Crackit TV takes to the high seas for Channel 4

Life above and below deck on two luxury cruise liners will be documented in a multi-part series from Crackit TV for Channel 4.

Secrets of Supercruisers (w/t) is an 8 x 60-minute series following the lives of guests and crew on the Holland America Line’s 2668-guest MS Rotterdam and 2666-guest MS Nieuw Statendam across three voyages around the Caribbean, South America, North Africa and the Canary Islands.

Each episode will bring viewers below deck to see what it takes to operate a passenger vessel around the clock, as well as onshore excursions from disembarking guests.

Secrets of Supercruisers was ordered by Deborah Dunnett, commissioning editor, with Jo Street, director of commissioning, nations and regions and head of lifestyle. It will be exec produced by Crackit’s Elaine Hackett and Jon Connerty, with Paula Fasht series producing. Orange Smarty will handle international sales.

Dunnett said: “The series will take viewers on a journey to some of the world’s most beautiful places but also giving them insight into all the hard work it takes to deliver the holiday of a lifetime to thousands of guests.”

Crackit boss Hackett described the series as “the definition of escapism”, adding: “If you think you know cruising, then prepare to be dazzled by the next-level experiences these sensational supercruises have to offer.

“Their luxury and elegance must be seen to be believed, and we’re excited to pull back the curtain on the relentless work and commitment that goes into making these voyages sail smoothly.”

Karen Farndell, Holland America Line’s UK director of sales and marketing, said the programme came at a “timely” moment for the cruise line, when cameras captured its first season departing from the UK in a decade.