The ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ voyages that P&O Cruises has hosted before have clearly proven to be a success. It’s been announced that another voyage will be taking place to the Canary Islands in April 2014, with two as-yet unannounced professional dancers from the TV series putting passengers through their paces with demonstrations, classes and a competition.
This got me thinking – what other TV shows should cruise lines be adopting? I’ve had a bit of fun with this list, so take the answers with a pinch of salt, but let me know your answers in the comments – both serious and a bit of fun.
Can’t Cook, Won’t Cook
A cookery TV show lends itself well to cruise holidays, and this was always one of the most fun. One person who couldn’t cook, and one who refused to even try, were pitted against each other as they tried to mimic a main chef, often Ainsley Harriot. It was usually a bit of fun, rather than taking cooking too seriously, and would be a huge laugh on-board a ship.
Total Wipeout
This one might be tricky to get working, but if you’ve not seen it, think a giant crazy assault course that’s designed to hurt – while still being fun. The TV show itself is actually filmed in Argentina, but taking it out to sea could be one way of having a real laugh, either at yourself or at others daft enough to take part.
Crystal Maze
I won’t hear any arguments against this. Crystal Maze should still be on TV. If we can’t have that, then a live experience on a cruise ship is the next best thing. A mix of challenges taking place across the ship’s various different decks could definitely work. Logistics be damned.
Robot Wars
Now I get that we can’t expect people to come on holiday with their own builds of robot for a competition. That might be a bit extreme. But having pre-made robots, even to a smaller scale, would allow guests to come and have a go at a fight against another team, leaving the technical stuff to the crew to make sure there are enough robots ready to use, and to get them repaired between cruises.
Changing Rooms
Or in this instances, ‘Changing Staterooms’. Two couples in separate staterooms are set a challenge – they’ve got eight hours in which they meet their opposing couples, learn what they like, and then with the help of a designer re-make their stateroom for the rest of the cruise. Then at the end of the day they swap back, and find out what décor they’ll be living with for the rest of their holiday. This would 100% work, honest. I foresee no drawbacks or issues.
Bargain Hunt
Imagine the challenge – you’ve got a day to scour the shops of the ship you’re on for a bargain – maybe certain discounts could be applied to help out – and then an auction is held to see who’s got the best bargain. The almost-tangoed David Dickinson would have to be involved, of course. I’m sure he’d love a cruise.
Blind Date
Single cruisers are always (well, sometimes) looking for ways to meet up. What better than this iconic TV show? I’d demand Cilla to host, otherwise it’s just not the same. Then you get a few eligible bachelors and bachelorettes, ask odd questions, and just wait for the innuendos. It’s inevitable.
The Generation Game
Get the families involved with this absolute classic gameshow. From pizza-making in the restaurants to crafts and even acting as part of the live performances, cruises are perfect for bringing back this seminal piece of entertainment. And instead of the classic cuddly toy on the conveyor belt, how about the towel animal?
Stars in their Eyes
I felt we needed a singing show on here but I outright refuse to put the modern dross like X-Factor on here. It’s dire. Bring back this amazing show that was plenty of fun, with people impersonating celebrity singers. I’m sure that the cruise lines could allow makeup artists from the live stage shows to get involved and help with the effect.
Fun House
One that’s more for the kids, a big play area offering a whole lot of fun, with cruise-themed prizes to be won, could be immense. Though I reckon there’d be more adults who’d want a go too.
That’s my 10. Let me know what you’d go for.
By Ian Lewis
Google
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