BBC HD and Starbucks Latest Brands to Satisfy Cruiser Cravings Abroad

It would seem that foreign cruise lines are following our domestic lead when it comes to enjoying favorite brands onboard, what with BBC HD launching on Cunard Line and P&O Cruises, and AIDA Cruises partnering up with Starbucks.

In fact, BBC Worldwide’s new BBC HD will be its first channel produced exclusively for cruise ships and other maritime applications, and while it will first be available on Cunard and P&O, it is expected to become widely available to the international industry in the future. Its programming will be available through Global Eagle Entertainment’s (GEE) MTN TV network.

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The new channel will accompany BBC World News, which has been available at sea since 2010, and its content will include drama, comedy and documentaries such as the soaps “Eastenders,” “Holby City” and “Casualty.”

In a statement, 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.”

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Meanwhile, P&O Cruises and Cunard Line’s corporate German cousin AIDA Cruises is hopping on the Starbucks bandwagon, which is not entirely unfamiliar cruising territory as Royal Caribbean International features the brand’s coffee shops on its fleet. As for AIDA, it will be part of the "We Proudly Serve Starbucks” partnership in a first for a German cruise ship, already starting on the AIDAprima. Over the next months, the brewing of Starbucks will be available on other vessels in the fleet including up to 26 different specialty coffees and teas.

"Thanks to this partnership we have added a further highlight to our gastronomic world and, with Starbucks, we are presenting our guests with another premium brand on board our fleet," said Steffi Heinicke, Vice President Guest Service, AIDA Cruises in a statement.

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