The agency’s new show, Cruise Deals Live, went out simultaneously across its two channels (Sky 688 and Sky 199) at 8pm on 6 January.
It was also live-streamed on Cruise1st’s Facebook and YouTube channels.
David Rowlinson, head of digital content and TV, told TTG the hour-long show is estimated to have attracted “around 12,000” viewers, which he said had “exceeded expectations”.
“We could see a massive difference compared to a normal pre-recorded show – calls more than doubled and the team had a really busy night. We had more staff ready but the engagement has been brilliant,” he said.
“We wanted to go live with the first episode in wave to really seize the moment as it’s such an important period for us – so we’re off to a good start.”
The programme featured sales reps from Virgin Voyages and Princess Cruises discussing their product as well as viewer competitions and giveaways.
Rowlinson said Cruise1st had decided to introduce the live show to offer a “more interactive” style, and the new programme had been developed following a test broadcast last September.
To create Cruise Deals Live, Cruise1st invested in its TV production, with the Salford-based agency moving to a larger studio in nearby Warrington.
“We’re the main client for the studio, so everything’s centred around Cruise1st,” said Rowlinson.
He revealed Cruise1st would also take its TV output on the road, filming onboard MSC Cruises’ Seaview in September, which will see its presenters and viewers going onboard to shoot ship tours and interviews.
