In what is believed to be one of the world’s biggest and boldest broadcasts at sea, Carnival Cruise Line is hosting fun-loving radio presenters Hamish and Andy and a “ship load” of their listeners onboard Carnival Spirit for an unprecedented five-day live show which will be heard across Australia via satellite from the heart of the South Pacific.
Dubbed “The People’s Cruise” with Hamish & Andy, the voyage will see about 110 listeners join the duo as they present their drive program across the Hit Network from the 2680-guest cruise ship as it sails from Sydney to Vanuatu next month.
While the pair are known for their adventurous broadcasts, the cruise will take them into uncharted waters. The live shows on Carnival Spirit will include one from Sydney Harbour, three days at sea and another anchored off Vanuatu’s uninhabited Mystery Island.
To take the show to sea has required rigorous testing of satellite capabilities over the region and takes advantage of a recent upgrade of Carnival’s onboard internet access to allow the live broadcast to go to air from remote destinations.
Carnival Cruise Line Vice President Australia Jennifer Vandekreeke said she was looking forward to having Hamish and Andy onboard and sharing all of Carnival Spirit’s fun attributes with their nationwide audience.
“Carnival shares the same fun ethos as Hamish and Andy. We’re all about fun, free-spirited, holidays for social, outgoing holidaymakers – people like Hamish and Andy and their listeners, who don’t take themselves too seriously and are always up for a laugh and some fun,” Ms Vandekreeke said.
“We’ve never attempted anything as ambitious as this live broadcast and can’t wait to see what fun we’ll get up to with the lads. We’re expecting Green Thunder to get a good work out for a start.”
In a Hit Network first the 110 lucky winners will be chosen from across the country with breakfast show listeners in each city able to secure spots on the “The People’s Cruise”.
Hamish and Andy said they were most looking forward to Carnival Spirit’s dive-in cinema, mini golf, Green Thunder waterslide, the Punchline Comedy Club and free 24-hour pizza and ice cream: “Everyone thinks we’ve decided to broadcast from a cruise ship with 110 listeners just so we can drink and relax by one of four pools onboard the ship each day. They are wrong… ‘cause there are only three pools.”
For more information and bookings call 13 31 94, see a travel agent or visit www.carnival.com.au
SOURCE: Carnival Cruise Line