Channel 4 gain exclusive documentary access to maiden voyage of Icon of the Seas, the World’s Biggest Cruise Ship, from Afanti Media

6 August 2024

Channel 4 has commissioned a single observational documentary from BAFTA-winning Welsh production company Afanti Media taking an exclusive look at the first sailing of Royal Caribbean International’s Icon of the Seas, the largest cruise ship in the world.

At 20 decks high, almost 1,200 feet long and nearly 250,000 gross tons in volume, Icon is a feat of engineering. The ship boasts the largest water park at sea, seven swimming pools, a 55-foot-tall waterfall, a thrill ride 154 feet above water, and more than 40 bars and restaurants serving up to 7,600 guests.

The documentary will invite viewers to join its maiden voyage as families head off for the holiday of a lifetime from Miami, all aided by a large crew making sure this grand ship’s first journey goes off smoothly.

The 1 x 60’ programme is commissioned from Channel 4’s Bristol Hub by Jasper Hone, Commissioning Executive, Lifestyle.

Cardiff-based production company Afanti Media will produce the 1 x 60’ programme for Channel 4 and an additional version for international broadcasters distributed by Bossanova. The family-run indie successfully secured exclusive documentary access to the cruise following competitive interest from producers around the world. The film will be executive produced by Afanti chief Emyr Afan and Tony Lee.

Channel 4’s Jasper Hone, comments: “Channel 4 is delighted to have Afanti on board to give viewers unique access to this record-breaking vessel’s maiden voyage. The film promises to show the extraordinary work behind the scenes to make such an experience possible for holidaymakers and crew alike.”

Emyr Afan, CEO of Afanti Media adds:“Afanti has a reputation for producing large scale shows and they don’t come much bigger than this. It was one of those rare opportunities when we could say to the Channel: if you don’t commission this you’ll ‘miss the boat’… literally! We consider it a great honour to tell the story of this world first, following two years of development and access negotiations”

This production is supported with funding from Creative Wales, international distributor Bossanova Media and the BFI’s UK Global Screen Fund.

Hannah Blythyn, Welsh Government’s Minister for creative industries said: “More good news for Afanti and for a thriving creative industry in Wales. I’m really pleased that our support for a home-grown production company to embark on this exciting new production will now see a wealth of opportunities created for Welsh crew to hone and develop their skills - a real priority for Creative Wales.”

Paul Heaney, CEO of Bossanova Media adds: “Afanti are onto an absolute winner with a doc like this. The sheer scale of what Icon has to offer and the operation to make it all come to life will be a real draw for buyers internationally.”

The World’s Biggest Cruise Ship (w/t) will TX this summer on Channel 4.

ENDS