Punchliner Comedy Brunch that will be offered on sea days. Lopez will also partner with the line on a comedy-themed consumer contest in 2012. “Carnival’s guests absolutely love comedy which is why we are already the cruise industry leader in fleetwide comedic programming and, in fact, we host more guests in our shipboard comedy clubs than any land-based comedy chain in the U.S.,” said Gerry Cahill, Carnival’s president and CEO. “By partnering with George Lopez, an exceptionally talented, respected and popular comedian, Carnival’s comedy offerings will be taken to an entirely new level.” “Carnival’s ships offer a huge audience that truly appreciates comedic performances and the on-board clubs are fantastic,” said Lopez. “I intend to help build and nurture an understanding among up-and-coming comedic talent that these ships represent a phenomenal environment to work and gain experience.” Carnival’s comedy clubs offer five 35-minute shows on multiple nights during each voyage, with at least two comedians performing each night. The two early-evening shows offer fun for the whole family while the later performances feature adult-oriented comedy. The partnership is part of Fun Ship 2.0, a multi-year initiative valued at more than $500 million that will completely transform the Carnival guest experience and is the largest and most ambitious project the company has ever undertaken. Click here to view the article

Royal Caribbean International announced their selection of James Beard Award-winning chef Michael Schwartz to create new menus for its upscale dining venue, 150 Central Park, on the Oasis of the Seas. Known for his commitment to sustainable and seasonal food sourcing at Miami’s Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink, Schwartz will offer his expertise as the cruise line selects and integrates local produce farmers into 150 Central Park’s supply chain. “Royal Caribbean continually looks to deliver the Royal Advantage to its guests through diverse and innovative dining concepts and the freshest possible ingredients,” said Frank Weber, vice president Food and Beverage, Royal Caribbean International. “By joining forces with chef Michael Schwartz at the Oasis of the Seas’ 150 Central Park, we are gaining a respected hometown partner who will help us to navigate and embrace the local agricultural community by hand-picking the most appropriate local small farms to supply ingredients for our premiere dining venue.” First introduced on the Oasis, 150 Central Park is the centerpiece of the lush Central Park neighborhood with its 12,000 plants and trees and its variety of specialty dining and retail venues such as the Coach store. Guests dining at the upscale and intimate restaurant enjoy a seasonal tasting menu and customized wine pairings delivering an exclusive culinary experience comparable to the finest land-based restaurants. Opened daily for dinner, it features two rotating six-course menus per voyage, which will now incorporate produce from small Florida farms like SWANK Specialty Produce in Loxahatchee. Chef Schwartz will create new dishes, as well as seasoned favorites from his restaurants in Miami and Grand Cayman and debut cookbook, Michael’s Genuine Food: Down-to-Earth Cooking for People Who Love to Eat, such as Jumbo Lump Crab Cake with Carrot Butter Sauce and Mahogany Black Cod with Whipped Parsnip, Baby Bak Choy and Mustard Sauce, and Slow Roasted and Grilled Harris Ranch Beef Short Rib with Roasted Cippolini Onions, Swank Farms Cress and Romesco Sauce. “I am thrilled for the opportunity to collaborate with such an acclaimed global brand as Royal Caribbean and to work with them to further the important sustainable philosophies I care so much about,” says chef Michael Schwartz. “It is so exciting for me to bring some of my favorite farmers’ local products onboard for the first time, adding to the already impressive food and beverage offerings available to guests on the Oasis of the Seas.” Chef Schwartz has hand-picked Chef de Cuisine James Seyba, from Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink, to oversee the execution of the new menu and to engage with guests daily. Before launching the new menus at 150 Central Park, Seyba will learn the ropes of what it takes to be a successful chef at sea, including Royal Caribbean’s cutting edge quality controls and provisioning measures. On hand to share her expertise will be Chef de Cuisine Molly Brandt who, at the helm of the 150 Central Park restaurant on the Oasis sister ship, Allure of the Seas, was herself a first-time cruise chef after winning the coveted job in a chef search with the Culinary Institute of America. Completing the gastronomic experience at 150 Central Park is the most dynamic wine pairing program of any Royal Caribbean restaurant, created with the direction of with Michael’s Genuine Sommelier Eric Larkee. 150 Central Park by Michael Schwartz on the Oasis will launch October 29, 2011, with new pairs of menus rolling out every three months during the year-long collaboration. Click here to view the article

Celebrity Cruises has announced that its “modern luxury -- cool, contemporary design and warm spaces, award-winning cuisine and personalized service” – is now available for vacationers to enjoy even longer through a new “Extend Your Stay” program. In addition to the benefit of a leisurely last day onboard, the program allows guests to stay in their stateroom until 9 am on the day their cruise ends - one hour later than the standard time by which the guest is typically asked to depart, according to Celebrity. Guests who participate in Extend Your Stay also can enjoy some of the ship’s services until as late as 90 minutes before the next cruise sets sail. The program includes a full line-up of benefits including non-alcoholic specialty coffees and teas from Café al Bacio; a meal in the creperie-focused specialty restaurant, Bistro on Five; the opportunity to watch a first-run movie in one of the ship’s theaters; and access to the pool, fitness center and locker rooms. The AquaSpa will be available for spa services at an additional charge. Bar purchases can be made on the last day of the cruise using a credit card. “Being able to relax onboard in luxurious surroundings rather rush to disembark on the last day of one’s cruise epitomizes what ‘modern luxury’ is all about,” said Simon Weir, director of hotel operations Extend Your Stay is being offered for the remainder of the current Europe season on Celebrity Constellation, Celebrity Equinox, Celebrity Solstice and the brand-new Celebrity Silhouette. The program also will be available for future Europe seasons. The program is available for purchase at the Guest Relations desk onboard. The cost of the program is $59 per adult, $29.50 per child ages 3 to 12, and free for children under three years of age. Guests participating in Extend Your Stay can depart at any time until as late as 90 minutes before the next cruise departs. Extend Your Stay departure times may vary by ship and itinerary based on local immigration regulations. Click here to view the article

This November, Royal Caribbean International will celebrate its return to New Orleans in a big way. The cruise line has teamed up with Republic Nashville to treat invited guests to a special, live performance by country music star Martina McBride. Following the debut of her new album, ELEVEN, which hits stores on Oct. 11, 2011, the four-time CMA Female Vocalist of the Year is scheduled to perform aboard the Voyager in New Orleans, on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011. The Martina concert for invited guests will take place in Voyager of the Seas’ Lyric Theatre before the ship departs on its Western Caribbean Thanksgiving cruise. The largest ship ever to homeport in New Orleans, the Voyager will sail seven-night Western Caribbean itineraries through April 2012, visiting Cozumel, Mexico; Falmouth, Jamaica; and George Town, Grand Cayman. Staterooms are still available aboard Voyager of the Seas’ Nov. 19 sailing through travel agents, or through Royal Caribbean. Fares start at $499 per guest, double occupancy. In addition to New Orleans, Royal Caribbean is making it easier for Gulf Coast residents to sail, offering cruises from other area ports for the winter season, including Galveston and Tampa. Guests can choose between two seven-night Western Caribbean itineraries onboard Mariner of the Seas from Galveston, starting at $530 per guest, double occupancy; or a selection of five-night and four-night Western Caribbean itineraries onboard Jewel of the Seas from Tampa, starting at $309 per guest, double occupancy. Click here to view the article

The Panama Canal cruise-line season officially starts, Wednesday, October 5, and runs through the middle of next year. More than 200 transits of these passenger vessels are expected. The transit of Princess Cruises Island Princess will mark the beginning of the season, traveling for 14 days from Los Angeles, California, to Fort Lauderdale, Florida. According to Jaime Castillo, international trade specialist from the Panama Canal Research and Market Analysis office, at least 205 transits are expected this season. Among the major companies that are considering Panama and the Canal experience as a destination are Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean Cruise Line and Norwegian Cruise Line. The arrival of smaller cruise ships, such as the Wind Star and Le Levant, also are expected to transit the Canal. These cruises typically travel between the Caribbean Islands and the East and West Coasts of Central America. Two Carnival cruise ships, the Carnival Inspiration, located in Tampa, Florida, and the Carnival Paradise, ,which operates from Long Beach, California, are scheduled to reposition to their new homeport soon, offering very attractive 14-day trips that include the experience of transiting the Panama Canal. The Carnival Paradise cruise will sail from Long Beach to Tampa beginning on November 28, 2011, while the Carnival Inspiration will depart on December 3, 2011, operating from Tampa to Long Beach. With regard to inaugural transits, Norwegian Jewel, with its 2,376-passenger capacity, will sail from New York to Los Angeles in late April 2012. This cruise has a reservation to transit the Panama Canal on May 5, 2012. Click here to view the article

Based on an "overwhelming response" to its first Hawaiian itinerary, Disney Cruise Line is adding a second Hawaii cruise to its 2012 schedule. The addition of a second Hawaiian voyage complements a array of Disney Cruise Line itineraries departing from the West Coast, including cruises to the Mexican Riviera, Pacific Coast and Alaska. With a majority of its West Coast sailings originating from the Port of Los Angeles or the Port of Seattle, a Disney family cruise vacation is more accessible to guests from the western United States. "We listen to our guests, and shortly after we announced our first Hawaiian voyage it was clear our guests wanted more options to visit Hawaii," said Disney Cruise Line President Karl Holz. "This second sailing to Hawaii is part of a wide variety of Disney Cruise Line vacation options for families in 2012 including new itineraries, regional homeports and the debut of our newest ship, the Disney Fantasy." For the first time, Disney Cruise Line will offer two special voyages to Hawaii from Los Angeles, calling on Kahului, Maui; Nawiliwili, Kauai; Honolulu, Oahu; and Hilo plus Ensenada, Mexico. The 15-night Hawaiian itinerary, which includes nine days at sea, departs April 29, 2012. The newly-added 14-night Hawaiian itinerary, with eight days at sea, departs Oct. 14, 2012. Rates for the Hawaiian cruises start at $1,800 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy. Click here to view the article

Royal Caribbean International has entered into a strategic relationship with the Xiamen municipal government and China World Cruises (CWC) in China that involves CWC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Beijing-based property and theme park developer Shan-Hai-Shu, chartering Legend of the Seas for a total of four months in 2012. During the four months, Royal Caribbean International will operate and market 21, three- to eight-night sailings from Xiamen, as well as Shanghai, Tianjin and Hong Kong, to ports of call in Taiwan, Vietnam, Japan and Korea. The inaugural, five-night charter sailing will depart from Hong Kong on March 20, 2012, while the first departure of guests from Xiamen will be on March 26. The time charter agreement is fully supported by the Xiamen Municipal Government as part of the government's development of Xiamen as the fourth cruise home port for Royal Caribbean International in China, following Shanghai, Tianjin and Hong Kong. "This is an incredible opportunity for Royal Caribbean International, the Xiamen municipal government and China World Cruises, and is truly unique to the fast growing cruise industry in Asia," says Dr. Zinan Liu, group managing director for China and Asia, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. "We are the first cruise brand to bring together the support of the government and local private industry." Working with the Xiamen municipal government, Xiamen-based CWC aims to invest around $5 billion in the Xiamen waterfront area and harbour district to develop a "Cruise Homeport City", with a theme park, retail units, luxury hotels, condominiums, as well as a new, four-berth cruise terminal. Xiamen is located between Shanghai and Hong Kong, is less than 200 miles from Taipei, Taiwan, and is one of the most important and fastest growing ports along the Chinese coast. "China holds amazing opportunities for the cruise industry, including port infrastructure development to attracting vacationers from around the world," says Michael Bayley, executive vice president of International for Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. "These are exciting times and we are delighted to be working with the Xiamen Municipal Government and China World Cruises on this strategic arrangement." Legend of the Seas is an award-winning, 1,804 double occupancy ship that has been operating in Asia, out of Singapore since 2008 and out of Shanghai since 2010. "We believe Royal Caribbean International is the right cruise brand to work with in developing the cruise industry in China," says George Buge Zhang, President of China World Cruises. "In just a few years, they've established themselves as the market leader and proven they understand local market conditions and Chinese guests' needs and preferences." The strategic relationship with the Xiamen municipal government and China World Cruises follows the announcement in June that Royal Caribbean International willdeploy the 3,114 double occupancy Voyager of the Seas to China in June 2012.Offering a wide variety of itineraries, ranging from four to eight nights, Voyager of the Seas will double the size of any cruise ship operating in China, and in the Asia-Pacific region. Spanning 14 passenger decks and with 1,556 staterooms, Voyager of the Seas will start its Asia 2012 season with a sailing from Singapore, followed by itineraries out of Shanghai (Baoshan) and Tianjin, to ports including Fukuoka and Kobe in Japan, and Busan and Jeju in Korea until October. Voyager of the Seas will begin 14-night sailings from Sydney, Australia on November 24, 2012 to ports in Australia and New Zealand, while itineraries in early 2013 will include stops in Tasmania and the South Pacific. Click here to view the article

Executives of Royal Caribbean Cruises announced Royal Caribbean International’s 2012 Asia cruises deployment schedule for Voyager of the Seas – the largest and most amenity-filled cruise ship to sail in the region. At 137,276 gross registered tons, Voyager of the Seas ranks among the world’s 10 largest and most innovative cruise ships and will offer vacationers unparalleled experiences in the region. The ship’s inaugural Asia season will start on May 26, 2012 in Singapore, followed by sailings from Shanghai (Baoshan) and Tianjin in China. “We have a leading market position in China,” explains Dr. Zinan Liu, group managing director of China and Asia for Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. “Customer demand is strengthening and we’re responding by increasing our commitment to the region with an additional, bigger ship, to offer a wider range of itineraries to even more ports.” With Voyager of the Seas and Legend of the Seas, which has been deployed in China since 2010, Royal Caribbean International will offer 49 sailings out of the country in 2012, and will add Xiamen as its fourth homeport after Shanghai, Tianjin and Hong Kong. “Voyager of the Seas deployment to Asia is another milestone for Royal Caribbean International, and a mark of our confidence and commitment to the region’s potential, as well as part of our global growth strategy,” says Michael Bayley, executive vice president of International, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Voyager of the Seas will offer vacationers a wide range of short cruises – three-, four-, five- seven- and eight-night itineraries in Asia – to longer, 14- to 18-night cruises in the South Pacific to New Zealand and Australia. Chinese guests can also expect to experience a greater variety of products and services tailored to their needs. Cruises will include the seven-night “Pearls of the Orient” and “Jewels of Asia” sailings, calling at various destinations in Japan and South Korea. Vacationers also can choose a repositioning cruise aboard Voyager of the Seas from Singapore to Fremantle, Australia, departing October 22, 2012, and returning on March 9, 2013. Voyager of the Seas will reposition to begin its winter season from Sydney on November 5, 2012. Click here to view the article

Norwegian Cruise Line unveiled the balance of stateroom designs, including The Studio, Spa Balcony, Spa Mini-Suite, Oceanview, Family Mini-Suite, and Inside staterooms -- for Project Breakaway, the company’s two new next generation Freestyle ships scheduled for delivery in April 2013 and April 2014. Similar to the Balcony and Mini-Suite staterooms revealed this summer, these staterooms combine the form and function of the line’s Jewel class ships’ staterooms with the modern and contemporary design touches of Norwegian Epic. Norwegian is continuing the Studio staterooms for solo travelers on the Project Breakaway ships. The 59 Studios on each ship are specifically designed and priced for the solo traveler with an innovative bathroom design that includes a separate sink and shower to provide more personal space. The Studios, the majority of which connect, feature a full-size bed with convenient lighted recess above the bed to hold books, magazines, tablet computers or electronic reading devices and have a unique window to the corridor. These rooms also have private keycard access to the Studio complex and exclusive two-story Studio Lounge with a bar. For those who like to relax, the 28 Spa Balcony and the 20 Spa Mini-Suite staterooms feature tranquil spa décor and have easy access to the adjacent spa and fitness center, as well as complimentary access to the Thermal Spa Suite during operating hours. On the Project Breakaway ships, Norwegian is re-introducing Oceanview staterooms that feature large picturesque windows. Of the 158 Oceanview staterooms on each ship, there are approximately 42 Family Oceanviews that sleep up to five guests and have a bathroom similar to the Mini-Suite with a modern double sink, bath tub and a second wardrobe for added storage. The Family Mini-Suites located on Deck 12 and 13 feature all the attributes of the Mini-Suite and are located in close proximity to the children’s facilities, making it convenient and easy for families. For families with small children, there are a number of staterooms with bath tubs. Project Breakaway ships include 449 Inside staterooms that feature two lower beds that can be converted to a queen-size bed. Many are connecting and sleep up to four guests. They are located on various decks throughout the ship and some are adjacent to the children’s facilities. Click here to view the article

On Wednesday the Northern Harbour in Malmö, the biggest port investment in Sweden in recent decades, was officially declared open. This marks the conclusion of the first phase in the creation of an efficient, sustainable transport hub covering 1.5 million square metres. During the ceremony, emphasis was placed on Malmö’s potential as a leading transport and logistical hub. The opening ceremony in the Northern Harbour was preceded by a boat trip around the harbour area for specially invited guests. Those involved included Ilmar Reepalu, Chairman of the Municipal Executive Board in Malmö, Lord Mayor of Copenhagen Frank Jensen and Johan Röstin, CEO of Copenhagen Malmö Ports (CMP). Since 2001, the ports of Malmö and Copenhagen have been run by CMP, Copenhagen Malmö Port AB. CMP is owned jointly by the development company By & Havn, the City of Malmö and around twenty private investors. In his address during the ceremony, Ilmar Reepalu emphasised what a significant investment for the future the new harbour area represents: “With the construction of the Northern Harbour, Malmö’s role as a vital hub for commerce and transport in the Baltic region is now being reinforced.” Ilmar Reepalu also highlighted the move to the Northern Harbour as a major environmental initiative: “The concentration on the Northern Harbour creates sustainable development of the port and industry, while at the same time space is freed up in the centre of Malmö and in Limhamn for homes, offices and recreation. This in turn means that heavy goods traffic will move away from the city centre, which is of course an important part of our environmental work in the city. At least as important is the fact that crossing times for ferries and ships are now fifteen minutes shorter and it takes trucks ten minutes less to reach the motorway system. This brings, of course, positive effects in terms of both cost and the environment.” The City of Malmö has invested one million Swedish kronor in the new port facilities and terminals. “Bearing in mind the increase in international freight traffic, new transport flows and Malmö’s strategic location in the Baltic region, the investment in the Northern Harbour is incredibly significant,” says Johan Röstin, CEO of CMP. At present only a small part of the 1.5 million square metres of available space has been developed. The City of Malmö and CMP will be using half of the area to create a new logistics centre where, for example, transport and logistics companies can set up operations. “Customers that become established in the logistics centre will be offered efficient, modern and sustainable solutions in which freight can be easily transferred between train, ship and truck,” said Röstin. Click here to view the article

OceansTV, a provider of in-cabin entertainment to cruise line companies, has signed a contract with P&O Cruises to supply it with two new TV channels. These custom channels will consist of comedy and drama TV shows aimed at British passengers. The programs have been sourced by OceansTV from some of the leaders in international television entertainment including ITV, Digital Rights Group, Fremantle, RDF Media and the BBC. The channels will be available for passengers to watch in their cabins onboard five P&O ships. Transmission of the new channels began earlier this year with a refresh planned after 12 months based on research that will include passenger feedback and an in-depth analysis of viewing figures. “OceansTV has been successfully providing first rate, cost-effective entertainment content to cruise line companies for many years,” said Liz Motley, president of OceansTV. “Reaching this agreement with such a prestigious company as P&O Cruises, provides us with an exceptional opportunity to demonstrate the high quality entertainment solutions we can provide to cruise line companies wishing to enhance the in-cabin experience of their passengers." Click here to view the article