As a growing number of younger travellers choose to holiday on the high seas, Channel 4 has commissioned Cruising Paradise: Above and Below Deck from Crackit TV, which will explore life onboard for a mix of first-timers and more seasoned cruisers, alongside the young crew members.
The ten-part series for E4 is the latest cruise-focused title from Brighton-based Crackit, following Cruising to the Ends of the Earth (pictured) and Supercruising: Life at Sea (both for Channel 4) in 2026 and 2025.
Narrated by actor Callum Scott Howells (It’s a Sin), Cruising Paradise: Above and Below Deck will offer behind-the-scenes access to life aboard the contemporary liners.
Filmed aboard Princess Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises ships across a season, the series follows the highs and lows of working life at sea, from demanding shifts and missing home to late-night camaraderie with colleagues and off-duty adventures as the ships call at some of the world’s most spectacular destinations.
Passengers will also feature throughout the series – from first-time cruisers to experienced travellers.
Cruising Paradise: Above and Below Deck is commissioned by Genna Gibson, Commissioning Editor for Reality & Entertainment, for E4. It is executive produced by Crackit TV’s Elaine Hackett and Jon Connerty, along with series producer Paula Fasht and production manager Hannah James.
Genna Gibson said: “A cruise ship is like a floating city where nobody gets to nip home after work, so every day brings new friendships, fresh drama and unforgettable characters. Above deck, passengers are making memories. Below deck, an incredible crew is making it all happen. Cruising Paradise gives viewers the best of both worlds, with humour, heart and spectacular escapism in equal measure.”
Elaine Hackett added: “Behind every once-in-a-lifetime voyage is a dedicated team of ship crew delivering world-class experiences for those lucky enough to embark on them. In Cruising Paradise, we’ve secured extraordinary access to the many human stories unfolding every day on these vessels – with crew members having the time of their lives, making friends, and even falling in love, all while working in some of the most exciting and sought-after jobs around.”
WPP Media Motion Entertainment are partners on the series. Melanie Darlaston, Head of Factual (UK) at Motion Entertainment said: “Cruising Paradise: Above and Below Deck is a vibrant new series set to capture audiences across the board, and we’re thrilled to be working with Crackit TV and Channel 4 to help bring the rich, behind-the-scenes stories of these remarkable ships to screens.”
Pippa Considine
Share this story
