When Carnival Corporation announced that it would be unveiling three network television shows to promote the cruising lifestyle and its own lines, I was intrigued, but I didn't know exactly what to expect from the programs. After all, of the hosts, the only one I had personally heard of was Jeff Corwin. Now that they have begun to air, I have a better sense for where they are headed.

Each show has its own tone and approach to showcasing cruising, and the first I watched was “Ocean Treks with Jeff Corwin” on ABC, an adventurous reveal of shore excursions available from Carnival brands.

What’s great about this show is that I’ve managed to learn things about ports, such as in the Dominican Republic, that I wasn't aware of previously like the region’s underwater cave system and waterfalls that can be explored. I for one will definitely sign up for taking a ride down the natural waterslides when I next make it there. 

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What is surprising on this show as well as “The Voyager with Josh Garcia” on NBC is that the episodes I’ve watched showcase very little of the ships themselves. Exterior glory shots of the Carnival Magic along with a quick crew interview about tours, for instance, are great, but I’d like to see more of the onboard experience for the benefit of prospective cruisers to understand what there is to do on the ship. Nonetheless, both are fun shows with excellent hosts.

I really appreciate the casual nature of Josh Garcia on “The Voyager” as he took me back to Bergen, Norway, one of my all-time favorite ports, via P&O Cruises’ Aurora. His excitement for local dancing, sweater making and the seafood cuisine made me want to quickly return to taste and see things I have yet to. His GoPro selfie work adds a fun candid quality to the video production that ensures viewers feel like they are there with him.

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Showing more of the shipboard experience is “Vacation Creation” on the CW as deserving families are granted wishes to come aboard ships such as Princess Cruises’ newest Royal Princess and Regal Princess. The families are seen out and about in the restaurants, pool deck, spa and atrium. Plus, specific hardware like the ships’ impressive glass-floored SeaWalk and Princess WaterColor Fantasy fountain get some good time in the spotlight, as well as software experiences like Royal Afternoon Tea.

Altogether, this is what all three shows should be doing more of, featuring shore excursions in addition to onboard offerings. As my wife commented, without that facet, they are little different from any other travel show featuring a destination, except for the fact that these are port varieties. The programs are definitely a solid start and do entice people to cruise at least for the shoreside experience, but there is so much more to cruising than just that. I will definitely continue watching to see how the shows evolve.

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