Carnival to introduce ‘world first’ digital streaming TV channel on ships

Oceanview service will be available for download on the likes of Amazon Fire TV and Apple TV on more than 60 of the company’s ships Continue reading →

What is claimed as the world’s first digital streaming travel TV channel for land and sea is to be introduced onto Carnival Corporation ships.

The Oceanview service will be available for download on the likes of Amazon Fire TV and Apple TV and will be offered on more than 60 of the company’s ships.

A second PlayOcean option will see the cruise giant become the first travel company to produce original mobile games catering to the holiday sector.

A selection of original games and a casino game play app for gambling will be offered via free downloadable mobile apps via iTunes, and Google Play on Princess Cruises ships adapted with the line’s Medallion technology later this year.

With PlayOcean Casino, passengers will be able to place bets at sea, with poker, roulette, slot machines and bingo available.
OceanView will feature a more than 100 “Ocean Original” episodes produced by Carnival Corporation.

The line-up includes the company’s four original series that have been broadcast on network and cable TV in the US over the past year, as well as two new direct-to-digital streaming original series, “GO” and “Local Eyes.”

OceanView also will showcase videos from the corporation’s cruise brands, with viewers able to check out new ship christening ceremonies, as well as the process of ship design and construction, culinary creations from celebrity chefs and new ship attractions.

The company plans to mark the official availability of OceanView on Thursday with an event in New York’s Times Square that synchronizes multiple digital billboards to showcase the new streaming channel.

The event will also demonstrate its new PlayOcean interactive gaming platform, including two new mobile apps and on board, location-based experiences for passengers.

Carnival Corporation chief experience and innovation officer John Padgett said: “One of the great things about our cruise vacations is that we connect people, places and cultures around the world through extraordinary experiences on state-of-the-art ships to more than 760 global destinations – and over the past year we have been bringing that unique experience to life through original storytelling that breaks perceptions by showcasing why cruise holidays are the fastest-growing segment of the vacation sector.

“Our original programming is already a big hit on network and cable TV. And now, with the launch of OceanView, we are excited about making our authentic experiences accessible to people around the world through digital media.

“Our ultimate goal is to continue generating broad awareness of cruising as a great vacation and exceptional value, and to inspire consumers to consider cruising as a vacation option.”

He added: “The growing global demand for gaming across all audiences is undeniable – and the combination of social, competitive, chance and location-based games available within PlayOcean give us an opportunity to engage broader audiences in the unique experiences and fun associated with our cruise vacations.

“Most importantly, PlayOcean gives our guests the ultimate flexibility to engage in experiences when, where and how they choose – at home, on a plane, relaxing in their stateroom or poolside.”