Saga Cruises UK has formed a partnership with BBC Studios to provide guests with an exclusive opportunity to explore behind the scenes of popular BBC programs such as "Strictly Come Dancing" and "The Sky at Night."
This marks the first collaboration between BBC Studios and a cruise company, offering exclusive access to notable figures like Dr. Michael Mosley, Dame Maggie Aderin-Pocock, Ella Al-Shamahi, and "Strictly Come Dancing" professionals Luba Mushtuk and Vito Coppola. Additionally, the visual effects team behind shows like "Doctor Who" and "Silent Witness" will also be onboard selected Saga Cruises to share insights into the production of their respective TV shows as part of an enhanced entertainment experience.
The partnership will run from July 2024 to March 2025 across 7 all-inclusive/no-fly itineraries on the sisterships Spirit of Adventure and Spirit of Discovery.
"Strictly Come Dancing," a beloved British entertainment show, will feature professionals Luba Mushtuk and Vito Coppola, who will share their experiences as competitive dancers and their journey on "Strictly." They will also perform in two shows in the ship's Playhouse theatre. Cruises featuring Luba and Vito will depart from Portsmouth, including the 22-night "Croatia and the Treasures of the Adriatic" cruise on February 28, 2025, and the 18-night "Western Mediterranean and Italian Riviera" cruise on March 26, 2025.
"The Sky at Night," a long-standing British television program, will feature Dame Maggie Aderin-Pocock, a space scientist and science educator who has hosted the show since 2013. Dame Maggie will share insights into her career, space exploration, and the making of "The Sky at Night." She will be onboard the 49-night "Caribbean and Central America Discovery" cruise, departing Portsmouth on January 6, 2025, and the 15-night "Casablanca and the Canaries" itinerary, departing Portsmouth on February 13, 2025.
Ella Al-Shamahi, an explorer, evolutionary biologist, and television presenter, will discuss her work on programs like "Neanderthals – Meet Your Ancestors" and "Human," a new BBC Two science series. Ella will be onboard the 19-night "Arctic Summer: Iceland and the North Cape" cruise, departing Dover on July 17, 2024, and the 29-night "Contrasts of Canada and the USA" cruise, departing Portsmouth on September 21, 2024.
Dr. Michael Mosley, known for the "Just One Thing" podcast, will share the process behind creating the podcast and insights into his career. Guests can join Michael on Saga’s 30-night "Tropical Shores of the Caribbean" cruise, departing Portsmouth on November 5, 2024.
Millennium FX, a visual effects company known for its work on BBC programs and major Hollywood films, will also be part of the program. Director Kate Walshe will discuss the creation of visual effects for shows like "Doctor Who" and will demonstrate some of their techniques. Millennium FX will be featured on the 49-night "Caribbean and Central America Discovery" cruise, departing Portsmouth on January 6, 2025.