Channel 4 has commissioned a new ten-part E4 series, Cruising Paradise: Above and Below Deck, from Crackit TV. The show taps into the rising trend of younger travelers booking cruises, followng both first-time and seasoned passengers alongside the young crew members keeping the ships running smoothly.
Narrated by It’s a Sin actor Callum Scott Howells, this behind-the-scenes look at contemporary liners is Brighton-based Crackit’s latest cruise project, following 2025’s Supercruising: Life at Sea and 2026’s Cruising to the Ends of the Earth.
Filmed on Princess Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises ships, the series captures the realities of working at sea—from demanding shifts and homesickness to late-night bonding and off-duty excursions at stunning global destinations. Cameras will capture the intertwining personal and professional lives of the crew, including all the onboard romance, friendships, and fun.
The series also tracks a select group of passengers, from cruise novices to veteran travelers experiencing these specific ships for the first time, showing why many young Brits now view cruises as the ultimate holiday.
Genna Gibson, Commissioning Editor at Channel 4, 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, CEO of Crackit TV, said: “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.”
Motion Entertainment is partnering 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.”
Genna Gibson commissioned the series for E4. Elaine Hackett and Jon Connerty serve as executive producers for Crackit TV, with Paula Fasht as series producer and Hannah James as production manager. Blue Ant Studios will manage international distribution.
Cruising Paradise: Above and Below Deck will air soon on E4 and will be available to stream on Channel 4.