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    ALL ABOARD THE WORLD'S FIRST 24/7 CRUISE TV CHANNEL

    The worlds first 24-hour television channel dedicated to the growing trend of cruise holidays has today launched.

    Cruise1st.tv on Sky Channel 680 features the latest holiday deals and consumer cruise news.  In addition, the channel will feature in-depth destination guides visiting the ports and cities that are popular destinations for cruise ships.

    Programming will be presented by some of the UK’s leading cruise experts and enthusiasts including Derek Marks, Emma Redman & Neil Newton.  Plus, utilising the latest in broadcast technology, the channel will provide up to the minute LIVE deals via an on screen ‘breaking news’ style ticker.

    Cruise 1st’s International Project Manager, David Rowlinson, said “after 2 years of successful broadcasting on 3rd party channels, we decided to take the next logical step, making a major investment in purchasing our own Sky EPG.  Now broadcasting 24/7, we will be able to bring viewers an unrivalled selection of cruise holiday deals accompanied by our unbeatable price promise.  Our programming has been designed to engage both experienced cruise fans and interested first-timers alike.”  

    Cruise1st.tv can be found on Sky Channel 680 and online at www.cruise1st.tv & YouTube Live.
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    SEVEN YEARS OF SPARKLE AT TJC

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    Well my friends - after seven eventful and wonderful years at TJC/The Jewellery Channel it is time for me to sail away into the sunset for new adventures. If I said THANK YOU three million times right now it would never be enough. I take away so many great memories.
    Thanks to Team TJC for having me all of these years (and their blessings for my future) - to the team upstairs who have ensured that no two days were ever the same. 
    The wonderful crew in the studio, who are so dedicated and hard working - past and present, thank you so much. You are all unsung heroes and so much part of my shows (Spanish Nick, RenegADI, Scottie, Georgi, Gregstermuffin, Mad Mike, Jamie, Pree, Caz, Master Luke, Hollybobs, literally the Wizard, Richard, Cliff of the leather chair, Andy, Charlie and his photo degree, Mon, Josh) and too many others to mention that have said the funniest and naughtiest things in my ears for the last seven years. 
    To my fellow presenters, we are brothers and sisters looking after each other and I know that will never change (and if you need them telling above stairs - my email construction skills are always available to you) I have made some great friends over the last seven years and laughed more than I ever probably should have.
    Most importantly - to YOU reading this right now. My viewers are like family to me. Thank you for every text, email, Facebook message, tweet, card, gift and most importantly your company over all the time I've been around. If you never bought a thing or have a huge collection - thanks for being so kind to this little fella, I've had more fun than you'll ever know. I have stories to tell that no-one would ever believe. Sally from Dunmow reminded me that I only wanted to get into radio to be a friend to one person as it was for me when I was growing up. The telly happened by chance and thanks to support from an amazing friend, and I'm glad to say that so many of you are a heck of a lot more than just viewers to me. I know I'll never be lonely :)
    So - what's next? I'm moving on to pastures new - I'll tell you more when I can (it's another shopping tv project coming along in the future, not jewellery related) and I'm looking forward to new challenges, as well as still presenting too. THANK YOU will never be enough - please do stay in touch.
    You can see a video of a web chat I did just after leaving https://youtu.be/EIFtYJ5YBYQ 
    ​Keep in touch via Facebook - Derek Marks TV Presenter or twitter @presenterderek

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    TV CRUISE CHANNEL LAUNCHES

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    'A brand new cruise channel in the UK has taken to the air. 'TV Cruise Channel' was the brainchild of On Air Media, who Derek has been working closely with for some years after being commissioned by Cruise 1st in Manchester to produce teleshopping cruise shows to bring them back to TV.

    Initial shows were produced by On Air Media in early 2015. The on-screen partnership of Derek Marks with popular presenter Emma Redman have certainly been sparking the imagination of the audience with Cruise 1st and their 'cruise and stay for less' USP certainly hitting the high notes and creating an instant buzz.

    After less than 12 months of testing various teleshopping slots on sky and Freeview, Cruise 1st commissioned On Air Media to create an entire TV channel. TV Cruise Channel was born in early May. Launched in record time, the channel now airs daily on sky 261 from 7 am to 7 pm. The offering every day is the most logical, seamless 'on message' cruise programming that the UK has ever seen. A mix of lively and relevant editorial shows sit side by side the already highly successful 'Cruise 1st TV' shows.

    The team behind TV Cruise Channel have already had experience in bringing cruise travel agents to TV. Cruise 1st however, had already been on television before and had a good grasp of the medium - giving them the understanding and passion for delivering the right product on screen, using experienced and professional presenters.

    The line up is impressive and enviable - bringing together many familiar faces from the world of cruise and TV. Popular presenter Julie Peasgood joins the channel for launch, former Bucks Fizz member and familiar TV personality Cheryl Baker also features - as well as popular ITV presenter Steve Milne.

    Presenters from other Cruise related programming have also made the switch to the winning team on TV Cruise Channel.

    Neil Newton now fronts the channel's 'Cruise Today' show - a lively mix of news stories from the cruise industry as well as interviews with industry figures.

    Debi Jones has also made the switch to present the expertly crafted 'Cruise Clinic' show, which answers the 1001 questions anyone would have before booking a cruise holiday.

    Guest contributors and more well-known TV names will be joining the channel in the coming months, as it aims never to stand still and to keep the offering fresh, relevant and vibrant.

    You can tune in daily to TV Cruise Channel on sky channel 261, or online at www.tvcruisechannel.com
    ​

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    DEREK'S ADVENTURE ON THE ANTHEM OF THE SEAS

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    Derek took to Royal Caribbean's newest and largest cruise ship 'Anthem of Seas' in Southampton for a pre-inaugural cruise to check out of the new facilities.  The cameras were there, and you'll see the reports coming soon at www.cruise1st.tv .  If you like the sound of a London-eye style North Star pod, a freefall simulator and a Bionic Bar, check out sky677 daily from 1pm for the latest shows.  In the meantime #northstarselfie 
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    THE ANTHEM OF THE SEAS LAUNCH COMING SOON

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    Royal Caribbean's latest fun-filled ship 'Anthem of the Seas' sets sails for the first time in late April. We have some great offers that you can enjoy now at cruise1st.tv. . You could be enjoying the new Ripcord by iFly, being served cocktails in the Bionic Bar and so much more. I'll be getting on board for a look round before she takes her maiden voyage so look out for more updates - and see the show online where Channel 5's 'The Gadget Show' presenter Jason Bradbury talks to us about the tech on board. Enjoy :)