Meet The Cast
James & Damien
Married civil servants James and Damien, from Earls Colne in Essex, have been together for 21 years. The two used to work as cabin crew, so are no strangers to locations abroad, but are more used to quick overnight stops than long holidays. With very stressful and demanding day jobs, the couple counter this by breeding cocker spaniels and entering shows. They own five dogs and regularly travel the country for competitions, which perfectly suits their competitive nature! James and Damien have never cruised before but would jump at the chance, as their personal holidays tend to consist of staycations with the dogs and they want to inject some life into their holidays, and explore new places. It sounds like a cruise would be perfect fort these two!
Jacque & Tamara
Jacque and Tamara, from Croydon, are more than just mother and daughter, they’re best friends, travel buddies and each other’s biggest cheerleaders. These two are inseparable and do everything together. There was no question about who they’d go on the cruise with, each other of course! They’ve been on plenty of holidays together, but never a cruise. It's something they’ve thought of, but this will be their first time at sea together. They’re both culture vultures at heart; for them the best holidays are about immersing themselves in local life - eating the food, meeting the people, learning what makes each place tick. They say a cruise isn’t just a holiday – it’s a chance to make memories that last forever.
Anne & Yvonne
Pals Anne, from Greenock in Inverclyde, and Yvonne, from Gourock in Inverclyde, worked together in social housing over ten years ago and became fast friends after chatting at the photocopier! Despite Yvonne being retired, their friendship has persevered, and they often go to events together. The two have very different characters: "disco-diva" Yvonne recently brought Anne to see Take That, while sensible Anne brings Yvonne to "quieter affairs" like string quartets (even if Yvonne does fall asleep halfway through!). The two might be chalk and cheese when it comes to their interests, but they say that their differences "balance each other out beautifully". The pair have been on one cruise each separately, but never with each other. They recently went on their first holiday together to Prague and had a blast. With very different approaches to holidays (Anne loves to find a graveyard to explore and Yvonne is Ibiza-obsessed!), these two unlikely pals will bring each other out of their comfort zones, and between them will be up for anything, from historical landmarks to dance classes!Clive & Bernadette
Retired husband and wife, 'Lord' Clive and 'Lady' Bernadette, from Wrea Green near Preston, have been married for the last 50 years and have never been more in love! They met by chance at a pub in Manchester where Clive was playing the drums in a live music band. He sent a round of drinks to Bernadette and her sister, and the rest is history. Clive and Bernadette have ventured around the world, from Goa to Naples Beach in Florida, but have spent most of their time travelling around Europe in their motorhome where they make sure to try all the delicacies and pastries that are on offer! Clive and Bernie have never been on a cruise before, but these serial adventurers are all about living life to the fullest and think a cruise is the perfect way to do so. The self-confessed social butterflies love meeting new people. They regularly go on 'Sail & Dine' experiences on Lake Windemere with other strangers - it's safe to say that the pair would love the opportunity to meet other like-minded cruisers during this experience.
Glenys & Ian
Retired husband and wife Glenys and Ian, from Brockhall Village in Lancashire, bonded over their love of pool; 30 years later and they've travelled the world together. The thrill-seeking couple have explored Hong Kong, Malaysia and partied with locals at their penthouse parties in Dubai. They've come face to face with brown bears, explored the wine routes of Africa and hiked the Blue Ridge mountains of Virginia. Ian says, "our kids think we're crazy, we've always got another bonkers story to tell when we're home from our travels!" Globe-trotting means that this two haven't done too much exploring of Europe - they'd love to see more of what the Med has to offer - whilst still having their love of exploring fulfilled. Other cruises that they've been on include one to Norway, another to Alaska. They love exploring off the beaten track, are still super keen hikers, like to dress up and are up for anything ‘out there’... No matter how "young" it may seem, "we can do it all".Graham & Lewis
Father and son Graham and Lewis, from Cottingham near Hull, have always been incredibly close. Graham had his twins, Lewis and Sam, at the age of 18 so he had to grow up rather quickly. This meant Lewis had two best friends as well as parents! Graham is undoubtedly the more adventurous of the two while Lewis much prefers partaking in activities that don't involve any near-death experiences. While you'll find Graham at the top of a roller coaster or zip-lining across a jungle, you'll find Lewis in a local coffee shop. Graham has always wanted to go on a cruise but his wife and habitual travel buddy sadly gets terrible seasickness and so a cruise had never been on the cards. Lewis, on the other hand, has always had a fear of the open ocean. However, with the recent birth of his son, he wants to conquer his fear and what better way to do that than with his dad and several pairs or armbands!
Sarah & Shin
Best friend and mother daughter duo, Sarah and Shin, from Bradford, make the effort to travel together every year. Sarah now lives in Barnet in London, so it's really important for them to make the time to see each other. Sarah refers to their dynamic as a 'role reversal' - she often feels like the responsible one keeping outgoing Shin in line! They appreciate every moment that they're in a new place and will be totally immersing themselves in the local way of life. The opportunity to try all of the local dishes will definitely be something at the top of their to do list! Shin has been on two cruises before, but it will be a new experience for Sarah. Mother and daughter are incredibly close and always make a conscious effort to create new memories together. Though they agree that Sarah is often the more responsible one between the two, this cruise will be a fantastic opportunity for Shin to show her daughter the ropes and maybe Sarah can be the adventurous one for once!Kerri-Anne and Julie
Kerri-Anne and Julie, from Worthing in West Sussex, have been best friends for the past twelve years, and would describe themselves as "perfectly imperfect". They are also quick to express how different they are! Kerri-Anne moved to Worthing from Croydon thirteen years ago with her children, and in search of a little more company, she bought a dog and started to go on walks with other mums from school... the rest is history. They are fitness fanatics and always looking for ways to keep fit whilst having fun. Although Julie, who often likens herself to 'Dora the Explorer’, will no doubt be dragging the girls along to a find the local church and pharmacy! Kerri-Anne's dad was a Cruise Director so the sea has been a part of her life since she can remember. At the age of 22 she went to work on cruise lines for the next 10 years as a Youth Activity Director. She feels entirely at peace when she's afloat and it’s something deeply close to her heart. She'd love to experience life at sea with her bestie Julie; they've been away together, but never on a ship!
Title Role Productions
A Proud, Global, Independent Television Production Company – we are Title Role Productions, UK
Title Role Productions have been producing compelling, world-renowned television since 2005. We pride ourselves on great stories, told with journalistic integrity and visual flair.
Just as importantly, we care about the people, places and organisations that we work with. Our productions are often delivered on a big scale, but it's sometimes the smallest details which prove to be the most impactful on screen.
Our teams live and & breathe this ethos and make the best possible films as a result. Title Role has a long history of creating entertaining, ground-breaking, thought-provoking shows and has been recognised by industry nominations, Academy and Royal Television Society awards.
Our shows are broadcast in over 100 territories around the world. Title Role | Global TV Production
HELEN TONGE CEO OF TITLE ROLE PRODUCTIONS & EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
Mutli-award winning producer, Helen Tonge established Title Role Productions alongside Ian Bradshaw in 2005 and has grown it to be one of the leaders in the non-scripted space throughout the world. One of the first crime formats she developed, ‘Crimes That Shook Britain’ is now in season 9 and airs in over 200 territories. She went on to grow the brand and develop ‘Crimes That Shook Australia’ which received an Academy award. Now she develops and exec produces a plethora of titles from hard-hitting factual shows like the BBC’s ‘Paedophile Hunters: The rise of the Vigilantes’ to popular series like ‘The Cruise: Welcome Aboard!’ now airing on Amazon, Peacock and Roku and returnable series ‘The Cruise: Fun-Loving Brits at Sea’ for 5. From fixed-rig shows like ‘Children’s A+E at Christmas’ to branded content with the likes of Virgin and British Airways, Helen has developed, produced and directed hundreds of hours of television over her career. She is also a committee member for the Royal Television Society, an advisor to Screenskills and a founding member of the ‘Association of True Crime Producers’.
IAN BRADSHAW CHIEF TECHNICAL OFFICER OT TITLE ROLE PRODUCTIONS
RTS award winner, Co-founder and Technical Director of Title Role Ian Bradshaw has had a distinguished career in television production spanning over twenty years. Ian as part of his career has filmed everything from Documentaries, Sport and News and before setting up Title Role had various camera roles at ITV over a 10-year period. Ian has worked with people with the highest of profiles including HRH King Charles III, Theresa May and Tony Blair. Ian now as Technical Director oversees all parts of the company’s technical needs from camera to programme delivery.
