The Cruise is a British observational documentary television series directed by Chris Terrill that aired on BBC One in 1998. The series of 12 episodes followed a group of staff on board the luxury cruise ship Galaxy as it sailed the Caribbean on its maiden voyage. The first episode, "Let the Dream Begin", aired at 8pm on 13 January 1998. The series was highly popular, attracting 10.39 million viewers (41 per cent audience share). It made a celebrity of Jane McDonald, a cruise ship entertainer on Galaxy, who went on to become a recording artist and television presenter.
Episodes
# Title Synopsis Date 1 "Let the Dream Begin" Introduction. 13 January 1998 2 "Stranded in Paradise" The ship arrives in Jamaica for Christmas. 14 January 1998 3 "Scotty to the Rescue" New Year's Eve. 20 January 1998 4 "Life's a Beach" Jane and DJ Scotty climb a waterfall. 21 January 1998 5 "Double or Quits" Following croupiers Dale and Mary in the ship's casino. 27 January 1998 6 "Stormin' Norman" Passenger and professional gambler Norman has an argument with the ship's casino, while Dale and Mary go jet-skiing. 28 January 1998 7 "Break a Leg" Lead dancer Philip has a fall. Jane visits a medium. Dale and Mary go roller-blading to celebrate their wedding anniversary. 3 February 1998 8 "Dancing with Dolphins" Dancers Jake and Michele swim with dolphins. 4 February 1998 9 "Lights, Camera, Action" Dale and Mary go on a rafting trip. Jane gets a makeover. Michele attends a dress rehearsal. 10 February 1998 10 "First Night Nerves" The ship's new entertainment show opens. 11 February 1998 11 "Le Grand Buffet" Sean the juggler confronts 300 born-again Christians. 17 February 1998 12 "Teach Me Tonight" Laura marries Gary at the ship's disco. 18 February 1998
Specials Title Synopsis Date The Cruise Special: Jane Ties the Knot Jane marries her Danish boyfriend Henrik on the Caribbean island of St Thomas. 10 July 1998 Jane's Cruise to the Stars Reflecting on Jane's year in the spotlight, with previously unseen footage from The Cruise. 31 December 1998
Return to... The Cruise In August 2008, BBC Two broadcast a five-part series called Return to... The Cruise, a retrospective look at the original series, with stars of The Cruise reminiscing about life on board Galaxy, as well as highlights from the series.
References Citations
Non-inline references Television review - 21 Jan 1998 at The Independent Britain's Docusoaps Transfix a Nation of Flies on the Wall - 15 Nov 1998 at The New York Times at Der Spiegel BBC Two - Return to... The Cruise - Episode Guide at BBC Online Ros Goodman to appear in new BBC show - 7 Aug 2008 at The Jewish Chronicle
External links
11-minute extract from The Cruise at BBC Online